The remains of the former Commissioner for Labour and Productivity in Abia State, Comrade Sunny Okebugwu Nwanganga Onwuma has been laid to rest in his country home, Ihie-Obuaku, Isiala Ihie Autonomous Community in Ugwunagbo LGA.
Speaking at the burial ceremony conducted by the Anglican Church at the Community Primary School, Mbaso Ihie-Obuaku, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti expressed deep pain in bidding farewell to Comrade Sunny Onwuma, whom he described as his friend and brother.
He narrated how the government fought to save his life but noted that perhaps, God had a different purpose for him.
“It is very painful to be here to bid farewell to a colleague, a friend, a brother, a strong voice in the cabinet of Abia State Government.
“When this started, I feared for a day like this, though somehow, I was convinced that it was not going to be. We fought for him to be alive, but we lost the fight. And I believe that God had a different purpose, and that’s why this happened.
Governor Otti, who re-emphasized that it is not so much about how long one lived but how well. He said that the deceased lived well and assured that Abia State Government would support the family.
“It is important that I re-emphasize what I said at the night of tribute, which the bishop talked about. When I was saying that, it is not so much about how long, but how well.
“We are all gathered here today because he lived his life well. It is important that as we live here, we keep asking that question. When we are no more here, will people gather like this? What would they say?
“We thank God that he (Onwuma) left a lot of legacies. And the challenge now is for the family, the children, to carry on from where he stopped. I want to pray that God will help them.
“I also would like to assure them that the Abia State government will not turn its back on them” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor said that, It is difficult to ask members of the family not to mourn and encouraged them to accept their fate with fortitude as life and death are in the hands of God. He further urged them to take heart, saying that, death is not the end of life, and appreciated all for coming to pay their last respect to the former Commissioner.
Speaking on behalf of the Organised Labour in the State, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro regretted the demise of Comrade Onwuma who he said was committed to unionism in Abia State.
While urging the members of the immediate family and State Government to take heart over the unfortunate incidence, he enjoined the family to sustain the legacies of their fallen hero and thanked Governor Otti for his interest on their fallen colleague.
Also, the First Vice President, Old Boys Association of Government College Umuahia, Sir Onyii Wamah described Comrade Onwuma as a dedicated old boy who served the association faithfully.
He thanked the Governor for his assistance to the family and urged him to sustain it.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Aba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Ugwuzor stressed on the need for all to be upright as a day of judgement is coming, when Christ shall reward everyone according to his works.
Rt. Rev. Ugwuzor described late Comrade Sunny Onwuma as a very good man, who not only contributed to the growth of the Church but assisted individuals in the wider society. He challenged everybody to live a life worthy of emulation so that they would be remembered for good when they are no more.
In a funeral oration on behalf of the family, Mr. Gooddestiny Nmesoma Onwuma described his father as a voice of the voiceless, a gentleman, a man of integrity, a unionist and a devoted Christian. He regretted that they would miss their father’s advice and care and thanked Governor Alex Otti and everyone for coming to identify and support them in their moment of grief.
Late Comrade Sunny Onwuma, a former TUC Chairman in Abia State, who died at the age of 62 was survived by his wife, Mrs. Stella Ngozi Onwuma, 5 children and host of other relatives.
The wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, member representing Ugwunagbo, Osisioma and Obingwa Federal Constituency, Hon. Munachim Alozie, members of the Abia State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Mayors, clergymen, traditional rulers among many dignitaries were present at the funeral.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Government House, Umuahia.
