By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has paid his last respects to late Chief (Mrs) Winnie Uzoh-Ebeze, the mother of the Federal Minister for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Uju Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 87.

The funeral mass held in her honour took place at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

In his tribute to the deceased, Governor Soludo described her as an accomplished and industrious daughter of the land.

The Governor pointed out that he usually does not attend social events on Fridays being a working day. He admitted, however, that out of respect for the Kennedy family he has to personally grace the solemn occasion

He said: “There's never a good time to lose a beloved one! Dying at 87 years and being buried today at her 87th birthday, even if she lived beyond, she would still be missed because mothers are special.”

Soludo recalled how he lost his own mother when he was only 8 years old and said he was always envious when he sees someone who loses his mother at 87 or above.

The Governor disclosed that his wife is also representing the first lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, at the event and thanked everyone who had traveled all over Nigeria and beyond to honour the deceased.

“Our consolation is that she lived a productive and impactful life. She lived long and well and it suffices to say that her soul rests in perfect peace.

“And to our sister, Hon. Uju and her siblings, the greatest tribute you can pay to your late mother is to continue to live out her ideals on earth. She is gone but her legacies still live on,” he added.

On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, represented by the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka, Chief Benjamin Okoye, stressed that the deceased was a mother to all.

He added that her death is not one of regret but a glorious one. He equally thanked everyone for their physical presence to honour the deceased and prayed for God's journey mercies back home.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Members of the Federal Executive Council, Members of Anambra State Executive Council, and traditional rulers, among others, attended the mass.

Update news