Eyes were red, tears rolled down the cheeks, and atmosphere filled with various rhetorical questions such as “Chidinma Why? ” Chidinma why do you have to leave now?, as members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, family members, and friends of thirty-three years old, late Miss Chidinma Anthonet Nwoye, of Ifite-Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area, gathered from across the country to bid last farewell to the deceased.
Correspondent, Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that the late Chidinma, a nurse, also known as “Abata Ekilive”, was until her death, the Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Anambra State council.
As a devoted member of the Anambra State council of NANNM, the remains of late Miss Chidinma were first taken to Nurses House in Awka where members of the association, in a unique way, paid their last respect to their fallen colleague, and later taken to the deceased country home at Ifite -Awkuzu, for lying-in-state.
During her funeral mass at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Ifite-Awkuzu, the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Hygenus Nwando asked christians to live everyday as though it is the day to meet their creator, pointing out that death is a necessary end for all mortal, and no one knows when it will come.
In a remark, the Chairman, Anambra State council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Edith Onwuka described the late Chidinma as an industrious, hardworking and peace loving lady, who throughout her life time contributed immensely to the growth of the association, and was instrumental to various achievements recorded recently in the council, including the erection of the association’s secretariat in Awka, and prayed for eternal repose of her soul.
In separate interviews, the National President of the association, Comrade Michael Nnachi, former National member of the association, Alahaji Abuldurafiu Adeniji, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Labour Matters, Chief Godwin Ibekwe, who was a onetime Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said members will forever miss the deceased, as her positive attitude to service to the association and humanity was immeasurable.
A brother to the deceased, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye said his late elder sister was his role model and confidant, and appreciated those that came to commiserate with them, praying that God will reward them abundantly.