By Ezeakukwu E Nsoedo and Ifeoma Ejiofor
A solemn promise kept is worth more gold and silver.
Chief George Obi (Okaomee Nnewi) and siblings, on Saturday, 6th January 2024, donated a hall they built in memory of their mother, Mrs Veronica Ifedigbo Obi, to the Nnewi Catholic Diocese.
The hall is at The Holy Family Catholic Church premises, Nsunano Otolo-Nnewi, Anambra State.
The Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye at the beginning of dedicating the Mrs Veronica Ifedigbo Obi Memorial Hall inquired from George Obi what had informed his desire to build such a magnificent edifice during this challenging period in Nigeria.
Chief Ebubedike George Obi, at the occasion, recalled that his mother was reputable for her simple nature who shunned materialism and exhibitionism.
He said further that his mother lived an impactful life and positively impacted the people she encountered. She was a very hard-working woman who would instead defer her ostentatious life to a life of sharing with those in need.
“My mother taught us the value of giving no matter how little. She made us understand that giving in support of people in need should be a way of life; she imbued in us that the more you give, the more you will receive.
“She was modest in everything she did without any iota of showing off because she firmly believed that God is only the rewarder of good deeds.
“My mother rejected title from the church and community but preferred helping others in the little way she could than partying and merry-making,” he said.
Ebubedike said further that his mother encouraged him while she was alive to give to the church, the less privileged, and the society. She stressed that it is by so doing that an individual can get fulfillment in life.
Ebubedike who has internalized his mother’s way of life and philosophy encouraged people to give especially when God blessed them rather than keeping the entire money for family consumption.
He advocated support for quality and qualitative education for family members rather than giving them handouts as palliatives.
“It is good to support family members who want to do business or pursue a career in education. The so-empowered individuals will, in turn, share with the needy in the church and the society at large later in life. For me, that is more rewarding,” he asserted.
The Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, in his sermon, took his reading from Ephesians Chapter 2 Vrs19-22 and noted that togetherness is a strong force that can bind the church and family together.
The prelate described the Late Mrs. Veronica Ifedigbo Obi as a personality whose love for God and humanity is common knowledge.
Bishop Obi said that Mrs. Obi lived a sacrificial life of giving to the church and society, a legacy he noted has rubbed off on her children.
The Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese appealed to all and sundry to emulate the Late Mrs. Veronica Obi and her children in giving to a good cause and humanity.
The hall was blessed by Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye (the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi) on behalf of Pope Francis.
Mr. Onyeka Obi (Akpukaoji), Mrs. Uche Edokwe, Mrs Ukamaka Bazdon Okoye, and Mrs. Chinelo Chuks Elodimuo, some of the siblings of Ebubedike variously expressed profound joy through Vision Newspapers that their mother was immortalized with a magnificent hall dedicated to the service of humanity.
They believed that their mother’s recognition today is a testament that sacrifices, humility, and selflessness, values that exemplified their mother’s life, will not go unnoticed by one’s peers.
The Bishop and Reverend Fathers prayed at the resting place of the late Mrs. Veronica Ifedigbo Obi for her soul to continue resting in peace.
Other prominent members of the Obi family clan were Obi Ezekwuabor, Chief Edmund Obi, Reverend Father Felix Obi, Chief Bonny Obi, and others.
Chief George Obi, after the dedication, treated his guests, comprising family, friends, and well-wishers, to a sumptuous reception in his country home.