By Ezeakukwu E Nsoedo and Ijeoma John, Nnewi
The family of late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi, alongside friends and well-wishers, gathered in Ezekwuabor, Otolo Nnewi, to commemorate 20th memorial service of their father, late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi.
The holy mass held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Otolo Nnewi was officiated by Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Jonas Benson Okoye. The mass witness a robust attendance by dignitaries from far and near.
In his sermon during the memorial service titled,”We saw his star and have come to do the king homage,” with text from Mathew 2:1-12, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye emphasized on the importance of giving and training children in God fearing way.
The Bishop’s theme of raising the children in the right way serves as a metaphor to the philosophy of late Fidelis Obi when it came to raising children. He did not spare the rod to spoil the child, rather, the hallmark of raising children was through discipline that fits the offense.
Bishop noted, ” We must endeavour to remembetþr our priests, give them gifts because whatever we give to them will also be used for the service of God and humanity”.
The Chief Fidelis Obi family donated a generator to the church to ensure that electricity failures should not impede the work of God. They erected a groto of Mother of Perpetual Help, which he unveiled and consecrated for the people of God.
He noted that the late Fidelis’ family had donated a hall in the past to the church and had continued to do well. He praised the late Fidelis Obi and noted that God also gave them a Rev Fr in Felix Obi.
In his tribute, Chief Sir Boniface Ikechukwu Obi (Okenwa ana Igbo) his elder son expressed his gladness for celebrating a life of service of his dear father.
He described his father, late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi as a man that had fought so well to train them.
“My late father instilled good values in us. He taught us not to be in a hurry in making decisions.
“We thought it right to remember him today for his good deeds.We thank God for the life he lived and pray he remained in the right hand of God Almighty.
“We are carrying on our father’s legacy. My late father played major role in the stability of Nnewi as it is today. I learnt from him no matter where one is, he must come home to participate in the development of his community.”he disclosed. Chief Sir Boniface said that he too had held positions at Nnewi and Otolo level in service to the town.
On the same note, Ebubedike George Obi (OkaaomeeNnewi), one of the sons of late Fidelis Obi who inherited the title of the late father, said that their late father instilled in them discipline and unity. He said thst their father’s legacies live in all of them. The Ezekwuabor Otolo Nnewi sees late Chief Fidelis Obi as a trailblazer, who was dedicated to the matters of the community.
“My late father was so passionate about his community, and family.He was so courageous, outspoken, hardworking and an honest man. He did not care who was concerned he must address issues directly and honestly.
“He instilled in us unity and to always be our brothers’ keeper, not just within the family but entire Ezekwuabor community, including our relationship with share with friends.
“Today, marking 20 years after the death of our dear father, we gather ourselves together to honour him and honour his legacy, which is worth remembering. This is Indeed a celebration of a great man and what he stood for,” he added.
He further disclosed as part of the activities to mark his late father’s 20th year memorial service, they erected a statue of the Mother of Perpetual Help at the Holy Family Catholic Church Otolo Nnewi, unveiled his statue at the village hall, revealing that late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi donated the land in which the village hall is situated on.
The community had already erected one statue for their father, but they as his children decided to do a better befitting one to replace the old one.
Speaking as the eldest child of late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi, Lady Ekezie Theresa said the event was put together because his father was a big iroko whose offspring has multiplied so well and each person has carried the legacy gotten from their father.
“We used to have family meeting every 30th of December to know ourselves but after 20 years of our father’s demise, we decided to come together to celebrate him, and to extol his legacy because our late father worked so hard to give us good education.
“Though my late father married four wives, he didn’t allow division to come in. We have been following his footsteps since his demise” she noted. “When you look at us, we all look alike that it is impossible to tell who our mothers are. Our father also trained all of us in education to the best of everyone’s potential.
The late Chief Fidelis Obi raised among his children business tycoons, a Reverend Father, several educationists, midwife and nurse, and a lawyer, etc.
The event witnessed thanksgiving, unveiling of the Statue of the Mother of Perpetual Help at the Holy Family Catholic Church, prayers at late Chief Fidelis Anajekwu Obi’s tomb led by one of his sons, Rev Fr Felix Obi, and unveiling of his statue at the Ezekwuabor Otolo Nnewi hall.
Guests were lavishly entertained.
Chuks
January 5, 2026 at 10:47 amGreat man, great family, great occasion!