Wives of Enugu and Ekiti State governors, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi and Mrs Bisi Fayemi have condoled former United Nations Rapporteur, Prof. Joy Ezeilo on the death of her husband, Ezenta.
Dr Ezeilo, who died on March 2, was buried at his country home, Umudim, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday.
The governors’ wives, who were at the burial, described the deceased as an `icon of peace’.
In her tribute, Mrs Ugwuanyi said that late Ezeilo’s sterling qualities as a medical practitioner, positively impacted many lives in the state and the nation at large.
Her counterpart, Mrs Fayemi, said that the deceased served his family, community, state and country with passion and dedication.
They both condoled his wife, Prof Ezeilo, Founder, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a funeral mass, the Parish Priest, St. Charles Catholic Church, Umudim, Rev. Fr. Kenechukwu Onah called on Christians to live a life of love and introspection to make the world a better place.
Onah, who charged Nigerians to live in love and peace, said that the country would be a better place if its citizens led a life of compassion and sacrifice.
He described the deceased as an epitome of good people who was known by his acts of kindness and philanthropy.
“We need to prepare our own deaths by looking into the type of life we lead in order to be at peace with God and man just as the deceased did,” he said.
The priest called on those in positions of authority, especially, at the various levels of government to ensure the rejuvenation of the economy with a view to making it appealing to Nigerians.
“We need a country where our youths shall be sure of their tomorrow. We need a state that will support economic rejuvenation as well as support the provision of amenities.
“Obnoxious widowhood practices should never again be practiced among us,” Onah said.
Ezeilo died on March 2, 2021 after a brief illness at the age of 72years.
Dignitaries at the burial include serving and former Vice Chancellors of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), some members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the bar and bench as well as the Nigeria Medical Association.
