. . . as late prelate is laid to rest
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige; Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi; the clergy, family, friends and well wishers on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, joined the Catholic Diocese of Orlu to bid Late Bishop Gregory Obinna Ochiagha farewell.
The concelebrated burial mass, held at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Orlu and presided over by the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Anthony J. V. Obinna, saw to the coming together of family, friends, well wishers and dignitaries from all walks of life, who came to pay their last respects to the late Bishop.
Paying his tributes to the late Bishop on behalf of the President, Ngige explained that Late Bishop Ochiagha was a spiritual father to him and many people across the country. Recalling that the bishop became a priest the same year Nigeria gained her Independence, Ngige said that Ochiagha had obviously put in many years of labor in God’s vineyard. He prayed God to accept Bishop Ochiagha’s soul.
Speaking of the late prelate, Senator Uzodinma said Ochiagha was a dedicated servant of God who showed courage, wisdom and zeal in God’s service. He said Ochiagha’s administrative skills which helped him build up the Orlu Diocese as its first bishop were second to none.
The President Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Bishop Augustine Obiorah Akubeze, told of how Bishop Ochiagha, as the first Bishop of Orlu, took the Diocese to an enviable height. “His pastoral acumen and administrative prowess are responsible for the erection of many parishes spread across the diocese”, Akubeze said.
Speaking to newsmen after the mass, Mr Peter Obi said Ochiagha’s death was particularly painful to him because the prelate was a bold promoter of education and good governance in the country. Obi said Ochiagha impacted lives positively beyond ecclesiastical domains. He extended his condolence to the Ochiagha family, the Bishop and people of Orlu Diocese, while praying God to grant the bishop eternal rest.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha; Former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim; 36 bishops, numerous priests and well wishers.
