Tonimas death shocking, irreparable -Bishop Ezeokafor

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has condoled with the family of Late Chief Sir Anthony Obiagbaoso Enukeme (Ezeani Aku Uvum,Onowu Neni) over the demise of their patriarch.

Reacting immediately the news of the death of Chief Enukeme filtered in at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, Bishop Ezeokafor said that he was utterly shocked and bewildered, noting that the Late Onowu Neni had contributed immensely towards the advancement of the Gospel Jesus Christ and development of the Mother Church in Awka Diocese and beyond.

The Catholic Prelate who described the death of the Chairman Tonimas Group of Companies, the First Vice Chairman Awka Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Traditional Prime Minister of Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and member Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a huge loss, enjoined all to take solace in the fact that the Late Enukeme lived a life worthy of emulation.

He said, “On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, my Auxiliary bishop, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Priests, Religious, and lay faithful we condole his family, his wife, children, and the entire Neni community. We give thanks to God at all times. He gives and then takes. We cannot question Him.

“The news of his demise came to me as a rude shock. I was somewhat startled. The sad news came to me this morning and it was not palatable at all. He was a man who started life from cradle with nothing. Many people will miss him, especially the poor and the wretch.

“He worked very hard to become somebody in life. He was a pillar to many. He invested so much in the social system, in the Church and in political sphere. Go to his community and see what he has been able to do for them; the difference is clear. He offered his community enormous basic amenities and also delivered many legacy projects.

“I know him too well. He was my vice chairman Parish Pastoral Council when I was in the Parish and as a Priest, 1989-1992. We worked harmoniously. He was very intelligent and dedicated. Chief Enukeme contributed so much in ensuring a better society for all. Socially, politically he was there. He parted with his resources just to see people rejoice.”

The visibly touched cleric said that the Diocese had lost someone he described as a kindhearted philanthropist, a cheerful and generous giver, noting that the Diocese would surely miss his financial, material and intellectual contributions.

While condoling the family, Bishop Ezeokafor prayed for the quick repose of his soul, even as he asked God to give his family the grace to bear what he described as irreparable loss.