By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
A multimedia editor with the News Agency of Nigeria, Chinenye Offor, has buried her mother, Lady Eunice Chintua Offor, an educationist and entrepreneur who died aged 72.
Lady Offor was laid to rest on Friday, September 4, 2026, at her country home in Umuohu Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, after a funeral service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ohokobe/Umuohu Ndume Ibeku.
The funeral service was officiated by the Anglican Communion Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Goeffery Ibeabuchi, and attended by family members, friends, government officials and other dignitaries.
The funeral programme began with a service of songs organised by the Knights and Ladies of St. Christopher, family and friends at the deceased’s residence.
A Christian wake was subsequently held on September 3.
Preaching at the funeral service, Rev. Canon Adolphous Baba urged Nigerians to make peace and maintain a good relationship with God while alive.
He said death was a reminder that life was short.
Baba described Lady Offor as a woman who feared and loved God, adding that her service to God and humanity was worthy of emulation.
According to him, death was inevitable, but when a saint died, “it’s a plus to heaven because heaven gained a soul.”
He urged people to live exemplary lives, saying such a life remained the best legacy anyone could leave behind.
The deceased’s first child and daughter, Nnenna Offor, described her mother as a home builder, lover of God and humanity, prayer warrior, peacemaker, courageous woman and counsellor.
She also described her as a philanthropist, giver and compassionate woman whose love extended beyond the immediate family.
Nnenna said her mother was her first teacher and recalled that Lady Offor taught her how to cook when she was 12.
She said her mother also taught her kindness, prayer, faith in God, unconditional love and the importance of standing for the truth.
Also speaking, Chinenye Offor described her late mother as a virtuous woman, pace setter, goal getter and woman of excellence.
She said her mother was her first teacher and credited her with instilling the resilience, straightforwardness and strong-willed attitude that shaped her.
Chinenye said her mother consistently encouraged her to become independent.
She quoted her as saying, “an independent woman is a valued currency.”
The NAN editor said her mother taught her how to save, do business and invest.
“My mum taught me how to save, do business, and invest, telling me that nothing is small when it comes to starting a business or buying stocks and shares,” she said.
She recalled that her first visit to Abuja in 2000 was made possible by her mother, who paid $100 for her and her elder sister to register for a conference organised by the International Association for Volunteer Effort.
Chinenye also recalled that when she wanted to travel to the United States in 2015 but had no money, her mother volunteered to pay her fare and other expenses.
“My mum lived a life worthy of emulation, and emulating her lifestyle in all ramifications was the first certificate I obtained, and that certificate has shaped the exceptional woman I have become,” she said.
Chinenye said her mother’s death was painful but expressed confidence that she had gone to be with the Lord.
“Her passing is painful, but my assurance is that she has gone to be with the Lord because heaven gained a soul,” she said.
Lady Offor’s first son, Chigozie Offor, described her as an empathetic woman and lover of God who impacted many lives.
He said his mother taught him to pray, remain courageous and always stand for the truth.
According to him, despite her busy schedule, she always made time for her children, offering them wise counsel and prayers.
“I will miss my mum’s prayers, calls, and words of encouragement. She always worked tirelessly to make sure each and every one of us was safe, healthy, and thriving,” he said.
He said her laughter, wisdom and love would continue to influence his life.
“In my actions, I carry forward your legacy, honouring the lessons you taught me and striving to live in a way that would make you proud,” he added.
Lady Offor’s son-in-law, Mr Piri Diepiri, said he was blessed to have her as a mother-in-law, adding that she treated him as her son.
“My wife and I learnt teachable life lessons from Mama, who called and treated me as her son,” he said.
Diepiri said Lady Offor taught the couple lessons that strengthened their marriage and helped them build a close relationship between both families.
He described her as a home builder, peacemaker, counsellor and woman devoted to God.
According to him, she also taught them to correct their children with love and pray for them at all times.
“My wife is inconsolable that her best friend and confidant has gone, but we take comfort that Mama lived and died in Christ Jesus,” he said.
Another son-in-law, Chief M. Adebayo, said Lady Offor treated him as a son rather than a son-in-law.
He recalled that whenever she introduced him to people, she would say, “meet my son.”
Adebayo, who resides overseas, said his mother-in-law called him on the first day of every month to offer prayers, despite the difference in time zones.
He said her lifestyle of sacrifice, love, kindness and hard work had been reflected in his wife.
“It’s really hard for me, I am heartbroken because Mama and I had plans this year that didn’t come to fruition,” he said.
He said he would miss her kindness, generosity, prayers, presence and local delicacies, particularly ukazi soup and ugba served with stockfish.
Adebayo said his consolation was that she lived a good life and left a lasting legacy through her children and beyond.
Lady Offor was born in January 1954 to the late Mr and Mrs Nzewata Onyenweama of Ohokobe Ndume, Umuahia North.
She died on May 18, 2026, aged 72.
She was a devoted member of the Order of Knights and Ladies of St. Christopher, Umuahia Diocese, and served as a Lay Reader in the church.
Lady Offor was also known for her generosity, compassion and commitment to vulnerable people, particularly women, the elderly and widows.
She was married to the late Sir Jonah Offor, KSC, of Umuohu Ndume Ibeku.
She is survived by eight children, 12 grandchildren, sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, siblings and other relatives.
As a teacher, Lady Offor devoted her professional life to educating and mentoring young people.
She was passionate about women’s empowerment and encouraged women to pursue self-reliance.
She was remembered by her family and community for her commitment to education, entrepreneurship, Christian service and support for vulnerable people.
Her family said her life was defined by service to God and humanity and that she would be greatly missed.
The family expressed appreciation to friends and well-wishers who travelled from different parts of the country to join them in paying their final respects to the deceased.
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