By Stanley Onyekwere
Family, clergy, community leaders, and well-wishers gathered on Sunday at Chief Ubani’s Compound in Umuala Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa, Abia State, to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late Lady Rachel A. Ubani during her second memorial service.
The solemn yet celebratory event featured a graveside consecration and the official launch of The Lady Rachel Ubani Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) established to perpetuate her lifetime commitment to humanitarian service, community empowerment, and Christian faith.
The day’s proceedings commenced following a memorial service at St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, Umuala Nsulu Parish, where a solemn procession led guests and family members from the church to the graveside at Chief Ubani’s Compound.
Rt. Rev’d Temple Nwaogu, Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion, Diocese of Isiala Ngwa, officiated the graveside consecration, leading prayers of peace, unity, and continuous grace for the Ubani family. Following the prayers, the children of the deceased solemnly laid wreaths at the grave in honor of their late mother.
Following the graveside service, guests were warmly received at Chief Ubani’s Compound with traditional Igbo hospitality, featuring the traditional breaking of kola nuts and offering of prayers for long life, prosperity, and peace within the community.
A major highlight of the memorial was the official unveiling of The Lady Rachel Ubani Foundation.
Introducing the unveiling ceremony, organisers declared that Lady Rachel’s devotion to humanity was not just in words, but in tangible acts of compassion, adding that to ensure her legacy lives on for generations, Dr. Emmanuel Akwuruoha was called upon to officially unveil the foundation.
Dr. Akwuruoha delivered the keynote address and performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the foundation open.
Speaking on behalf of the family regarding the vision of the organisation, Dr. Chinweuba Ubani outlined its core aims and objectives, emphasizing that the foundation is anchored on faith and altruism.
Dr. Ubani stated that the primary aims of the foundation are to uplift widows, care for orphans, support the less privileged, and strengthen the local church.
He added that inspired by Lady Rachel’s life and legacy, the foundation seeks to demonstrate God’s love through compassionate service, economic empowerment, and sustainable support to those in need.
The event also featured moving two-minute tributes from Lady Rachel’s children, each reflecting on her extraordinary impact as a mother, mentor, and pillar of faith.
Opening the tributes, Dr. Ubani remarked, “Our mother taught us that true greatness is measured by how much we give to others, and this foundation is our commitment to keeping her generous spirit alive.”
Similarly, Dr. Chioma Utsalo spoke fondly of her mother’s steadfast faith, noting, “Mama was an anchor of prayer who instilled in us the power of unconditional love, resilience, and unshakeable trust in God.”
Also, Dr. Ugochi Ubani highlighted her maternal warmth and community outreach, stating, “She was a refuge for the brokenhearted, and her home was always open to anyone in need of comfort, advice, or a hot meal.”
Concluding the family tributes, Dr. Ogonnaya Ubani-Emeka shared, “Mama’s legacy is not just written on gravestones, but etched into the countless lives she touched, healed, and uplifted throughout her journey on earth.”
The memorable event concluded with warm hospitality and refreshments served to all attendees as they celebrated the life of a matriarch whose legacy continues to shine.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
