By Bon Peters
OWERRI/Nigeria: The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Odest Global Services Ltd, Mr. Chidera Oganuzor, on Sunday marked the one-year remembrance anniversary of his late mother, Ogbuefi Justina Azuka Oganuzor, describing her life as one of sacrifice, love and enduring inspiration.
The memorial, which began with a thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attracted prominent stakeholders from the maritime subsector, including clearing and forwarding agents, shipping companies and bonded terminal operators, who gathered to honour the late matriarch.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Oganuzor said the family was celebrating a woman who gave her all to raise her children despite enormous personal challenges. He recalled that his father died when he was just 12 years old, leaving their mother to shoulder the responsibility of nurturing the family alone.
“Today is memorable for us because we are celebrating a woman who gave birth to us and sacrificed everything to ensure we succeeded in life,” he said, adding that the family ensured she was well cared for while alive and accorded her a befitting burial.
Oganuzor said the memory of his mother remained indelible, noting that her prayers and words of encouragement continued to guide the family. He thanked God for preserving his household since her passing, saying they had not experienced any misfortune.
He used the occasion to admonish children to care for their parents, particularly in old age, describing neglect of parents as morally wrong and spiritually costly. “There are benefits attached to caring for your parents. My mother prayed for me, and I believe those prayers are still working for my family,” he said.
Also speaking, the parish priest, Basil Timothy Nze, praised the virtues of the late Ogbuefi Oganuzor, who was born in 1956 and died in 2024 at the age of 68. He said while death brings pain, remembering a life lived with faith and uprightness offers consolation to the bereaved.
Friends and associates of the family advised the Oganuzors to remain united and uphold the values their mother stood for. They also commended Oganuzor for his business ethics, philanthropy and strict adherence to federal fiscal and cargo clearance regulations.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a monument in honour of the late Ogbuefi Justina Azuka Oganuzor, followed by music and entertainment that marked the close of the thanksgiving service.
