For her industry, for instilling discipline and the value of serving God in her children as well as for being a worthy partner in progress, the family of Madam Neoha Lucy Ijeoma Ndubuka spared no cost to give her a very befitting funeral.
Madam Ndukuba who died at the age of 77 was born to the family of Anyaghaigwe-Agwo of Umudimokoro, Umuakagu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, South East Nigeria-and her funeral shook her homestead, as well as that of her husband, Dikenta Avutu, Obowo LGA of same state to their very foundations on account of the sheer grandeur and stately nature of the celebration of life.
Madam Lucy who was a strict Roman Catholic began her journey to eternal glory from Owerri, the Imo State Capital where here remains were ferried from the mortuary.
Arriving in a convoy of exotic cars, with the streets lined with well-wishers and sympathizers, the Matriarch of the Ndukuba family was gingerly brought to her homestead by men of Apam Funeral Services
As a respectable member of the community, her remains were well pampered. The family laid out a spectacular 5-star treatment for Madam Ndukaba complete with a horse-drawn carriage, an impressive funeral cortege and a team of dancing pallbearers and pipers.
To show how influential she was, her remains were received by His Royal Highness Eze Emmanuel Nzeadibenma Ibechi Abagu I and his Council at the Palace.
After commiserating with the family and showering them with royal blessings, he posed for pictures with the Ndukuba family before the funeral Cortege made its way to her husband, Pa Dominic Ndukuba’s residence for a brief prayer session.
Next stop was the Awutu Catholic Church where the funeral service was held. As soon as the cortege arrived the entrance of the church, the choir broke into a song “O paradise! O paradise, who doth I not crave for rest: who would not seek the happy land, where they who loved are blest?”
The service which began with prayers, also witnessed readings from the Bible. While the first Bible reading was taken by the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Oyinye Ndlovu, the first son, Barr. Alfred Ndukuba took the second. There were words of exhortation and prayers for the family before the service ended.
There was a short graveside ceremony, sprinkling of Holy Water before Madam Lucy Ndukuba was lowered to mother earth at her husband’s compound.
Later, the Ndukuba family laid out a sumptuous reception for guests that was enjoyed by all.
Many of their family and friends were there to honour this great matriarch and commiserate with the family.
Fondly called Lulu, Mrs. Lucy Ndukuba who was born on December 13th 1938 is survived by numerous relatives including eight children: Onyinye Lawrita Ndlovu (first daughter), Chukwuemeka Okwu Alfred Ndukuba (first son), Okwuchi Dominica Okoroji, Oluchi Rosemarie Ezeoke, Chikodi Rosemary Anyanwu, Caroline Iheoma Lucy-Chineme, Kenechukwu Ejike Dominic Ndukuba, Sandra Uchechi Ndukuba and grand children.
