Bishop condemns extravagant spending on burrial ceremonies in Igbo land

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Paulinus C.
Ezeokafor has condemned the high cost of burying the dead in Igbo land

Bishop Ezeokafor who delivered a sermon during the burial of the prime
minister of Umuchukwu community in Orumba south local government
area,late Sylvanus Obioma Maduka described as an economic waste the
huge amount of money the Igbo people spend during the burial ceremony
of their dead ones.

He called on Ndigbo to retrace from such extravagant expenditure on
burial ceremonies as that would not make the dead go to heaven, saying
that what was important was for one to be drawn to God.

“All of us should strive to do good and be prepared for death as it
comes like a thief.There is no repentance in the grave so everybody
should work had to achieve heaven.We spend a lot in burial, we should
bury the dead but not to the extent of spending that much”, the Bishop
added.

Dignitaries who attended the funeral ceremony included former governor
of Anambra state, Mr Peter Obi, Police Commissioner in Anambra state,
Mr. Karma Hosea and state leader of the Progressive People’s Alliance,
PPA, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo.

The police commissioner described the death of late Chief Sylvanus
Maduka as a big blow to both the family and Umuchukwu community and
urged Dr. Godwin Maduka and the entire Maduka family to take heart.

In his tribute to the deceased former governor Peter Obi who was
represented by his special Adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Val
Obienyem, prayed God to grant the family the gratitude to bear the
loss.

The leader of Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, in the state Mr.
Godwin Ezeemo while mourning the deceased described him as a colossus
whose fatherly and visionary role guided Umuchukwu in its
developmental and peaceful efforts.

Ezeemo noted that only few people could impact life positively the
way late Maduka did, stating that his legacy was being celebrated.