The Umuopara Nguru community Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, stood still on Friday, August 7, 2026, as family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for the funeral rites of Late Chief Mrs. Christiana Opara, JP.
Chief Opara, the beloved mother of the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and Chairman of CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, passed on to eternal glory on May 7, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 83.
The burial rites commenced with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on July 29, 2026. This was followed by a Night of Praise on August 6, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru, where the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, ministered.
The grand finale was held on August 7, 2026, with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Nguru, celebrated in honor of a woman described as having a heart that yearned for God and a life dedicated to selfless service to humanity.
The funeral drew the “who is who” in Nigerian society, a testament to Prof. John Kennedy Opara’s wide-reaching relationships and goodwill.
*Dignitaries in attendance included:*
– His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Dame Patience Jonathan
– Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
– Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State
– Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State
– Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State
– Chief Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State
– Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State
– Dame Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs
– Members of the Clergy, Captains of Industry, serving and retired Military Officers, and other well-wishers
In a statement, the patriarch of the Opara family, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, on behalf of the entire Opara family, expressed profound appreciation to all guests for their prayers, support, and solidarity during this period of mourning.
“Late Chief Christiana Opara lived an exemplary life of faith and selfless service to humanity. She was given a well-deserved and befitting burial,” the family stated.
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