The Triumphant Exit of Sir Venantius Iwuji.

The community of Umulolo Ugbele Akah in Njaba LGA Imo State on Thursday January 8 2026 was “invaded” by visitors who came across the world to pay their last respect to a man who lived a life of honour and dedication to God. Venue was in the family compound of the Iwujis when one of them, brother, father, grandfather and husband Pa Venantius Nwaka Iwuji was being committed to mother earth.

It was indeed a very sunny and dusty day as the harmattan failed to establish presence and as a result, almost everyone was feeling the heat from the sun and at intervals Umuaka Times observed people wiping away sweat from their faces.  Activities for the day started as early as 7 am in the Iwuji compound which was the venue of the burial and reception ceremonies. Women, youths and service providers were noticed carrying out different assignments for the success of the ceremony.

The children of the deceased led by the first son Mr Okey Iwuji and other family relations and friends left very early to the Aladimma Hospital’s Mortuary to bring home in a motorcade, the remains of the education and moral icon. About two hours later, words came that the motorcade had arrived Umuaka but first went to Uba Umuaka, the maternal home of the late Pa Venantius Iwuji where Uba people came out en mass to receive their grandson and pay their last respect. The ritual in Uba did not last more than 10 minutes and the motorcade was on the move again, this time to Umulolo Ugbele Akah, the final resting place.

Around 10 am, the motorcade, led by a white SUV and other exotic cars arrived the family compound of the deceased alongside his children, and others. Immediately and without delay, the undertakers carried out the casket in a dancing procession straight to the lying in state room for family and friends to view the corpse for the last time as a mark of their last respect.

The Master of Ceremonies who was anchoring the event announced that the lying in state would be short as the time for the requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Ugbele Akah was already due. As he made the announcement, Umuaka Times correspondents at the event sighted a group of traditional dancers who came with a big masquerade also to pay their last respect. Close findings showed that the group known as Eje Ayo Masquerade Group came from Emekeukwu in Owerri. The masqueraders were told to hold on until the remains of the deceased were interred according to the culture of Umuaka people. With no option left, the group immediately obliged.

By this time, those who wanted to view the remains of Pa Venantius Iwuji have already done that and it was time for the requiem Mass. The St Patrick’s Catholic Parish which is not far from the family house was soon filled with those who came for the requiem Mass. The Mass which was celebrated by an American based Umuaka born priest Reverend Father Peter Iwuala lasted about two hours and by the time the Mass came to an end, everyone went back to the family house where the interment was peacefully done according to the Christian rites of Roman Catholic Church.

Entertainment of guests and heavy refreshments followed immediately after the interment. Mr Okey Iwuji, UcheIwuji, Chris Iwuji, Vi Iwuji, Onyekachi Iwuji, Ethel Ibe, Lambert Ibe and other family members were all seen going from one place to another giving and receiving instructions on how best to entertain the guests who came for the burial and the celebration of life of Pa Vanantius Nwaka Iwuji who died at the age of 96.

Several community based groups and old boys associations from High School Umuaka etc were all represented. There was also a heavy presence of Akalites who live both in America and South Africa where some of the children of the deceased reside.

From one canopy to another and to the VIP tent, service boys and girls made sure there was an unending supply of assorted drinks and food to the guests and organizations that were present.

The burial ceremony of the late Pa Venantius Iwuji provided an opportunity for Akalites who had not seen each other over the years to reunite and exchange telephone numbers and contacts. At last all who attended the event, hailed the deceased for a life well lived.