On 25th of February, 2016, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS with his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys Ahaneku, siblings, family, friends and well wishers bid mum Mrs. Elizabeth Adaure Ahaneku final farewell.
It was a celebration of a fulfilled life as dignitaries from all walks of life graced the occasion.
The event started with a vigil mass at the Ahaneku family residence on Wednesday 24th of February, 2016, where the clergy Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus charged Christians to live a upright lives so that on the last day
they will be found worthy. He called on all to turn into righteousness as this, he stressed is the only way to eternal life. He prayed God to grant the soul of Mrs. Elizabeth Ahaneku an eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss. He also encouraged members of the family to continue in the good works of their mother. The Vigil mass was later followed by a burial mass held at St. Brigidi’s Catholic Church Podium Ahiara Ahiazu Mbaise. Which was anchored by Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Ebi of St. Roses Ihite.
In a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Chika Okpalike, Christians were charged not to allow sentiments and materials thrive to destroy the good works of the land. He encouraged Christians and members of the community to uphold the good legacies of the land and celebrate uprightness in all ramifications.
Describing Late (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ahaneku as a distinguished teacher, philanthropist, devout catholic, a woman of many firsts and God fearing. Fr. Okpalike advised members of the family to uphold the good principles of their mother through charity and total surrender to the work and ways of God.
Some of the dignitaries present who spoke on the life and times of Late (Mrs.) Ahaneku also described her as a hardworking devout Christian woman and a peace loving mother and would be remembered for her selfless service to the church and the community at large.
In a vote of thanks by the Chief mourner Sir Leo Ahaneku and the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, FAS on behalf of the family expressed gratitude to members of the clergy, friends, family, colleagues and well wishers for their show of love and prayed God to grant all journey mercies to their various destinations.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor Ebonyi State Barr. Kelechi Igwe, former Deputy Speaker (Federal House of Rep.) Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, His Excellency High Chief Dr. Ben. Ndi-Obi, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9 Mr. Mohammed Gwary, other top Government functionaries, clergies, traditional rulers, captains of Industries, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman UNIZIK Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, the immediate Past Vice-Chancellor UNIZIK, Prof. Boniface C. Egboka FAS, members of the UNIZIK community, Gentle Men of the Press.
Lady Lolo Elizabeth Adaure Ahaneku died at the ripe age of 96 and was survived by nine children among whom is the Vice-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe, University, grand children .
