The remains of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah were on Friday committed to mother earth at his Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi country home in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Ubah served as the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District from 2019 until his death on 27 July 2024.
In a homily at the funeral service held at St. Peter Clever Parish, Umuanukam Otolo Nnewi, the officiating priest, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke of the Catholic Church, described the late lawmaker as a philanthropist.
According to Okpaleke, Ubah impacted positively on the lives of many people. He recalled his philanthropic life, saying, “Ifeanyi Ubah has always strived to touch lives at all times.
“His life of service to humanity was examplary for all to emulate,” the priest said. He also said that the demise of Ubah should serve as a lesson to those alive. He said, “Those alive should strive to live exemplary life, while on earth, in order to be remembered when they are gone.”
Also, the State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, recalled his last moments with the deceased, pointing out that death was not part of the discussions he had with him .
Soludo said: “I still remember when we met sometime in May this year, and I asked him that it seems he was nursing an ambition for something and he told me that he also would want to be part of it.
“And he also said that the only way out is for Sir Emeka Offor to convene a meeting at our instance.
“Then later, Emeka Offor also echoed the same thing, and we both agreed, and it was that meeting that we were still waiting for before someone sent me a massage about his death.
“I did not believe it, until a senator called to tell me. I then called his wife and she confirmed it but that was not what we discussed and agreed on. And I ask him, is this what we discussed?”
In a similar vein, the Director General, South East Governor’s Forum, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, described late Ubah as “an avater and sports enthusiast”, who was committed to youth development.
“You were an avatar, sport enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development, whose kind comes only once in a lifetime.
“In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and true definition of kindness; not just in titles and positions but in words and deeds. The impact you made and the lives you touched were second to none.
“You carried the burden of your people with grace, always prioritising the collective good over personal gain,” Ekwunife said.
Ubah, who died at 52 on July 27 in the United Kingdom (UK), was survived by his wife, Mrs Uchenna Ubah and five children.
Senate pays tribute to late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah
Earlier on Tuesday the Nigerian Senate during plenary paid glowing tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 26. Ubah, born on Sept 3, 1971, represented Anambra South Senatorial District in the 9th and 10th senate.
Ubah, until his death, was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream.
Before commencement of the valedictory session, the remains of late Ubah were laid in state at the foyer of the Senate chamber.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wife, Children and relatives of the late senator were present at the session.
Also present were the former governor of Anambra state and former Minister of Labour, Sen. Chris Ngige, Wife of President of Senate, Mrs Nneoma Akpabio and wives of other lawmakers.
Tribute in honor of Ubah, followed a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Sen.Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) that the Senate do pay tributes to late Ubah.
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP-Benue). Thereafter, many Senators took turns to pay tributes that lasted for about three hours.
The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence in honor of Ubah. It resolved to send a delegation to condole his family, the government and people of Anambra. It also resolved to immortalise Ubah, by naming one of the Senate halls after him.
Shettima, in his tribute, said the late Ubah’s generosity knew no bound, describing him as a good man. He said Ubah had donated N50 million to his state, when it was ravaged by Boko Haram.
Akpabio, in his tribute, condoled the family of Ubah, describing him as an “accomplished businessman and consummate politician”.
He said the late Ubah made tremendous impact on humanity, saying his demise was a deficit to the nation especially the political and business terrain.
He said Ubah was a champion among others, a quintessential public servant, a committed advocate for his community and a captain of innovation.
“He is a great loss to Anambra state, Nnewi and Nigeria in general.”
Akpabio said Ubah‘s death was a personal loss to him, revealing that the deceased was very happy about the establishment of South-East Development Commission by President Bola Tinubu.
He said Ubah’s plan was to use the commission to further empower Anambra and people of South-East, admonishing that Ubah’s legacies should be celebrated.
Deputy President of Senate Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), said Ubah was a “patriotic Nigerian, an epitome of courage and resilience, and a philanthropist that promoted interest of the Eastern zone by funding so many projects.
Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), described Ubah as a charismatic politician, a leader and one who was at home with the grassroots.
He said Ubah was committed at helping to ensure realisation of the agenda of APC in Anambra and Nigeria in general, saying that his demise would be greatly missed.