Royal Episcopal Evangelical Communion Marks One Year Anniversary Of Late Nneoma Ngozi Bishop

On  June 11, 2025, at the Royal Episcopal Evangelical Communion Cathedral Orji, Imo State, members of the congregation gathered to honor the one-year anniversary of late Nneoma Ngozi Bishop Nwaodu, a beloved matriarch, friend, and tireless servant of God.

As the service began, the first part of the service was reserved for testimonies, an emotional sharing that brought many to tears.

One by one, her children, friends, church members, and well-wishers came forward, each sharing stories that highlighted her immense kindness and unwavering spirit. They painted a picture of a woman who, through her hospitality, love, and selfless service, had woven a tapestry of connection that echoed through the lives she touched.

One of her daughters, voice trembling yet resolute, spoke of the warmth of her mother’s embrace.

“Mom taught us to love without reservation and her faith in us was a refuge.”

As she mentioned her mother’s tradition of inviting anyone in need of comfort or food, tears streamed down the faces of many, as they recalled a time when Nneoma Ngozi opened her door and heart to them in their moments of despair.

Following the testimonies, Most Rev. Bishop Samuel Babba approached the altar to deliver the sermon he titled “Beyond the Veil.”
Drawing from the book of John 11 vs 25-26, he declared, Jesus said.

“I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.  And he who lives and believe in me shall never die. In order words death to a child of God is a transition, a change of position”.

This is not merely a statement of faith; it is the very essence of who Nneoma Ngozi was. Her departure from this world was not an end, but a transition, a stepping into the greater reality of God’s presence.

Describing Nneoma Ngozi as a woman of profound impact he said.

“She understood what it meant to be a child of God, living her life in service to others. Hospitality was not just an act for her; it was a way of life. Today, we celebrate her legacy and the light she brought into this world.”

Bishop Babba, expressed a passion to lay a foundation of hospitality in her name, urging the congregation to remember that caring for the less privileged pleases God above all else. He noted that an overwhelming majority of testimonies echoed the theme of her generous spirit, igniting a commitment among those present to embody her values.

Speaking, Bishop Festus Nwaodu, her husband, said.

“Today, we gather in celebration and remembrance. I thank each of you for being here, for sharing in this memory of my beloved wife. Though the same illness that took her from us has tried to manifest in others and God gave me solution to solve it”.

“Words cannot describe the emptiness in me since she left us.

“Nneoma Ngozi taught me the true value of family and love. Why did she have to depart before we could complete all our dreams together.

“The  journey to the permanent site in owerri, creation of diocese, onwing crusades across the glob and helping the needy, among others. That question lingers in my soul.”

“Yes  I will honor her memory by living out the principles she cherished. I will continue to root my life in love and kindness, just as she did. Let us remember her not with sadness, but with joy and a commitment to emulate her gracious spirit.

“She is to me the best of the roses in the garden and the Almighty wants the best . I wish everyone especially the members will emulate the way you loved and cherished everyone.
Goodbye Mummy ,God loves you the best”.