Tributes as NUJ Bids Farewell to Former Chairman, Chigbokwu Theophilus Okenze

By Vivian Iwu…

It was a moment of deep reflection and solemnity as members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, led by their Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, joined family, friends, and well-wishers to bid a final farewell to their former Chairman, Dr. Chigbokwu Theophilus Okenze.

The late Veteran Journalist’s remains were briefly received at the NUJ Press Center along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, where colleagues and admirers, including the Imo State Head of Service Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom, former NAWOJ Chairman, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, Chief Innocent Igwe, Chief Chris Akaraonye, Chief Christian Nwokocha, Chris Ekweghiariri, Lucky Iroh, amongst others, gathered in honor of a man who served the Pen Profession with passion and integrity.

From there, the funeral procession moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Orji, for the funeral Mass, where the Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Nwimo of the Owerri Archdiocese, alongside a host of clergy and religious. Eze Innocent Opara, traditional ruler of the community, was represented by his cabinet members in a show of solidarity and respect.

Delivering a soul-stirring homily, Rev. Fr. Chidubem Ohaeri of the Orlu Diocese spoke on the inevitability of death. “Nobody wants to die, yet all mortals must die,” he began, drawing from Igbo names that reflect human fear of death. “Life on earth is a journey—from the womb to the tomb. But the question is, how are we treating those we meet along the way?”

The priest emphasized that death is a transition, not the end, using historical references like Alexander the Great to illustrate that a life well-lived should end with the world mourning and the soul rejoicing.

He added, “We drive different kinds of vehicles in life: ‘Ekeledirichukwu,’ ‘Young Shall Grow,’ ‘Osonduagwuike,’ but no matter the car, one day we all enter an ambulance—on our final journey to meet our Creator.”

After the rite of liberation prayers, members of the NUJ performed their symbolic final rite—crossing the pen—over the casket of their departed colleague, marking the end of an era.

The late Okenze’s son, Chidi, delivered the vote of thanks and announced that his father’s body would be taken to their hometown in Ebenator, Orsu LGA, for final internment. Only the immediate family accompanied the body, while other mourners gathered at the IBC Quarters, Orji, where a service of songs had been held the night before.

Dr. Chigbokwu Theophilus Okenze will be remembered as a Pillar of Journalism in Imo State, a mentor, and a man whose legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched.