Agwa Bids Farewell to Deacon Obinna Jumbo as Clergy, Community Leaders, and ACU Officials Pay Last Respects
E-ISSN:2354-4481
By John Mbonu Uchenwoke-Ekperechi
The ancient kingdom of Agwa Clan in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State stood still on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as family members, friends, church leaders, community stakeholders, and well-wishers gathered in Ihuoba, Obudi, Agwa, to bid a final farewell to the late Deacon Obinna Kingsley Jumbo, popularly known as Passoo.
The corpse, which departed Gateway Mortuary, Ogbaku, in Mbaitolu Local Government Area, was received by mourners led by Deacon Johnbosco Chimokwo Obodo before proceeding to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Obinze Branch. At the facility, management and staff paid glowing tributes to their departed colleague through valedictory speeches that highlighted his dedication, professionalism, and service to the organization.
From Obinze, the funeral procession moved to Obudi Ancient Kingdom, Agwa, making customary stops at Uzi and other traditional meeting points. In a symbolic display of grief and honour, youths of the community accompanied the casket in a solemn road march from Uzi to the family compound, where the remains were formally received by the family head and subsequently handed over to the Assemblies of God Church for the funeral service.
The church service was conducted under the supervision of the Owerri West District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Dr. Kingsley Ekezie, who once served as pastor of the Assemblies of God Church, Agwa 1, during the lifetime of the deceased. The atmosphere was marked by deep emotion as family members, friends, EEDC staff, church members, and representatives of the Agwa Central Union (ACU) filed past the casket during the final viewing.
Delivering the funeral sermon titled "The Wisdom of Death," renowned evangelist and Senior Pastor of Assemblies of God Church, Ikenegbu, Owerri, Rev. Dr. Bethel Nwanebo urged the congregation to live lives worthy of God in preparation for eternity. Preaching from Hebrews 9:27, he reflected on the inevitability of death and the need for spiritual readiness.
According to Nwanebo, the numerous testimonies shared about the late Deacon Jumbo painted the picture of a devoted Christian, a humble and trustworthy man, a committed community servant, and a person who related well with people. He noted that although the deceased passed away at the age of 39, his life left a lasting impact on those around him.
"It is not how long a person lives that matters most, but the impact he makes before God and humanity, and the quality of his relationship with God," the cleric said.
Reflecting on the reality of mortality, Nwanebo reminded mourners that every funeral serves as a solemn reminder of life's temporary nature and the certainty of death.
"A day like this brings us closer to our own death. It makes us think about eternity because every gathering like this reminds us of the inescapable appointment that every human being has with death," he stated.
The preacher further described death as an unavoidable reality that neither wealth nor influence can overcome.
"Death is a faithful servant. It does not fail in any assignment given to it because nobody can bribe death," he declared.
He concluded with an appeal for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Christ remains the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
"Today it is the turn of Deacon Obinna Kingsley Jumbo. Tomorrow it may be anyone's turn. We do not know whether we are a day, a week, or a year away from eternity. Therefore, amend your ways and come to Jesus Christ today because He is the power of resurrection," Nwanebo said.
Following the church service, Rev. Dr. Kingsley Ekezie led the graveside interment ceremony, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and affirming the Christian hope of resurrection.
Speaking on behalf of the Agwa Central Union (ACU), the President-General, Mr. Nduka Ozor, expressed gratitude to the church, friends, and well-wishers who turned out in large numbers to honour the memory of the late community leader. He described Jumbo's death as a significant loss to the Agwa Clan, particularly considering his active role as Secretary-General of the ACU Owerri Branch and his unwavering commitment to community development.
Ozor extended condolences to the widow, mother, siblings, and the entire Jumbo family, assuring them of the union's continued support during their period of grief.
"We are here today not just as individuals but as representatives of the Agwa Central Union. Together with officers of the union, including the Chairman of the ACU Owerri Branch, Mr. Churchill Nwankwo; the National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Leonard Ajoku; Mr. Kelechi Anumudu; and others, we have come to mourn one of Agwa's proud sons," Ozor said.
He added: "This loss is a painful one for the entire Agwa Clan because of the kind of person he was and the services he rendered to the ACU and humanity. While we cannot question God, we want the family to know that they are not alone. We will continue to stand with them and provide support in every way possible. Please accept our heartfelt condolences."
The burial ceremony also featured cultural and social activities, including performances by the Nna Bass Divine Band Crew and a solidarity march by Umuonyeike youths from Ihuoba to Uzi in honour of the deceased.
Among those in attendance were numerous clergymen and women, EEDC staff, officials of the ACU Owerri Branch, community leaders, youth and women's groups, members of the Agwa My Pride Group co-founded by the late Deacon Jumbo and Deacon Johnbosco Chimokwo Obodo, as well as representatives of Inside Agwa News (IAN) and other organizations with which the deceased was actively associated.
The late Deacon Obinna Kingsley Jumbo was remembered throughout the ceremony as a dedicated Christian, community advocate, professional colleague, and compassionate friend whose legacy of service and integrity will continue to inspire many within Agwa and beyond.
Recall that the late Deacon Obinna Kingsley Jumbo, an environmentalist with a Master's degree from the University of Port Harcourt, died on May 1, 2026, following an unsuccessful medical surgery. The tragic development occurred barely a month after he was promoted to the position of Field Manager, Band A, EEDC Obinze Area.
