Death is a “way to be with the Lord, not a way to end” – Fr. Udenwagu
By Eragbhe-Omole Paschal
On July 1, the agrarian community of Okpatu, Udi LGA of Enugu State was agog with activities marking the burial of their illustrious son, Sir (Barr.) Sylvania Okafor Efidi who passed on to glory on June 3, at the age of 62 years. Efidi was born November 22, 1958 at Enugu into the family of Ozo Nwachimereze, Charles and Mamma Bridget Efidi of Amukwu village, Okpatu twon, Udi LGA of Enugu state. He graduated with Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at University of Nsukka in June 1981. After many years of working in the accounting and banking sector, he enrolled to study law at University of Lagos. Obtained LLB and was called to bar on November 20, 2008, two days to his 50th birthday. The young Sylvanus got married to his heartthrob, Chinwe Efidi (Nee Nneji) and the union produced three children. The late Efidi was a dynamic leader who instituted and nurture so many projects, essentials and ventures who were of the people’s needs, thereby etched his name in sands of time, a recipe for a fulfilled life. In his homily at the funeral mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ikajhe-Okpatu, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Amobi Udenwagu told the congregation that though it is human that we mourn the dead, but we shouls be mindful of excess grief for the dead.
“Whatever the state of mind over loss, let’s also take solace on the words of Holy Books that the memory of the just is blessed. (Prov. 10:7),” Rev. Fr. Udenwagu stated. He further urged the sympathisers to take solace that in Christianity, death is a “way to be with the Lord, not a way to end”. Though inevitable death has been defeated by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Then came moments of tears at the grave side. The final commendation of the dead was emotion-laddened, as many including families, Knights/ Ladies and sympathisers wiped their tears as the corpse of the deceased was lowered into the grave for dust to dusk eternity. The late Sir (Barr) Sylvanus Okafor Efidi was a 4th degree Knight of Saint Mulumba and a member of Ikoyi Club 1938.
