By Philomina Attah
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, says the greatest legacy parents can bequeath to their children is not material property, but strong values of faith, integrity, and the fear of God.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Celestine Toruka, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Archbishop Kaigama stated this during a Requiem Mass held in honour of Late Chief Ezinne Opara at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
Late Opara, who passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 83, was the mother of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, the pioneer Executive Secretary of NCPC and Chairman of CSS Group of Companies.
Kaigama urged leaders across all sectors to serve humanity with humility and remain mindful of the transient nature of human existence.
”Christiana Opara lived well and reached the age of 83.
“The lesson I learnt from Mama Opara was to do good to others and that, as people do good to others, the world will become a better place,” Kaigama said.
The Archbishop noted that Prof. Opara remained an integral part of the Archdiocese of Abuja, stressing that “whatever affects him also affects the Archdiocese.”
He further extolled the virtues of Prof. Opara, commending his meritorious service under four Nigerian presidents as the founding head of the NCPC, as well as his current contributions to agricultural development as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated Farms.
Paying tribute to his late mother, Prof. Opara described her as a loving, dependable, and deeply religious woman who served as a pillar of strength for her children.
”She taught me the fear of God, the importance of relationships, and was a source of remarkable strength to me and my siblings.
“My mother meant everything to me because she taught me all that I have learnt and am able to do today.
“She taught me how to cook, how to love, and how to pray,” Opara said.
Also speaking at the event, the incumbent Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, highlighted his long-standing relationship with Prof. Opara.
Adegbite described Opara as a man committed to building upon the solid foundation and legacy established at the commission.
The Requiem Mass drew a prominent gathering of political leaders, diplomats, and senior clergy.
Among the dignitaries present were the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.
Others in attendance included the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman; the Senator representing Adamawa North, Rev. Amos Yohanna; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren.
The remains of Late Chief Christiana Opara will be laid to rest on Aug. 7, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru Obetiti, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi