By Emeka Chiaghanam 
Okey with the eldest daughter and some priests after the Mass.
Life is ephemeral. We must be conscious of our activities on earth. No human lives without a story to reflect his or her activities on earth. Our sojourn on the pathway of life must be with all commitment. It’s always good to have a good story to tell after life on earth.
Rev. Father Cyril Okpala stated this at the burial mass for the late Mrs. Chizoba Loretta Amata at the St. Felix Catholic Church Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Father Okpala urged Christians to live a worthy life, noting that every mortal has a destination.
“I implore everyone to live right. If you haven’t set yourself on the right path, start now. Strive to serve God and live for others, “live a virtuous life, Live for the next life. You live for a purpose.”
“Where you are or belong, always know that there is another place than here. To think that everything ends here is a disservice to self. There is a destination for every one of us. You have this moment to make amends.”
Okey with some family members at the end of the Mass.
“Chizoba had lived her life and lived it well. She was both an excellent wife and teacher. Her sacrifice in service to God and her positive impact on the lives of other people speaks volumes. We entreat that her soul continues to rest in the bosom of the Lord,’’ he said.
The late Mrs. Chizoba Loretta Amata was interred at her husband’s country home, Umuono Ngodo, Nise after the funeral mass.
Okey Amata, the deceased husband, in an emotion-laden voice described his wife as a devoted Christian, a God-fearing woman, and a teacher par excellence.
He said these attributes were the things that attracted him to her when she started her teaching career at the inception of Rosary College, Nise.
“She believed in her faith, was a Christian mother, a dedicated member of the Catholic Women Organisation, (CWO), St. Felix Catholic Church, Nise. She served in the capacity of Financial Secretary for four years. They felt her positive contribution.”
“Death is inevitable but her death was devastating. I take consolation in the Lord. She was such a wonderful homemaker, I'm thinking about how to cope with the children she left behind.
“I know a big vacuum has been created in my family but my trust is in the Lord hoping that tomorrow will be better. I believe that despite the fact that she is late her spirit is still with us. She prepared herself so well to meet with the Lord. She was chastised by sickness but didn't lose her faith in the Lord. I believe that the good God she served will grant her eternal rest in His bosom.”
“To my children, I pray and encourage them to take after the exemplary life of their mother. In the little time, she stayed with them, she disciplined and prepared them for life ahead. I want them to be focused, work hard, and put their trust in God. God knows everything and knows how to take control of every situation, which He has started doing in my family.”
Chairman, Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu speaking at the event, said it's a very pathetic and sad development that she died when she was needed the most and prayed to God for her soul to repose.
“We pray that people should live long so that when they die it will be a celebration of life. There is nothing you can do for a departed soul other than to bury the person and that is why we have gathered here to pay our last respect to her.”
“We pray to God to accept her soul and also console our schoolmate and friend, Okey Amata, for him to take solace in the living and children left behind by his late wife. God almighty knows the best for whatever the purpose for her demise.”
Speaking shortly after the interment, Mrs. Ebere Dim (nee Anya), Okey’s classmate said his wife’s death was a painful one, ‘’Okey was a good friend of mine in school. When I heard of his wife's death, I had to come from Benue State to commiserate with him. We thank God for everything, God knows the best. As it pleases God to call home their beloved wife, I pray that God strengthens the family.’’
Another classmate, Mrs. Raluchi Ifeadi (née Ezeanya) said the demise of Okey's wife was saddening, “We can't do anything but surrender to the will of God.”
“I’m here to console them. It's only God that can unburden the loss. They should hand everything to God. God knows the best and surely will chart their path and future,’’ she said.
Mrs. Juliet Ebisi, Head Mistress Community Primary School, Nise said Chizoba was a dedicated teacher and so committed to the duty that whenever called on for any assignment, even when not disposed she still answers gladly.
“We are missing her already. Her pupils are still grieving over her death. The management and teachers of the school are in pain. In everything God has the final say. May her soul rest in peace, in Jesus' name?”
Chinenye Okeke Primary Six pupil at Community Primary School, Nise described the late Chizoba Amata as a good teacher and kind-hearted woman, who she said they are missing and prayed for her soul to rest in peace.
Until her death, the late Mrs. Chizoba Loretta Amata was a staunch member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), a teacher at Community Primary School, Nise, and married to Okey Amata with four children.
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