GOV OTTI MOURNS AS EMETU LEADS ABIA DELEGATION TO CELEBRATE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LATE ELDER CHIEF MRS. MARGARET E. ANYAH IN OHAFIA

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Late Elder Chief Mrs. Margaret E. Anyah, aged 98, describing her death as the close of a remarkable chapter defined by faith, family values, and enduring service.

Governor Otti was represented at the funeral service by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who led a high-powered delegation of the Abia State Government to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Isiama Central Parish, Elu Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area.

Delivering the Governor’s message of condolence, Engr. Emetu conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the Anyah family and the entire Ohafia community. He noted that the State Government joined the gathering not only in mourning but also in celebrating a matriarch whose life embodied discipline, devotion, and positive impact.

“We are here not just to mourn Mama, but to celebrate a life that spoke loudly through faith, integrity, and service. Her legacy is written in the lives she touched and the values she instilled,” the Deputy Governor stated.

The Deputy Governor described the late Elder Chief Mrs. Anyah as a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose exemplary lifestyle remains worthy of emulation. He remarked that her passing signified the end of an era, particularly recalling her remarkable 67-year marriage to her late husband, Honourable Justice Kalu Okpan Anyah; a union that produced generations of accomplished children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue to uphold the family’s cherished values.

Engr. Emetu urged attendees to reflect on the transient nature of life and to commit to purposeful living that leaves behind a legacy of integrity and service. He encouraged the bereaved family to sustain the virtues of godliness, unity, and excellence instilled by their matriarch.

In his sermon, the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, E. N. Akpanika, PhD, extolled the deceased as a ruling elder who dedicated her life to God and humanity. He reminded the congregation that earthly titles and possessions are temporary, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in knowing God, living in peace, and leaving a legacy of character and love.

The funeral service drew a large congregation of dignitaries, including the Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and his wife; Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai; Honourable Commissioners for Tertiary Education, Prof Uche Eme Uche, and for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu; General Manager, Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), Col Ezichi Kalu (Rtd); Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; Former Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex), MFR, CON; President General, Ohafia Improvement Union Inc, Chief Kalu Ikpemini; members of the clergy, judicial officers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and well-wishers who gathered to pay their final respects.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
February 21, 2026.