By Chinedu Echianu
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, says the greatest legacy parents can leave for their children is not material wealth or property but the values of faith, integrity and the fear of God.
Kaigama stated this on Thursday at the Requiem Mass held in honour of late Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara, mother of the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Prof. John Kennedy Opara, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
In his sermon, the Archbishop described Opara as an integral part of the Archdiocese of Abuja, saying whatever affects him also affects the Church.
He urged leaders to serve humanity with humility and remain conscious of the transient nature of human existence.
Kaigama also commended Prof. Opara for his contributions to public service, noting that he served four Nigerian presidents and continued to make contributions through his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated Farms.
Speaking on the life of the deceased, the Archbishop said the tributes presented at the funeral were evidence that she lived a just and exemplary life.
“Christiana Opara lived well and lived to 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,” he said.
In his tribute, Prof. Opara said his mother was responsible for instilling in him the fear of God, the importance of relationships and other values that shaped his life.
“My mother is very loving, caring, passionate about the things of God. She is reliable and dependable. My mother meant everything to me, because she taught me all that I have learnt and been able to do today. She taught me how to cook, how to love and how to pray,” he said.
Opara described his late mother as a source of remarkable strength to him and his siblings, adding that her teachings and example would remain a lasting influence on the family.
Speaking at the event, the incumbent Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said he and Prof. Opara had come a long way in the commission, adding that he was building on the legacy established by his predecessor.
The Requiem Mass was attended by several dignitaries, including Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe; and Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.
Late Chief Christiana Opara died on May 7, 2026, at the age of 83.
She is scheduled to be buried on August 7, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru Obetiti, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
