Aboh Mbaise, Imo State

The community of Umuopara Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State stood still on Friday, August 7, 2026, as family members, friends, government officials, clergy and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for the funeral rites of Late Chief Mrs. Christiana Opara, JP.

Chief Opara, mother of the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and Chairman of CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd., Prof. John Kennedy Opara, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 83.

The funeral rites commenced with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on July 29, 2026.

The activities continued on Thursday, August 6, with a Night of Praise at Umuopara Nguru, where the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, ministered to the gathering.

The grand finale took place on Friday, August 7, with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Nguru, in honour of the deceased, who was described by family and friends as a woman of deep faith, compassion and selfless service to humanity.

The funeral attracted prominent Nigerians from different walks of life, reflecting the extensive relationships and goodwill of Prof. John Kennedy Opara and the Opara family.

Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri; and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi.

Others included former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; members of the clergy, captains of industry, serving and retired military officers, as well as family members, friends and other well-wishers.

Speaking on behalf of the Opara family, the family patriarch, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, expressed profound appreciation to all those who attended the funeral and supported the family throughout the period of mourning.
He particularly thanked the dignitaries, clergy, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, presence and solidarity.

The family described the late Chief Christiana Opara as a woman who lived an exemplary life of faith and selfless service to humanity, adding that she was given a befitting and well-deserved burial.

The funeral concluded with prayers for the repose of her soul and comfort for the bereaved family.

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Former President Jonathan, Wife, Governors and Other Dignitaries Pay Last Respects to Late Chief Christiana OparaIn Umuopara Nguru