VIEW POINT
By Chinenye Chukwuma
All roads led to Avu community in Owerri West Local Government Area last Friday, April 25, 2025 at the burial ceremony of an illustrtious son of the area and a retired notable army officer, Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna where people from all walks of life gathered to give their last respect to the fallen hero.
The burial ceremony was also well attended by the incumbent and former givernors including the Imo State governor, Sen Hope Uzodinma, the state deputy governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the former governor of the state, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, commissioners, House of Assembly members and other top government functionaries, the military both serving and retired as well as other paramilitary outfits.
Late Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna Rtd, an illustrious son of Avu in Owerri West Local Government Area was identified by his first son Mr Amanze Ogbonna as a generous person, a kind hearted man and vibrant man who loved his country, his village and his family by his
first son.
Mr Amanze Ogbonna in an interview with newsmen on the occasion of the burial ceremony, said his late father was not judgemental with him, and as he grew up, their relationship grew stronger.
He noted that his late father was a compassionate man whose greatness was achieved through humility, dedication and selfless service to God and humanity, stressing that he believed so much in peace, justice, equity and good conscience and used uprightness to succeed in life.
According to Amanze Ogbonna, "Your love and support gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and expectations, you were my mentor, though you may have gone, your soul lives on. I promise to sustain your legacy and uphold the values you taught me. You were a man of honour and service, we gather not only to mourn the passing of our beloved father, but to celebrate a life lived with purpose, dignity and profound influence. Your demise left a big vacuum but we are comforted by your legacies. You have finished your race with honour, your memory will be indelible in our hearts, your wisdom was so evident, and had to be maximized, you were an example of what a strong father is, your blood,, strength, honrstty and integrity still strongly runs in me"
Mr Ogbonna emphasized that his late father loved Avu, his community where he ended up retiring after so many years of service with the Nigerian Army, noting that he spent a lot of time with the villagers as he was the Traditional Prime Minister of his community and worked very closely with the Council of Elders in Imo State, Owerri West and Avu community.
He disclosed that his late father operated an open door policy, quoting him as saying "At 6 o'clock, my door starts to knock", and he was always for everybody.
According to the first son also "One of the achievements he made was helping young officers growing into fuller and leaders of Nigeria in their various fields and that is a source of pride for my father. For instance, his funeral was littered with young officers who are now Admirals, Generals who have testimonies to say about him and nothing bad".
He maintained that his late father was non partisan, recalling that his funeral was attended by people and dignitaries from different political parties including the Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru who is of the APC, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha who was of the PDP while VIP section was occupied by people from all walks of life who have different stores to tell about his late father.
"I miss him very much, may he rest in peace and I am sure of seeing him again some time soon. I would henceforth do the best I can with the help of my siblings and hopefully, we will build on the legacies that he has left for us"
"Thank you for the life you lived on earth and the life you continue to live with our father in heaven as you rest in perfect peace, while your depart