General News
Kaigama: Faith and Integrity Outlive Wealth
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. (Dr.) Ignatius Kaigama, has said that the greatest inheritance parents can leave for their children is not material wealth but the values of faith, integrity and the fear of God.
Archbishop Kaigama made the remark on Thursday during the Requiem Mass for Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara, mother of Prof.
In his homily, Kaigama described Prof. Opara as an integral member of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, noting that whatever affects him also concerns the archdiocese. He urged leaders to serve humanity with humility and remain mindful of the fleeting nature of earthly life.
The Archbishop praised Prof. Opara, the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), for his service to four Nigerian Presidents and his continued leadership as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated Farms.
Reflecting on the life of the deceased, Kaigama said the tributes paid to her showed that she lived a life of justice and compassion. According to him, Chief Christiana Opara, who died at the age of 83, left behind valuable lessons of kindness and selfless service. He said the world would become a better place if people continued to do good to one another.
Speaking during the service, Prof. John Kennedy Opara said his late mother instilled in him the fear of God, the value of meaningful relationships and unwavering strength. He described her as loving, caring, dependable and deeply committed to the things of God.
“My mother meant everything to me because she taught me all that I know today. She taught me how to cook, how to love and how to pray,” he said.
Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara was the mother of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, pioneer Executive Secretary of the NCPC and Chairman of CSS Group of Companies.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said he and Prof. Opara had worked together over the years in the commission, adding that he is building on the solid foundation and legacy established by his predecessor.
Among the dignitaries at the Requiem Mass were 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; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman; Senator representing Adamawa North, Rev. Amos Yohanna; Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Bishop Anselm Umoren, among others.
Late Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 83. She will be laid to rest on August 7, 2026, in Umuopara Nguru Obetiti, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.