A Quiet Farewell: The Burial of Chief Sir Benedict Nwankwo
It was a demure and solemn celebration marked by a blend of grief and gratitude as Chief Sir Benedict Nwankwo was laid to rest on the 28th of February, 2025. The air was thick with emotion—of loss, remembrance, and silent pride—for a man whose life had been a tapestry of service, integrity, and love.
The final journey began on the eve of the burial, February 27th, with a candlelight vigil and Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Amudo. The parish priest led the congregation in prayers and hymns, offering reflections on the virtues Chief Sir Benedict had exemplified throughout his life.
On the morning of February 28th, the cortege departed from the mortuary, making symbolic stops at places that once echoed his presence. The body was first taken to his ancestral home, where traditional rites were performed. It also visited the home of his in-laws, paying homage to the familial bonds he nurtured during his lifetime. The community of Amudo, where he once served as President General of the Amudo Community Development Union, came out in full to receive him. Men, women, and youths lined the road, waving palm fronds and singing dirges as they honored one of their most esteemed sons.
The funeral Mass was a dignified affair, celebrated by His Lordship, Bishop Michael Chukwu of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki. Over twenty Catholic priests joined in the liturgy, a testament to Sir Benedict’s deep faith and his esteemed membership in the Knight of St. Mulumba. The Mass was filled with solemnity and tributes, painting a portrait of a man who lived with purpose and served both God and society.
Following the Mass, Chief Sir Benedict Nwankwo was interred in his family compound, as tradition dictated. His final resting place was surrounded by loved ones, a symbol of the family he cherished and the legacy he built.
A retired Chief Superintendent of Prisons—now known as the Nigerian Correctional Service—Sir Benedict was more than a civil servant. He was a man of peace, a lover of justice, a bridge-builder in his community, and a humble leader. His contributions to the church, the state, and his community left footprints that will not be forgotten.
He is survived by his devoted wife, eight children, brothers, in-laws, and grandchildren. Among his children is Barrister Assumpta Ujunwa Nnadozie, a testament to his commitment to education and excellence.
Chief Sir Benedict Nwankwo’s life was a journey of faith, service, and love—and though he is gone, his story continues to inspire those he left behind.
