Fmr President Jonathan and wife, Governors Otti, Bala Muhammed, Douye Diri, Others Pay Last Respects to Late Chief Christiana Opara in Umuopara Nguru, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State
The community of Umuopara Nguru in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, stood still on Friday, August 7, 2026, as family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for the funeral rites of Late Chief Mrs. Christiana Opara, JP.
Chief (Mrs) Opara, the beloved mother of the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) and Chairman of CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, passed on to glory on May 7, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 83.
The burial rites commenced with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on July 29, 2026, followed by a Night of Praise on August 6, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru, with the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche as guest minister.
The final burial was held on August 7, 2026, with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Nguru, in honor of a woman described as having a heart that yearned for God and a life dedicated to selfless service to humanity.
The funeral drew the “who is who” in Nigerian society, a testament to Prof. John Kennedy Opara’s wide-reaching relationships and goodwill.
Among dignitaries who attended the burial includes; former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, 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, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.
Also, Clergies, Captains of Industry, serving and retired Military Officers, and other well-wishers
In a statement by Celestine Toruka, the patriarch of the Opara family, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, on behalf of the Opara family, expressed profound appreciation to all the guests for their prayers, support, and solidarity during the mourning period.
“Late Chief Christiana Opara lived an exemplary life of faith and selfless service to humanity. She was given a well-deserved and befitting burial,” a family source stated.
May the soul of Late Chief Christiana Opara, JP, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. Amen.
