From Harry Awurumibe, Abba
Tears flowed like flood water as the remains of veteran sports journalist and a foremost women’s football promoter, Miss Henrietta Ogoma Ukaigwe was committed to mother earth on Thursday at her family house in Umuokam, Umudurunna, Abba in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.
Ukaigwe, who died on July 14, 2020 at Lagos State Specialist Hospital, Ikeja after a brief illness was buried at noon shortly after a funeral mass at SS Peter & Paul Catholic church,Umudurunna, Abba.
The officiating priest, Reverend Father Paul Alozie admonished the faithful to live a good life, adding that late Ukaigwe led a life worthy of emulation.
The Man of God also stated that death is a necessary end which can come anytime hence everyone must be prepared to meet the creator by living a righteous live.
The corpse was taken from the church in motorcade to her father’s compound with the Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters Club band supplying music.
At the graveside, the priest (Father Alozie) once again prayed for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed. He asked God to forgive her shortcomings and grant her resurrection on the last day.
Her body was later lowered to the grave at exactly 12 pm amidst wailing and crying as siblings, family members, relations, colleagues especially the football fraternity wept openly for demise of the life of President of Female Football Interest Group (FFIG).
Highlight of the burial ceremony was a rendition of the National Anthem by the Supporters Club and a sound of trumpet by One Man Supporter.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sent a strong delegation to the burial and magnanimously announced a handsome financial support to the family of the former Coordinator of the national senior women’s team, Super Falcons and Team Manager of the U-19 women’s team to 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cup final in Canada.
The funeral saw a large turnout of football persons and groups especially Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo and Sam John and delegations of Edo State-owned Edo Queens fc, Rivers Angels fc, Anambra Queens fc and Imo State- sponsored team, Heartland Queens fc.
Also, present were a foremost women’s football proprietor ,Elder Eddington Kuejunbola of Ufuoma Babes fame and now General Manager Royal Queens FC of Warri and ex-Super Falcons coaches, EucheriaUche; Edwin Okon and Maureen Mmadu.
Yet there were top women’s football coaches, Rolland son Odey; Chijioke Osuagwu; Akeem Salami, Rita Nwadike, Regina Akaraonye and Stella Mbachu.
Ukaigwe’s FFIG members led by the Secretary General, Otunba Dapo Sotiminu, Humphrey Njoku, Macharles Ndukaihe and Harry Awurumibe SA to NFF President on Women’s Football Affairs were on hand to pay the last respect to their late President.
