The remains of Late Chief Sir Pharm Ndidi Okereke, a former Abia State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been laid to rest in his country home, Uhude, Ngodo, Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. 

The PDP hopeful for Abia Central Senatorial District, Col Austin Akobundu (rtd) was among the array of dignitaries in attendance when the body of the renowned politician and trusted public figure was lowered to mother earth at his Palacias country home at about 2pm.

Earlier in a funeral service held in his honour at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Ngodo Isuochi, clergymen from various denominations paid their last respect.

In his condolence message to the bereaved family, the PDP flag bearer for Abia Central, described Sir Okereke as a very accommodating, affable and a witty personality, saying that the deceased had a particular and dramatic style of greeting his friends and fans and even giving them a warm hug any time he met with them.

He therefore urged the wife, Lady Victoria Nkoyo Okereke, his children, grandchildren and all he left behind to take solace while praying that the good Lord will watch over them. 

The PDP Abia Central Senatorial hopeful recalled that his relationship with the late Sir Okereke blossomed in the run-up to the 2007 gubernatorial election under the leadership and guidance of Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, pointing out that the late Okereke displayed an uncommon leadership style that made every personality around him to drink from the fountain of his leadership style. 

Also speaking at the funeral service, the State PDP Chairman, Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere noted that Abia PDP family has lost a rare gem in the person of Sir Ndidi Okereke, describing him as an outstanding politician as well as an epitome of courage and selflessness.

While condoling his family and the entire people of Ngodo, Okere asked them to take solace in the fact that their father and leader lived a fulfilled life. 

In a sermon entitled, "WHO KNOWS TOMORROW", the immediate past Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Most Rev. (Dr.)  Samuel Chukwuemeka Kalu Uche (rtd), regretted that people make various plans of what they will embark on without asking God for His direction who, according to him, is the only one who knows tomorrow.

He wondered why some people would live their lives with impunity and recklessness when actually they know that death will come one day. 

The former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria described the deceased as a personal friend, supporter and an individual who was known for boldness, courage, honesty, integrity, diligence and resourcefulness, opining that his contributions to the growth of the church and his community were unparalleled.

Aged 67, the late Chief Sir Pharm Ndidi Okereke popularly known as Nwachinyeremba 1 of Ngodo, Isuochi is survived by his wife, 6 children, 3 grandchildren and a host of other relatives. 

Amongst those that attended his burial were the former NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and many other dignitaries.

Media/Media Unit

Akobundu for Senate, 2023.