By Chigbu Nwaobia
The serene village of Umuapu in Umuachiri/Umuapu Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State came alive on February 27, 2026, as the remains of late Mrs. Comfort Omanma Ukah, the matriarch of Ukah family and mother of Pharm Chris Ukah, Publisher of Pharmatimes and GMD of KCH Group, were laid to rest in a blaze of glory.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who attended the burial ceremony with top government officials, described Mama Comfort as a “good woman who lived a life of legacy worthy of emulation.” He admonished Nigerians to make conscious efforts to live in righteousness and work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Governor Otti stated thus: “Let me start by acknowledging Mama, who is no more here with us. Her spirit has departed. Mama lived a good life, and what we have come to do today is to celebrate her. She was a strong woman who had a lot of legacies. So what we should say is thank you, God, for the gift of this woman because she lived a good life,”
The Governor emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life, stating, “The challenge is for every individual to be conscious of what he or she has done to deserve the kingdom of God.”
Earlier in his sermon, Ven Prof Udo Obioma, of Aba Ngwa North Diocese, in his funeral sermon captioned “The Blessedness of Death” taken from the book of Rev 14:13:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the LORD from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” urged Christians to live righteous lives in order to end well in life. He said the mammoth crowd that attended Mama Comfort’s burial was a testimony to how a worthy lifestyle should end.
The Archbishop of Aba Province/Bishop of Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South of the Anglican Church, His Grace, the Most Reverend Isaac Nwaobia, expressed appreciation to the Ukah family for transforming St. Silas Anglican Church Umuapu into a modern centre of worship.
“Your Excellency, people of God, let me use one minute to express my joy coming into St. Silas Church Umuapu. Two Christmas ago, I came here to dedicate a renovated St. Silas Church. Within those two years, something new has happened to this church. St. Silas Church has been transformed into a modern centre of worship,” Archbishop Nwaobia said.
In her funeral oration, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nwigwe, late Mama Comfort’s first child, described her mother as a remarkable woman who lived a life of love, generosity, and selflessness, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Born in 1931, Mama Comfort was a devoted wife, mother, and servant of God, who raised seven children with her husband. Her kindness and generosity endeared her to all who knew her, and her commitment to her family, church, and community will be deeply missed.
As a mother, Dr. Nwigwe said late Mama Comfort was known for her humility and industrious nature, instilling valuable life skills in her children and grandchildren. Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family, as she touched the lives of many through her involvement in church activities and community service.
She was known for her philanthropic work, particularly in supporting the less privileged. Her life inspired many, and her kindness and generosity continue to be remembered.
Pharm Chris Ukah, son of the deceased and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, serving as the publisher of Pharmatimes Monthly Health Newspaper and Group Managing Director of KCH Group, told Pharmatimes in an interview that his mother lived a fulfilled life.
He spoke highly of his mother, describing her as a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope in his life. He recalled her tireless efforts in building a loving family and her unwavering commitment to serving others. As a community leader and devoted Christian, Mama Comfort’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. Pharm Chris Ukah praised his mother’s remarkable ability to balance her family life with her passion for serving others, making her a true role model for many.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the occasion included: Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; Brigadier-General R.K. Apata; Col. M. Maaji; Mr. Hitendra Mehta, Indian-based Business Mogul; Senator Nkechi Nwogu, former Senator representing Abia Central in the national assembly; Dr Nyerere Anyim, one time governorship aspirant; Dr Maureen Aghaukwa, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State; E.U.G. Eche (Fmr SSG, Imo State, former DG, former Guber Candidate); Hon. Justice B.A. & Dr. (Mrs) Njemanze (Rtd Chief Judge of Imo State Judiciary); Hon. Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd Judge of Imo State Judiciary); Justice Obisike Oji – A former Attorney General of Abia State; Prof. Emeka & Dr (Mrs) Otagburuagu , former Director of the school of General Studies UNN; Prof and Prof Mrs Lawrence Ulu Ogbonna, FETHA, Abakaliki; Prof Ojimgba Onwuchekwa – ABSUTH; Prof. B.E.B & Prof. (Mrs) Nwoke (Fmr Acting Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri); Prof. (Mrs) Blessing Ijioma (Fmr Provost, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri); Prof. Jemimah Ogwo, ABSUTH; Prof. Joseph Oteh – ABSUTH; Prof Ukpabi Ukpabi, former chief executive, National Root Crops & Research Institute Umudike Umuahia and Prof. Bon Okoro of FUTO Owerri; Barr Chibuike Nwokeukwu (SAN); Barr Okey Amechi, SAN; Ken Njemanze (SAN); S.C Imo SAN and Barr Agbugbar (Chairman, Ikeduru Lawyers’ Forum)
Others included; Most Rev. Isaac C. Nwaobia, PHD. JP Archbishop of Aba Province/Bishop Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South; His Lordship, Emma Maduike, Bishop of Ikeduru & Nnedinma Ikeduru; His Lordship B.F Ogu (Rtd Bishop of Mbaise Diocese); Venerable Azubuike Koma, Chaplain and Chairman of Council, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Umuahia; Very Rev & Mrs Ernest Onyeukwu, Immediate Past Chaplain of the QEH Chapel, Umuahia; Very Rev & Very Rev Mrs Godwin Ikechukwu of Methodist Church Nigeria; His Royal Majesty, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, Eze 1 (Fmr Chairman, Imo State Council of Ndi Eze); His Royal Majesty, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa JP, 1st Deputy Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council and His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Chintua Ukah of Umuachiri/Umuapu Autonomus Community.
The list of attendees also includes: Dr Jerry Ugolee; Head, Department of Paediatrics, FMC, Umuahia; Dr. Ezinwa Ezuruike, Chairman Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Abia State; Dr. Lisa Ewuputanna, President, Medical Women Association (MWAN) Abia State; Dr. Chioma Uchendu, Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria, (MDCAN) FMC, Umuahia; Pharmacist Obioma Ukachukwu – Chief Pharmacist, FMC, Umuahia; Pharm John-Paul Nzewi, MD/CEO Jopan Pharmaceuticals Limited; Chief Judy Iyke Ogamba; Chief Effiong Gibe (Global Trustee, University of Ife Alumni Association); Ambassador Nwankete (President Recreation Club, Owerri); Chief Sir Bon Unachukwu (Zonal Chairman A.D.C. South East); Chief Nosike (Chairman, Eastern Bar Forum); Chief Ray Ezeama (ADC Zonal EXCO Member); Ms. Ada Akudike, (Regional Manager, UBA Bank) and a host of bankers
Mrs. Oluchi Onwubuiko, Mama Comfort’s second child, in her vote of thanks, expressed the Ukah family’s gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for not only attending the burial ceremony in person but also for making the logistical aspects of the event easier due to the good road networks constructed by the Otti administration.
She also expressed gratitude to the government of Isiala Ngwa South, the Anglican Communion, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Umuahia, captains of industry, business partners, in-laws, colleagues, friends and numerous others, who, in one way or the other supported us in this period of grief.
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