By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The Mbata family, surrounded by relatives, friends, well-wishers and indeed the faithful of Ahiara Diocese, laid their matriarch, Ezinne Janeth Ulumma Mbata, to rest at St. Charles Catholic Church, Enyiogugu, on Friday, August 14, 2026. She was 94.
Ezinne Mbata was the mother of Very Rev. Fr. Evaristus Mbata, the Chancellor and Secretary of Ahiara Diocese, and Sr. Salome Mbata, MSHR.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, with the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu, and a large number of concelebrating priests in attendance.
Bishop Nwobi described the funeral as an occasion not merely of mourning but of joyful thanksgiving for the gift of Ezinne Mbata’s long life, an opportunity to reflect on the legacy she left behind and, above all, to pray for the repose of her soul.
Preaching on the theme, “Holding Unto Your Duty and Destination”, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nwachukwu Odu, Parish Priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Ezuhu na Amadi, urged the faithful to emulate the late matriarch’s steadfast faith and fidelity to her vocation as a wife and mother.
Drawing from the readings, Fr. Odu stressed the importance of remaining faithful to one’s duty and trusting in Christ without fear. He observed that the journey of faith does not always offer complete clarity, since God often reveals His purposes gradually, but that Mama Mbata remained steadfast because her eyes were fixed on her ultimate destination: the presence of God.
The homilist also reflected on authentic leadership, noting that true leadership is expressed through sacrificial service rather than self-aggrandisement, while strong character is often forged through the trials and demands of life.
He challenged young people not to exchange their eternal destiny for fleeting pleasures or allow the noise of the digital age to drown out the voice of the Good Shepherd. Parents, he said, should lead by example by praying with their children, while married couples should nurture their unity through prayer, integrity and daily gratitude.
Expressing the solidarity of the Diocese, the Vicar General of Ahiara Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, delivered a formal message of condolence to the Mbata family on behalf of the Bishop, clergy and faithful.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Very Rev. Fr. Evaristus Mbata expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Nwobi and Bishop Obiatuegwu, as well as the priests, religious and lay faithful, for their prayers, solidarity and support as the family laid their mother to rest.
The solemn Rite of Final Commendation was performed by Rev. Msgr. Patrick Ibole, bringing to a close a grace-filled celebration of a life marked by faith, family and service to the Church.
May the soul of Ezinne Janeth Ulumma Mbata rest in perfect peace. Amen.
