BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
Owerri, the capital of Imo State, witnessed an outpouring of emotion and a massive turnout of mourners on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as the city bid farewell to Lady Bernadette Chinwendu Njemanze, wife of Sir Eva Njemanze, the Owerri Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria.
Despite an early morning downpour that threatened to disrupt proceedings, the burial ceremony, themed “New Life for a Saint,” went on as scheduled, attracting a mammoth crowd from within and outside Owerri.
Members of the St. Paul Sub-Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba defied the rain as they led the solemn procession to the Aladinma mortuary, clad in their signature black suits. Youths and sympathizers joined them as Lady Njemanze’s remains were placed in a white hearse for the final journey to her matrimonial home. The Nde Ndom Owerri (wives), dressed in traditional attire, received the hearse with songs and wailing, creating a moving scene of faith, tradition, and farewell.
Sir Eva Njemanze, who had maintained composure through the wake activities, broke down in tears as the siren-bearing hearse entered his compound. The moment was deeply emotional as he reflected on 39 years of marital life with his late wife—from their wedding in March 1986 to her passing on August 29, 2025. On that same ground where they had begun their matrimonial journey together, he now welcomed her remains for the final time before her final commitment to mother earth.
The Supreme Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba, and all members of the Order led by the Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir (Dr.) Charles Mbelede, was present to stand in solidarity with Sir Eva Njemanze and his family. They conducted the traditional Office for the Dead service in honour of the deceased Lady before the Requiem Mass.
The Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Douglas Road, with His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, as the Chief Celebrant. Archbishop Ugorji, who had visited the same parish on a pastoral mission just three days earlier, returned to lead the faithful in commending Lady Njemanze’s soul to God.
In his homily, the Rev. Fr. (Prof) Marcel Izu Onyeocha extolled the late Lady Njemanze’s virtues and commended the commitment and service of her husband to the Church. He noted that the large turnout of mourners was testimony to the couple’s faith and dedication to God’s work, urging the congregation to live lives of service and devotion.
Speaking during the Mass, Sir Charles Mbelede described Lady Njemanze as a noble woman who served God with her time, treasure, and talent. “She has fought the good fight, served faithfully, and we pray that Almighty God accepts her soul,” he said.
Lady Njemanze’s first son, Obinna, expressed gratitude for the immense show of love and solidarity. “I have attended many events of the Knights of St. Mulumba, but I have never seen such a large gathering of Knights and Ladies. I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the honour accorded my mother,” he said.
After the Mass, Archbishop Ugorji blessed the remains at the church entrance before the Knights conveyed the hearse to St. Paul’s Cemetery for interment. At the graveside, the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Divine Mercy Group, and other societies to which Lady Njemanze belonged offered final tributes and prayers before her burial.
The interment was followed by a light reception at the Old Stadium, Tetlow, which brought together members of the Knights of St. Mulumba and their Ladies, the Catholic Men Organization, Catholic Women Organization, youths, traditional leaders, and guests from various walks of life.
The burial of Lady Bernadette Chinwendu Njemanze, themed “New Life for a Saint,” will remain memorable in the hearts of many. Her life of faith, service, and commitment to God’s work stands as a lesson for all who witnessed her final journey.
