Daniel UGWO

The community of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Lagere, Ile-Ife Monday 8 September 2025 observed their last respect for Late Moses Nna Onyia as Parishioners, friends and families gathered for his requiem Mass. Late Onyia’s Spirit separated from his body suddenly, early hours of Thursday 4 September while taking his rest.

At the requiem Mass, Rev. Fr. Livinus Nwafor considers death as the pathway towards heavenly glory. According to him, heaven is a home and Late Onyia lived life to the fullest as a sacramentally balanced Catholic. While admitting that though gathering at the event may symbolise part of mourning, he educated further that spiritually, the Church is happy. As someone with recent experience of late father, he considers death as an experience. Fr Nwafor didn’t discourage the family from crying and mourning, if need be; he further enlightened them of the reality that Moses Nna Onyia is gone for ever while persuading them against careless words in relation with the Almighty.

As regards wondering about how to solve the challenges ahead without the husband and father, he encouraged wife Dorothy and children to remain worriless because God is in control. Late Onyia, a member of Christ the king Society is the father of five active children in the Church’s activities.  Daniel Onyia is known for his activeness in the Altar Servers. Mary Onyia is member of the Lectors, Communications and members of CYON both in the Parish, deanery and Diocese at large. Susan Onyia is a member of the Parish Communications’ Commission. Jennifer Onyia is a member of the Lectors and Choristers while Queedarline Onyia also belong to the Lectors and the Choristers. All are active members of the Catholic Youth Organisation whose impact with the body are never the least.

Rev. Fr. Francis Adetunji, dean of Modakeke deanery and the Chief Celebrant at the occasion confirmed the father in the Children since he was not quite familiar with the deceased.  He worries that the number of Nigerians sleeping without waking up to life or slumping to death is on the alarming side in recent months. He however encouraged the living-Nigerians to regularly visit the hospital and desist from postponing negative health signal of any kind.

The Associate Priest, Fr. Philip Olagunju on behalf of the Parish Priest, Fr. Peter Adeyemi who was just few days on annual leave before the incidence, condoled with the wife, children, family and friends, including the parish community - while delivering the Bishop’s condolence. Fr Olagunju delivered the Diocesan Youth Chaplain’s message for being unavoidably absent. The eldest of the family Daniel Onyia appreciated all and sundry for support and participation. The deceased body left Ile-Ife Tuesday 9 September to Umulumbge Ezama Edam, Udi LGA, Enugu State; where he was later buried Wednesday 10 September. Late Moses Nna Onyia is however survived by wife, children and relations.