The death of Pa Lawrence Ukachukwu Ifoh, father of the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, has brought together prominent political leaders from across Nigeria, who paid glowing tributes to the nonagenarian at his burial in Umuobasi Mbala, Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Among the dignitaries who commiserated with the Ifoh family and honoured the memory of the late patriarch at the ceremony on Friday were Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu; and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
Pa Ifoh, a businessman, respected community leader and devoted Christian, died at the age of 91 after a life defined by family, enterprise, faith and community service.
In his condolence message, Vice President Shettima described Pa Ifoh as a man whose life reflected strong Christian and moral values, saying those virtues constituted an enduring legacy for his children and the wider community.
According to Shettima, the deceased’s success in business was driven by “acumen, diligence, honesty, and forthrightness” in his dealings with others.
He added that the life of the late patriarch provided an example of the values required to strengthen peace, unity and stability in the country.
“Our nation needs the entrenchment and sustenance of peace and stability as the life of Pa Ukachukwu mirrors what we can achieve if we love one another and become our brother’s keeper,” the Vice President said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to Pa Ifoh, describing him as a man of quiet strength and enduring faith whose 91 years were marked by love, discipline and wisdom.
Atiku said the deceased positively influenced generations through selfless devotion, leaving behind a legacy built on integrity, hard work and compassion.
“To the Ifoh family: I mourn with you, but I also celebrate with you. Your father lived well, loved deeply and has gone to rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Peter Obi, in his condolence message, prayed for the eternal repose of the deceased and urged the Ifoh family to draw strength from the life he lived.
He prayed that God, “who called him home grant him eternal rest in His kingdom; and grant you, and your family the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in his condolence message, said the true measure of a man’s life was found not simply in longevity but in the values he transmitted and the impact he made.
“The true measure of a man’s life is not merely in the number of years he lived, but in the values he imparted, the lives he touched, and the legacy he left behind.
“From the tributes and celebration of his life, it is evident that your late father was a man whose influence reached beyond his immediate family and whose memory will continue to be cherished by all who knew him.”
The former Deputy Whip of the Federal House of Representatives and immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Adaejiagamba), who personally attended the ceremony, said the death of Pa Lawrence had created an enormous vacuum in the Ifoh family, the church and Umuobasi Autonomous Community.
She said, “Indeed, the death of a loved one is a painful and irreparable loss; however, the abiding tenets of our Christian faith give us the assurance that our departed ones are resting blissfully in the bossom of the Lord. Your father lived in such a way that he impacted greatly on every one with whom he came in contact during his life time.”
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, was represented at the ceremony by the party’s governorship candidate in Abia State, Chief Ceekay Igara, who attended with a large contingent of party faithful.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Igara described Pa Ifoh as a man of enduring impact, wisdom and community service.
He said his presence at the ceremony reflected his belief that leadership went beyond political activities and required standing with the people in both moments of celebration and grief.
“Leadership is about being with the people in good times and in difficult times,” he said.
In his homily, Venerable Stanley Anyanwu of St. Michael’s Anglican Church described Pa Ifoh’s life of service, humility and devotion to God as an example of the life Christ lived while on earth.
He said he was particularly touched by the deceased’s dedication to the work of God, which he maintained remained evident even at a very advanced age.
“What will you be remembered for when you must have transited? Just like Christ 2000 years after death, what will people say about your life on earth when you are no more? The legacy you leave behind must be most fitting testament of what you were.”
The burial ceremony brought together political leaders, friends, associates, Labour Party members and members of the Ifoh family, who gathered to honour the memory of Pa Lawrence Ukachukwu Ifoh and celebrate a life marked by integrity, faith, service and lasting contributions to his family and community.
