Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has urged residents to live exemplary lives anchored on truth, integrity, love and service to humanity.

Emetu made the call during the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Ezioma Ndubuisi Arukwo Onyebinanma, held at Amauhie in Eluoma Autonomous Community, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Deputy Governor said the funeral provided an opportunity for the living to reflect on the kind of legacy they intend to leave behind. He particularly referenced the message delivered by the preacher, Apostle Dr. Mrs. Kate Emmanuel, whose sermon centred on the question, “What will you be remembered for?”

According to Emetu, although death is inevitable, the impact of an individual's life remains through the memories and contributions left behind. He therefore encouraged Abians to treat one another with love, reject falsehood and uphold integrity in their personal and professional responsibilities.

“What we do will be remembered long after we leave this earth. We should strive to lead exemplary lives, love one another, always speak the truth, and avoid bearing false witness,” Emetu stated.

He commended Apostle Dr. Mrs. Kate Emmanuel for the message, describing it as relevant to everyone gathered at the funeral.

Emetu also noted that the deceased, who died at the age of 82, should serve as a reminder that the value of a person's life goes beyond longevity to the positive impact made on others.

Earlier, Apostle Dr. Mrs. Kate Emmanuel based her sermon on Acts 9:36–39, which recounts the life of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. She urged members of the congregation to consider how they would be remembered and to make meaningful contributions to the people around them.

The preacher pointed to Dorcas' acts of kindness and charity, particularly her support for widows, as an example of a life defined by service. She encouraged those present to become “problem solvers” and make positive contributions within their families, communities, workplaces, churches and areas of public service.

Dr. Emmanuel further urged people to approach opportunities to serve with sincerity and dedication, stressing that the lasting impact of their actions would form an important part of the legacy they leave behind.

In his tribute, Hon. Ndubuisi W. Iheanyi, son of the deceased, said his mother, despite having no formal education, was a woman of considerable wisdom who achieved success through farming and trading.

He also recalled that she received prestigious awards for her work as a cultural singer during the former East Central State era. Iheanyi described his mother as a courageous defender of the oppressed, a cultural icon and a nurturing figure to people who had lost their mothers.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.

During the ceremony, Deputy Governor Emetu also appreciated the people of Abia State for their continued support for the administration. He assured residents that the government remained focused on good governance and delivering tangible benefits to the people, while expressing optimism about further developments in the state.

Emetu attended the burial alongside his wife, Her Excellency Mrs Adaeze Chidera Emetu. Also present were the Member Representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; Mayor of Bende LGA, Hon. Uwabunkeonye Bassey; LP State Deputy Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Stephanie Nneoma Alilionwu; aides to the Deputy Governor and other well-wishers.