Last weekend, the quiet community of Idem Ukwu, Ogwa, played host to a mammoth crowd of mourners and sympathizers who thronged the area to pay their last respect to a renowned cleric, Rev. James Obichere Nwokeukwu Opurum.
Rev Opurum was a man who distinguished himself in the service of God.
After a funeral service at the St. Paul A.M.E Zion Church, Umuokparaanyanwu, Oburo Ogwa, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State.
His remains was lowered in a grave at the family house.
The church service was officiated by two Prelates of the Zion Church, Bishop Chuka Samuel Ekemam (past) and the presiding Bishop Uduak U.Effiong, Jp among other priests. It was more like a roll call of priests in the Zion Church especially within the South East region.
Opurum who was fondly called ACTION as a result of his swiftness in delivering results was aged 87. He was a graduate of Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina, USA where he bagged a degree in Sociology. His entire life was dedicated to the service of God as his pastoral activities took him from one point to another including the United States.
The deceased was married to Philomena and both had nine ( 9 ) children, two boys and seven girls.
One of his daughters is an American based activist and missionary, Cynthia Opurum. Aside his missionary activities, Opurum was also actively engaged in community services and educational development and won much recognition and accolades among which is an honour as ‘Kingdom Builder’ from the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, North Carolina.
He functioned as Chairman, Idem Ukwu Development Union for decades, Chief Scribe, Ogwa General Hospital Committee, chairman board of governors, Ogwa Comprehensive Secondary School.
He taught at both Egbu Comprehensive Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School, Egbu among numerous assignments performed at the church.
In his sermon, Bishop Effiong described the late reverend as a man who worked with God doing great exploits and who had gone to God. Anchoring his message on Genesis Chapter 5 verse 24, he urged Christians to meditate on the word, learn from God and work with God like Opurum. He prayed for the family asking God to comfort them and bring peace upon them.
In her tribute, Cynthia said in part , “My father believed that true leadership was not about power or authority, but about service to others. He led by examples-always putting the needs of his family, friends and community before his own. Whether it was through his work, volunteer efforts or simply lending a listening ear, he showed us that greatness is found in humility and compassion for others’’
The family in their funeral oration stated that” he served the church faithfully embodying the virtues of commitment, leadership and unwavering faith. His impact on the AME Zion Church and his community continues to be felt, cementing his place as a transformational leader in the history of the church, community and society at large.”
Aside the generous food and drinks other entertainments that spiced the moments for guests included Ogele dance group, the Girls’ Brigade Owerri and the Owu Omumu cultural dance group, life band among others.
