Jonathan, Governors, Dignitaries Pay Final Tribute to Late Chief Christiana Opara

ABOH MBAISE, IMO STATE — The community of Umuopara Nguru in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, stood still on Friday, August 7, 2026, as family members, friends and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for the funeral rites of Late Chief Mrs. Christiana Opara, JP.
Chief Opara, the beloved mother of the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and Chairman of CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, passed on to eternal glory on May 7, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 83.

The funeral rites began with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on July 29, 2026. This was followed by a Night of Praise on August 6, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru, where the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, ministered.
The grand finale took place on August 7, 2026, with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Nguru. The ceremony celebrated a woman described as having a heart that yearned for God and a life devoted to selfless service to humanity.
The funeral attracted prominent personalities from across Nigerian society, reflecting the wide-reaching relationships and goodwill of Prof. John Kennedy Opara.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri; former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; and former Plateau State Deputy Governor and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.
Also in attendance were members of the clergy, captains of industry, serving and retired military officers, family members, friends and other well-wishers.
Speaking on behalf of the Opara family, the patriarch, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, expressed profound appreciation to all those who attended the funeral and supported the family with prayers, solidarity and goodwill during the period of mourning.
The family described Late Chief Christiana Opara as a woman who lived an exemplary life of faith and selfless service to humanity, adding that she was given a well-deserved and befitting burial.
The family prayed that the soul of Late Chief Christiana Opara, JP, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, would rest in perfect peace. Amen.