Late Mrs Rosemary Uzzi, a retired Assistant Director with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was laid to rest on Saturday in Asaba amidst tears.
Uzzi, who retired a few months ago from the Agency, was reported to have died on Jan. 22 at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, following a brief illness .
NAN reports that her children, family members, friend and well wishers, who gathered at her funeral wept bitterly.
The children, who were too broken and emotional, could not control their tears but managed to express their love in their tributes.
Her first daughter, Miss Anita Uzzi, a Lawyer, described her mother as an inspiring soul who was always there for all.
“You were the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-oriented woman,” Anita said.
On her part, Dr Joan Uzzi, a Medical Doctor, appreciated their mother for her enduring love and hospitality.
The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, represented by the Director of Administration, Mr Abdulkadir Khaliel, described late Uzzi as a dedicated staff and hospitable person.
He said that the presence of NAN family from various states to honour her at death was a testament to who Uzzi was, a friendly and hospitable person.
“She worked and retired at 35 years, and we surely miss her because of her commitment and dedication and wealth of experience, indeed, she was a good, loving and hospitable person.
“The children and the family should be consoled. Though a sad occurrence, she lived a good life. She was caring, honest, and a straightforward and loyal person.
On behalf of myself and the entire staff of NAN, I send our deepest condolence to the family of Uzzi,” Ali said.
Also in his testimony, a former Head of Administration in NAN, Mr Anthony Oghana, eulogised the late Uzzi, describing her as an inspiration to other staff.
According to Oghana, Uzzi came into NAN with a diploma but retired as an Assistant Director with a masters degree in Public Administration.
“Uzzi came to NAN for industrial attachment. It was her proficiency that earned her employment in the agency.
“Uzzi rose from a typist to assistant director, grade level 15. She came with Diploma in Public Administration, then earned a BSc and Masters in Public Administration. She is an inspiration to others.
“Again, I also witnessed it when the then Major Uzzi was coming to her in Lagos. I knew her from the scratch in NAN and when she got married.
“She worked under me; she was nice and homely, cared for the office and at home. This is my 18 years in retirement from NAN, I remembered everything about her and I thought I should pay her the last respect.
“I sympathise with the children because their father is also gone. But, death being an appointment, they should be consoled because their mother lived a good life”.
The Clergy, Pastor Christopher Uba, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in a sermon entitled, “What is life” said, “life is simply how the living impacted others”.
He quoted the book of Hebrews 9, saying that “Death is an appointment”, adding that all living will die someday.
He said that the book of Deuteronomy 10: 12-13 had admonished all to fear God and keep His commandment.
Uba said that the late Uzzi lived an good life while admonishing those listening to live and affect people positively, adding that money, wealth and assets acquired on earth were all vanity.
According to the biography, Late Rosemary Onyebuchi Uzzi, 56, was born to the family of Pa Onyia Okolo of Oko-Anala in Delta State.
She was married to late Major, Michael Idahosa Uzzi, who hailed from Benin, Edo and the marriage was blessed with two children.
Those that graced the occasion included NAN Head, Niger Delta Bureau, Mr Ekio Benson as well as NAN staffers from Abuja, Lagos, Awka and Asaba.
