By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

The remains of an Abia founding father, Dr. Emmanuel Adaelu, was interred on Wednesday at his country home, Abayi in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adaelu, 92, was one of the state’s foremost industrialists and the Chairman of Chemlap Nigeria Limited, Aba.

Adaelu was elected Vice President of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in 1996 and in 2013 with the association naming him a lifetime Vice President.

The Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, in his eulogy, described Adaelu’s demise as a“monumental loss to Ngwa land”.

Emeruwa said that the deceased was committed in projecting Abia people’s course evidenced through various ventures he championed.

“He lived a life of service and positively impacted the lives of people that encountered him.

“I commiserate with the family and urge them to carry on with the legacy of its patriarch,” he said.

Former Abia Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, said that the deceased lived a life of courage, leadership and service to God.

Ikpeazu said that the deceased in his lifetime, taught lots oflessons through his lifestyle.

“We are here to celebrate his life and I pray his life will encourage us to be committed in God’s work.

“I pray that Adaelu’s death will encourage us to promote peace, unity and love in our society,” he said.

Chief Theo Nkire, an Elder Statesman, said that the deceased’s life served as a motivation to people who admired him anddesiredpositive impact on the society.

“I am here to bid farewell to my friend of over half a century.

“I urge everyone to commit greatly to community service and the church as Adaelu did during his lifetime,” Nkire said.

The President of the WestCentral African Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Prof. Robert Ossei-Bonsu, described the deceased as a “community builder”.

Ossei-Bonsu in a sermon titled “A life of legacy and faith” said the deceased lived a life of Godly character and commitment to service.

“He was a servant-leader and a community builder who lived a life that emphasised service to God in generosity.

“I urge the family and community of the deceased to preserve his legacies,” he said.

Miss Sharon Adaelu, the deceased’s granddaughter in a tribute, said he was an iconic leader, a devoted christian and a community builder.

“Our patriarch lived fighting the cause of those who were marginalised in the society,” she eulogised.

NAN reports that the event was also attended by the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, at the House of Representatives, Chief Ginger Onwusibe,

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Sen. Adolphus Wabara among other dignitaries also attended the event. (NAN)