By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
What began as a solemn gathering of mourning in Bukumanya-Bisu, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, transformed into a remarkable celebration of life, culture, legacy and service as the Ogogo Dynasty laid to rest their patriarch, Late Warrant Officer Joseph Echine Ogogo, amid pomp, military pageantry and rich cultural displays.
The weekend-long funeral activities drew an unprecedented convergence of military officers, traditional institutions, political associates, church leaders, family members and sympathisers from across the country, turning the quiet agrarian community into a carnival-like atmosphere filled with tributes, music, culture and honour for a man remembered for his discipline, humility and commitment to humanity.
Activities commenced on Friday evening with an emotional tributes and cultural night where friends, associates and loved ones paid glowing tributes to the deceased patriarch. The event featured captivating performances by cultural troupes from Cross River and Benue States, showcasing the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the region.
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The atmosphere was electrifying as songs, traditional dances and goodwill messages echoed through the night, celebrating the impactful life and enduring legacy of the late military veteran whose influence transcended family and community boundaries.
The funeral mass held at St. Justine’s Catholic Church, Bukumanya, attracted hundreds of worshippers and dignitaries who gathered to pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman. The Holy Mass was jointly celebrated by a team of Catholic priests, while the homily delivered by Very Rev. Dr Denis Ogwu of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja centred on purposeful living, sacrifice and the Christian hope of eternal life.
In an emotional moment during the funeral rites, it was revealed that the Joseph Ogogo Foundation built the magnificent St. Justine’s Catholic Church from scratch and officially handed over what many described as one of the most beautiful worship centres within the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja to the church community.
The development drew commendations from clerics, community leaders and worshippers who praised the family for immortalising their patriarch through service to God and humanity.
At the graveside, the atmosphere shifted from solemn reflection to ceremonial honour as military officers past and present paid their final respects to the fallen hero with full military honours.
Dressed in complete Nigerian Army ceremonial regalia, the remains of Late Warrant Officer Joseph Echine Ogogo were committed to mother earth amid military parade formations, gun salutes and other ceremonial rites reserved for gallant officers of the Armed Forces.
The firing of volleys and parade procession brought emotions to a climax as colleagues and fellow servicemen described the deceased as a courageous and disciplined officer who served Nigeria diligently and retired honourably.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lieutenant General E.A.P. Undiandeye; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt; several generals from the Armed Forces; senior officers from the Defence Headquarters; senior naval personnel; and other retired top-ranking military officers who came to bid farewell to the late WO Joseph Echine Ogogo.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Col. Canis Bishung Ogogo expressed profound gratitude to friends, colleagues, associates and sympathisers for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity accorded the family during their period of grief.
He specially appreciated the church community, military institutions and the people of Bukumanya-Bisu for standing firmly with the family and honouring the memory of their late father.
The funeral ceremonies reached their peak with colourful cultural displays, goodwill performances and community celebrations that gave life and warmth to the atmosphere, reflecting not merely a season of mourning but a celebration of an accomplished life, enduring family values and patriotic service to the nation.
Late Warrant Officer Joseph Echine Ogogo is survived by his wife, Ma Monica Ogogo; sons including Col. Canis Bishung Ogogo, Navy Commodore S.K. Ogogo, Augustine Ogogo, PhD, and Jay Ogogo; daughter, Stella Atte-Enyenihi; alongside several grandchildren, siblings and extended family members.
He is also survived by his brother, Prof. Augustine Ugar Ogogo, sister Mrs Cecilia Enyitang, among other relatives whose lives he touched profoundly during his lifetime.
