The remains of Sommie Maduagwu, a former beauty queen and Arise Television news anchor who tragically lost her life during a robbery attack at her residence in Abuja, have been laid to rest in her hometown.
Maduagwu’s funeral took place on Friday, October 18, at her family compound in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.
Family members, colleagues, friends, and dignitaries — including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi — gathered to bid farewell to the 29-year-old journalist, whose passing on September 29 left a deep void in the Nigerian media industry.
The service was marked by grief, reflection, and heartfelt tributes celebrating Sommie’s short yet impactful life.
A Priest’s Words of Comfort
During the funeral Mass, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish encouraged the bereaved family to find strength in faith, reminding them that life and death ultimately rest in God’s hands.
“The Lord who created us knows the beginning and the end,” he said. “Many of you are pained that a young life has been cut short, but we cannot question God’s plan. He gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, and He loves her even more. She is now in a better place.”
He urged mourners to honour her memory with prayer and to live meaningful lives, stressing that the quality of life matters more than its duration.
“The maturity of life is not in how long it lasts but in how well it is lived. Let us live our lives purposefully and righteously, because no one knows when their time will come,” Father Ezewuzie added.
Peter Obi’s Tribute
Following the Mass, Mr. Peter Obi delivered a moving tribute to the late broadcaster, describing her death as a painful and irreplaceable loss.
“We cannot question God,” Obi said. “When I heard of her death, I did not know she was from Agulu until later. Our coming here is to console you, but we understand the weight of this loss. It is the will of God, and we must accept it. Please remember her and her family in your prayers.”
The former governor shared that he cut short his engagements abroad to attend the funeral. “Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told some people I was rushing back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. I asked them to remember her in their prayers,” he said.
Remembering Sommie
Sommie Maduagwu, known for her grace, eloquence, and professionalism, joined Arise Television as a presenter and reporter, quickly earning admiration from viewers for her charisma and dedication to journalism.
Colleagues described her as a brilliant and compassionate individual who brought warmth to every broadcast and inspired many young journalists.
Her tragic death, which followed a reported robbery incident at her Abuja residence, shocked the nation and raised renewed concerns about the safety of journalists and residents in the capital city.
At her funeral, tears flowed freely as friends and family recounted fond memories of her optimism, humility, and determination.
“She lived with purpose and inspired others with her drive,” said a close colleague. “Sommie had dreams that were bigger than life itself, and though her time was short, she left an indelible mark.”
A Legacy Remembered
As her casket was lowered into the ground, the air was filled with emotion — grief, love, and pride for a life that touched many in such a short span.
Her funeral concluded with prayers for strength and healing for her family and a reminder that Sommie’s legacy lives on through the impact she made in journalism and in the lives of those who knew her.
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