22/05/2026
REQUIEM MASS FOR LATE KADUNA GRAND PRESIDENT BRIGADIER GENERAL AUGUSTINE ODOEMENA AT ST THERESA'S FUNTUA.
22nd May, 2026.
The Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Late Brigadier General Augustine Odoemena commenced solemnly with an entrance procession led by Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa alongside the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Luka Yohanna; the Dean of Funtua Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Shuaibu; and other priests including Rev. Fr. Habila Mayere Shuaibu, Rev. Fr. Reuben Ahmodu – Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Musa Abubakar – Associate Priest, and Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bello. Also present in the procession were the Knights and Ladies of Knights of St. John International who gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects to their departed brother knight.
The Holy Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Word, with readings specially selected for the Requiem celebration. The Gospel reading was taken from the Gospel of John 17:24–26 and was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Musa Abubakar.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Habila Mayere gave a profound reflection on the exemplary life and legacy of Late Brigadier General Augustine Odoemena Esq. He described the deceased as a man of deep faith, humility, discipline, and unwavering dedication to both God and humanity. Drawing from his personal encounters with him, Rev. Fr. Habila spoke emotionally about how Late Brig. Gen. Odoemena was widely respected for his peaceful nature, generosity, kindness, and sincere love for people irrespective of tribe, religion, or social status.
He further explained that the late Brigadier General was not only committed to his profession as a legal practitioner and barrister of high repute, but also remained steadfast in his service to the Church as a devoted Knight of St. John International. According to him, the deceased constantly worked for the growth of the Church and the welfare of society, extending support even to members of the Muslim community and other people around him. He emphasized that his life was a testimony of charity, sacrifice, and faithful service.
Concluding his homily, Rev. Fr. Mayere prayed for the repose of the soul of Late Brig. Gen. Odoemena and also for God to comfort his family and the church for this great loss.
The celebration proceeded with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, beginning with the Prayer of the Faithful and the offertory procession. The Holy Mass reached its spiritual climax during the consecration of the Holy Eucharist as the faithful participated prayerfully and received Holy Communion with deep reverence, united in prayer for the peaceful repose of the soul of Late Brigadier General Augustine Odoemena.
Also present at the Mass were members of the Nigerian Bar Association of Funtua Chapter who expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Church, the Knights, and the immediate family of the deceased. They acknowledged his outstanding dedication to justice, service, and humanity, describing him as a man whose life positively impacted many people within and outside the legal profession.
Speaking on the legacy of the deceased, the Acting Grand President, Col. Paul Yusuf, described Late Brig. Gen. Odoemena as a man who lived an accomplished and impactful life. He spoke extensively about his immense contributions to the Church, the Knights of St. John International, and society at large. He further noted that the deceased was respected across religious and social boundaries because of his humility, generosity, and commitment to peace and unity.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa reflected on the enduring legacy left behind by Late Brig. Gen. Odoemena. He highlighted his tremendous contributions to the Church, his unwavering love for God, and his charitable works towards humanity. His Lordship encouraged the faithful to continue praying for the deceased and to preserve the good values and examples he represented during his lifetime.
The Mass came to a solemn and prayerful close with the final blessings imparted by Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa. Group photographs were thereafter taken with the clergy, Knights, family members, and well-wishers after the celebration.
✍️Ummi Victoria Saidu.
