Abia NUJ Secretary Lays Mother To Rest, April 17, Launches Foundation In Her Honour

The date for the funeral of Late Mama Helen Chinyere Abalogu has been announced to be on April 17, 2026. Late Mama Abalogu, the mother of the State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, Comrade Iyke Onuegbu died at the ripe age of 95.

Announcing the date at the NUJ state secretariat on Saturday during a press briefing in Umuahia, Comrade Onuegbu recalled that Mama Helen Abalogu died on December 6th 2025 and her death, according to the family came at a moment when relatives were preparing to close the year, leaving them with a deep sense of loss but with gratitude for a life marked by longevity and service to God and humanity.

According to burial arrangements, the
funeral will begin with a service songs scheduled for April 26th 2026 at the Umuaroko village square in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state.

This would follow by the funeral proper on Friday, April 17th 2026, to be conducted by the Church of Christ, Amuzuoro Ibeku, at the Ndume Otuka Secondary School playground, adjacent the Industrial Market near Ahiaeke Market in Umuahia North Local Government Area while Interment would follow immediately after the service.

Comrade Iyke Onuegbu

Comrade Onuegbu, who is the chief mourner described his late mother as a devout Christian and respected community leader, whose character, warmth and moral guidance shaped the lives of many within the family and beyond.

“She was a devout Christian, community leader and mother figure. She was noted for her strength of character, warmth and cheerful dispositions.

“Her sense of value was profound, radiant in love and nurtured wisdom . Mama was a passionate advocate for women’s education and social integration.

“Her contributions to community development would continue to be remembered” Comrade Onuegbu stated.

The chief mourner, who doubles as the Head of Information, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) disclosed that the family plans to inaugurate a foundation in honour and loving memory of the late matriarch, a move aimed at sustaining the values of women’s development and community service that defined her life.

“To immortalise her lofty ideals for women development, a foundation will be inaugurated in her honour at the farewell event,” he assured.

He further explained that, by establishing a foundation in Mama Helen Abalogu’s name, the family seeks to transform remembrance into a lasting initiative that promotes women’s development and community advancement.

He appealed for prayers of his professional colleagues , friends and well wishers towards the success of the programmes and their presence
at the burial proper.