Queen Chu Njideka, wife of King Appolus Buried in Royal style

…As Eze Igbo Ghana, Emir of Bauchi, Eze Imo, Senator Akume, Sen. Barinda, others bid her farewell

It was a rain of encomiums and hive of activities on Friday, May 10, 2024, as all road led to Eleme Kingdom where Her Royal Highness, Queen Njideka Appolous- Chu, the amazon of a wife of His Royal Highness King Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR, was laid to rest in a blaze of glory.

The Queen mother, Emereowa Njideka Eugenia Apolous Chu, 52, was an exceptional woman of substance, unassuming, as she radiated elegance, humility, charisma and beauty.

She was a devoute Christian, a caring mother, a lover of Christ and role model to many.

Until her death, she touched so many lives very positively and contributed her quota towards the development of her community and expansion of the gospel of Christ.

During the burial homily, the presiding Bishop of Just Jesus Assembly, PortHacourt, Dr. Norman Jonah , described the late Queen Mother, HRH Njideka Eugenia Appolus – Chu, as a devout christian, role model, and prayer warrior, who lived all her life serving God in truth , in words, and in action; while moulding the lives of her numerous mentees that have become source of pride and inspiration to the society.

The cleric added that during her life time, HRH Queen Njideka Appolus Chu didn’t depart from the religious tenents she held so tenaciously to even unto death.

Speaking after the funeral ceremony, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana), who led the retinue of his colourful entourage to Eleme kingdom for the burial of HRH Queen Njideka Appolus, wife of His Royal Highness, King Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR, Oneh- Eh Nchia x/Egebere Emere Okori, Eleme Kingdom, expressed deep condolences over the demise of the Queen mother at the age of 52, praying God to give his friend, HRH King Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR, and entire family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

For the mutual love and respect he shared with his brother and friend, King Appolus Chu, OFR, Ezeigbo Ghana, Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Ihenetu, who fled into Nigeria from Ghana, Thursday morning, was accompanied by Director on Media Strategy and Communications, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, alongside Engr. Chidimma Ihenetu for the Thursday Christian wake-keep/service of songs as he signed in the condolence register while sympathizing with the family.

In commiserating with King Dr. Appolus Chu, the immediate past Emir of Kano, His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero (Sarkin Kano, Emir of Kano ), expressed shock over the news of the demise of Her Royal Highness Queen Njideka Chu, describing it as one painful death that affected him given his close relationship with the deceased husband, HRH King Dr. Appolus Chu , OFR, and his entire family.

Leaving his condolences in print while addressing the teeming mourners who converged at the pavilion of the royal palace, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, conveyed his message on behalf of Kano Emirate Council to the bereaved family and Government of Rivers State, praying God to grant the Queen mother an eternal and peaceful repose in His Kingdom.
In his heartwarming tribute, HRH King Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR, penned down a rather emotional eulogy to his deceased wife in the following words, inter alia;

“It is with a heavy heart that I honour the life of my cherished wife Njideka, a woman who exemplified the true meaning of compassion and grace, a devoted wife. Your unconditional devotion and selflessness were the cornerstones of your role as a loving partner. You exemplified the essence of together in a partner, showering her family and friends with warmth and affection.”

Njideka, you demonstrated your commitment to this marriage by your unwavering devotion.

I hoped we would have remained together till our grey years, but I cannot question God’s will
May your legacy of kindness and devotion serve as a guiding light , inspiring us to cherish each moment and emulate your virtues of kindness, compassion, and unshaken faith in God.

Queen Njideka, you will be deeply missed, especially the short memories we shared together on the 6th of April 2024 a we celebrated your 52nd birthday.

The creme da la crémé spotted at the epoch-making burial ceremony by the Media Team of 4th Estate Reporters led by Njoku Macdonald Obinna , included but not limited to; Sen. George Akume, CON Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, CON, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, Ph.D, Sen. Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris, CON, Deputy Speaker 9th National Assembly, Sen. Olaka Nwogu, Amb. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of The Netherlands, Hon. Igwe Obey Aforji, Ph.D, member representing Eleme Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The royal fathers and traditional stools captured included; His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Estu Nupe, Chairman , Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Imo N’Ob N’Edo , Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador), HRM. Eze Dr. E. C Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo), Chairman of Imo State Council. Of Traditional Institution and Community Policing, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Is a Muhammadu, OFR, CON, Emir of Jama’a, among numerous traditional stools that may not contain in the list for want of space.

It was a successful burial ceremony as the atmosphere was friendly enough with a very tight security to ensure the safety of the high profile diginatries and personalities who flew into Rivers State from all walks of life and around the world to honour the invitation of HRH King Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR, as he laid his amiable wife, HRH Queen Njideka Appolus Chu, to eternal rest.