The remains of Dame Dr. Mrs. Obiageri Phoebe Oguzie, KSC, mother of former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jennifer Oguzie, will be laid to rest Saturday June 27, 2026, following funeral rites in Imo state.
The late Dame Oguzie, an accomplished educationist, public administrator, community leader and devoted Christian, passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 65 after decades of distinguished service to education, governance and community development.
According to a statement issued by the family and signed by Jeff Oguzie, the funeral activities commenced on Friday with a Service of Songs held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Aladinma, Owerri, where family members, friends, political associates, church faithful and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her remarkable life and enduring legacy.
Burial holds Saturday
The statement disclosed that today’s burial activities will begin with the departure of her remains from Aladinma Hospital Mortuary, Owerri, to her residence at No. 15 Jeff Oguzie Street, Prefab Housing Estate, Owerri, where a brief lying-in-state ceremony will be observed.
Thereafter, the funeral procession will proceed to Christ Anglican Church, Emeabiam, in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo state, where a Requiem Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Interment will take place immediately after the church service, while guests will later be entertained at a reception holding at Comprehensive Secondary School, Emeabiam.
The family also announced that the funeral ceremonies will conclude on Sunday, June 28, with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Aladinma, Owerri, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
A life dedicated to education
Born on October 1, 1960, Dame Dr. Mrs. Obiageri Phoebe Oguzie built an outstanding career in education and public service spanning several decades.
She obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in the United States, a qualification that positioned her among the leading education administrators in Imo State.
Throughout her professional career, she championed policies aimed at improving access to quality education, strengthening school administration and promoting the welfare of teachers and students.
Those who worked closely with her described her as a disciplined administrator, mentor and advocate for educational excellence whose passion for human development earned her widespread respect across the state.
Distinguished public servant
Beyond the classroom, Dame Oguzie made significant contributions to public administration through several strategic appointments in the Imo State Government.
She served as Chairman of the Imo State Education Management Board, where she supervised policies designed to improve secondary education across the state.
She also held office as Principal Officer to the Governor on Secondary Education, providing advisory support on educational reforms and school management.
Until her passing, she was serving as Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on Primary Education, a position in which she remained actively involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening foundational education and improving learning outcomes for children across the state.
Her years of service earned her recognition as one of the state’s most experienced education administrators.
Commitment to church and community
Outside public service, Dame Oguzie remained deeply committed to Christian service and community development.
As a distinguished member of the Anglican Communion, she devoted considerable time to church activities, mentoring younger Christians and supporting programmes that promoted spiritual growth and humanitarian service.
She was also honoured with the title of Dame of the Knight of St. Christopher (KSC), in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the church and exemplary Christian lifestyle.
Within her community, she was widely regarded as a compassionate leader who consistently championed initiatives aimed at empowering women, supporting families and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
Active in politics
The late educationist also played an active role in partisan politics.
As a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she served in several leadership capacities and was respected for her contributions to policy discussions, grassroots mobilisation and community engagement.
Political associates described her as a bridge builder who believed strongly in inclusive leadership and the use of education as a tool for national development.
Her political involvement complemented her lifelong commitment to public service and youth empowerment.
Tributes continue to pour in
Since news of her death was announced in May, tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, education stakeholders, religious organisations and members of the public.
Many have described her passing as a great loss not only to her immediate family but also to Imo State and Nigeria’s education sector.
Associates recalled her humility, kindness, integrity and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others through education and public service.
Several former students and colleagues also paid glowing tributes, noting that her influence extended beyond official responsibilities to mentoring countless young professionals who have gone on to excel in their various careers.
Family celebrates enduring legacy
The Oguzie family described the deceased as a woman of unwavering faith, exceptional compassion and selfless service whose impact will continue to inspire future generations.
According to the family, Dame Oguzie’s greatest legacy lies not only in the public offices she occupied but also in the countless lives she transformed through education, mentorship, philanthropy and Christian service.
They expressed gratitude to friends, associates, church members, government officials and well-wishers for the overwhelming support, prayers and solidarity shown since her passing.
As family members, associates and admirers gather today in Emeabiam for her final rites, they will be celebrating the life of a woman whose commitment to education, public service, community development and the service of God left an indelible mark on Imo State and beyond.