By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The quiet community of Ebenator in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive with emotion, remembrance and deep reflection on Tuesday, April 7, as activities marking the burial of former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Harry Nnabueze Oranezi, commenced with a youth-organised memorial football match and candlelight procession.
The football match, held at the Community Secondary School Field, Ebenator, was part of the events preceding his burial slated for Wednesday, April 8. The symbolic game drew participation from different village blocs within the community, reflecting the unity and collective grief that have trailed the passing of the late lawmaker, popularly known as Ifèmba.
The match was officially kicked off after a solemn minute of silence observed in his honour; after which the encounter between Umuonyeukpa/Umunnama Team and Uhuala/Amakom Team keenly intensified, with both sides showing determination in a first half that ended in a goalless draw.
Resumption of the second half, however, saw a breakthrough as Uhuala/Amakom Team found the back of the net through a well-executed free kick barely seven minutes into play, a goal that ultimately sealed a 1–0 victory at the final whistle.
Beyond competition, the memorial match served as a symbolic tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, unity and community development.
Match officials included referee, Mr. Emeka Ezeh; commentator, Mr. Eugene Ezeiwuchukwu; and linesmen Anayo Ezekwueche and Chukwudiegwu Orjiako, all of whom contributed to the smooth conduct of the event.
In furtherance to the tribute, after the match, youths of the community, under the leadership of Comrade Chukwuka Akam, staged a candlelight procession in honour of the late statesman.
The procession, which commenced from the field, moved through Amaezeokafor and terminated at the residence of the deceased, where the wake-keep was held, attracting a massive turnout of youths, mourners, admirers and sympathisers who lit candles in solemn remembrance of a life widely regarded as impactful and selfless.
Also present at the wake-keep were members of the Ebenator Development Union, led by its President-General, Ambassador Henry Chigozie Anadi, alongside members of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club and other notable stakeholders, who joined the family in mourning and paying glowing tributes to the departed leader, who was one of the Irokos of Ebenator community.
Dr. Oranezi, a medical doctor turned politician, represented Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007. He later served as Director-General of the Atiku/Obi Presidential Campaign Council in Anambra State during the 2019 general elections and remained a formidable political voice and grassroots mobiliser until his death on January 24, 2026, at the age of 59.
Beyond politics, he was widely revered as a community pillar, whose interventions in infrastructure, youth empowerment and humanitarian support left lasting imprints across Ebenator and beyond. His role in facilitating the tarring of the major access road into the community, even while on his sick bed, remains one of the defining symbols of his commitment to development.
After being brought to the Ebenator Civic Center and a burial service to be presided over by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Amichi, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor; the remains of Late Hon. Dr. Oranezi will be committed to the mother earth on Wednesday, April 8, amid further outpouring of tributes and panegyrics.
More photos from the events:
