Ndokwa West Honours Legacy of Service as Chief David Ugbo Anite Is Laid to Rest at 90

By Wilson Macaulay

UTAGBA-UNO

Utagba-Uno stood still in solemn reflection on Friday, February 20, 2026, as sons and daughters of Ndokwa West, alongside friends and associates, gathered to bid a befitting farewell to Late Chief David Ugbo Anite, who passed on at the age of 90 after a fulfilled and impactful life.

The burial rites commenced with a Vigil Mass on February 18 at Annunciation Catholic Church, Bazunu, Warri, where family and parishioners offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul. The Funeral Mass was subsequently held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Utagba-Uno, before his remains were interred at Ndueze Secondary School amidst a large and respectful gathering of mourners.

In his homily titled “Know God and Repent from Your Sins Today,” the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Fabian Ekwerem, CM, drew his message from Matthew 25:31–46. He stressed that genuine faith must be evident in righteous living and compassionate service to others. According to him, while worldly achievements fade, a life dedicated to God and humanity endures beyond the grave. He urged the congregation to live purposefully and remain spiritually prepared at all times.

The cleric noted that the massive turnout at the ceremony was a clear testimony to the indelible mark the late chief left on his community and beyond. He encouraged attendees to emulate his virtues of humility, integrity, and steadfast devotion to God.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the first son of the deceased, Hon. Charles Ugbo Anite, expressed profound gratitude to God for blessing his father with nine decades of meaningful existence. He appreciated all who came to honour their patriarch, describing the show of love as deeply comforting to the family.

He portrayed his father as a disciplined Christian, a humanitarian, and a man committed to uplifting others. As a Personnel Manager with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the late Chief Anite was instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous individuals, thereby improving livelihoods and strengthening families. His legacy, Charles noted, is firmly rooted in empowerment and integrity.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, the late chief was also known for his passion for community development. He personally facilitated access to water supply in the community, a gesture that earned him widespread respect and recognition as a selfless benefactor.

Reaffirming the family’s resolve to sustain his legacy, Charles Anite pledged continued support for the church in honour of his father’s memory, emphasizing that his father’s life of courage, humility, discipline, and faith would continue to inspire generations.

Dignitaries present at the burial included High Chief Tunde Smooth, Bolouwei of Ijaw Nation; Olorogun Chief Elijah JP, former Vice Chairman of Ndokwa West LGA; Chief Paul Ekewenu (Palepa); Dr. Ojobor Tex; Chief Gabriel Onwubolu; Odogwu-abi of Ushie, Anim B.S.; Oduah Ikechukwu, and several other notable personalities.

Late Chief David Ugbo Anite is survived by his children — Charles Anite Ugbo, Joy Eke Anite, Winifred Iwomi, Eunice Ugbo, Ike Anite Ugbo, Emeke Anite Ugbo — grandchildren, and a host of extended family members.

As the curtain fell on the funeral rites in Utagba-Uno, it was evident that the day marked not just the burial of a patriarch, but the celebration of a life richly spent in faithful service to God and humanity.