The Psalmist in Psalm 116:15 assures us that the death of holy people is precious in the sight of the Lord. The holy and saintly people are those who live a sincere and honest life. They are those who live a reason- ably transparent life in the sight of God and in the sight of man. The saintly people are never those who never had any fault or experience human frailty in their own lives. They are rather those who were able to surmount all obstacles in the course of life in spite of their own weaknesses. Chief Gabriel Nwoffiah, you qualified by every human assessment and measurement to be included in the category of the saintly people of God, having lived a sincere and honest life. I have no least doubt in my mind about your qualification. I have known you for the past nine years. Within the period, you worked very closely with me for four good years. You were so docile, so amiable, so devoted to God’s work, so humble and yet so sound in your reasoning; that I held you in esteem. Your presence each time was so invigorat- ing, encouraging and so reassuring. You were so supportive that I looked forward to seeing you each time needs arise. You were indeed one of my greatest motivators towards the progress of the young Parish then. You were so down to earth in humility, and were “24/7” ready to offer the truth and earnest guidance in moments of confusion and crisis. Yet you remained so detached and so selfless. You would prefer to be neutral and stand on your own than aligning yourself to a faction that was not sure of its true position. Chief Nwoffiah, you devoted your time to God and his services, and was always ready to spend your time running errands for him in promotion of faith, than to sit in a meeting that produces no meaningful results. Not minding your age, you always responded to invitations very swiftly each time your attention was need- ed in the Church. Yet you had no personal interest in any parish issue. You would prefer to spend yourself and your own resources in attending to parish issues without the least complaint. I remember I once asked you to give me account of the money you spent on transport going to Awka for the Parish land issue, so that you be reimbursed. You declined with a simple wave of hand, indicating that one who is ready to serve God should be ready to offer what he /she has without bias. Papa Benji, do I go on and on recounting your numerous virtuous encounter and relationship with me? Your virtuous life is truly a big story which will consume volumes to tell, but for want of space, let me stop here but not without establishing that your death is truly a passage unto eternity of blessed hopes. You lived for God. You worked for God in so many capacities. You very devotedly brought up your children in the fear of God and in sound Christian faith, evidence of which is before us today. You were so devoted to your wife, and she lived for you. I have concrete belief that you have gone home to rest in the Lord whom you so devotedly served while you lived. I pray and hope that your solid legacies of life of simplicity, sincerity, innocence, truthfulness, humility, devotion to God and his work, love for your family, your people and the Church will be emulated by all who today mourn your exit. We are grateful to God for the life you lived, which was fulfilling and enviable. Go and receive your reward on platter of gold. Do not forget to intercede for us before the Divine Majesty. Adieu Chief Nwoffiah! Adieu Papa Benji!! Adieu great servant of God!!! Rev. Fr. Chike Onwuegbusi Former Parish Priest, St. Theresa, Umueze-Anam.