•As family holds memorial mass in honour of late husband
Former Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter, Mrs. Florence Onwumere, and family held double celebration, which is a mixture of joy and emotion as they hosted thanksgiving mass for her retirement as well as in memory of her late husband, Chief Ambrose Onwumere.
alongside her Retirement Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Parish (CKC), Oru Ahiara (Afor Oru).
The event, which was held on Sunday 8th June, 2015 started with a Pentecost Sunday Mass, and drew a large gathering of family members, friends, and Colleagues from various Professional and Faith-based Organizations, including the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) Ahiara Diocese, NAWOJ Imo and Assumpta Arch Diocese of Owerri family, among others.
After the Liturgical Celebration, Guests proceeded to the Onwumere family compound for the blessing of Chief Ambrose’s Grave, followed by Refreshments and Tributes.
In a Powerful Homily, Rev. Fr. Clovis Njoku reflected on the mystery and power of Pentecost, noting its historical and scriptural significance as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles, igniting boldness and a renewed purpose.
“Pentecost is not a fairy tale,” Fr. Njoku proclaimed. “It is real. It happened in Jerusalem. It was written about not just in Scripture, but even in the writings of a Muslim and the Jewish philosopher Philo. When the Spirit comes, he brings wind, fire, new life, and transformation.”
Drawing from passages across Genesis, Exodus, Ezekiel, Joel, and the Acts of the Apostles, Fr. Njoku emphasized the seven gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, urging worshippers to embody them as part of their Christian witness: “The Spirit of wisdom, understanding, endurance, reverence—these are the marks of God’s children. They must be seen in how we live, how we lead, and how we remember those who have gone before us.”
For many in attendance, and Mrs. Onwumere herself, the Event was more than a dual Thanksgiving—it was a Testimony to her Resilience and Faithfulness, as she thanked God for His Goodness, Love and Mercy.
She expressed gratitude to everyone who came from far and near to be with her, describing it as a Journey of Grace safely done.
Having led NAWOJ Imo through Critical Seasons and Media Advocacy Campaigns, while serving Imo State as a Public Relations Officer in Ministry of Information, her meritorious retirement from Service marked the end of a Journey for Women Journalists in the State.
“Florence Onwumere exemplifies the Spirit of Service,” said a colleague from CAMPAN. “She gave her all to the Journalism Profession, to her Faith, and to her family. Today, she reminds us that leadership is not about holding positions, but living with purpose.”
Her husband, Chief Ambrose Onwumere, was remembered as a Pillar of strength, Discipline, and Community Unity. Many Mourners expressed gratitude that his memory was being honored during Pentecost—a season symbolizing new beginnings and divine fire.
The CKC Oru Ahiara Parishioners commended Mrs. Onwumere’s integrity, devotion, and impact within and beyond Journalism Circles.
“Her life preaches the Gospel better than most Sermons,” one James Ogu said.
“A woman of valor and dignity. This thanksgiving has left us all thinking about what legacy we want to leave behind,” said another parishioner.
With National Conversations around Women in Leadership, Media Integrity, and Faith-based Citizenship growing louder, the Event served as a reminder of how personal stories of loss, faith, and retirement can still stir communal purpose and healing.
As Pentecost invites the faithful to welcome the fire of the Spirit, the Onwumere family story challenges us to consider: Are we living by the Spirit’s Fruits—love, Charity, Humility, Generosity, Endurance?
And in the Words of Rev. Fr. Njoku, “Let’s not just attend Pentecost; let’s live it.”
