Ebonyi: Publisher of People's Guide Newspaper Buries Father Amidst Tributes

The Chief Executive Officer of Pace Media Limited and publisher of People’s Guide Newspaper, Pace-setter Israel Ekene-Mbam, has laid his father, Late Saint Patrick Otubo Mbam, to rest at their family compound in Ebianji Nnoyo Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The burial, held on Friday, 21st November 2025, attracted relatives, friends, associates and sympathizers who gathered to console the publisher and celebrate the life of the late patriarch with many describing the deceased as a devout Christian and community pillar who lived a fulfilled life before passing on.
In their condolence messages, the executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo and Arc. Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, CEO of C-SAGAS Group commiserate with the bereaved family and publisher of People's Guide Newspaper, Pace setter Mbam, advising him to take solace in God knowing that their father lived a fufiled life and assured him of their continuous support.
During the funeral service, the officiating minister, Rev. Chinedu Nwogo of the Presbyterian Church, reminded Christians that death remains an inevitable end for all. He encouraged believers to lead God-fearing lives and uphold the virtues that define true Christian service.
In his appreciation message, the publisher, Pacesetter Israel Ekene-Mbam, expressed profound gratitude to individuals, groups and institutions who stood by the family before, during and after the burial ceremonies.
He thanked prominent personalities including Arc. Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, CEO of C-SAGAS Group; the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa; the Executive Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Hon. Barr. Sunday Basil Nwankwo; Ebonyi State Attorney-General, Assoc. Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh; Commissioner for Information, Hon. Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe; and several political, traditional and community leaders who honoured the event. He further appreciated numerous groups such as the Unique Friends Club, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Ebonyi State Chapter, Eagles Club Foundation, Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum, NUJ Ebonyi State Council, Unique Ladies, Noyo Development Union, Alike Youth Forum, Don VIP Band, Men’s Christian Association (MCA), the Christian Association of Nigeria, various Presbyterian Church units, cultural groups, alumni bodies, friends, and the Nigeria Police Force for their support and ceremonial gun salute.
Ekene-Mbam noted that more than 500 friends contributed financially, morally and logistically to ensure the successful burial of his father. He made special mention of Chief Ochinanwata Augustine Onwe for his support, which enabled the family to honour the late patriarch in a grand way. “May the Lord grant you all peace, prosperity, and reward you richly for standing by us in this challenging and mourning period. We remain grateful for your support, which we do not take for granted,” he said. The late Saint Patrick Otubo Mbam has been described as a man of peace, faith and service whose legacy continues to inspire his family and community.

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