A cleric, Rev. Fr. Daniel Onah, has urged Nigerians to lead a good life. 

Mr Onah gave the admonition in a homily on Wednesday at the Service of Songs for 39-year-old Chigozie Ugwu, a firefighter, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Mr Ugwu lost his life on December 13 fighting a midnight fire outbreak at the Motor Spare Parts Market, Coal Camp, in Enugu State.

The cleric said that Mr Ugwu died a painful death, although he died trying to save lives and property within the state.

Mr Onah, who is in charge of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, said that Mr Ugwu remained outstanding and forthright among his fellow fire officers and with positive testimonials following his life.

“We are here for someone whose stewardship and sacrifice even in death stand out just as our Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for us to have eternity. Nigerians should make their life outstanding and holy as death can come anytime and the account of our stewardship will be required,” he said.

Speaking, the Director of Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service, Okwudiri Ohaa, said that Ugwu was passionate about his job.

Mr Ohaa noted that Mr Ugwu missed an initial employment into the service and after some years later gained employment there.

He said: “Ugwu always led his team by being at the forefront of the operation and never felt comfortable delegating operation to his subordinates. He also showed selflessness in his relationship with other colleagues and even subordinates under him directly. The service lost a gallant fire fighter and someone that was highly dependable.”

Mr Ugwu, who was a senior fire officer, is second in a family of eight.

He studied mechanical engineering at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology where he graduated with a first class degree.

Until his death on December 13, 2023, he was watch officer in charge of Red Watch – one of the shifts at the Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service.  

(NAN)