Homecoming to Nkpa: A Journey of Farewell, Family, and Reflection
Returning home is never easy when the reason is loss. My December 2025 trip to Nkpa, my hometown in Bende LGA of Abia State, was one I never originally planned to make—but one I am deeply grateful I did. The purpose of the journey was to attend the funeral ceremonies of two pillars of our family: my father, Israel Onwuseuka Aguoru, and my uncle, Elijah Ndubudi Burumacho.
Elijah was laid to rest on December 19, 2025, and my father followed on December 20, 2025. Two days. Two farewells. One profound homecoming.
The Journey Home
I arrived in Nigeria on December 16, 2025, flying via London Heathrow on British Airways. After a brief pause in Lagos, I departed by air on December 18 to Owerri, flying Air Peace—one of Nigeria’s newer and rapidly growing airlines. The flight itself was uneventful, a smooth one-hour hop to Owerri Airport.
What was unforgettable, however, was the experience at the local terminal in Lagos.
Despite arriving at the airport at 5:00 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. departure, the scene was pure chaos. Disorganization, confusion, and a complete lack of structure dominated the check-in and boarding process. I stood in line for nearly two hours, eventually boarding at 7:30 a.m. for a flight that was scheduled to depart at 7:00. It was one of those moments that perfectly captures a familiar Nigerian reality: a simple process made unnecessarily complicated.
Still, we arrived safely in Owerri, and that—ultimately—is what mattered.
From Owerri to Umuahia
From Owerri Airport, I was picked up and driven to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. I checked into a hotel that was dated and frankly below standard, but exhaustion outweighed complaint. At that point, rest was the priority.
Later that day, we continued on to Ntalakwu Oboro, near Umuahia, for Elijah’s funeral ceremonies.
A Solemn Farewell and an Unexpected Reunion
Elijah’s burial on December 19 was solemn yet dignified—a true celebration of life. The presence of extended family from near and far turned the occasion into a reunion of sorts, though born of sorrow rather than joy. Faces I hadn’t seen in years gathered under one purpose: to honor a life well lived.
After the ceremonies in Ntalakwu, I made my way to my hometown of Nkpa and onward to our family village home in Obolo Amaohoro Nkpa.
Nkpa: Surprise, Wake-Keeping, and Celebration of Life
My arrival in Nkpa came as a complete surprise to my family. I had not planned to make the trip originally, and their shock was written plainly across their faces. That moment alone made the journey worth it.
The wake-keeping ceremonies that night began behind schedule—as is often the case—but proceeded without a hitch. The following day, my father’s funeral unfolded not as a day of overwhelming grief, but as a celebration of life. Having lived to 88 years, his passing was marked with more dancing than tears, more gratitude than sorrow.
Once again, family came together—immediate and extended—turning loss into connection. It was another reunion, this time filled with shared memories, laughter, stories, and the quiet acknowledgment of time passed.
Reflections on Abia State
As we moved around Abia State during those days, I noticed something striking: the road infrastructure has improved significantly. Umuahia, in particular, felt far more modern than the city I remembered from nearly 46 years ago. There were numerous security checkpoints along the routes from Owerri into Abia State, but they did not inhibit traffic or movement in any way.
At no point did I feel unsafe.
That said, one issue remains deeply concerning—the driving culture. Reckless driving is still widespread, and it puts everyone at risk. Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee safety; attitudes behind the wheel must change as well.
Closing Thoughts
This trip to Nkpa was not about sightseeing or leisure. It was about duty, family, memory, and roots. It was about honoring those who came before us and reconnecting with those who remain. Amid grief, there was unity. Amid loss, there was love.
Sometimes, the journeys we don’t plan are the ones that matter the most.
— JourneyTimeTaste
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