Life And Times Of Our Beloved Matriarch, Nneoma, Ezinne Jane Anayalewechi Akwaeke Nwakibu (nee Ochuba) (Mama Jane)

By Valentine Nwakibu

 

Nneoma, Ezinne Jane Anyalewechi Akwaeke Nwakibu (nee Ochuba) (Mama Jane), was born on Sunday,  September 29,1929, to late Papa Thomas and late Mama Margaret Ochuba, at Umueme, Awo – Omamma. She was the last out of five children, and until Sunday  June 9,  2024, the only surviving one.

Mama’s father, Pa Thomas, was at that time, the local Catechist at St John’s Catholic Church Ubachima, Awo-Omamma. Due to his association with the early Missionaries, he became aware of how invaluable education was and decided on educating his children as far back as that era.

Mama Jane started her education at St John’s Elementary School, Ubachima, and later St Patrick’s School, Isieke (both in Awo-Omamma) where she obtained her Standard Six Certificate.

She then proceeded to Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku to train as a Nurse. But her stay there was cut short, due to the untimely death of her elder sister. Her Mother, Mama Margaret, plagued by the loss of her daughter trekked all the way to Emekuku from Awo-Omamma, to demand that her daughter, Ma Jane returned home with her permanently. Before Ma jane left Emekuku, the Nursing Sister in Charge, who recognized her potentials, recommended her to Late Monsignor Joseph Nwanegbo in Oguta, asking him to assign Ma Jane to some other tasks in the church that would keep her close to home, so she could care for her mother. Ma Jane was thus sent for a crash Teacher training course at Sacred Heart Convent Oguta, after which she was then assigned to teach at St John’s Elementary School (her Alma Mater). A post she held for two short years.

Whilst at St Patrick’s School, Ma Jane met and subsequently fell in love with a handsome young man named Vincent Ukadike Nwakibu (of blessed memory). The two lovebirds courted for 10 years before finally getting married on 4th November 1954, at CKC Catholic Church Aba, where her heartthrob had relocated k from Lagos. He was a civil servant to lay the foundations of his business interest which later blossomed into the conglomerate V.U.Nwakibu & Sons Nigeria Ltd as we know it today. This also saw an end to Ma Jane’s teaching career as she had to move to Aba to live with her new husband. Naturally Mama took to business, initially managing her shops during childbearing and rearing years. She later teamed up with her husband to create the successful business companies that exist till this day.

Childbearing and rearing years that resulted in, and  blessed with eight children  (six men and two women) 28 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Ma Jane was a woman of immense faith. An icon of virtue, advocate of the voiceless, mother to multitudes, disciple of Mother Mary and the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. She ran the race diligently and focused. It even pleased God to call her home on a Sunday! We are hopeful and pray that she will be blessed with that crown of glory she yearned for all through her lifetime.

Mama served the church in numerous capacities. Together with her husband, they single-handedly built the old St Mary’s Church, on the current site -their donation to mark the silver jubilee anniversary of their marriage. They also built and donated the Parish Priest’s house at the Mother Parish, St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Awo-Omamma. They also built and donated a classroom block at Secondary Technical School Awo- Omamma, and lately, in memory of her dear husband, during his 10th memorial anniversary, Mama encouraged her children to build a hall and donate to St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ubogwu, Awo-Omamma.

Mama belonged to many societies – Legion of Mary, Sacred Heart, St Anne CWO, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Aba; CWO of St Mary’s Ubogwu; Holy Ghost Vocation Movement, to mention but a few. She also served in various capacities in these societies including as CWO President in St. Patrick and St. Mary Parishes respectively. Mama received numerous awards and meritorious certificates from Aba and Orlu Dioceses, the list of which will easily fill a page.

 

Mama also served humanity, mother to countless people, but above of all, to us her biological children.

Mama would cook for us even in her grand old age, was still looking after all the family estates locally up till  the time she transited. She was blessed with excellent physical and mental abilities up till the end. A great and renowned farmer, Mama would annually take leave of absence during farming season to come back to the village to engage in farm work. Mama still enjoyed farming till the end, found it difficult to adhere to just sitting and supervising or advising the hired labourers during these past few years. Her yam barn was testament to her farming talent.

Mama had her share of grief too. She was pre-deceased by her dear husband, a grandson, a daughter- in- law and of course her siblings.

Mama Jane is survived by:

CHILDREN:

Chief Valentine Nwakibu

Chief Anene Nwakibu

Mr. Athan Nwakibu

Chief Ugochukwu Nwakibu

Chief (Mrs.) Adaku Celly Odom

Chief Sabastian Nwakibu

Mrs. Nkiru Nwakibu-Ordor

Mr. Chigozie Nwakibu.

DAUGHTERS -IN -LAW:

Lolo Dr. Catena Ngozi Offurum-Nwakibu

Chief (Mrs.) Cynthia Nwakibu

Lolo Amaka Nwakibu

Lolo Appo Nwakibu

Dr (Mrs.) Adaku Nwakibu

SONS -IN- LAW:

Hon, Chief Chuka Odom

Mr. Anthony Ogu-Ordor

GRAND CHILDREN:

Mrs. Chioma Nwakibu-Roth

Mrs. Ugochi Nwakibu-Serbian-Lander

Mr.Emeka Nwakibu

Mr. Ucheoha Nwakibu

Dr.(Mrs.) Nkenna Odom-Ajuyah,

Attorney Quincy Emmanuel Nwakibu

Barrister (Mrs.) Obianuju Odom-Bello,

Dr. Uzoma Nwakibu,

Miss Chelsea Flora Nwakibu,

Miss Chidinma Odom,

Miss Shalom Nwakibu,

Miss Solidad Ekenem Nwakibu,

Miss Christal Mina Nwakibu,

Miss Obianuju Hannah Nwakibu,

Miss Chioma Odom,

Miss Nneamaka Odom,

Miss Adanma Nwakibu-Ordor,

Chinemerem Nwakibu,

Princess Odom,

Chizitara Nwakibu,

Kamdikachi Nwakibu,

Karachi Nwakibu,

Nnamdi Odom,

Ugochukwu Odom,

Chimdalu Ogu-Ordor,

Ozuome Nwakibu,

Kanayo Nwakibu,

Chigemezu Ogu-Ordor,

GRANDSONS -IN- LAW

Mr. Tim Serbian-Lander,

Attorney Brian Roth,

Dr. Richard Ajuyah,

Mr. Gabriel Bello,

 

And a host of other relatives.

 

Ma Jane will be greatly missed.

 

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