In loving memory of a life well-lived and deeply cherished.
Obituary
Ezinne Egbichi Ndukwe, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of the Amaokwe Item community in Abia State, Nigeria, passed away peacefully on the 26th of August, 2024, at the remarkable age of 106. Born on January 1, 1918, Ezinne Egbichi witnessed over a century of change, growth, and evolution in her homeland, leaving a legacy that spans generations.
Married to the late Onuoha Ndukwe, Ezinne Egbichi devoted her life to her family, nurturing and guiding her three children with unwavering love and wisdom. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, as she became a pillar of strength and a beacon of warmth to her nine great-grandchildren, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience, and community service.
Known for her altruistic nature, Ezinne Egbichi was heavily involved in local initiatives and cultural preservation efforts, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Amaokwe Item community were passed down to future generations. Her contributions to the community were acknowledged and appreciated by many, establishing her as a revered figure in Bende Local Government Area.
Ezinne Egbichi's life will be celebrated at a funeral service to be held at the Jane Egbichi Oteh Stadium in Amaokwe Item, Bende LGA, Abia State, on January 3, 2025, at 10:00 am. Friends, family members, and community residents are invited to join in honoring her life and legacy.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, generosity, and an enduring impact that will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ezinne Egbichi Ndukwe's spirit will eternally grace the hearts of those she touched.
Biography
Biography of Late Ezinne, Mother of Faith, Egbichi Ndukwe Onuoha (née Okum Egu) 1918–2024
Madam Egbichi Ndukwe (née Okum Egu) was born in 1918 to Chief Okum Egu and Mrs. Nwanedia Okum of Ndi-Oho, Amautu Amaokwe Item, Bende Division (now Bende LGA), Abia State, Nigeria. As the youngest among her sisters, she lived closely with her mother and younger sister Ugo, as her older siblings were already married.
Her early years were deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, with her family worshipping several idols. During this time, a woman in the community, named Mom Ugbalu, gave birth to twins, which was considered taboo. Egbichi was asked to assist the mother with the care of the babies. She carried one of the twins, despite the community's rejection of the mother and children. This act of compassion caused her to face humiliation and rejection, including being driven out of her compound by the priest of the idols.
However, her perseverance in helping this mother caught the attention of Okom Orji Onwuchekwa, a convert to Christianity. He supported and protected her from further mistreatment and eventually introduced her to the Methodist Church. Egbichi found solace and faith in her new Christian community, carrying a Bible to church every Sunday and building relationships with other church members.
One pivotal event that led to a major shift in her compound was the destruction of the idols by a young convert to the Faith Tabernacle movement. His boldness and the lack of consequences for his actions convinced the people that the idols held no power, sparking widespread conversion to Christianity.
Egbichi's early exposure to faith and kindness shaped her lifelong dedication to God. After spending time in Rivers State as a caretaker for her in-laws' children, she returned home and married Mr. Ndukwe Onuoha in 1948, following the solar eclipse of 1947. They had four children together: Onuoha Godswill Ndukwe, Emole Abraham Ndukwe, the late Igwe Ndukwe, and Igbeaku Innocent Ndukwe.
Christian Life
Following her marriage, Egbichi rejoined the Methodist Church Amaokwe Item, where she served with deep commitment in various roles, including as a choir member, prayer leader, and group leader. In 1990, through the ministry of her son, Rev. Dr. Godswill Ndukwe, she had a special spiritual encounter and gave her life to Christ. From then on, she shared her faith with her neighbors and fellow church members, becoming a fervent prayer warrior and intercessor for her family and community. The Methodist Church Nigeria recognized her with several awards, including the prestigious "Ezinne" and "Mother of Faith" titles.
Social Life
Egbichi was a peacemaker, always fostering harmony in her family and among her fellow women. She once went to a woman who had stopped greeting her, humbly prostrated before her, and sought forgiveness. Her humility and love for peace defined her relationships with others.
Business Life
As a hard-working woman, Egbichi engaged in multiple trades. She cultivated extensive cassava and yam farms with her husband, ensuring food was always available. During the Nigerian Civil War, she provided sustenance to refugees who sought shelter in her community. Egbichi was also a trader, dealing in palm produce, sand, and gravel, and she traveled to local markets to buy and sell crops for farm cultivation.
Community Service
Egbichi was a dedicated member of the Iheanyichukwu Age Grade in her community, where she contributed significantly to fostering unity. She retired after many years of active service, and in 2018, her children brought her to Aba, Abia State, to care for her in her old age.
She passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, at the age of 106, after a brief illness. Ezinne Egbichi Ndukwe leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, and service to God, her family, and her community.
She is survived by her children and a host of other relations including:-
(1) RevDr Godswill Onuoha Ndukwe (First Son)
(2) Abraham Emole Ndukwe ( 2nd Son)
(3) Pastor Innocent Igbeaku Ndukwe (3rd Son)
(4) RevMrs Peace U Ndukwe (Daughter In-law)
(5) Mrs Ojugo Emole Ndukwe (Daughter In-law)
(6) Mrs. Florence Nnenna Innocent Ndukwe (Daughter In-law)
(7) Mrs Ngozi Igwe Ndukwe ( Daughter In-law)
(8) Engr. Caleb Ndukwe Onuoha (First Grand Son)
(9) Chidinma Ezeala Nee Ndukwe (First GrandDaughter)
(10) Dr. Chinonso Jane Uwuilekue Jude Nee Ndukwe (Grand Daughter)
(11) Engr. Abraham Oloebube Ndukwe (Grandson)
(12) Engr. Ikedieze Emmanuel Ndukwe (Grandson)
(13) Goodnews ToChukwu Ndukwe (Grandson)
(14) Engr. Ndukwe Emole (Grandson)
(15) Godswill Onuoha Emole (Grandson)
(16) John Igwe Emole (GrandSon)
(17)Blessing Ezinne Ndukwe Onyekachi (Grand Daughter)
(18) Engr. Daniel Ndukwe ( Grandson)
(19) Queen Ezinne Innocent Ndukwe (Grand Daughter)
(20) Dr Winnie Uzunma Innocent Ndukwe (Grand Daughter)
(21) Grace Innocent Ndukwe (Grand Daughter)
(22) Ezinne Igwe Ndukwe (Grand Daughter)
,(23) Emmanuel Ndukwe Igwe (Grand Son)
(24) Chinwe Abigail Caleb Ndukwe (Grand Daughter Inlaw)
(25) Maureen Ene Ikedieze Ndukwe (Grand Daughter inlaw)
(26) Onyinyechi Goodnews ToChukwu Ndukwe (Grand Daughter Inlaw)
(27) OgeChukwu Ezeala (GrandSon Inlaw)
(28) Jude Ikpomosa Uwuilekhu (GrandSon In-law)
(29) Onyekachi Igwese (Grandson In-law)
(30) Chinemerem GodswillDavid Caleb Ndukwe (Great Grandson)
(31) Chinemezu-Okwu-Ya Joshua Caleb Ndukwe (Great Grandson)
(32) Chizaram Daniel Caleb Ndukwe (Great Grandson)
(33) Orobosa Victor Jude Uwuilekue (Great GrandSon)
(34) MUNACHIMSO MARVELLOUS OgeChukwu (Great Grandson)
(35) Isosa MmesomaChim Jude Uwuilekue (Great Grand Daughter)
(36) Esosa Ikedieze Jude Uwuilekue (Great Grandson)
(37) Chikamso Princess Onyekachi (Great Granddaughter)
(38) Uzunma Peace Ugochinyerem Ikedieze (Great Grand Daughter)
(39) Madam Ugo Ikwechere (Junior Sister)
(40) Mrs Ugo Orji Okorie ( Nee Egu) (Sister)
(41) Christiana Kalu (Niece)
(42) Udeagha Egu (Nephew)
(43) Nnenna Ofor Orji (Niece)
(44) Ogbonnaya Egbuta (Nephew)
(45) NkwaChukwu Nnanna. (Nephew)
(46) Ubani Ikwechere. (Nephew)
(47) Nnenna Egbichi Emole (Niece)
(47) Adannaya Emole. (Niece)
(48) Ngwanna Emole. (Niece)
(49) Prosper Ndubisi Emole (Grandson)
(50) Engr. Emole Igwe. (Grandson)
(51) Emole Abraham Onuoha Emole (Grandson)
(52) Onyejieke Emole Igwe (Grand Daughter Inlaw)
(53) Ori Emole (Grand Daughter)
(54) Engr. Ndubisi Okorie (Nephew)
(55) RevDr Francis A. Onuoha (Nephew)
(56) Egbichi Awa (Namesake)
(57) Egbichi Sam Kalu (Niece)
(58) Madam Ugo Egesi. (Sister Inlaw)
Gallery
Memory wall
Family tree
Service
Burial Dates :Thurs.. 2nd January 2025 by 4pm Body leaves Destiny Mortuary Alayi, and Lies in state at the Family house , Umuobasi Amafor AMAOKWE ITEM.
7pm Christian Wake Keep @ Rev Dr Godswill O Ndukwe's House @ Iyiobu Housing Estate AMAOKWE ITEM.
Friday 3rd January 2025 Commendation Service by 10am @ Central School Field 2 AMAOKWE ITEM Bende L G. A.
1 PM Interment .
Sunday 5th January by 10 am- Thanksgiving Service @ The Wesley Methodist Church AMAOKWE ITEM
