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By Henry Akubuiro and Richard Inyah
Reading in memory of the dead is often reserved for departed writers and members of the literati, who, during their spell on earth, were welded to the quill with an inkwell. Mama Magereth Ukah wasn’t a scribbler but she was a lover of writers and produced one of Nigeria’s notable writers, Camillus Ukah, former president of ANA (Association of Nigerian Authors).
On the eve of her burial on 24th of September, 2026, friends, relatives, associates, community members, parishioners, and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors from far and wide converged on the country home of the Ukahs at Umuokirika community, Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo State to listen to writers from different chapters read in memory of the departed matriarch.
Mrs. Margaret Ukah, aged 91, was eulogized for the exemplary life she lived as a distinguished community leader and devout Christian.
The event was graced by individuals from all walks of life, including the National President of the Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi; the Vice President, Prof. Obari Gomba; the Chairman of the ANA Board of Trustees, Emeritus Prof. Femi Osofisan; the chairman of the ANA College of Fellows, Emeritus Prof. Olu Obafemi; members of the ANA Board of Trustees, Prof. Razinat Mohammed and Prof. Joe Ushie; Prof. J.O.J. Nwachukwu Agbada; and the developer of the ANA Writers’ Village, Col. Kolawole Kayode Shaw.
Also in attendance were past and serving members of the ANA National Executive Council, as well as members and leaders from the various chapters. Members of the ANA Imo Chapter, the host chapter, attended in impressive numbers.
More so, other dignitaries at the event included Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, General Overseer, Charismatic Renewal Ministries, and Prof. Chidi Osuagwu.
Eze Dom Okoro and Eze S .P Iwu, two traditional rulers from Umuokrika town, attended the reading and delivered goodwill messages
The highlight of the occasion was the reading session itself, which was meticulously organised, with ANA members presenting works ranging from poetry to a short story , “Agu-Nwanyi”, written by Camillus Ukah himself and rendered by Dr. Beverly Enyeribe. Agu-Nwanyi literally translates to “Lioness”—one of noble character, industrious, caring, and indefatigable. These virtues were equally illuminated in the works read by the various authors. Indeed, Prof. Razinat Mohammed read a poem inspired by the short story, which she also titled “Agu-Nwanyi.”
Community members, women’s groups, and traditional rulers also came out to witness the reading. Furthermore, the Abigbo traditional troupe suffused the atmosphere with festivity through their remarkable performances. The traditional dance boasts a history dating back approximately 400 years and is performed during significant events, serving not only as entertainment but also as a means of social commentary, reflecting social norms and values through its lyrics and performances. It is little wonder, then, that the reading session was a truly special one.
In his remarks, Emeritus Prof. Olu Obafemi described the event as one of thanksgiving for a woman who achieved a great deal in life. According to him, a woman who reached 91 years before departing this world must be celebrated with thanksgiving, a Celebration of Life. Considering the number of authors who attended the event, he further likened it to a mini ANA National Convention.
The Ukah family was evidently intentional in ensuring that the event was unequivocally about celebrating the worthy and rewarding life of their late matriarch. There was ample food and drink, accompanied by light songs and friendly conversations. It was immediately apparent how peaceful, united, God-fearing, and hospitable the family was.
In their speeches, members of the Association of Nigerian Authors and other guests took turns extolling the virtues of the Agu-Nwanyi, commending her gentle and quiet flame that soothed every soul she encountered in her lifetime with love, warmth, and grace. She was lauded as the hand that never grew tired and the heart that never closed. Each praise-name bestowed upon Mama Margaret found physical testament in the many who readily attested to the impact she made in their lives. Her legacy is equally evident in her children and grandchildren, who have not only succeeded in their various endeavours but stand as great personalities in society, shaped by patience, dedication, and courage.
The National President of ANA, Dr. Usman Akanbi, thanked the family for their warm reception. He stated that theirs was a family known for peace, unity, and other Christian virtues, as instilled by their late mother. He observed that the number of medical doctors and other professionals produced by the family would not have been possible without Mama Margaret Ukah, and that the family would not have organized the free medical outreach it undertook in honour of the great woman. He equally commended the former President, Dr. Camillus Ukah, for being a great son of the family. He finally conveyed the Association’s sincere condolences.
Speaking in the name of his elder brother, Pastor Gerry Ukah, who had received the association in a warm welcome, Camillus Ukah, on behalf of the family, took time to thank the association, especially the members of the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Council, and everyone for travelling from different parts of the country to be with them. He prayed for their safety and wished them well.
That air of festivity continued the next day, and it was no longer an exclusive ANA affair. It was a carnival-like event featuring friends, well-wishers, colleagues, in-laws, community members, and people from all walks of life. The presence of the ANA members was strongly felt by the Umuokirika community.
