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From Chidi Nnadi, Enugu
Today, all roads will lead to Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area as Governor Willie Obiano (Agbokuedike Global) leads his siblings, Cyril, Queen and Evaristus, as well as other Nigerians to bid their matriarch, the late Mrs. Christiana Obiano, a final farewell.
The late Mrs. Obiano, popularly known as Adilije, died on June 2, 2017, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, after a protracted illness, at the age of 90.
Mrs. Obiano would be remembered as a devout Christian mother who helped her late headmaster husband, Philip Onuora Obiano, to instill discipline in their children that made them to excel in life.
In her Azodo Manafa family of Eziagulu village, also in Aguleri, the late Mrs. Obiano was known for her quietness and good heart that attracted her late husband, Philip, to seek her hands in marriage early in life.
In the years she lived as wife with her husband, the departed Mrs. Obiano displayed her good heart among her husband’s kinsmen and others in Aguleri by lending a helping hand to the needy and less privileged, ensuring that no one starved, just as she applied the discipline of a headmaster’s wife to all, which helped to nurture a good kindred life.
Mrs. Obiano was also a good Christian mother of the Catholic faith, who served God in all honesty and sincerity until her death.
She lost her beloved husband, Philip, who was 57 years old, in November 1978, which left on her shoulders the responsibility of raising their four children.
This sudden turn of events brought out the best in Mrs. Obiano, as she went into business to ensure that the dreams of her children were not cut short by the demise of their father; and she saw to it that all her children were educated and didn’t lack in their upbringing.
The death of her husband and the new challenges thrown at her did not make her generous spirit to wane. She remained generous, giving freely and lending support to the needy.
It was her good spirit that earned her the nickname “Mother of the Poor,” just as her dogged fight to protect the poor and the downtrodden also earned her the nickname “Adinije ije amankwe ogiga.”
As the late Mrs. Obiano succeeded in bringing her children up responsibly and one of her sons, Dr. Willie Obiano, began to make waves in the corporate world, her people christened her “Nne Willie,” and Willie did not disappoint her as he later became the governor of Anambra State, where he has also been given the sobriquet of “Working Willie” because of his hard work as the governor of the state.
Mrs. Obiano, while alive, was a staunch member of the St. Anthony of Padua Society and St. Theresa’s Society, and was generally regarded as a pillar of her parish.
She saw prayers as the ultimate solution to all problems and was famous for her habit of reciting the rosary. Her devotion to her faith was not lost on the leadership of the church.
When she took ill and became bedridden for a prolonged period, fathers of the faith came looking for her and, at different times, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Bishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Ezeokafor, Bishop Hilary Okeke, Bishop Benson Okoye and Bishop Isizor visited her in the hospital just like many Reverend Fathers and Sisters did. In fact, Bishop Isizor administered the Holy Sacrament of the sick on her before she drew her last breath.
Already, the governor has floated a foundation in the memory of his late mother, the Christy Obiano Foundation for the Poor, in fulfillment of her last wish of taking care of the poor she had loved and catered for over the years.
As Mrs. Obiano goes home today to be with the saints in heaven, an avalanche of tributes has kept pouring on her governor son, Chief Willie Obiano, and his siblings from Nigerians in all quarters.
In his condolence message, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, described the late Mrs. Obiano as a woman that lived a fulfilled life, pointing out that it became evident in the enviable height her children had attained in life.
Also, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, pointed out that although the late Mrs. Obiano died at the ripe old age of 90, she would still be missed by many, praying God to grant the governor and the entire Obiano family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Not left out are the governors of the South-East zone who had sent in condolence messages to console their colleague and his siblings.
Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in his condolence said that “the late Madam Christiana lived a good and long life worthy of emulation. There is no greater testimony to the great life of Madam Christiana than the son, Governor Obiano, whose life work was greatly influenced by his parents.”
Also, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), of which Obiano is its National Leader and BoT Chairman, through its State Working Committee, wrote to commiserate with him and his family members.
“This is a difficult moment that can only be adequately consoled by the grace of God in whom we find our strength in adversity. Mama was a good and dedicated Catholic. She was committed to her Christian faith and she was a faithful Christian mother. We are optimistic that her faith in the risen Christ who is the way, the truth and the life will bring her to the glory of God’s kingdom,” the party said.
