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By Vincent Kalu
To liken Elder Mrs. Ugoji Ajike (née Ukpai Uga) to Tabitha (Dorcas) is a fitting tribute to the remarkable life she lived on earth. Those who did not know her as Dorcas knew her by many other cherished names: Ugoji Uga, Ma Teacher, Ada Nna Ukpai Uga, Ma Elder, Ma Solid Rock, Ma Isieke, Ma Nna Joseph, Ma Alibekke, Headmistress, Ma Iby, Mia OI,
Mia Nwanna, Ochikota Nde Iyom, among others.
Like the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31, Ma Ugoji was a woman of noble character, strength, and deep moral integrity. She was a timeless model of grace, wisdom, and selfless devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.
Ma Elder placed her trust in God rather than in society for her worth and future. She spoke with wisdom, and the law of kindness guided her tongue. She worked diligently, managed her household with excellence, and was never afraid to take initiative.
Her hands were always extended to the poor, and she readily assisted those in need. Clothed with strength and dignity, she faced life’s challenges with courage and confidence rather than fear.
Ma Teacher’s life was not a call to perfection but an enduring example of devotion, service, humility, and inner beauty.
According to available records, Elder Mrs. Ugoji Ajike (née Ukpai Uga) was born on 16 November 1935 in Akanu Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. She was the first daughter of the late Chief Joseph Ukpai Uga of Nde Omai, Ndea Odo Section, and Mrs. Janet Nnezi Ukpai Uga (née Agwu Osiri) of Nde Uma, Ekeluogo Section, both of Akanu Ohafia. She belonged to the revered Okochi Yara Uyom matrilineal family of Ohafia.
In early 1939, she, together with her elder brother, the late Chief Joseph Ukpai Agwu, and her younger sister, Madam Akanele Uma Okoro, travelled with their father by bicycle to Ikot Ntor in present-day Akwa Ibom State. She, however, returned shortly afterwards to enrol at the Church of Scotland Mission School, Ukpacha, Akanu Ohafia (now Ukpacha Primary School).
A defining moment in her educational journey came when she emerged as the best among the nine pioneer female students admitted into the prestigious Duke Town School, Calabar, Cross River State, which had previously been an all-boys institution. Her exceptional academic
performance became widely known, prompting several Ohafia merchants resident in Calabar to compete for the privilege of accommodating her during her studies. She eventually resided with the family of the late Nna Idika Osu.
After obtaining her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), she returned to Ohafia and gained admission into Ohafia Girls’ Modern School (now Ohafia Girls’ Secondary School).
In 1955, she began her teaching career as a pupil teacher at the Church of Scotland Mission School, Asaga Ohafia. She later attended the Women’s Training College (WTC), Enugu, where she earned the
Teachers’ Grade III Certificate on 1 January 1958. On 22 July 1959, she was officially registered as a certified teacher (Registration No. ER/A/58/5223). Committed to professional excellence, she subsequently obtained the Teachers’ Grade II Certificate on 1 January 1962, graduating with Merit in Principles and Practice of Education, Geography, and History, and Credit in Domestic Science. She crowned her academic achievements with the Associate Certificate in Education (Igbo Language and Literature) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1979. In the course of her studies in UNN, she undertook a study on the “Problem of General Education for Girls in Ania Ohafia Clan in Arochukwu /Ohafia Local Government Area of Imo State of Nigeria.”
Her distinguished teaching career spanned several schools across Eastern Nigeria, including: Church of Scotland Mission School, Amangwu, Ohafia (1957); Church of Scotland Mission School, Isiugwu, Ohafia (1958); Teachers’ Training College, Arochukwu (1962–1964); St. James Anglican School, Iva Valley, Enugu (1965–1970); Nnobi Street Primary School, Enugu (1970–1977); Orji Town Primary School, Owerri (1977–1984); Mann Street Primary School I, Owerri (1984–1985) and School Road Model Primary School, Umuahia (1985–1992);
After decades of dedicated and meritorious service, she retired from the teaching profession on 31 December 1992.
Although her career as an educator was distinguished, it was her role as a wife and mother that most profoundly reflected her humanity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to family.
On 26 December 1964, she married the love of her life, the late Chief Okereke Ibem Ajike, in a colorful ceremony at the St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Akanu Ohafia. Together, they built a loving Christian home and embodied Herbert Hoover’s timeless assertion that
“Children are our most valuable natural resource.” Their union was blessed with eight children: Enyidiya, Ibem (late), Odo, Nne, Nwanne,
Nnanna, Ogonnaya (late), and Gift. They spared no effort in ensuring that each child received a sound education and was encouraged to pursue a meaningful career. Their children have distinguished themselves in diverse professions, including fashion design, history, law, information management, human resource management, banking, maritime practice, engineering, and higher education.
Francis Bacon famously observed that wives are “men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses.” Adannem truly embodied this ideal. She stood faithfully beside her husband, built a stable home with him, nurtured their children, and lovingly cared for him until his passing on September 1, 2004.
Following his death, she continued to hold the family together with remarkable strength and wisdom. She preserved her husband’s legacy, promoted peace among her children and extended family, and ensured that God remained the centre of their lives.
It is widely believed that the joy she drew from her children, grandchildren, and numerous relatives contributed greatly to her remarkable longevity.
She travelled extensively to visit her family across different parts of the world, consistently reminding them that love for one another was non-negotiable.
Ma Iby was a firm disciplinarian, who believed in correcting her children with love and firmness. Many who passed through her household still recall the discipline and values she instilled. She intentionally created a home where faith was woven into everyday life.
Biblical truths were not merely taught but demonstrated through love, grace, prayer, and service. She taught her children to serve others through acts of kindness within the family and the wider community, while continually covering them in prayer and trusting the Holy
Spirit to guide and protect them throughout their lives.
Ma Elder’s Christian heritage began with her parents. Her parents, Nna Joseph Ukpai Uga and Ma Janet Nnezi Uga were among the earliest converts to Christianity in Akanu Ohafia following the arrival of the missionaries. Originally known simply as Ukpai Uga and
Nnezi Uga, he and his wife adopted the biblical names Joseph and Janet after embracing the Christian faith.
Raised within this Christian tradition, she attended mission schools for her education. She was baptised and confirmed at All Saints Church, Enugu, on February 26, 1961, and received her First Holy Communion on 19 November 1961.
As a trained teacher, she devoted herself to Christian Education by serving faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, believing that teaching children the ways of the Lord was a lifelong ministry requiring both instruction and personal example.
Building upon her unwavering commitment to the Church and the spiritual growth of her community, Ma Elder, together with other devoted Christians in Akanu Ohafia, championed the establishment of the Akanu Ohafia Christian Churches Association (ACCA). The Association was founded with the vision of rededicating the community to God and fostering unity among Christians across denominational lines. This vision culminated in a community-wide revival tagged “Taking the Land,” which commenced on January 1, 1990—a landmark event that ushered in a season of spiritual renewal and laid the foundation for the peace and progress experienced today. The revival catalysed remarkable social and economic progress that the Akanu Ohafia community continues to enjoy to this day.
Throughout her life, she remained an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Enugu, Owerri, Umuahia, and her hometown of Akanu Ohafia. She was a devoted member of the Women’s Guild and held several leadership positions in the various congregations where the family worshipped.
In August 1992, Ma Elder again demonstrated exemplary leadership by co-founding the Akanu Home and Abroad Women’s Guild. She served as its pioneer president for 12 years, providing visionary leadership that strengthened the bonds among Akanu women both at home and in the diaspora. Under her stewardship, the now-renowned Women’s
August Meeting was inaugurated in Ohafia, becoming an enduring platform for fellowship, community development, and the empowerment of women.
Beyond these notable achievements, Ma Elder was an active member of the Akanu Ohafia Progressive Women Association, the umbrella body that brought together Christian women in the community irrespective of denominational affiliation. Through this platform, she continued to promote Christian unity, women’s participation in community development, and a shared commitment to serving God and humanity
In 1995, Elder Mrs. Ugoji Ajike was ordained as a Ruling Elder of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Umuahia. She served faithfully in several capacities, including Elder Commissioner at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, where her wisdom, spiritual maturity, and commitment to the gospel anchored the congregation.
Beyond local leadership, she was a pillar of support for the Presbyterian Women’s Guild, mobilising women for community evangelism and welfare projects. Her home became a sanctuary for visiting ministers, young Christian converts, and anyone seeking spiritual counsel.
For her decades of unwavering stewardship and dedication to the expansion of God’s Kingdom, she was honoured with numerous meritorious awards by the church and Christian organisations across the region. She remained a partner with many Christian ministries like the Emancipation Ministry Inc. Enugu and the Oral Roberts Ministries
International.
Ma Ugoji’s impact extended far beyond the classroom and the church altar; she was a natural leader who wielded her influence for the progress and peace of her community.
As a prominent daughter of Akanu Ohafia, she played an active role in Ichikota Nde Iyom and continuously advocated for girl-child education, women’s rights, and rural community development.
Her philanthropic gestures were quiet but impactful. Drawing inspiration from her biblical namesake, Tabitha, she used her personal resources to pay school fees for indigent children, provide food for widows and clothe the less privileged. She believed that community development was a collective responsibility, and she led by practical example until her later years.
Ma Ugoji was a committed member of the Anumkpu Age Grade of Akanu Ohafia. Her age grade with Akahawa Age Grade built and donated the Akanu Ohafia Secondary School to the community. She also at various times served in various capacities in the Women’s Wing of Akanu Ohafia Development Association as president, Umuahia Branch and was the vice president of Women’s Wing of Ohafia Improvement Union at the National level.
On March 4, 2026, Elder Mrs. Ugoji Ajike peacefully passed away in Umuahia, Abia State, returning to her Maker after 90 years of an impactful and fulfilled life. Though her departure leaves a deep void, her transition is a celebration of a race well run and a faith kept to the very end.
She is survived by her loving children, numerous grandchildren, siblings, and an extended network of relatives and foster children who continue to carry her legacy of love, faith, discipline, and service to humanity.
Our own Tabitha has gone home, but her light shines on.
