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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
A former Senior Special Assistance (SSA) to former Governor of Abia State Hon. (Mrs.) Kate Onyechere recently buried her mother in grand style in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State.
The late Mother Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta, was buried in her husband’s compound at Ezi Ndi Ijiomanta, Amannagwu, Arochukwu LGA of Abia State after a church service by the Christ Apostolic Church, Oror, Arochukwu.
The late Matriarch died at the ripe age of 102 years, was an accomplished businesswoman who used her wealth in training over 500 people including her children, grandchildren and those from other families, in and out of the village.
She was also one of the founders of Christ Apostolic Church in her area as well as a pillar to the church, especially, the women group in her community. During the tribute given by one of the women leaders in the church, she said “mama was one of the founding members of the church, who they women will always emulate because of her outstanding qualities which she displayed while alive”.
They also described her as a woman who stood for the truth and development of the society as well as conquered the viscititudes of widowhood, to train up her children to great men and women.
During the church service conducted by the Christ Apostolic Church, Oror Arochukwu, Pastor (Chaplain) Chuks Okorie called for repentance from people to escape God’s wrath.
Taking his sermon from Revelation 20:5, Pastor Okorie told Christians to live lives worthy of emulation and praised the late Mother Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta for loving God and caring for the poor in her community.
During the tribute, Engr Augustine Ijiomanta the son to the departed, recalled how his late mother took up the training of her children after the death of her husband, noting that she was a successful businesswoman who also trained many people in stockfish and other trades.
Also, in her tribute written message, the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan extolled the virtues of late Mother Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta and urged her children and entire family members to take solace in the good life she lived.
In her tribute, one of the daughters of the late Mother Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta, Hon (Chief) Kate Onyechere, filled with emotions and tears said her mother used her lifetime to serve God and humanity and believed that she is resting in the Lord.
Hon Kate Onyechere a former Senior Special Adviser to former Governor of Abia State also, the Nne Ndi Igbo Nile, Ochi Ora (1) and the Ada Di Ora Nma, said her late mother fed many poor and hungry persons with her wealth, adding that she was accommodating to all before dying at 102. “When my mother cooks food, she make sure she cooks extra because she knows that other people will visit her, and they will eat”.
The former woman leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos showed her appreciation to all especially all her friends, guests, members of Christ Apostolic Church, women groups from Lagos, Port Harcourt, home, abroad and indigenes of Aro for honouring her late mother.
Also speaking, a friend to Hon (Chief) Kate Onyechere and the woman leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Dr JaneFrancis Okoro, described the late Mother Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta as a model to her.
The event attracted dignitaries across the country such Sir Chikwe Udensi, former Governorship aspirant of APGA in Abia, his brother, Hon Nnadozie Udensi who is the President General of Nzuko Aro as well as Dr Kanu Ohuche, Secretary General of Nzuko Aro, The former Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and former President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa.
Others were HRH Eze Okoroafor Uro Okoroafor, the Eze Ezeagwu and Okwaragwu Arochukwu Kingdom, in-laws among others.
