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If a story should be told of selfless leaders who lived a life of great impact, remarkable purpose and deep meaning, Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo would rank exceptionally high among the lot.
Born to the family of the late Assistant Inspector General of Police, Chief G.N. Ezekwem and Mrs. Celine Ezekwem, Lady Chinwe Mbanugo’s life was a precious gift, laced with hope, strength and remarkable contributions to humanity and society.
With a fulfilling educational journey that began at St. Mary’s Convent School, Lagos, Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo commenced her primary studies, showing sheer brilliance and exciting prospects immediately. She would later proceed to the then Holy Child College, Lagos, where she made an impressive Grade 1 in the West African School Certificate.
In continued advancement of her studies, Lady Chinwe Mbanugo attended the famous premier university (University of Ibadan) for a BSc in Zoology and later obtained a master’s degree in Educational Pscychology in 1983, constantly proving herself worthy in learning and character.
As the first daughter of the family, Lady Chinwe Mbanugo delivered on her responsibilities efficiently, supporting the growth and harmony of her home in the most remarkable manner, building exceptional leadership skills while at it. The leadership excellence that she developed shone across her various engagements and responsibilities in the outside world, across work and association. She enabled progress for almost everyone she came in contact with.
Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo’s life at the workplace is a compelling story of excellence and great fulfillment. Her employment at the Federal Ministry of Education provided her a viable platform to amass wide experiences, as she served meritoriously in various capacities.
Between 1983 and 1995, Lady Chinwe Mbanugo taught biology and integrated science at the Women’s Teachers College, Enugu. She was head of the Department of Biology at the prestigious Kings College, Lagos, between 2001 and 2003, and, ultimately, became principal and deputy director, at the Federal Government College, Nise, where she retired in 2011.
On account of her outstanding achievements and enviable leadership, she was appointed principal of the Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent, Nkpor, in Idemili, Anambra State, by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo PhD, in 2013, and retired voluntarily in 2016.
Her disposition to life across various engagements was positive and inspiring at all times. Colleagues and friends alike would always share fond memories of her superlative commitment, diligence, selflessness and can-do spirit, which she brought to life across all the roles assigned to her.
Beyond her superb academic accomplishments, Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo belonged to many professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria. She also served as member, Innerwheel International Club, where she was president of the Enugu South unit of the club in 1999.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership qualities and impact, Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo received numerous merit awards from several organizations and institutions, among them is the Nigerian Woman of Merit Award, Abuja, in 2006.
Other awards and recognitions that she bagged include: the Development in Nigeria, Merit Gold Award; Distinguished Nigerian Women of Merit Award TBWNMA 2006; Ada Ife by Nnokwa Progressive Union, NPU Women Wing, Lagos, 2016; Award of Excellence by Alumni 2008 of Federal Government College, Nise; Outstanding Service Award by Federal Government College, Nise, Old Students Association. FGNOSA Class of 2007 and Ezeigbo Ada Nnokwa by Nnokwa Progressive Union in 2017.
Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo enjoyed significant leadership and royalty. In her lifetime, her father was installed as the traditional ruler of his people, becoming Igwe Ezedioranma II of Nnokwa, Idemilii South LGA of Anambra State. She was a doer, constantly obsessed with the most positive pursuits, an amazon of impeccable character, who believed in herself and others and left her mark strongly on history.
Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo was married to Venerable Emma Mbanugo and blessed with lovely children and grandchildren.
Indeed, if a story would be told of a life of hope, strength and grace, about someone who has made the lives of many, a better place.
A life filled with goodwill, bliss, friendship and impact, and a legacy of joy, pride and pleasure, Lady Mary Chinwe Mbanugo will go on, as a living lasting memory that our grateful hearts will forever treasure.
