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By Vivian Onyebukwa
Mrs Lilian Nkiruka Eze could be described as a woman of many parts. She has been a banker, journalist, and now, an entrepreneur. During her career days in the bank, she rose to the position of Customer Service Manager. As media personality, she was Editor of ‘Junior Prime’ with the then Prime People Magazine.
According to Mrs Eze, her journey into the hospitality industry was divinely orchestrated. She acquired an international training in the United States of America and United Kingdom for Events Planning, Decoration and Cake Baking after which she established the Just Events Academy in the year 2004 right in her boys quarters. That institution, which later grew in leaps and bounds, is 21 years old today .She has been able to plan many high profile weddings and events, including working for notable banks and organizations.
She has won several awards and authored some books.
Recently she turned 60 where she presented her latest book titled, “How God’s Saving Grace: Mercy, And A Discerning Spirit Thwarted Death Seven Times.” Lilian is currently studying Naturopathic Medicine , specialising in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and the Chinese medicine in Nigeria and China.
In this interview, she explained a few things about herself.
What’s life like at 60?
Life for me is so beautiful at 60. I am truly grateful to God for this lease to life in good health, in spite of near death experiences l encountered along the way. All glory to God. I choose to theme my birthday as a celebration of Life of impact, God’s grace, glory and mercy. I feel very accomplished at how far God has brought me. There are still plenty works to be done of which l am ready to avail myself. I thank God for good health and peace that surpasses every other thing. I thank God for how far he has taken my family and, all l can say is, “All glory be to God forever.”
What was growing up like?
Life was beautiful growing up with a father who schooled in the United Kingdom and imbibed the culture of bringing up all sexes amongst his children alike. There was no restriction. There was nothing like, “a girl or a boy”. At 16 years of age, l had started driving a car. I remember when l got involved in an accident. I was so scared to drive but his encouragement made me to pick up again. He believed in education and would give scholarships to intelligent persons he never knew from Adams.
Why are you back in school to study Naturopathic Medicine at 60?
My health challenges and desire to impact lives in various capacities led me to the present position as a Naturopathic Medicine scholar where I am specializing in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and the Chinese Medicine. I am presently studying in Nigeria as well as China. An encounter I had in a market square and temporarily passed out due to hypotension is the reason behind my everyday awareness creation on the need for everyone to own a blood pressure monitor. On daily basis, people slump and pass out on the roads, markets, work places, etc, because they do not check their blood pressure. Many people go about with elevated blood pressure unknowingly without being aware that it does lead to severe kidney diseases, which has led to several deaths too.
You wrote a book to commemorate your 60th birthday. Tell us about it.
The book is titled, “Gods Saving Grace: How Miracle, Mercy, And A Discerning Spirit Thwarted Death Seven Times”. It is about how God’s mercy pulled me out of death in several ways.
How do you give back to the society?
For over 20 years, we offered scholarships in the academy where women could learn free in order to be financially empowered. Of late, we partnered with churches, organisations and WhatsApp groups to create health awareness, especially as it has to do with natural health remedies. We also go around, creating awareness for the need for everyone to own blood pressure monitor with even a “Gofund Me”, where people support our push for all to know about their blood pressure through owing a blood pressure monitor
What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as that woman who impacted the world especially as it has to do with women empowerment. I also want to be remembered for dedicating my time to raising awesome children who are also impacting the world positively.
Who is your role model, and why?
I have so many l should call my role model, but l still find it difficult to put anyone beside my father. He gave me wings to fly with. All the foundations l needed to be where l am today were laid by him. My late father, Chief Nzebuka Lawrence Chalokwu, still remains my role model till date.
Are you fulfilled in life?
I am very fulfilled and l give all the glory to God. I believe l have accomplished a better part of what God sent me on earth to do. There are more works to do nonetheless and I am still willing and available to move on.
Each time you go through a near-death experience, what comes to your mind?
What always come to my mind is the unfinished work l have before me especially as it concerns natural health awareness, and the need for my children to keep walking with the Lord always as they do now.
What’s the best way to describe you?
I am just a simple, hardworking lady that loves peace of mind, enjoys seeing people succeed in their endeavours. Most importantly, l love God and humanity.
What is your advice to other women out there going through one life challenge or the other?
Just be patient .Be financially empowered. Draw closer to God and do the best you can for your family. Always be there for your children and don’t forget to pay attention to yourself. No one can care better for you than yourself.
