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By Henry Umahi
It was Maya Angelou who said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Elder (Mrs.) Grace Aru Nwaze has gone the way of all mortals but people still remember how she made them feel. She glowed like a precious jewel, spreading the fragrance of pure love everywhere she went. Many won’t forget that.
So, as Gandhi would say, there are no goodbyes for us. Wherever she is, she will always be in our hearts.
She was affectionately called, “The Manager” because of her uncommon managerial ability. She consistently pushed the envelope of human, material and situation management. In short, she was a solution provider.
Mama came, she saw and she conquered. To put it different, she fought the good fight, she finished the race and kept the faith. Now, there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day—and not only to her, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
On the morning of March 18, 2023, Mama joined the saints triumphant. She passed on in her sleep to meet her Creator at 94. For over two years before she took this final bow, no illness found station in her body, all to the glory of God.
She will go home in a blaze of glory on Saturday, September 16, while service of songs holds on Friday, September 15, in her hometown.
Since Mama’s passing, different things have been said and written about her. But the constant theme is that she was a good woman in whom many were well pleased.
Many agree that her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Her son, Osuji Halifax Nwaze, described his lovely and loving mother as very unique in every material particular. According to him, she was “so humane, loving and caring mother.”
Chief Austin Umahi, aka Ochiagha Ndigbo, said: “She was a woman of great virtue. No matter how rough life seemed to be, she was always smiling and seeing the positive side of it. She was a woman with a meek heart. May her gentle soul rest well in the bosom of God, in Jesus name, Amen.”
Engr. Stanley Ngene described The Manager as a rare breed. “She was a rare gem. In fact, she was a woman among women. She stood for the truth, no matter the consequences. She was an ambassador of the faith she professed. But for the inevitability of death, one would have wished she lives forever. We are, however, consoled by the fact that when the saints go marching in, she will be in the number,” he said.
Mr. Enekwachi Aja volunteered that The Manager wielded enormous influence in her immediate family and elsewhere. He said: “Our dear sister was a very influential daughter to the family of Johnson Ukpo Chukwu and the entire family of Chukwuogo Odi. She was the first daughter of the patriarch, late Johnson Chukwu, and she was loved by all in the four houses of Chukwuogo Odi as her decisions in most family matters were usually taken in good faith and accepted by all.
“In most cases, the elders insisted that Ogbo Grace must be consulted in major decisions. She was at peace with everyone, not minding the polygamous home she came from. I know, most times she would visit my late father, Elder Uta Aja, to discuss and ask for counsel on issues that had to do with the entire family and it will be resolved amicably.
“She had a great Christian background and very calm spirit, which she used many times to resolve family matters.”
Enekwachi further said that she was still at her best even in her last days on earth. He described her as an extraordinary woman.
Chairman, Ebonyi State Muslim Forum, Engr. Abass Egwu, likened her to Mother Teresa because of her kindness and passion to do good. “The late Elder Grace Nwaze was a mother for all. I knew Mama Halifax, as she was addressed by some of us, as children. She was a disciplinarian, friendly though. She was always present at all church activities and admired by children and adults. If not that death is inevitable, I would have wished she never died,” he said.
Mr Jacob Onu, alias Japato, CEO, Fair Play Sports International Agency, Abuja, said: “As the original manager, Mrs Grace Okenwa Nwaze, goes home, the entire Umuebereku family will miss her greatly for her ever caring and motherly love. May God continue to grant her eternal rest.”
Dr Jude Umahi said: “She was a woman of grace as her name typified: A torch-bearer, a trailblazer and a mother of substance, who set standards for her children and even generations to come. As devout Christian and committed presbyter, her integrity was not in doubt, as she worshiped God in truth and in spirit. “She was a woman of great courage, strength and vivacity. She was at peace with her neighbours, accommodated and treated other people’s children as hers. That was why her residence became a rallying point to many, and that camaraderie helped to foster cordial relationship and built strong bridges for her offspring across the state and beyond.
“Beautiful, bold and graceful Mrs. Grace Nwaze was outstandingly different, as she gave her husband peace of mind, and judiciously managed his wealth. She multiplied the wealth to the bewilderment of the husband who ceremoniously, nicknamed her, The Manager.”
Dr Austin Nweze described her as a woman with a good heart. “Farewell to a wonderful, amazing and caring mother. We will miss not having her here so much but I know the life lesson we have learnt from her will forever be in our hearts and keep us strong in the journey of life. We love her but God loves her more.
Farewell wonderful mother. Farewell nwanyi obioma. Farewell nne Halifax. Farewell till we meet to depart no more,” he said.
Elder (Mrs.) Grace Aru Nwaze (nee Ukpo) was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs Johnson Ukpo Nwachukwu Ogo Odi, of Umuogbugbo-Ngwuta, Amenu village, in present day Enu -Uburu Autonomous Community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on January 9, 1929. She was the second child and first female child of her father who was among the very first six children in Uburu to be conscripted by the white missionaries into primary education. Her husband, late Okenwa Aru Nwaze, was a brave soldier who participated in the 2nd World War trenches in Burma (present day Bangladesh). She got married at the tender age of 18 in 1947. This marriage is blessed with five surviving children.
Mama attended briefly the church of Scotland Mission (CMS) for her primary school education in 1943 before she got married. When she settled in her husband’s house, she was sent to vocational school where she learnt sewing– fashion design in today’s parlance.
Mama was a seamstress per excellence. She was very popular among her fellow women based on her devotion and dexterity in her chosen profession. She made clothes for ladies and children.
When the Nigeria – Biafra civil war broke out, Mama joined other women in Uburu in salt making and processing. She also did petty trading in foodstuffs and farming. Mama was a great family builder hence the title, “The Manager,” bestowed on her by her husband in recognition of her support in building a strong family with him.
Mama was a devoted Christian and an ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. She served in that capacity actively for 35 years. In appreciation, she was highly honoured by her parish and was given the title, “Mother Dorcas,” in 2010 when a retirement service was held in her honour.
Mama was a great women of faith in Christ Jesus and a moral compass to those who knew her. As a mother, she led her children to God from their tender age, taught them humility, kindness, love and respect for one another and, above all, fear and reverence to the Almighty God.
Mama was a sociable person, loved by all and sundry. Her alias, “The Manager,” was a fond name on the tips of her numerous admirers. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Women’s Guild.
On the morning of March 18, 2023, the angels welcomed The Manager. And heaven has been agog since her arrival.
