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The Ekechi Anyoku family of Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State has announced the transition of its matriarch, Ezinne Lolo Beatrice Nwaogbo Ekechi (nee Onuoha of Umuowa, Imo State). She passed quietly in her sleep recently in Owerri, the capital of Imo State at 95.
One of her sons, a former board member representing South East in the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and former Director of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Chief T.O.E. Ekechi, on behalf of his siblings and the entire Imerienwe community of Imo State, signed the statement.
She was the Lolo of late Okenze Tobias Ukachukwu Ekechi, who died in 2012 at the age of 92, and also the mother of Eze Augustine Uwadiegwu Ukachukwu Ekechi, the paramount ruler of Imerienwe autonomous community of Imo State.
Described as a community influencer, who encouraged socio-economic self-reliance, unrelenting pursuit for both formal and informal education, the late Beatrice Ekechi, was a woman whose exemplary life was a light that pointed the way forward for all in her immediate community.
She was a stickler for hard work, who admonished ambitious folks to find dignity in labour, eschew covetousness and embrace contentment.
According to Chief Ekechi, who was also a one-time information commissioner in Imo State, “Even at this age of 95, my family and I regret the passage of a dedicated, inspiring and exemplary mother, who for 30 years defied a debilitating stroke condition to sustain the navigation and building of a family dynasty that thrives on integrity, contentment, hard work, the fear and love of God.
“We are grateful and will forever cherish her memory for imbuing in us these qualities that have seen us become valuable members of the society who are able to surmount the challenges and vagaries of life and livelihood.”
The matriarch, a staunch Catholic till her last breath, lived a life of fulfilment as she was survived by six children, 26 grand-children and 28 great-grand-children, who are doing well in life.
Her death has set a new tone in Imerienwe, the Ngor Okpala LGA and indeed beyond, as preparations intensify for her funerals, which commences, according to Catholic rites and tradition
Service of songs at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Imerienwe, with guest choirs contests will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 while reception will follow at the Ekechi Country home (Rehoboth Villa), Imerienwe, Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State.
Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Imerienwe at 10am will be held on Saturday, January 3.
Thanksgiving/outing service will also be held on Sunday, January 4, while reception follows thereafter at Ijenwe II Palace.
The family requests friends and well-wishers to remember them in their prayers and as well looks forward to welcoming them to the rustic community of Imerienwe during the new year to honour them with their esteemed presence as they honour their departed matriarch.
