BIOGRAPHY OF EZINNE CAROLINE ONYEKA EZEKWESILI

(MMASIOLU)

 

 

EARLY LIFE:

Ezinne Mama Caroline Onyeka Ezekwesili was born on the 17th July 1927 in Makurdi into the family of Alfred Isiugwu and Eunice Igwego Okeke (nee Eke) of Agbani Njene village Amawbia. She was the third in a family of nine, cherished and loved by all. She had her primary education in Makurdi and St. Peter’s Coal Camp Ogbete Enugu. Being very intelligent her greatest desire was to be a nurse but was denied that opportunity due to the preference to train the male folk at the time.

 

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE:

Ezinne Caroline met her heart throb Pa Godfrey Chukwuemeka Ezekwesili (GC) a trained Railway driver in Makurdi and got married in Lagos in 1945. The marriage was blessed with 10 children, six of which are still alive. She moved with her husband from Lagos to Port Harcourt, then to Minna in Niger State as a result of his station transfers. They eventually settled at Udoji Street, Enugu.

          She excelled as a real woman of virtue, a caring and loving wife, and mother. She established a domestic output preparatory program where young ladies and newlyweds were trained in the art of sewing, knitting, and developing skills for managing a healthy home. Mama also had a big bakery in her compound at Lagos Street in Minna. She was an excellent cook enticing family members and friends with her savory sumptuous dishes. During the civil war, she put all her attributes to work which saw to the survival of her family. Afterwards, she floated a company “Onyeka and Sons” under which she carried out contract works. She also had a shop that she managed even up to the time she took ill in October 2013.

          She was a pillar of strength to her husband until he was snatched by the cold hands of death on the 10th of April 1979 after thirty four years of peaceful marriage. After the death of her husband, mama labored tirelessly to assist her children in their educational pursuits.

 

CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES:-

          Mmasiolu was committed to her relationship with God. She knew that without God, she would not be able to achieve anything. She supported and took active part in evangelical work in her church, as well as organizing and attending women’s conferences. She was the head of various women groups at St. Andrew’s Anglican church Minna, St. Peter’s Anglican church, Abagana, and St. Luke’s Church Obiagu Enugu. She was always sought after in the church because of her ever enduring advice, contributions and suggestions. Her good efforts in the Lord’s vineyard were not without recognition as she was made Ezinne “Mother of Good Faith” in 2008, shortly after her 80th birthday both at St. Michael and All Angels Abagana and St. Luke’s Church Obiagu, Enugu. Her love for God propelled her, though very weak to go to St. Luke’s Anglican Church Enugu on the 17th of November to fulfill her vow to God. This was her last outing before she was called home on the 30th of November 2013.

 

PERSONALITY:-

          Perhaps one of the remarkable features of this woman was her ability to rise far above common knowledge and education. She was an avid reader, constantly updating herself with the dailies and radio broadcasts. She had such a good memory that she could discuss small details about the pre independent politics of this country. Blessed with a quick mind, she spoke Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and English fluently, and had cursive handwriting that likened that of Italian calligraphers.

A kind hearted woman, Mama was quick to put aside her wishes in support of her husband and children, and very often supplemented her family income through her business. She also habitually extended a helping hand to families in need.

          An ardent lover of fashion, Mama made several trips to Paris and the UK where her children lived.  Upon her return she would distribute gifts to friends, tenants and all around. She was a giver per excellence.

          Mama was

-        Secretary Igbo Union in Minna in the early sixties

-        Vice President Otu Ifunanya group St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Enugu

-        Member/official Abagana Welfare Union Women’s Wing

 

She provided her premises to be used free of charge by St. Peter’s Abagana women, St. Luke’s (Otu Ifunanya) and the Udoji Street Neighborhood security group for their meetings.

 

She is survived by:-

1.      Engr. Benjamin Ikechukwu Ezekwesili

2.      Dr. Rapheal Afam Ezekwesili

3.      Mrs. Roseline Ifeoma Okereke

4.      Mrs. Edith Adaeze Ndukwe

5.      Mr. Chris Okechukwu Maduaburochukwu Ezekwesili

6.      Mrs. Joy Obiageli Ezeoke

 

 

 

IN-LAWS:-

Arc. Azubuike .J. Okereke

Mr. Emeka Ndukwe

Dr. (Barr) Ken Okey Ezeoke

 

DAUGHTERS-IN-LAWS:-

Mrs. Rubby Ezekwesili

Mrs. Nkechi Ezekwesili

Mrs. Adaobi Ezekwesili

 

GRAND CHILDREN:-

Mrs. Ijeoma Enokela

Mrs. Chinyere Elsie Hamilton

Mr. Obiora Godfrey Ezekwesili

Miss Nneka Ezekwesili

Mrs. Lotanna .J. Anidu

Capt. Chukwuemeka Okereke

Miss Onyinye Ezekwesili

Dr. Chukwunonso Jac-Okereke

Miss Ijeoma Ezekwesili

Engr. Onyekachukwu Okereke

Mr. Chukwuemeka Ndukwe Jr.

Master Onyekachukwu Ndukwe

Miss Joy Ezekwesili

Master Chimdindu Ndukwe

Miss Rosie Ezekwesili

Miss Chioma Ezekwesili

Master Okechukwu Ezeoke Jr.

Master Bobby Emeka Ezekwesili

Miss Neto Ezekwesili

Master Chinedu Ezeoke

Miss Mary Ezekwesili

Master Obinna Ezekwesili

Master Kenechukwu Ezeoke

 

 

GRAND SONS AND DAUGHTERS  IN-LAWS

Okoh E. Umuhaba

Carolyne Ezekwesili

Ian Hamilton

Ikechukwu Anidu

Engr. Peace Okereke

Dr. Chinwe Jac-Okereke

 

GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN:-

Master Enoch Enokela

Miss Angel Opara

Master Nonso Opara

Master Michael Enokela

Miss Angel Olamma Anidu

Master Joshua .C. Okereke

Miss Mikeyla Ifeoma Ezekwesili

Miss Adah Angel Enokela