Mrs Appolonia Chinyelu Ojiako ( Nee Okaih) was born on January 30th 1936 into the family of Late Solomon Okaih of Nnukwu clan of Adazi-Nnukwu and Late Veronica Okaih (Nee Adimora) of Nkunu of Agulu. Her father was the first indigenous Catechist in the catholic Church,East of Nigeria. Her mother trained and groomed ladies who were engaged for marriage.
Appo as she was fondly called by her loved ones was the third child of eight children(three females and five males). She spent the early part of her life with her parents and they profoundly influenced her life especially by the devout life of her father Late Solomon Okaih (The Catechist).
She had her formal education at Holy Rosary Primary School at Adazi-Nnukwu managed by the Holy Rosary Sisters in 1941. After her primary education, she proceeded to Loretto Training College in 1948 where she obtained her Grade 111 Teacher’s Certificate.
With that, she taught in Holy Rosary School Akabor-Ahiara Mbaise in present day, IMO state. She proceeded to another Teacher Training College Uboma Etiti Umuahia in Abia state and obtained her Grade 11 Teacher’s Certificate. She taught in Holy Rosary Abor in Enugu state, and later was transferred to Holy Rosary School, Enugu. From Enugu she came down to Lagos. This was considered a significant achievement at that time.
Before delving into her marital life, it’s pertinent to point out that getting married did not stop her intense desire for education as she truly believed in the aphorism of Francis Bacon that “ knowledge is power.” Hence in 1989, she attended the Institute of education, Unversity of Ibadan Project Time Center Akoka, Lagos where she obtained The Associateship Certificate in Education.
Mum, continued her career as a teacher and taught in many schools in Lagos State .The Last school she taught was Duro Oyedoyin in1994. She retired on the 11th of February 1994 and later the same year,she joined her late husband Late Ichie James Ojiako in the Stocks and Shares business.
In November 16th 1963, she got married to late Ichie James Obioha Ojiako (a.k.a Ichie Akunnia) the union was blessed with four children ( three females and one male).
Mum was a born Catholic, she practically kept the faith. She saw her christian life as a personal thing between her and God, her God fearing lifestyle was reflected in every bit of her conduct and human relations. She was a dedicated member of St.Jude's society. A life member of Queen of all Hearts. A dedicated member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. She was a dedicated devotee of Divine Mercy, Purgatorian Society, and Precious Blood of Jesus. She was an active member of Catholic Women Organization.
The women folk gave her the name Onyenudia. Onyenudia’s good nature was not limited to her family alone but transcended the extended family, very distant relations and people who bear no relation to her. She was so simple, so humble and unassuming, her doors were always opened and she listened with compassion, she loved peace, she was not pretentious, she was so real, so honest and opened with nothing to hide. She was fierce in opposing evil and in standing up for the truth, she was a great teacher, a great psychologist, a workaholic, a great pillar of support to Late Ichie James Obioha Ojiako and a great leader. She loved all that came across her enjoyed everybody's company and was a great hostess. Onyenudia was great cook and generously entertained all comers to her home with her legendary cuisine. She was selfless in her service to her community Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union Womens wing, Lagos Branch, for four years of Meritorious Service.
Mum you clearly understood the brevity of life and wisdom that comes with it.
Mum has left an indelible mark on the sand of time. She would indeed be greatly missed.
Thus this short biography could not do any justice to the life and time of this wonderful woman but rather it's an attempt to give a glimpse into her life to those who did not know her well.
