Biography of Ezinne Grace Ude Agu (Nee Uke)

Grace Ude Agu (Nee Uke) was born in Ndi Ota Compound of Amaokayi, Amaokwe Item, Bende Local government area, Abia state on August 18, 1925 to Late Mr and Mrs Obaji Nkwayi Uke.

Young Ude did not have the benefit of a formal education because of the prevalence of negligience towards the education of the girl child. Nonetheless, she seized the opportunity the Methodist institute provided for people to read and learn the Bible and she showed brilliance. Thereafter, she proceeded to the Methodist women vocational training Institute where she acquired sewing and catering skills.

Early in life, she demonstrated uncommon focus and tenacity in her newfound faith – Christianity, she used her singing talent in serving the Lord by joining the choir at Methodist Church, Amaokwe Item.

It was her dedication to the service of the Lord that attracted her to a young preacher and teacher, late Elder Gabriel Onuoha Agu and they were wedded in Methodist Church, Amaokwe Item. 

She was a devoted wife and confidant; her sense of loyalty was unwavering and her support to her husband was constant and steadfast. She brought her deep beliefs in Christianity to bear in the upbringing of her children.

As the custom was for teachers and preachers in those days, and because of her husband's reputation for discipline and molding the characters of children, he was transferred to several communities within Bende division and Methodist missions establishments including Ugboawka, Ozuitem, Afikpo road, Amaba, Umuasua, Amaokwe Item and Okoko Item. 

As a virtuous woman, she accompanied her husband on all these transfers and would quickly adjust to the new environment to kickstart her catering, sewing and agricultural endeavors to augment her husband’s Income.

She was a staunch member of Women’s fellowship of Methodist Church Nigeria and because of her selfless service to the Faith and Humanity as a whole, she was awarded Eldership in Methodist Church, and further recognised with the prestigious Ezinne status. 

Way back in 1999, her children Mgbechi and Obasi invited her over to the US, and she has since lived there. Consistent with her beliefs,  Churches in the United States where she lived with her children bore eloquent testimonies as to her commitment. In the last two decades, she had lived in America where she eventually passed unto Glory peacefully on Saturday May 23, 2020. 

She was no doubt blessed with children who on account of the kind of training they received, today are holding out so enviably in their chosen professions and are equally very useful members of the society. She was also blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Mama, though we are aggrieved by your sudden exit at this time where we need your prayers and counsel the most, we submit to the total will of God. Ga nke oma, Adieu Mama.