This exercise should be deemed incomplete without a shot at the progeny of
the marriage/union between Ben and Ego. On a well contrived occasion at the
village (Ufuma residence, 55 years ago), one primary school mistress, Grace
Akobogu, (from Obosi town), at CMS Central School Ufuma, was put forward
by Ben’s maternal parent as his “must” wife. That was a prophetic statement
that clicked soon after.
That was the genesis of the project that yielded the treasure base, Akunne,
two years thereafter. To God be the Glory!
The characterizations of Ben and Eziego dovetailed and blended into a perfect
match by all standards. The union was cemented with five vibrant children
captained by now Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Akunne Apakama (nee Okeke) and her
only surviving sibling, Mr. Ikeazor Okeke (Kekenna).
Eziego, my wife, lived a significant and fulfilled life. As a rare gem, what she
did or willfully objected to doing in her life-time clearly defined her
personality.
She creditably and meritoriously advanced through eight-year primary
schooling at St. Andrew’s CMS Central School, Obosi; modern school at St.
Monica’s college, Ogbunike; enrolled as a school teacher with the CMS
(Anglican) Mission as a teacher; and then proceeded to the famous four-year
Women Teachers College, Umuahia, controlled and managed by three distinct
Christian Missions and staffed with essentially non-Nigerians.
The standard and quality of the professional teacher education and training
could be rated from her extraordinary eloquent, grammatically flawless
English language; self-confidence while deliberating on issues; humility and
readiness to work with rather than work on others; outspokenness and
sharpness in thinking and actions. She readily restored hope to the poor,
needy and down-trodden in the society.
Grace Eziego was always sensitive to, and abreast with the husband’s mind-
set and attitude at all times, in the public domain. As an epitome of exemplary
wife that played and lived significant life-style, she touched the souls of many families particularly the less privileged within the neighborhood. Self respect,
integrity, high ethical and moral standards, honesty, godliness and service to
humanity, were her watch-words.
While the husband became the attacking force at the external fronts, she stood
firmly supportive as an exceptional and formidable rear guard, cushioning all
aspects of adverse social encounters. As family booster, Eziego paid desirable
attention by sustaining external family relationships.
As classroom teacher and headmaster of schools, IRONLADY entrenched high
sense of self-discipline among pupils and teachers alike, thus left behind,
indelible traits of positive thinking and physical developmental strands in
schools she headed.
Eziego Grace keyed in for teaching service at a tender age and retired as a
credible administrator on completion of 35 years of active service as a
Headmaster Special Class in January 1990. Thereafter, Grace remained a
happy pensioner for thirty one years (1990 to 2021).
On retirement from the teaching service, youths drafted her into active party
politics where almost men’s world, she towered high and portrayed politics as
a clean game devoid of rancor and acrimony. Eziego was the first woman
within senatorial zone to contest election and win with a landslide. She was
elected a Counselor representing the entire Ufuma community in Orumba
Local Government, East Central state. The feat was repeated under Orumba
North Local Government in Anambra state.
In the councils, she served as the Chief Whip, Supervisor for Education;
Secretary of the political party, etc. she schemed and positioned the famous
Afor-Ufuma market for expansion, modernization and development by the
Orumba North Local Government Council.
Furthermore, Hon. Eziego Okeke, as a philanthropist made other significant
contributions in the spheres of the Church and community namely – Clothing
of the widows (12 years); up-grading of pit latrines at the church to water
closets; furnished the guest room, Vicar’s House; brain behind the
construction of the church office complex by Prof. B.S. Okeke, (Husband);
long-time prime actor in HTC Women Organization and Management; as the Headmaster, re-roofed the main school building of UNICEF Primary School,
Ufuma.
The public crowned, rewarded, and honoured late Hon. (Mrs.) Lady Grace
Eziego Okeke with titles and laurels viz: Nne-Di-Ugwu, H.J (Ang) Church,
Ufuma, Lady, (Aguata Diocese, Anglican Communion, 2007); Mother of
Honour (2011), Ufuma Archdeaconry Women Confederacy; Award of Honour,
Anglican Children Ministry, Ufuma Archdeaconry (2017).
With the spirit of tranquility, Eziego left the world for divine appointment
passing through the valley and shadows of death in peace and entered into the
rest that remaineth for the people of God, at 4.00 am, Wednesday, 24th March
2021. Though God called her from life of trials into the life of glory, today,
Thursday, 3rd June 2021, we have gathered here to celebrate LIFE of an
IRONLADY, a navigator, icon, legend, rare personality; a woman of the people,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!
Her life-time activities are indelible memorials, sign-post and highly valuable
tutorials for beginners in family management.
Late Hon. Grace Eziego Okeke is survived by –
Dr. Mrs. Akunne Apakama (nee Okeke) – Daughter
Mr. Ikeazor Okeke – Son
Pharm. Uchenna Apakama – Son-in-law
Mrs. Joy Okeke – Daughter-in-law
Mrs, Chinyere Amankwe – Sister
Mr. Uzoma Akabogu – Brother (for the Akabogu family)
Mrs. Edith Onuenyenwa – Sister-in-law (for the Okeke family and in-laws)
Grand children
Mr. Chika Okeke
Mr. Divine Okeke
Miss Uzoamaka Okeke
Master Ugochukwu Okeke
Miss Ifenlota Apakama
Miss Chinma Apakama
Miss Chimdi Apakama
Miss Uchenna Apakama
Master Cheluchukwu Apakama
Master Obunike Apakama
PROF. B.S. OKEKE, B.A. (Hon), MA, PhD, (UNN), FNAEAP, MNAE, FIIA,
FRHD, FCAI, ANIA, KSC.
