my condolences to the onwuamaegbu family.we are all mortals here on earth.

Mama came to my office in November to bring her birthday party invitation for me but I was not around.

She repeated the second time and I was in the office, I was overjoyed to see her, we walked through the mall together and, in my usual manner with her, I asked her how she was feeling.  She said "I am feeling blessed at 90." 

After using the bathroom she gave the cleaner a tip.  With joy, the cleaner said "Mama, God bless you ma" and Mama replied, "No, God has blessed me already. I am 90 years now, I walk on my own and eat what I want to eat and I see clearly, so, the right thing to ask is for 'God to bless me More.'" The cleaner replied and said "God bless you more, Ma!" 

I am so glad that my Children and I have always visited Mama and I am so glad that I shared some memorable times with her especially on the 27th Dec 2018. 

My only regret  is that I never got the chance to do that long-planned interview with her to record her life experience for us to learn from.

I will never procrastinate again!

The reason I will celebrate mama is that she had always expressed a wish to go peacefully when the time came- without any sickness that would leave her a burden or at the mercy of anyone.  She often said ... when the right time comes, I will go to my maker peacefully.

Mama Rest In Peace.

Uchenna Ada Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu

I am grieved to be writing a tribute to my sister/friend, Lady Bessy Lilian Uzoaku Onwuamaegbu (Ogalanya Nwanyi).  I can’t recall her ever calling me by name.  To her, I was always ‘nwannem nwanyi’ – ‘my sister.’  Her agnomen meant of course that she was a rich woman.

I do not think Ogalanya Nwanyi was overwhelmed with cash.  I am sure she did not lack either.  She was accomplished and successful, very well-husbanded, and had children who attained the pinnacle in their careers.  Hers however was true and enduring wealth: of integrity, piety, dignity, serenity, courage and contentment.  Those attributes constituted her great and enduring wealth.  She was veritably, Ogalanya Nwanyi.  

Ogalanya Nwanyi was a gem, and certain facets of that jewel must be remarked.  

She adhered to the social standards of a bygone age. She knew how to dress to suit occasions, and abjured vulgarity in clothes and conduct.  Exuding refinement, she was intolerant of uncouthness. 

Ogalanya Nwanyi radiated ease, the unforced pleasantness of someone utterly comfortable in her skin.  She was free of guile.  To paraphrase an Igbo adage, when you encountered Ogalanya Nwanyi, you saw all of her.  She was consequently, forthright: Ogalanya Nwanyi spoke her mind without apology. She was swift to check the cheek of those who felt they had ‘arrived’ and acted presumptuously.  

Ogalanya Nwanyi was a giver.  Her generosity was astounding. She was much concerned with the poor, the widowed, the unwell.   I can’t enumerate all her touching acts of kindness to me.  I must mention however that she took the trouble to bring me a massive fresh salmon fish from England – among other grand gifts – after my husband’s death. 

She was the mother of very successful children, but refrained from bragging of her offspring’s achievements.  Ogalanya Nwanyi was obviously pleased at her progeny’s attainments, but had the maturity and humility not to boast.  Trained and famed in teaching and catering, she was an exceptional homemaker and helpmeet to her late husband, Justice Obumneme Onwuamaegbu PhD, Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger.  

Ogalanya Nwannem, nnukwu nwanyi, ezigbo nmadu,good night.

Dame Josephine Ofodile