BIRTH
Late Madam Maria Nwaukpo Odogwu was born into the families of Obi Sualim Adigwe of Idumu Obi, Umuodafe Isiuzo. Her mother Adaulor was from the stock of Late Isichie of Ogboli Quarters. Both parents were from Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government area of Delta State.
Late Maria Nwaukpo Odogwu was born on November 1 1946. She was a well pampered child being the only surviving child of her mother and the last born of her father. As a matter of fact her name Nwaukpo which means “My Consolation” is instructive of the circumstance of her birth and the value placed on her by her parents. She was precious and tender in their eyes.
EARLY EDUCATION
Driven by passion for a better life armed with basic education, her parents registered her for primary school education at Omu Girls Primary school Ezukwu, Ibusa. After her primary school education, she proceeded to acquire professional training in Typing and Shorthand at Nmejei Commercial School, Ibusa and wrote the City and Guild Certification examination. Later in life, after having her sixth child, in 1978, she returned to school at Institute of Continuing Education Centre Isiuzor, Umuodafe. There she earned her School Leaving Certificate.
MARRIAGE
As a precious daughter to a loving and aging parents, the young Maria Nwaukpo was sent to live with her Aunt, Mrs Nwanze popularly called Mummy Tina in Benin City. While she was there, a young Ibusa man named Peter Usobunandu Moha Odogwu of Idumuigba, Umuekea Quarters, a Nigerian Railway Locomotive Engine Driver came back home to Ibusa to take to himself a wife from his hometown. Promptly, he was informed of the adorable daughter of Obi Sualim Adigwe. Enquiries soon led to consultation and in no distant time resulted in their marriage on August 10 1965. Thus, the delectable young spinster, Maria Nwaukpo became the wife of Mr. Peter Moha Odogwu.
MOTHERHOOD
No sooner had she married, she conceived and delivered her first child, Francisca. That began the journey of motherhood, parenting and raising a family; a task she performed very well with grace throughout her lifetime. The other children included Edith, Anne. Paul (now late), Vivian, Nkechi and Jude. All her children were born and raised at Ibadan in the now Oyo State of Nigeria.
WORK LIFE
At some point in her life, Mama Odogwu took apprenticeship in tailoring. However, she spent more time teaching, first at Bishop Akinyele Secondary School, Ibadan and later at Sacred Heart Primary School, Onireke, Ibadan. In 1995 she joined her husband who had retired from the Nigerian Railway Corporation and was working at the Delta State University, Anwai Campus in the Works and Services Department. As God would have it, Mama also got employed in the same University whereafter she worked until 2015 when she resigned her appointment on the ground of ill-health.
LAST MOMENTS
Since the death of her husband in 2008, Mama have had to cope with living by herself however surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She practically lived her remaining years after the death of her husband with Jude her last born and Nnena her granddaughter while still working at the Delta State University, Anwai campus. Upon her resignation she relocated to her family house at Ibusa where she lived until her death.
ON FINAL NOTE
The story of the life of Mama Maria Nwaukpo Odogwu is one of submission to the will of God, obedience and sheer commitment to family values. Apart from her biological children, she was a Mother to many many others. She will be greatly missed by all for her peace-loving, simplistic and charitable lifestyle. She was highly tolerant, accommodating, and blessed with wisdom.
May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Good night! Mama Odogwu!