Mercy Chinatu was born on 20th Jan, 1945 to the family of Late Mr. Raphael Ihentuge and Late Mrs. Caroline Ada Ozuzuma of Umuduruonnugbo, Umuagwuru Mbieri in Mbaitoli L.G.A of Imo State.
At birth, the name Chinatu was symbolic. She was the first survived child after two female children who died before the birth of each other. Literally translated; Chinatu means God decides when, what and how to give.
Chinatu was a fountain to her younger siblings, springing different jets, from youth up to present. The younger brother the Opara of the Ozuzuma dynasty Chief sir S. N. Ozuzuma recounts; proceed from her first salary was sent home and Papa used part to buy his first real shoe and trouser. He also recounts that Chinatu and the husband accommodated him when he came to Lagos to look for work.
During the Biafran war she worked as a supervisor to the Caritas/Red Cross society. Her position ensured that we lacked nothing in the mist of starvation.
Chinatu is survived by six siblings who mourn her demise alongside her children, In-laws and respective sympathizers.
Chinatu was born in Umuobogwo, Umokanne in Ohaji/ Egbema L.G.A of Imo State. Growing up she attended CMS Primary School where she obtained the First School Leaving Certificate. She proceeded to Egbu Model School present Egbu Girls Secondary School, she obtained the G4 certificate. She proceeded to Lagos to look for work on the invitation of the maternal uncle Late Mr. G. N. Onuekwusi.
She was employed by C.P.I (Chasbery Pond International) makers of famous petroleum jelly and other range of products. Sometime after the Biafran war, C.P.I was acquired by liver brothers and she retired as a production manager.
Chinatu met her husband Late Nze J. O. N. Igwe at Umuokanne at the early stage of the war. Their marriage was blessed with seven children.
Chinatu is a member of the Knighthood of the Church of Nigeria, Lady/Dame of Anglican Communion of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese.
Chinatu lived a life of service, she came out of Secondary School with G4 not because she could not compete for the Cambridge Certificate but due to financial pressure to assist the younger siblings. When she assumed management position in her place of work, many, mostly from Umuokanne benefited from her magnanimity and were employed either as artisans, factory or casual workers.
It was not easy for her and her husband to successfully graduate six out of seven children from the university. Her children are successful in their respective fields and have given her grandchildren. Therefore she has every reason to REST IN PEACE.
De Maa!!! The entire Ozuzuma mourn your death. You were a dependable ally ready to do battle where necessary.
Good bye Adaukwu.
For the Ozuzuma Family.
Sir Chief S. N. Ozuzuma