Oriaku Chinwe Ogwo (nee Agu) was born in Amaeke Item, Bende LGA Abia State, Nigeria on 28th July, 1939 to the renowned roving and great disciplinarian teacher, Ogbonnaya Joshua Agu and home builder Ugonma Agu. Oriaku, the first of ten children – five girls and five boys – was born when her father was at the Methodist Central School, Okoko Item, the only primary school of note (at the time) in the old Bende Division.

With such parents, who were also devout Christians, young Ori started school very early at several schools where her father taught. Thus began a lifelong quest for education and knowledge. Following completion of primary schooling in record time and in flying colours, Ori went to Ovim Girls’ School Ovim, Teachers’ Training College Oron, WTC Umuahia, College of Education Lagos, culminating in a B.Ed degree second class upper division, University of Ibadan. She was a keen sportswoman and won several laurels during her formal schooling years.

Schooling did prepare Ori for the life she was to live – like father, like daughter. She taught at several schools across the country: Spence Primary School, Ovim; Umulolo Primary School, Okigwe; Amuro Primary School and Methodist Girls Secondary School, Ovim; Ijero Primary School Ebute-Metta; Central School Ikot Ekpene; Fountain School, Surulere; Protestant Teachers College, Idi- Araba. It was at Idi Araba that Ori became known as the ‘teacher of teachers’. While her specialties were English Language, Basic Studies, Christian Religious Knowledge and Geography, Ori was mentor, motivator and disciplinarian for both students and colleagues. She retired as a Principal in 1999. Ori was the quintessential knowledge seeker. She read widely from current affairs, politics through literature, philosophy, history to management. And she practically applied all to herself and imparted same to her family and students.  

Ori was a teacher par excellence all her life. She was painstakingly thorough in her teaching profession and loved children. She was a great diarist and researcher. Between her and her husband they were the family historians and keeper of dates. They were confidently relied upon to give the dates for life events, including birthdays, wedding anniversaries, interlocking relationships and death (yes death) concerning almost anyone that they were asked about. Many a time they were the first to wake people up (including their grandchildren) on their birthdays. She was very bold, honest, kind and generous especially to the needy. She was ever ready to offer her services whenever and wherever required in the Community. She was totally dependable and was for over twenty years the Treasurer of the Item Women’s Union in Lagos as well as one of the patronesses.

At the Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba where she worshipped, she was a staunch member of the Christ Armour Bearers Society, acting for the Secretary who was away for a very long time. She was also in the welfare group of the society. She also belonged to the Women’s Fellowship and was conferred with the award ‘EZINNE’ in her hometown Methodist Church Diocese of Item, in recognition of exemplary service, stewardship, integrity and commitment. She was a practising Christian, very prayerful and had a good singing voice. At school she used to be the presenter, leading and directing many a song.

Oriaku Chinwe married Elder Kalu Uchenyi Ogwo at the Wesley Methodist Church, Port Harcourt on 21st December 1963 and their marriage is blessed with five children – a girl and four boys (Nnenna, Amechi, Okechukwu, Chikezie and Uchechi) and twelve grandchildren. Ori will be sorely missed by her numerous in-laws, siblings, friends, former students and colleagues.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.