BIRTH
Anddy as she was fondly and popularly called was born on Monday the 27th of December 1937 to the family of late Elder Fred Ogonda Amadi Wopara in Rumuiwechiolu compound in Rukpokwu town of Obio/Akpor LGA.
She was the second child amongst the 4 children of her mother with retired cannon Elkana Worlu being the eldest of her siblings, Mr Samuel Amadi her younger brother and pastor Henry Amadi who has passed to be with the Lord unfortunately, May God continue to rest his gentle soul. Mrs Rhoda Ejims happens to come from a polygamous family and so has numerous siblings of which she was the first daughter.
EDUCATION
At age 5 she attended Rukpokwu primary School where she studied up to standard 6. She normally would not have began school at that age as her hands could not reach her ears yet, but as a new school they could not find enough children of the right age when the school was opened so they admitted her as they said she was smarter than her age and could cope.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
While growing up even till her death she was not only very beautiful, she was God fearing, to the extent that even as she struggled with mobility she did not miss attending church and must be in church on time and this she instilled in her children. She made sure that we attend choir practice regularly. On the month her group will be sweeping the church she was always there first, she was obedient, respectful, humble, hard working, disciplined and very caring no wonder she was attracted to her late husband Chief C.O Ejims Wopara, the Eze Ize Agwu 1of Rumuobiakani.( May God continue to bless his soul). It was realized that her marriage was orchestrated by God as coincidentally she hails from Wopara's family in Chiolu compound in Rukpokwu town and married to Wopara's family Chiolu in Rumuobiakani town. She was blessed with 9 children in total, 5 girls and 4 boys. Unfortunately she lost 3 of her sons to death namely; Ogunka, Ejilemele , with the most recent being Prince Ibe (may God continue to rest his soul).
MARITAL LIFE
Until her demise, She was the senior wife of the late Eze Ize Agwu 1.
Anddy loved her husband till death parted them and her husband also loved her. This was evident in how she played her roles as a wife , exhibiting humility and loyalty. She was trusted by her late husband and not only by him but she was trusted and loved by many up till date.
SOCIAL LIFE
She was sociable and fun to be with. A good dancer and one of the leaders and founding members of Ogbo Ayakata Rumuobiakani women's dancing group where she was the 'Eze Nwayi'. She was a very caring person not only to her late husband but to any person that comes in contact with her. She hated seeing people hungry and angry, she would give her last to make people happy.
Our mother would feed mad people and even give them water to bathe. We know this is unbelievable but we would not have believed it if not told by our late father. She was a peaceful woman , she hated trouble to the extent that she was seen as a weak person by some.
As a result of her kindness to people, she was honoured with the title 'Nneoma' by St Patrick's Anglican Church Rukpokwu, the title she still holds till death.
POLITICAL LIFE
Politically she was active when she was younger and srtong, she played the grassroots politics to the extent that in 1985 she was the Obio/ Akpor SDP woman leader and as a result of her efficiency and dedication she served two tenors.
Above all Mrs Rhoda Ejims remained faithful till date in carrying out her duties as a mother. .She was a caring mother to her children. She loved everyone of us and she would do anything to protect her children.
Anddy did not relent in her duties as a mother. She would leave home very early to the fish business, by the time people are getting up in the morning she is back and preparing her children for school as well as preparing snail, meat for her beer parlour which she ran then. She makes sure that her children look their best being fashionable herself. She loved and cared alot about her grand children.
In 1992 she took ill, it was so serious that she was almost bed ridden where it no t for God. The illness prolonged to the extent that it was rumoured that she would not survive the next day. On hearing this news, friends, well wishers and family members where visiting to see her before she dies but God was always on his throne 'for God's thought bis not our thought neither his ways our ways' . She fought through the trials and tribulations and she over came by the Grace of God.
She was ill till her husband died. She managed to participate during her late husband's burial. At some stage we began to wonder if she would be able to make it and at least bury her mother.
One thing that kept Anddy going through these period was her strong faith in God. As a prayer warrior, Anddy could pray non stop, she could fast for a month and consistently. We use to tease her for her ability to cook without testing for salt and pepper and the food would be spotless. She held unto God strongly and God did not let her down. Every time we try to encourage her by reminding her that her mom other is still alive she says 'I will not die, since the injections and medication could not work I have decided to keep asking God to allow this sickness take my life if I have killed anybody in my life but if I have not God please fight for me'. Every time you go to her, she doesn't stop saying this unless you stop her in a conversation.
We thank the Lord almighty for the life our dearest mother Late Mrs Rhoda Ejims lived and the impact she made while on earth. She will be greatly missed all who loves her.
Adieu Anddy, Adieu Mama.... till we meet on resurrection morning.
