By Chief Ingram Osigwe
According to Martin Luther King Jnr, “the quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important”
However, for the Ozonnagbos, both are important and they will in August be celebrating both because their late daughter, mother, wife and sister embodied them while on earth.
Essentially, for the Ozonnagbo family of Uwani Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu state, it is a celebration of a life well lived as they commence the rites of passage of their matriarch, the late Mrs Elizabeth Ugochinyere Oyibo Ozannagbo (nee Ozoarinze)
Aged 92, the late Mrs Ozannagbo was the mother of an industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of Polystar Electronics Ltd, Chief Paulinus Ozonnagbo (Mmiri na esoruora).
During her life time, Mrs Ozannagbo, popular as Ogirisi Ofuonu, was a devout christian, businesswoman and a community leader.
She contributed immensely to the development of her community as well as advocated for the rights and well being of women.
The Mrs Ozannagbo was a mentor and source of wisdom and counsel to many, especially women, in Uwani Umumba.
According to a press release outlining the program of events for her funeral and signed by her son, Chief Paulinus Ozannagbo, there will be a wake keep at her husband’s compound, Uwani Umumba on August 10, 2022.
This will be followed the next day by lying-in-state of her remains at the same venue.
Requiem mass in her honour will hold at Patrick’s Catholic Church, Uwani Umumba at 10 am at the same while internment follows immediately at her husband’s compound.
Thanksgiving mass takes place at St.Patrick’s Catholic Church, Uwani Umumba on Sunday, August 14th, 2022.
Commenting on the life and time of his late mother, Chief Ozannagbo, his mother’s life was inspirational and exemplary “hence my resolve to celebrate her through a befitting burial. She was a rare gem that will be missed by all.”
Late Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Ugochinyere Oyibo Ozonnagbo (nee Ozoarinze Okonkwo) was born on 15th August 1930 to the family of Late Chief Ozoarinze Okonwkwo and Late Lolo Uchego Ozoarinze both of Anike village, Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. She was the first child in the family.
At a young age she got married to her late husband, Chief Alexander Ozonnagbo Anike and the marriage was blessed with four children, among whom are Chief Eugene Ozonnagbo (Ochinanwata), Chief. Amb. Dr. Ozo, Paulinus Ozonnagbo (Mmiri na ezoru ora) CEO of Polystar Electronics, Mrs. Salome Ogochukwu Okeke and Mrs. Anulika Jovita Okenwa.
As a girl growing up, the late Mrs Ozonnagbo didn’t have the privilege of formal education, the thirst was nonetheless there.
It therefore was not a surprise that she later enrolled for adult education at Community Primary School, Umumba Ndiagu after she got married.
As a businesswoman, phliantropist and a devout Catholic, the late Mrs Ozonnagbo was unwavering in her commitment.
During her life time, she sponsored many indigent young people in tertiary institutions and was an avid social mobiliser in the Community.
She was a peace maker who was always firm with her decisions and ever ready to defend the oppressed and neglected in the community.
The late Mrs Ozonnagbo belonged to various Social Organizations and was very active with the roles given her. She belonged to organizations like Ada Anike (Blessed as eldest Ada till her death), Nkwo Market Women Association, Lolo ndi Ozo, Uwani Women Association, Otu Ogbo (Ndi Enyi), amongst others.
She also joined the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) after her conversion to the Catholic faith and became a committed member.
