By Ingram Osigwe
For Chief Uche Nworah (Ezeudo) his dear,mother, the late Ezinne Mrs Gloria Ukamaka Nworah’s demise is a sleep, a sleep so deep and so peaceful but which breaks the hearts. Having lost a loving father a few years ago, I can clearly imagine the piercing emotional pains Ezeudo has experienced since his dear mother left this world months back.
As Ezeudo accords his mother a befitting farewell, it is safe to say that Cicero, the great poet, had the late Mrs Nworah in mind when he penned that immortal line: “The Life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living”.
It is obvious that in Ezeudo’s mind’s eyes, his dear mother is not dead but joyfully lives on in his heart and in the hearts of others who enjoyed her warm and motherly presence while she was here.
However, the grim reality is that the irrepressible Ezinne Nworah has gone to be with the Lord, never to be seen again with mortal eyes! And many whose lives were impacted by her can’t bring themselves to process how they lost their jewel of inestimable value. Everyone’s heart bleeds with tears as their immeasurable love for the Nworah matriarch pours out. Life has indeed taken on a grey colour for all those who drank from her fountain of love, wisdom and affection.
Though Ezinne is no longer here to walk beside her loved ones and share laughter and joy with them, in grief and tears, the Nworah’s, their friends and associates find solace and strength in the love and bond that she exuded and spread while alive; it is obvious that those enchanting, exhilarating moments will forever register in their hearts.
Though no one can question God for He gives and takes, but “what happened to our amiable mother, grandmother, great grandmother and our matriarch”? has been the questions tugging on the hearts of everyone who relishes the beautiful memories of Ezinne.
There’s something about losing a beloved mother that’s inexpressible and permanent. It’s a wound that’ll never heal, this why Ezinne’s demise has created a permanent wound and searing pain in many hearts, especially in that of her dear son, Ezeudo.
As the late Ezinne Nwora is buried, Ezeudo hopes that she wraps her new wings around him and his siblings, and then let her angelic self radiate through their pains.
An energetic and engaging personality, during her active days, Late Ezinne Mrs Gloria Ukamaka Nworah was a successful business woman based in Aba, Abia state, in the 70s, 80s and 90s. She operated Amaka Restaurant from her residence at Ozubulu Road, Aba and also at Alaoji market, along Aba /Port Harcourt Expressway, Aba.
Her residence was a rallying point for many Enugwu-Ukwu indigenes living in Aba then who found shelter and motherly support.
A community leader, woman activist and social crusader, Late Ezinne Mrs Gloria Ukamaka Nworah served Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) women’s wing in various capacities. She served as Secretary, ECDU Women’s Wing, Aba branch for over 12 years following the long absence of Barr. Chief Lady Ongodi Nkwoji who had travelled abroad. This was under Mrs. Constance Egwuagu who was President at the time.
She was also President of Umuakwu Community Development Union (UCDU) Women’s Wing for many years after the death of Mrs Juliana Okoye (Omenefife). She served in this position until 2003 when she retired with her husband and traveled to live in London.
She was a devout Christian of the Catholic faith and served as President, St. Anne’s Christian Mothers, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Umuagbai, Aba, a church she help found from the start with her husband who also served as President of St. Joseph’s and later St. Peter’s Christian Fathers Association (now CMO).
Late Ezinne Mrs Gloria Ukamaka Nworah also served as President, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, Women’s Wing, Aba branch for several years until her eventual retirement.
She was married to her late husband, Nze Edwin Okonkwo Nwora (Nkaonadi) who died in 2020.The Nworah family are from Umuakwu village, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka local government of Anambra state.
The late Ezinne Nworah is survived by George Nworah (Nzeakonobi), Dr Uchenna Nworah (Ezeudo)who was a one-time MD, Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Peter Nworah (Agbadijulueju), Charles Nworah (Ogbunaechendo), Chinyere (Nwanyigbuoefi) and Ifeyinwa (Akunne).
Her rite of passage commences on Thursday, 20th June, 2024 with a service of songs at Nwora residence, off Ring road, Umuakwu village, Enugwu-Ukwu.
On Friday, 21st June 2024, at 7am, her body will be Lying -in – state at Eduzor residence, Avomimi village, Enugwu-Ukwu at 8am the Lying -in-state will hold at the Nwora residence.
At 10am the same day, there will be a Requiem Mass in her honour at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, off ring Road , Umuakwu village, Enugwu-Ukwu.
Interment follows at the Nworah family residence. Enugwu-Ukwu
Sunday, 23rd June 2024 Outing/Thanksgiving Mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu.
– Chief Ingram Osigwe is the MD of FulPagege Communications Ltd.
