Madam Josephine Kutanya Okeke, popularly known as GOLD NWANYI was born to the family of Nze Nnebe Okoye Oli (Ezenwa) and Madam Rebecca Unoma Nnebe (Opaku) of Ajalla Umuokpu Awka. She was the only surviving child of her mother; the other six died at infancy. Her early life was therefore somehow traumatic and full of challenges, as she grew up without immediate siblings around her.
In her adolescent years, Josephine was a promising, elegant and beautiful young girl. These physical attributes attracted early suitors to her, but she did not oblige to them because she was too young and so much attached to her parents, as the only child.
She was eventually convinced to accept the offer by Chief S.N. Okeke (Nzeamalu), now late, of Etiti Osili Enugwu-Ukwu, who had so much difficulty in chasing away other men and having her as a wife. The marriage was blessed with two males and four female children.
Madam Josephine Okeke (Gold Nwanyi) lived an exemplary life. Although a convert into Roman Catholic Church, she was more pious than those that converted her. She played many roles in peoples’ lives, both young and old.
She was a seamstress and a homemaker. She also engaged in other small scale businesses to help in bringing up her children. Madam Josephine Okeke was a good cook, which made her to always be in-charge of preparing soup for “Ndi Ozo” in Isionye and Enugwu-Ukwu in general, anytime they had occasion. She was being hired for special soup making in any big occasion.
Gold Nwanyi was also gifted in dancing and singing. She was outstanding in the dance of Osili women, which she led. She was popularly known and addressed as Gold Nwanyi. (Indeed, like Gold, Mama did not fade till her last breath). Her popular maxim, “Be Good”, symbolized her life. She was unique, a special breed and a rare kind woman who would rather chose to go hungry and give out her last kobo to the needy.
The villagers are already missing her hosting the annual ‘Uka nne’ feast, the random ‘Salaka’ meals and the squeezing of money into the hands of the less privileged. Her popular maxim “Be Good” symbolized her life. Her long life in good health and her peaceful passing away to Almighty God are signs of more rewards awaiting her in heaven. Despite the longevity, she is still being missed a lot.
Gold Nwanyi lived and celebrated five generations of children. She is survived by:- Madam Elizabeth Oby Anakwue Okafor, Madam Rose Igbokwe, Chief Charles Ndidi Okeke, Madam Janeth Ogbodo, Lady Sussan Agubata and Innocent Okeke (children). Others are Right Honourable Chief Anayo Nnebe (Ichele Dikeora-Awka) and Chukwudozie Nnebe (Brothers); Mrs Ifenyinwa Okeke and Barrister Joan Okeke (Daughters-in-law) as well as thirty grand-children, fifty-eight great grand-children and three great great grand-children.
Gold Nwanyi, we will continue to celebrate you and your legacies. You will forever be in our hearts.
Adieu our great matriarch, mother, grandmother, great grand-mother, great great grand-mother, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, till we meet again in heaven where death can no more separate us. Amen
GOLD NWANYI, REST IN PEACE!
WRITTEN BY CHIEF NDIDI OKEKE
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