Like a warrior queen, Chief Lady Ngozi Florence Umeoji came, saw and conquered, with a shining record trailing her earthly sojourn.
Born to the family of Chief Simon Umezinwa and wife, Mrs Mgbafocha Umezinwa from Ohanene Ezionye Clan, Aku Village, Ezinifite Aguata, Ngozi was the last child of her parents. She was well schooled as a teacher, having graduated from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her teaching career saw her rising through the ranks to become a School Headmistress and School Administrator till her retirement from the civil service. At retirement, she established a private school known as Adorable British College.
Lady Ngozi was the wife of the late Sir Andy Umeoji (Ide Mayor) of Obeagu, Ezionye Clan, Aku Village, Ezinifite Aguata, Anambra State Nigeria. Their marriage was blessed with eight illustrious children. All her children are making positive impacts in their chosen walks of life. Her first son, Honourable Chukwuma Umeoji is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Aguata Federal Constituency;while her first daughter, Dame Adaora Umeoji-Nwokoye is the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank PLC.
As a devout Catholic, Chief Mrs Umeoji, a Lady of Saint John International had an undying love for God and mission work. She encouraged her family to fund the building of Chapel of Perpetual Adoration for Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ezinifite. She also renovated another private chapel attached to the Father’s House in the church. She also donated funds for the renovation of the Father’s House to give it the new look it wears today. Beyond that, she helped to sink borehole to provide water for the church and donated cars to priests to facilitate their ministries.
Mummy was a member of the parish council for 15 years and a member, Catholic Women’s Organization, CWO, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ezinifite where she served as Financial Secretary and President at different times for more than 18 years. She was appreciated and recognized as a pillar of the CWO of Awka Diocese with the title of “Universal Diamond Lady”.
Lady Ngozi was an epitome of philanthropy. Her humanitarian gestures were unequalled as she championed the course of many indigent women, children and widows. She empowered many women with start-up funds for small businesses; spearheaded several community development projects including the construction of a long building in the local market for Ezinifite women to sell their farm produce.
It is on record that forty-two youths from Ezinifite benefited from her scholarship scheme as graduates who were trained in Nigerian universities and overseas. As at date, four youths are still enjoying her university education scholarship. Above all, she ensured that many graduates of Ezinifite are gainfully employed in fulfillment of her belief that human capital development is anchored on economic empowerment. For these community development efforts, Lady Ngozi was honored as ADA-GBA-ODU 1 of Ezinifite Aguata.
As the First Lady of Aguata Local Government Area when her husband chaired the council, Chief Mrs Umeoji revived the National Council of Women Society (NCWS) and was the President, NCWS Aguata Zone for many years. She was also very active in the programmes of the Family Support Programme (FSP) of the then First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Maryam Abacha where she was a prominent leader for more than 10 years.
For her accomplishments, Lady Umeoji was awarded the African Women International Merit Award (AWIMA) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Indeed, Ada-Gba-Odu has run her race in good faith and has now gone the way of all mortals. We invite all to join us in giving her a befitting burial today, Thursday, June 9, 2022 with a requiem mass at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ezinifite Aguata by 10am, followed by interment at her countryhome, Aku Village, Ezinifite Aguata. Our song for our mother, Lady Ngozi Umeoji is ended but the melody lingers on.
Adieu Ada Gba Odu! Till we meet again in paradise.
Written by Honourable Chukwuma Umeoji
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