Ezinne (Odoziaku) Nwanyimma Virginia Okpoko buried.

On January 8 2026, the burial of Obinwanne high profile women leader, Christian mother and mother of many, Mrs Ezinne (Odoziaku) Nwanyimma Virginia Okpoko was held in Ezeunamba Ubani of Obinwanne Umuaka Autonomous Community Njaba LGA Imo State. High profile personalities attended the event including politicians and many others from outside the country especially South Africa. Below is the story of the life and times of the late woman of substance.

In like manner of biblical assertion has it that there is time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die. Late EZINNE VIRGINIA NWANYIMMA OKPOKO was the first daughter of Osumgborogwu and Loloure Okpara of Ezeala Ekezie village Obinwanne Umuaka Njaba LGA. She was born 82 years ago. Our mother grew up full of intelligence among her age mates then. She had a formal education at that tender age but due to the adage then that it is not useful to train a woman in school, Mama couldn’t continue her education and immediately ventured into business to help the parents to train her siblings.

MAMA’S LIFE:

Our mother lived a life that was been both unconventional and traditional. She was raised by a very strict but not over bearing parents. They stilled in our mother a sense of self discipline, benevolence and an appreciation for hard work that remained with her throughout her life. The core values taught to our mother by her parents enabled her to succeed against all odds in life. Her religious upbringing has positively affected her identity, character development and closeness to God by embracing righteousness and spirituality.

We have gathered here today not mourn the loss of Ezinne Virginia Nwanyimma Okpoko, but to celebrate a life lead with distinction, excellence and accomplishments. This is not a time to be only sorrowful but rather a time also to rejoice as we must heed to the admonition of scripture that it is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting (Ecl. 7:2) and also that the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth (Ecl.7: 1).

Let me tell you why I am also joyful rather than solely mournful. It is because I know where my mother is. As I look back on her long productive life of accomplishment of 82 years, it is important to make allusion to those aspect of her life which played itself out in the public areas that everyone knew and saw but also to focus on those more obscure but nonetheless, monumental dealings with those who saw her closely which constructed my esteemed opinion of this woman and reverently called my Mother.

She was a family woman truly blessed by God. She was a mother utterly committed to family life ensuring that peace and harmony was maintained. She always excelled and aspired for excellence in all her endeavours. As a trader and business woman she left a resounding mark in all that had interface with her. Our mother was prominent in core groups she was a member. Our mother magnanimous and public spirited. For, she contributed immensely to the development of then Ubani Development Women Wing and Obinwanne Umuaka in general. She worked as a Chairlady Ubani Kindred Women for 16 years. She was Chairlady of Obinwanne Umuaka Women Wing for 8 years. She was a member of then Umuaka Development Union Women Wing during the tenure of Lady Dorathy Amuzie.

She was a member of Odoziaku social club.She was a Woman Leader PDP Umuaka Ward 1 for 4 years during the time Rt Hon Chief Chuma Nnaji was in the Imo State House Assembly. She was a spokesperson and leader of Umuada Ekezie village Obinwanne Umuaka.

Ezinne Virginia NwanyimmaOkpoko’s contributions in matter of ecclesiastics cannot easily be written off. Her efforts to make Catholic Women Organisation St Patrick’s Catholic Station ObinwanneUmuaka then wasself evidence. She was a Vice CWO President of then St Patrick’s Catholic Church ObinwanneUmuaka with late Mrs. Mary Officer Nnah as the President. She later assumed the position of CWO Station President then in acting capacity for few months and later handed over to a new elected Executives led by Late Mrs Veronica Achiagba.

She was a member of UmuakaEbeiri Church Wardens and as well as a staunch member in St Patrick’s Catholic Parish ObinwanneUmuaka.

A member of Catholic Bible Society of Nigeria both at St Mary’s Catholic Parish Umuaka and St Patrick’s Catholic Parish ObinwanneUmuaka.

Our mother was a core Christian; she participated in many church activities both at St Mary’s Catholic Parish Umuaka then and now, her own Parish, St Patrick’s Catholic Parish ObinwanneUmuaka, Njaba LGA Imo State. In recognition of her selfless service to the church, she was conferred with EZINNE TITLE at St Mary’s Catholic Parish Umuaka. Our mother was indeed a blessing to her family as she stood by her husband immediately she got married to him throughout the struggle in training up her children to admirable stage and besides, she tried to bring up his brother and sisters regardless of her humble home circumstances.

NANYIMMA: Our mother was very patriotic and resilient; she was very supportive to our father late Ichie Louis EzerieOkpoko. She engaged herself in all petty trading business including selling of local tobacco snuff, specializes in dealing on native kolanuts and other things to ensure that there is always food on the table of her children even when our father didn’t bring money.

Ladies and gentlemen, a wonderful vacuum must have been created in case I fail to mention our mother’s valour and gallantry in public spirited. Here now lies a famous great Nwanyimma, Ogbajirigwe, Akajirigwoo; Wow! How are the mighty fallen, tell it not Umuaka, publish not in the street of ObinwanneUmuaka for the bones of the brave and great woman has been laid to rest. But, I are not dejected. I know my mother understands. She knew the greatest love story ever told; that of God’s great love for us.

Mmaa, as you are fondly called by your children, your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, relatives, club members and friends have all assembled and gathered here to pay last respect to you.

That death was audacious enough to attack you, mother, baffles one’s imagination. However, death did not defeat you, it rather quickened and facilitated your transition to the desired eternal bliss.

It is very painful, but we cannot question God. His decision is final. We are missing you. We are happy you were our mother. We will miss you dearly.

May the good Lord you continually served and always worshiped receive your gentle soul, Amen.

Adieu! Mother!

Adieu Akajirigwoo!

Till we meet to part no more!