Miss Duruigbo: A tribute. By Prof Emeka Duruigbo.
2 min read
Lady Josephine Nwaulari Duruigbo was born in the earlier part of the last century. She had her elementary education in Umuaka at a time it was not fashionable to educate the girl child. She thrived in a class of illustrious classmates, including the Bishop Emeritus of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gregory Ochiagha. After her elementary studies, she proceeded with preparation to become a Catholic nun. Her training as a nun was truncated by family exigencies that prompted her to be closer home. She shifted her professional journey into becoming an educator. This new trajectory turned out to be immensely rewarding and deeply consequential.
As a teacher, she had a tremendous influence within and outside the classroom, dedicating time to impart knowledge and making a significant impact on the life outcomes of many people with whom she came into contact. Earning the popular appellation of “Miss” she touched lives within her immediate community and beyond. Today, many successful people can trace their academic foundation that Miss built for them.
Madam Josephine was a family woman who took her role very seriously. She believed strongly in the concept that “charity begins at home.” So, what she promoted outside the home, she worked extra hard to see accomplished at home. Accordingly, she emphasized sound education and proper moral upbringing of all the children in the family. The result of her hard work is evident for all to see.
Miss Josephine was also well known for maintaining solid relationships with her close relatives. She was very proud of her Okwaraojiaku heritage. With the Okwaraibekwe and Obi families in her maternal home, their mutual love and admiration were quite noticeable. She cultivated good relations with in-laws near and far. She was a friend of many, whose radiant smile was infectious. She showed love to all and sundry, although she consistently refused to suffer fools gladly.
Miss Josephine was also acclaimed as an astute investor, with a keen eye for rewarding investments in company stocks and in agricultural and commercial real estate. Her lasting legacy, however, endures in her investment in people and the work of God.
In service to God, she was a devoted chorister who dutifully served in the choir of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuaka. She taught the ways of God to a wide array of people and brought many to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
We will miss all the long conversations about important things and not-so-important stuff. Our children will miss the treasured moments during occasional visits, especially during festive periods. Yes we will surely miss her.
