LETS TAKE YOU THROUGH THE LIFE TIME OF LATE MRS. JOY NONYELUM UBAH
(The mother of the Secretary-General, Nzuko ora Nnewi, Barr. Obinna Ubah)
EARLY LIFE: As a nursery rhyme puts it “…like a diamond in the sky…” ——- described the birth and life of Late Mrs. Joy Nonyelum Ubah. She was born into the family of Late Maazi Udeagbala Ezeani Okonkwo and Late Mrs. Amanjina Uzoechina Okonkwo in Umuezu kindred of Umuanuka Otolo Nnewi in Nnewi North L.G.A of Anambra State, precisely on the 13th day of June 1947. She was the second child of her late parents. Sequel to the financial constraint as a little girl she was sent to live with Late Mr. Stephen Okonkwo Ubah and late Mrs. Patience Okonkwo as a house help. Her coming into this family yielded fruit since the couple was childless for many years. She lived with the couple for nine years (9) before they gave birth to a child of their own.
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EDUCATION: Mama was educated up to standard four later elementary six. She was fondly called Chico (i.e. Chike Obi) due to her academic excellence in school. She never exceeded third position throughout her school days or years. Surprise that Mama was repeatedly nominated, appointed or elected in most organizations she belonged either as the Secretary or Financial Secretary.
MARRIAGE LIFE: Ma-ma as she was fondly called by her children first got married at her tender age in the year 1966 and after the death of her first husband still very tender, Ma-ma was customarily and legally remarried by the brother of the first husband as the custom demanded, thus the customary exchange of a knife and other customary rites were duly performed. In all, the marriage was blessed with seven children i.e. Four boys and three girls with twenty-four grandchildren.
HER CARRIER: Late Mrs. Joy Nonyelum was a zealous business woman. She was popularly known for her “Bitter kola business-Nwaanyi Ugolo.” She had always laid her hands on any business that will yield revenue for the upkeep of her home. Mama was never lazy; she was very independent and never thought of relying on anybody for survival. On this premise, she always told everyone around her to hustle and never to depend on anyone. This she often says in Igbo Language “… Onye obula di ike na okpu aka ya…”
RELIGION /HER CHRISTIAN LIFE: Ma-ma was a member of the Anglican Communion. She was devoted to the things of God. Her commitment and dedication to the service of God and humanity made her home church Amazing love Anglican Church allowed her Family develop the contents of the program/brochure for her burial service, especially the hymns/ Abu contained herein because mama had over 300 and above Anglican hymns in her head off hand. She frowned seeing any of her children singing Anglican Church Hymns and /or reading Igbo Bible upside down. Mama was a practical Christian who eschewed evil and never allowed nor tolerate evil, no matter whose ox is gored. Late Mrs. Joy Nonyelum Ubah as a Christian hated lies and vowed never to live and see one suppress another. Mama was not two sides mouthed that she always said in agreement between two parties “… Ekwulu gunu mbosi Ututu…” meaning that she strongly stood on her agreement with people, thus she maintained that such is one of the characteristics of a true Christian. She hated pretence and cunning which in Igbo Language she said “Igbu na iku akpoho eziokwu Ife…” Mama always stood aright to defend her faith. She brought her children up in the fear of God through Monday class, APA (now Anglican Children’s Ministry, ACM) and the Evangelical Fellowship in Anglican Communion (EFAC).
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SOCIAL LIFE: Do not be shocked bythe number of people that assembled and gathered here today for the last respect and in honour of this great woman because Mama was a typical example of her sobriquet (Nickname) and maintained same till her demise thus “IGWEBUKO” meaning “Multitude of people is her pride.” Mama was a sociable woman who never looked at class or social status. She respected and treated everyone equally. She loved to sing Anglican Hymns (Abu). She held many positions
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in her ,Umu-Okpu meeting, Ndi Inyom-di, Okwuogeli (now Dunu Unachukwu – Ifekudu) Women’s meeting, Ezeomodo women’s meeting etc. She was a gifted adviser because she was endowed with wisdom. Philanthropist that she would always say that “Giving help to someone and letting a third party know about it is not different from “Enyem akom”, that God that sees in secret rewards secretly. Mama was kind, loving, caring, religious, patient, hardworking, very humble but hated intimidation irrespective of the person involved. She was respected by men and women for her truthfulness and boldness. She was not over ambitious for the things of life. A disciplinarian.
HER CHALLENGES: This biography will amount to nothing without appreciating Mama’s patience, faith, perseverance and discipline which she displayed during her protracted illness which later led to her demise. Mama’s illness was diagnosed as Diabetes precisely on the 15th day of November 1976 yet she did not complain nor allow same affect her faith in Christ. This could sound incredible, but it is factual and true. Mama accepted her condition with faith, praying that one day she will be with the Lord “the tear wiper” where there shall be no more sickness.
HER DAY TO DAY STATEMENTS:
(i) “I know that one day I shall face to face see my God with my two eyes.”
(ii) “I am not afraid of what will destroy the flesh, but the Soul.”
(iii) “That even after this life, I have a better home prepared for me.”
HER LAST EVENT: Sunday the 31st day of March 2019 was Mothering Sunday. Mama woke up very early prepared for Church and on her own went to Church. During the cutting of Cake and donation, the officiating Priest called her, Mama Barrister to come and cut the Mothering Sunday’s Cake. She happily and noticeably danced to the Alter and made her donation, reminding the congregation that it is not in her character to owe and immediately made her payment.
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HER DEPARTURE: After the Church Service all your children in Nnewi were with you, sang and danced together for the gift of a mother, unknown to them that it was a film tricks as you answered the last call from your creator in the early morning of Tuesday, 2nd April 2019 (just two days after the said Mothering Sunday celebrations).
Dinmkpa Nwanyi! No doubt you had a good fight of faith, you prayed to God for a peaceful departure, that you were granted as you spent only one day in hospital and died the next morning.
May the Angels take charge over you. Rest in the beautiful home, which you had worked for, Amen.
Adieu! Joy Nonyelum
Adieu!! Igwebuko
Adieu!!! Dinmkpa Nwanyi
Signed:
CHIEF LOUIS S.C UBAH
(Husband) For and on behalf of the family.
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