Tears, Praises As Mary Olemgbe Finally Rests on Mother Earth

In compliance with the law of nature and amidst tears resulting from the thought of missing a loved one for ever, the body of a matriarch, Chief Mrs Ezinne Nneoma Mary Olemgbe, mother of the incumbent Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe was committed to mother earth last Saturday, December 22, 2023 in her home, Umuawuchi autonomous community of Ihitte-Uboma local government area of the state.

Although, the event was in practical terms, a sort of celebration of well accomplished life, those who knew or associated closely with Nneoma Mary Olemgbe could not hold back their tears as her casket was being lowered unto the grave.

Praises hinging on laudatory virtues and achievements of the late matriarch as well as thanksgiving unto God for a life well lived reduced to the barest minimum, the pains, sorrow and agony resulting from the Irreparable loss, the death of Nneoma Olemgbe who departed after a brief illness at the age of 87.

Late Nneoma Mary Olemgbe

In his homily at a the church service before the burial proper, the Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Uboma Parish, Rev Fr. Vincent Emezuo extolled the sterling qualities of Nneoma Mary Olemgbe, describing her as a woman who sincerely gave her time and entire life to the service of God and society.

The Imo state governor who was represented by the state deputy governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru lamented that Nneoma Mary Olemgbe was called home by her creator at a time when her motherly advice was needed most.

Governor Uzodimma however, pointed out that the younger generation of women and mothers in the society learnt a lot from Nneoma Olemgbe’s enviable lifestyle.

The Imo state chief executive charged the children of the deceased not to deviate from those sterling qualities that endeared her to everyone that came close to her family.

The Senator representing Imo North (Okigwe Zone) at the National Assembly, Engr. Patrick Ndubueze in his condolence message, described the exit of Nneoma Mary Olemgbe as a big shock to people of Okigwe zone.

According to Senator Ndubueze, Nneoma Mary Olemgbe as a community, religious and political leader, was a personality of high reputation.

The deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu on his part, observed that Nneoma Olemgbe would always be remembered for her warm personality, kindness and infectious smiles in handling issues of life.

“She had a remarkable ability in bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She made positive impacts on the lives of so many people”, the deputy speaker stated.

The chairman, Imo state Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Sir MacDonald Ebere, described Nneoma Olemgbe as a woman of uncommon capacity in both community leadership and home management.

The Chief of staff, government house, Owerri, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie summarised his comment thus, “the worthy mother, Nneoma Mary Olemgbe lived a purposeful life. She was a quintessential community leader, a politician, devout Christian, loving and caring mother whose commitment to human resources development, no doubts, brought her community to enviable status”.

A member of the house of representatives from Orlu zone of Imo State, Hon Eugene Dibiagwu put his observation in print this way, “the highly cherished and beloved mother, Chief Mrs Ezinne Nneoma Mary Olemgbe was fulfilled in all respects, having nurtured one of her brightest children, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe to become the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, indeed, the number three (3) citizen of Imo State of Nigeria. Nothing is as gratifying to a mother’s heart as the success of her children. To have sojourned eternally at the age of 87 speaks volumes of her grace”.

The Number two (2) citizen of Imo state, His Excellency, Prof Placid Njoku wrote in all the way from government house, Owerri to say, “as the entire Olemgbe family and AWUCHINUMO community mourn the death of this outstanding woman, I urge you all to preserve and extol the outstanding legacies she left behind”.

Engr. Akarachi Etinosa Tosan Amadi, the member for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru (Mba-Ike) federal constituency on his part, observed, “may the memories of your mother’s positive exploits give you peace and comfort and, I pray that God will give you the strength to bear this huge loss and also, provide you with the support you require to overcome this period of grief”.

The deputy majority leader, Imo state house of assembly, Rt. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi was not left out as his beautiful script stated, “the death of Ezinne Nneoma Mary Olemgbe has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. However, I believe that she has been called to the glory of God and, the legacy she left behind will be a source of comfort and consolidation to her entire family”.

Many other persons and institutions too numerous for the list wrote in to acknowledge, appreciate, extol and applaud Nneoma Mary Olemgbe and her sterling qualities.

Her son, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly who spoke on behalf of his elder brother, Hon Innocent Olemgbe and the entire Olemgbe family, summarised his position and opinion of her generally-acclaimed woman of substance thus, “my mother lived a fulfilled life in the fear of God. She selflessly, served both God and human society till old age. My family has a covenant with God, to obey and worship Him (the Almighty God) at all times. Am happy that my mother kept this covenant until she left us. To God, be the glory

Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe thanked the body of clergy led by the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Solomon Amatu who personally presided over the church service, the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, members of the state executive council, the deputy Speaker Imo state house of assembly, Rt. Hon Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, other members of the state legislature, the management team and staff of Imo State House of Assembly led by the clerk/head legislative duties, Barr. Mrs Chinelo Adaora Emeghara, all traditional rulers and political leaders as well as friends, close and distant relations for their prayers, moral and material support at this critical point in time.