WRITTEN BY ANSELEM OKAFOR
In 1913, a renowned herbalist, Mazi Muodili Ikeagwuana Akwuobu (Ozigbondu) of Iru Odama, Mgbago Eziabba and his wife, Nwamgboye Afiainyinya, the daughter of Aguomentuka of Etiti Ire Abba received a special favour from God – a baby girl, whom they named Matagu.
Typical of that age, Ozigbondu refused to send Matagu to school as it was near- taboo to train female children then. But young Matagu was richly endowed with natural intelligence and such rare brilliance that, growing up, she became the toast of every family with wives wishing she becomes their co-wife while mothers dreamt of her being their daughter-in-law.
However, when Matagu came of age, the mantle fell on Mr. Jonas Okafor from Iruokpala-Ire village, Abba. Jonas had at that time, joined the Roman Catholic Mission. After her betrothal, Matagu, a good dancer cum singer, sang and danced ‘Egwu Eselogu’’ with her peers while her father, Ozoigbondu was away on herbal mission to Adazi.
Upon his return and seeing her daughter, Matagu, designed her body with uli, Ozigbondu queried her, fearing that her son-in-law could be expelled from the church. Thus, he ordered that Matagu be taken to the Convent at Adazi. At the Adazi Convent, Matagu was assimilated into Christian living and was groomed for family life. She was Christened Virginia.
She did so well in learning the catechism that she was drafted to teach fellow brides on marriage course. Later, Mother Virginia was adjudged qualified at five months and was wedded to her heartthrob, Jonas. Wedded, Mama was set for religious work and this started at Saint Anthony’s Parish Dunukofia. When she joined her husband in Kaduna in the North, the well groomed Mother Virginia engaged in petty trading, while continuing to work in the Lord’s vineyard. She was guided by Reverend Father Miniham, an Irish priest then in charge of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, who congregated women of the church into three groups for the preparation of catholic teachings. This gave rise to Dunukofia zone with Mother Virginia, being the only Abba woman there, as its president. She held the position till the outbreak of the civil war, which forced them back home.
Her religious engagements took her to many places within Onitsha zone, including Umuleri, Aguleri, Umumbo and Awkuzu. Mother Virginia in the course of her religious work, had the opportunity of interacting with Francis Cardinal Arinze and late Bishop Emmanuel Otteh among others.
Back home at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Abba, Mother Virginia became a torch-bearer and led the women of the Parish. It was under her watch in 1973 that the light of mothering Sunday shined in the parish. It was also under her care that the Saint Anne’s maternity and convent Abba was built.
Mother Virginia supported other women to keep their homes, giving them food, money and clothing, despite the fact that she was not that rich. Record has it that mama virtually turned her home to a preparatory ground for grooming young girls who had come of age, teaching them how to cook good food, keep the home and above all, be submissive to their would-be husbands.
Mama’s service to God and humanity earned recognitions too numerous to mention, including a certificate of recognition by Onitsha Archdiocesan Council of the Catholic Women Organization, initiation as a life member by CWO, Awka Catholic Diocese and the investiture of Mother of Faith (Nne Okwukwe) by CWO Saint Paul’s Parish, Abba.
Mother Virginia was an apple of the Lord’s eye as she was bestowed with longevity. Mama is survived by 7 children. They include: Chief Sir L.E Okafor (Omelora Abba)- Former MD/CEO UBA; Ichie Sir A.I Okafor- 2nd Vice Supreme President Global, KSJI and SSA to Governor Obiano on Religious Matters and Traditional Prime Minister of Abba as well as Sir Barth Okafor, retired Deputy Chief Inspector, FBN PLC, among others. Bowing down to death on 9th of January at the age of 106, mama’s ban is over flowing with 21 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren as well as numerous other relations.
Tomorrow, March 22, all roads will lead to Iruokpala Ire Village Abba for the celebration of the life of this centenarian. Vigil mass holds today at her compound. Tomorrow, Friday, March 22, by 10am, Funeral mass will hold at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Parish, Abba, followed by interment at her husband’s compound. Funeral ceremonies will continue through Saturday while outing mass will hold on Sunday at Saint Paul’s.
May her gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord-Amen.
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