REV. SIS. MARY LAWRENCIA OBIKWELU

Mrs. Juliana Ekemma Obikwelu was born on June 15, 1934 at Ibenabo village, Oraukwu in Idemili North L.G.A into the family of Ndubuisi Daniel Okeke and Beatrice Okeke. She was the first child out of the seven children of her parents.

When Juliana was growing up, educating a female child was an anathema but she was lucky that she was enrolled in school. She studied up to standard five. Coming from a Christian family, she was baptized early in life and was brought up in the fear of God. She lived most of her early childhood with her parents at Oraukwu, learning how to be a woman directly from her mother.

Juliana was such a charming, loving and caring young girl. She was married to Chief Wilfred Okeke Obikwelu, now late, in 1954 and the marriage was blessed with eight surviving children (four boys and four girls). Mama was taken to Warri by her husband who was a business man. Mama was of great support to her husband and behind his success in life. They so much loved each other and lived a happy family life.

Mrs Juliana Obikwelu was a good disciplinarian. She was deep in the catholic faith and she inculcated the faith in all her children. Her first daughter, Mary Lawrencia Obikwelu, is a Reverend Sister.

During the war, mama came back to Oraukwu with her family. She was very hard working. She joined the women who went to different markets on foot seeking greener pasture for the family.

Mama was a woman of prayer and faith. She made sure that God is the pillar and centre of her family. She also trained her children in that. She was a vibrant member of the Catholic Women Organization, where she held many posts. She was a Vice President of CWO of St Joseph’s Parish, Oraukwu; Treasurer, Convent Building Committee; President, Inyiom Uruani village; Vice President, St. Agatha Society and one time member of the Parish Council, St. Joseph’s Parish Oruakwu. Mrs Juliana Obikwelu was also Grand Patroness, CWO St. Joseph’s parish, Oraukwu; Treasurer, Legion of Mary Society, Sacred Heart Parish, Odoakpu- Onitsha among many others.

“Madam Fashion”, as she was fondly called, was very social and was always neat. She was very peaceful, but very firm. She stood for the rights of the down trodden.

Mama’s health was relatively stable. However, at a point, she became ill. Her children took her to different places like Germany and India.

Her children were ready to spend anything and make every sacrifice to keep her alive and comfortable, but God has the final say. OnJuly 28, 2020, while mama was preparing to go to Lagos to see her doctor. A priest was called to anoint her. She requested for confession, received Holy Communion and was anointed. She cracked jokes with the priest after the spiritual exercise. Little did we know that would be her last day on earth. At about 3pm, mama slept peacefully in the Lord at the age of 86

Left to mourn her are: Chief Benjamin Obikwelu; Chief Emmanuel Obikwelu; Chief Donatus Obikwelu and Chief Wilifred Obikwelu (sons). Others are Reverend Sister Mary Lawrencia Obikwelu; Mrs. Rose Aniakor; Mrs. Cecilia Uchenna Okoli and Mrs. Ebele Eneoli (daughters) as well as Professor P.N. Okeke (for brothers); Mrs. Obiageli Ugonabor (sister); 28 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Service of Songs holds tomorrow at her compound, while funeral mass will take place on Thursday, October first by 10am at Saint Albert’s Catholic Church, Oraukwu, thereafter, interment and condolence visits. On Sunday, October 4, 2020, there will be outing mass in the same church by 10am. Adieu Fashion; Iwu Oda sleep on.                            

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