Iyom Eunice Onuabuchi Aghanya was a special creation of God, divinely imbued with attributes to conquer her world and make impart on humanity. Born in Taraku, Benue state on November 23, 1960 into the family of Chief Chiedozie Nwangene and Mrs Edith Aloefuna nee Nweke, little Eunice never had the privilege of a rosy beginning.
At the outbreak of Nigeria crisis in 1966, her parents relocated to their home town, Agukwu- Nri. After the war, they moved back to Benue state, this time Oturkpo, leaving her behind in custody of her grandmother who then trained her through primary school education at St. Mary’s Anglican school, Nri.
During the period, Eunice was hawking akara balls for her grandmother to sustain her education. As a brilliant child, the little Eunice quickly moved back to her parents and there she secured admission into the Teachers Training College, TTC, Idah and, on completion, secured a teaching appointment at Otukpo.
It was as a Teacher that Eunice and Ibe Aghanya met and hooked on for marriage in 1982. In 2006, she obtained a Diploma Certificate in Business Studies from the Benue State University. Iyom Eunice Onuabuchi Aghanya business adventure was one of the best.
Eunice engaged as part-time in baking Queen’s Cake from a small scale which she supplied to Super markets in Oturkpo town. At the middle of 1983, her husband was transferred to Adikpo in Benue state, Eunice was also transferred to Adikpo as a Teacher. The many months of Teachers strike in 1983, gave Eunice ample opportunity to expand her Queen’s Cake business.
As a strong and resilient woman, she was a driver and sales woman. In 1984, Eunice went into full time as professional Baker. She employed a driver. Not done with baking of Queen’s Cake alone, Eunice moved to bread baking in 1987, which was the steam engine that gave immense boost to her business empire. She built a modern bakery at Ankpa quarters, Makurdi and was one of the largest producers of bread in Benue state; Lafia, Plateau state and Obudu and Ogoja in Cross River State with not less than 30 workers.
Chronicle of Iyom Eunice Onuabuchi Aghanya’s business conglomerate are: Eunnyland Nigeria Limited – Bakers and Confectioneries; Eunnyland Complex – a storey building harbouring Event halls, offices, restaurant and an uncompleted 20-room hotel. She also had a stint as Distributor of flour for bread baking. In 1995, she collaborated with a friend of the family and they built and owned the Nixgas LPG in Makurdi, Benue state.
Iyom Eunice was the first person in Makurdi to own and drive SUV Pathfinder, flowing from her business in 1993. Her sojourn in Benue state was not just business exploits, she had a good portion of political Life. She was Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state during his first term in office. She was the Igbo Leader of APC in Benue state and a toast of the government at State functions.
Iyom Eunice organized birthday parties for motherless baby’s homes at Makurdi. She singlehandedly took up and performed the funeral of four accumulated dead persons in her family and in Amawbia. She rendered financial help to the needy whenever she came around. Thus, the Women’s Group of Saint Peter’s Church, Amawbia conferred on her, Daughter of Peter Vineyard.
Eunice was conferred titles both in Amawbia, her maternal home, Agukwu-Nri and Makurdi. Her father-in-law, Late Chigbo Obiesili Aghanya gave her the title, “Omenyi”; she was conferred with the title of “Ugosimba” by the traditional ruler of Amawbia, Igwe Michael Okoye; “Ada tu Ugo” by Igwe Onyeso of Nri Kingdom and “Ada di ora mma” by Ezeigbo Makurdi.
Iyom Eunice Aghanya was married to Commissioner of Police Ibezimako Aghanya (retired); the marriage was blessed with five children. Adieu, Iyom Ugosimba!
WRITTEN BY IBEZIMAKO AGHANYA
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