The influence of a mother’s love is forever and its impact is immeasurable. This statement succinctly captures the life and times of Ezinne Angelina Ukamaka Obiageliaku Mbamalu, nee Anyaebosim, fondly known as Enemma.

Born about 1954 to the family of Mr. and Mrs Iwuchukwu Anyaebosim from Akabor village, Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area, young Obiageli lived with her paternal Aunt in Umuahia, where she was trained as a seamstress.

Despite her limited education, she was a hardworking and a pretty Lady, which attracted Ide Vincent Mbamalu to seek her hand in marriage. They wedded in 1976 and lived in Enugo-Ojoto.

She embraced her wifely and motherly duties with vigor. She nurtured her four step children and her own six children. Mrs Mbamalu raised nine University graduates, including a Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Vitus Mbamalu, which earned her another nickname, Nne Fada.

When she lost her husband in 2008, Mrs Mbamalu braced up to the additional challenge of being both the mother and the father to her children, as well as to her late brother’s children. She was very industrious as a petty trader, and later on managed a water outlet of the table water company established by her children in Ojoto, known as ‘Mmili Mama Fada’, where she ensured that her neighbours have access to clean water.

Though formerly from a traditional religious background and later converted to the Anglican Faith; she embraced Catholicism after marriage and became a beacon of hope, love, service and faith in the Catholic community, She belonged to many groups in the Church including the Catholic Women Organisation, CWO where she held various leadership positions for years. She was a Life member, a renowned Chorister, and a lifelong member of the Abuoma Society. Her unwavering faith in the Catholic Church, perhaps, inspired one of his sons to become a Catholic Priest, and another one to join the Knighthood of St. John International.

She was an exceptional dancer, and was the lead dancer in the legendary ‘Odiche Dance Group’, Ojoto in the early nineteen eighties. She was a staunch member of Umuada Ojoto, and Inyom Enugo, where she played the role of Treasurer,

Despite the vicissitudes of life, Mrs Mbamalu was a cheerful personality. Her kindhearted nature, flexibility, vitality, resilience and strength of character endeared her to all who crossed her path.

Ezinne Angelina Mbamalu has gone the way of all mortals. She would be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, as a devoted wife to her late husband, a caring mother to her children, and a dedicated community leader.

Her final journey begins on Wednesday eighth January, 2025 with a requiem Mass at St. Paul’s Parish, Ojoto, to be followed by interment at her new residence, Enugo village, Ojoto. Condolence visits by in-laws and friends continue at the same venue.

Rest in peace, Enemma. Adieu, Mama Fada till we meet to part no more. Jee nke oma, Ezinne.

REVD FATHER VITUS MBAMALU

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