WRITTEN BY DENNIS EKEMEZIE
Ifeatu (Lady) Irene Nkechinyelu Chikelu, fondly called ‘Mummy’, was born on February 12, 1934 into the Ihuoshi family of Umuagu village, Nnobi in Idemili South local government area.

Her father was Samuel Okpala, while her mother was Agnes. When her father died, her mother raised her and Christy, her sister, as well as other non-biological children. They settled in Onitsha.
Irene was a paragon of beauty in her youthful years and had many suitors who she turned down. She preferred to further her education. Irene and Christy got the best education. Irene went into teaching, which was among the most popular careers for women at the time. She attended Saint Monica’s Teachers’ Training College, Ogbunike. The young Irene’s doggedness and strength of character made her focused and determined to excel. Evidently, she was outstanding amongst her peers. Her first employment was at the Anglican Girls’ School, Onitsha, where she quickly distinguished herself and earned commendation.
At the appointed time, Gilbert Prince Obiajulu (GPO) Chikelu, a Commonwealth scholar from Umuolikaeze Clan in Ihe village, Ichida, came to seek her hand in marriage, which she accepted. They wedded at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London, United Kingdom on April 7, 1962. The marriage produced eminent sons and daughters who have excelled in their respective fields of endeavour. They include: Sonia Ebele; Angela Uche, Chukwuemeka Samuel and Chinwe Gloria.  
It is worthy of note that, arising from Ifeatu (Lady) Irene Nkechinyelu Chikelu’s belief that ‘knowledge is Power’, their children and wards received the best education, and excelled in their various professions and callings.
Irene loved, cherished, cared and adored her husband, Owelle GPO Chikelu, CON, KSP. She stood by him from their days together in London, returned to Nigeria, the retreat to Eastern Nigeria during the Civil War, and during long and outstanding career in the Federal Civil as Super-Permanent Secretary, Honourable Minister of Establishment and Management Services, Pioneer Chairman, National Board for Salaries and Wages Commission, among other numerous appointments.
At the same time, she did not give less to her children. The home of Owelle Chikelu revolved around her as the Mother of the house, with her very dear husband nurtured very strong family bonds that endure till today. One outstanding feature of the Chikelu dynasty is the son of the family, Chief Chukwuemeka Chikelu-Dunu Nnanyelu of Ichida, an Emeritus Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation and past member of House of Representatives in the National Assembly, Abuja, among others.
As the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter three reveals, “…everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and death”. Thus came the ultimate and appointed year, date, day and time being Friday, May 11, 2018, for Ifeatu (Lady) Irene Nkechinyelu Chikelu to return to her creator, God the Almighty, after living a fulfilled life with many accomplishments and at the ripe age of 85.
According to the Chairman of the Burial Committee; Chief Ikeobi Ejiofor, Christian wake keep holds today at Owelle Lodge, Ihe village, Ichida, Anaocha local government area. Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, by 11am, His Grace, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, Primate Metropolitan, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, will lead team of Bishops and the Clergy to celebrate fare-well church service for the repose of Ifeatu (Lady) Irene Nkechinyelu Chikelu at Saint Simon’s Church Ichida. Burial follows immediately after at Owelle Lodge, Ichida. To God be the glory, Amen.

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