WRITTEN BY DR. OBIORA NWOFOR

Adinije Ezinne Joy Anyanwuneme Nwofor was born in 1944 to late Chief Nwakputakpu Agbafune of Umujagwo village, Agulu-Awka and late Madam Mary Ogugua Agbafune. She is the second daughter of her father and the first of her mother. This tells a story. She is from a polygamous home. She was born in Usobo in the then Western Nigeria.

When Ezinne Joy was growing up, girl-child education was not a priority but she was lucky to have acquired a little that saw her through in life. Schools attended include: Saint Andrew’s, Umuike Awka and Practicing School, Awka. She reads her Bible fluently, sings all songs in the Ancient and Modern. She kept good records of her business when she was ‘Joy-Agu nwanyi’.

In 1960, late Chief Fredrick Nweke Nwofor of Umuenechi village Awka asked for her hand in marriage. They married in church without funfair. The union is blessed with four males and one female. They are: Dr. Obiora Nwofor, Lady Adaeze Obuagbaka, Ikechukwu Nwofor, Uchechukwu Nwofor and Pastor Okwudili Nwofor.

Ezinne Joy Nwofor was a good wife and a wonderful helpmate to her husband. She encouraged and motivated him. She was a wonderful wife. He had peace and comfort until the Lord Jesus called him at the good old age of 90. May his soul continue to rest in peace, Amen. Papa could not have become the ‘Otochalu Umuenechi’ if Ezinne Joy had not taken good care of him, especially at old age.

As a mother, Ezinne Joy is not found wanting. She is a special gift of God to the family. She is hardworking, diligent and energetic. If there is any “GBAZUO AGU” you know, that is Ezinne Joy Nwofor.

When Ezinne Joy was Joy girl, she did so much to make ends meet. She sold fruits, made and supplied Akamu to colleges in Enugu. There was no dull moment. She used the proceeds to see to the welfare of her family, assisting the family in all ways. She was economically independent, begged for nothing and lacked nothing; rather, she gave to others who were less endowed.

Today, Mama is no longer as active but we thank God she is still here at seventy-five to mark this wonderful event. We appreciate our Mother. While running around for her family, she still has time for the things of God.

Ezinne Joy Nwofor (Adinije) is a devoted and committed Christian mother. She belongs to many Christian groups in the Anglican Communion such as Women’s Guild; Mothers’ Union; Odinma Saint Faith’s Cathedral, Awka; Ifunanya Group of Saint Faith’s Cathedral; Sisters of Faith and Awka Town Anglican Women’s Association (ATAWA)

Her commitment in the Anglican Communion earned her prestigious positions and awards, including Conferment of Ezinne title at Saint Faith’s Cathedral, Awka on September 4, 2004. She is also the Special Adviser of Awka Town Anglican Women Association (ATAWA), Saint Matthew’s group.

Even now that she is not very active because of health challenges; she still contributes immeasurably to activities of the women in the village, church and family. She is an emeritus chairperson of Umuenechi village women group for many years and still being consulted in the affairs of the women of the village.

‘Ukwu gbajie Agu, Mgbada abia ya ugwo’. So it is with Mama. She wants to get it done by herself but she cannot anymore. But in all things, our great mother is still mentally active. Ask her any question on things she is privy to, she will discuss and advice. She is still an asset. She is still here for all of us.

Today, Ezinne Joy Anyanwuneme Nwofor is our ‘Diamond Mama’. She celebrates this seventy-fifth birthday in grand style. All her children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren celebrate her. Her siblings: Helen Ifude Nwobum, Joy Mma Ndibe, Emmanuel Okey Agbafune, Caroline Obiageli Igwe and Anthony Onyi Agbafue. Her son-in-law, Chief Sir Onyibor Obuagbaka and her 4 daughters-in-law rejoice and felicitate with her. Friends and relations are not left out for she has touched many lives and continues to.

When she said that she would love to be celebrated alive, little thought was given to the request. Today, it is obvious that she is extremely happy, and what makes her happy has always been our priority. RIDE ON MAMA… BE HAPPY.

We pray God to give you many more years to become an ‘Otochalu’. Mama has always been a jolly fellow and surely, God will grant our request, amen.

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