Written By: Sir Benson Umeokoli

Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli was a rare breed of great virtue, a Deborah of her time, who left an indelible mark in her family, Church and society at large. She was born in about 1924 into the family of Ezeakunne Azubuike and Mgbeke Azubike (nee Ogirido) of blessed memory at Ifite village, Ezinifite in Aguata. Egeonu was the last child as well as the only daughter of her parents.
Consequently, she was highly loved by her parents and the two brothers: Udebuana and James. The mother, Mgbeke, died at her prime age, few years into Joana’s marriage, leaving their father in care of the trio.


The little Egeonu did not attend western education because she born into a pagan family. There was this great phobia that children who attended school would be eventually lost by their parents to the then new Christian faith. Despite the hindrance to formal education, Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli was abundantly endowed with natural wisdom and intelligence.


At about 1942, Egeonu, at a tender age, married to her heartthrob, Umeanaedobe Umeokoli, now late, from the same village; a man endowed with many good dispositions. She was not only cherished by her husband but was loved by the mother-in-law because of her good upbringing. Sequel to that, her mother-in-law continually blessed her and her husband.


The mutual love, cordiality, unity and respect between Joana and her husband were commendable and left no one in doubt that they were created for each other. Practically, nothing on earth could divide them until the death of her husband on December 29, 1991 at about the age of 80.


Their marriage was blessed with eleven children, 9 males and two females. However, they lost five, leaving six males. It was really a trying period for them. When Egeonu lost her first and second births in succession, some bad advisers counseled her to divorce the husband as their misfortunes could be an error in the husband’s family.


Mama, in her usual trust in God, rejected such wicked and divisive advice and preferred to live with her husband even if the marriage eventually ended up without any surviving child. God saw the desire of their hearts and harkened to their wish. From onset, every decision concerning the family was jointly taken after careful deliberations.


Any differences, if it ever existed, were internal and they never allowed outsiders meddle into them.
In training of her children, Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli was very firm. Accordingly, irrespective of the fact that her children are males, she diligently taught them how to perform all domestic work, including cooking. They taught them the need to live together in love.


To ensure this, they formed the habit of the whole family (including the parents) eating from the same plate.
Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli was hard working and taught her children the essence of hard work. She hated idleness and always engaged them in many assignments that many relatives who came to live with them hardly coped with. Their peers who came to visit for plays were always discouraged because mama would give them enough dose of work with her children that, when managed to finish, would never allow them to dream visiting again.


Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli ventured into palm oil production and merchandise with her husband. She was also a great farmer. During the war, she made sure that her family lacked nothing. Mama, in conjunction with her husband, brothers, James Azubuike and Cyril Umenne, formed a transport company. Joana was also involved in buying, processing and preserving some farm products like cola nuts.


Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli was born and married into African Traditional Religion. However, in 1975, she embraced the new faith in Christ and was baptized same year in Anglican Communion. She was confirmed in 1976 and belonged to Women’s Guild and other women organizations in the Church.


Equally, Madam Umeokoli was a sociable personality. She belonged to many women organizations in which she served as chairperson or treasurer because of her integrity; hence, her nickname, Bank Umuagbala. She would electrify any gathering with her huge sense of humour. Mama ran a good race and deserves a rest with her maker.


Madam Joana Egeonu Umeokoli is survived by her children: Sir Benson Umeokoli, Mr. Eleazer Umeokoli, Bro. David Umeokoli, Pharmacist Godwin Umeokoli, Mr. Job Umeokoli and Venerable Paul Umeokoli. Others are daughters-in-law: Lady Abigail Umeokoli, Mrs. Grace Umeokoli, Sis.


Okwuoma Umeokoli, Mrs. Angela Umeokoli, Mrs. Harrieth Umeokoli and Dr.
(Mrs.) Blessing Umeokoli as well as thirty-one grand children, eighteen grand children, brothers, sisters and numerous other relations. Adieu Mama.

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