Written By: Rt. Revd. Ephraim Ikeakor

Late Mrs. Charity Odinkemnwe Nwagbo was born in 1926 to the family of late Pa Umezinwa and late Mrs. Abigail Ahiaukwa Ezesoibe of Umueleke village, Achina in Aguata. The second daughter and third child of the family, Charity attended Saint Peter’s Primary School, Achina/Akpo. Though very brilliant, she could not further her education due to paucity of fund. She later proceeded to the Women’s Training Centre then under Bishop Uzodike of the Diocese on the Niger, at the Bishop’s Court, Ozalla-Onitsha.  

Charity married her heartthrob, late Mr. Francis Nwagbo of Ozara-Akukwa, Umuchu in Aguata and the union was blessed with seven children, though five are currently surviving. Late Mrs. Charity Odinkemnwe Nwagbo was popularly known as ‘Mama Obere’. 

Mama Obere was energetic and hard working. She ventured into many trades but finally settled for soap industry where she produced locally made soaps. Mama Obere was a devoted member of the Anglican Church. But more importantly, she was one of the earliest women who embraced the love for Christ as a lifestyle.

She was a committed member of Saint Thomas Anglican Church, Umuchu. She later carried her Christian activism to Saint Silas Anglican Church, Ozara-Akukwa Umuchu. She was a full enrolled member of Women’s Guild and Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church.

She never played with attendance and participation in Friday class, scheduled church services and programmes. She was known for being punctual and consistent in church activities. Her commitment made her take first position for several years in payment of her stewardship in Friday class and its attendance in St. Thomas Anglican Church before the creation of St. Silas. 

In her old age, her impact in the Church was still felt through her children and in-laws. The fencing of parsonage and installations of gates at St. Silas Anglican Church, Umuchu, was done in her name by her children and in-laws. God blessed her with good health as she rarely went to hospital. Indeed, she enjoyed so much of God’s mercies. As years passed, God allowed her physical eyes to be shut, probably from nudity, embarrassing and seductive dressings of this our perverse generation for she hated them. 

But one area that Mama Obere was exceptional and would long be remembered for generations to come was in mentoring of children. She was the last of the Great Mothers who spent time looking after children beyond her immediate family. She had nicknames or call signs for almost all the children and adults who grew under her tutelage and guidance.

She was endowed with discerning spirit. She was ancient and modern, representing the old world but well versed in the new. A genius of sorts, even though she had limited formal education, you must be careful with your language when you are with her, otherwise, she would correct your errors of grammar.

Mama Obere had a sharp mind. Even till the last days of her life, she remembered what happened decades ago with unusual precision. She was always surrounded by children and adults who grew under her tutelage

Mama Obere was rare gem who was specially endowed by God. And she died the death of the saints. Few hours before her departure, she discussed extensively with some of her family members as they together went through the memory lane before she went to bed. On the early hours of January 8, 2020, she went to sleep with the Lord after 94 years sojourn on earth.

 Her death caught everyone off guard. For, like a powerful runner, she sprinted across life’s finish line. But the family and all the children she mentored from childhood are solemnly grateful to God for the life she lived.

Again, the family keeps blessing the name of the Lord who is faithful in all situations. Yes, we will miss her companionship, her wealth of wisdom, her counsel and in many others areas. But God is our refuge as we continue to look unto Him as He continues to do exceedingly and more abundantly for us.

Yes, we are separated temporarily here. But soon, and very soon, as we expect the rapture of the Saints, we will meet to part no more. Do you have this hope? If not, repent from your sins, confess them and accept Jesus Christ into your life now! Mama Obere is survived by children, grand children, sisters, relations, and in-laws among whom is Dame Nkem Ikeakor (Mama Amichi Diocese). And may we remind you to honour Mama Obere through living by her MOTTO: “In thee O Lord I put my trust”. Adieu Mama Obere.

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