October 11, 1938 – October 31, 2025
A life of love, faith, and devotion, forever remembered
Mama Ezinne Agnes Nwaorie Nnede‑Nwa‑Ugwu was a woman whose life was a living testament to faith, love, and generosity. Born in Ibagwa Nike, Enugu State, she carried the responsibilities of being the first daughter not only in her family but in her community with grace, wisdom, and humility.
Daily Devotion and Faith
Every morning and every night, Mama Ezinne led her family and workers in songs of praise, including:
- “Gozie Nne M Okpala Chineke”
- “Anyi Ka Na Eto Gi Chineke”
- “Ihe Nna Mere Anyi Di Ukwu”
After each song, the family would pray in Igbo, taking turns, with the prayer:
- “Nna anyị nọ n’elu-Igwe”
This daily devotion reflected her deep faith, discipline, and commitment to God. Through this practice, she taught everyone around her that faith is not just in words, but in consistent prayer, praise, and love for God.
She was the fifth wife of the late Chief Stephen Ugwu, fondly known as Adieu‑Nyiri‑Igwurube I of Nike, former Secretary of Umuenwene Iji Nike community. Together, they built a home founded on love, respect, and shared faith. Their union was blessed with ten children, and their marriage was characterized by devotion to each other, their family, and God. Mama Ezinne and her husband instilled values of discipline, humility, and service in their children, creating a home that was a place of counsel, welcome, and love a beacon for the entire community.
Her generosity and compassion extended beyond her family. After collecting her meeting contributions, she shared with her children and workers, ensuring that everyone around her felt cared for and valued. Her home was always open to relatives, neighbors, and friends alike and she provided counsel, support, and spiritual guidance to all who sought her wisdom.
Beyond her immediate family, Mama Ezinne was deeply respected in her community. As a devoted member of the Catholic Church, her faith, service, and leadership earned her the prestigious Ezinne title, an honor bestowed upon women recognized for exemplary motherhood, virtue, and dedication to the parish. She actively supported church activities, championed education, and lived a life marked by generosity and service. She was a source of wise counsel, a prayer supporter, and a pillar of strength to many, leaving an enduring impact on her parish and village.
Her legacy is one of love, faith, and resilience. She will be remembered not only for the family she raised but also for the values she instilled—values that continue to shine through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mama Ezinne lived as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God. The honor of the Ezinne title reflected her role as a model of virtue, motherhood, and devotion to her faith.
Family Tribute
Mama’s life was a beacon of love, faith, and resilience, and her legacy continues to shine through every branch of the Ugwu family. Across generations, her wisdom, prayers, and compassion shaped not only her children but also her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving a foundation of strength that endures.
She was a guiding light in every home, offering counsel, nurturing with patience, and uplifting with kindness. Her devotion was unwavering, her faith steadfast, and her love immeasurable. Whether in moments of joy or times of difficulty, Mama’s presence brought comfort, unity, and hope.
Her values of honesty, patience, compassion, and faith remain the pillars of the family, reflected in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through them, her spirit blossoms, ensuring that her love continues to flourish for generations yet to come.
Though Mama is no longer with us in body, her presence is deeply felt in every heartbeat of this family. Her prayers remain a guiding light, her teachings a compass, and her love a source of strength. Each act of kindness, each moment of compassion, and each step of faith we take is a reflection of her enduring influence.
Mama’s legacy is everlasting. She lives on in the unity of her family, in the courage we show, in the laughter we share, and in the faith we hold. Forever cherished, forever remembered, she remains our pillar, our mentor, and our inspiration. And as we honor her, we say: let your back be better than your front, and do not go far away from us.
Rest peacefully, Mama. Your love and legacy will forever be a light in our lives. 🌹
Parish Tribute – Holy Cross Parish, Iji‑Nike
We received the shocking news of your passing, Mama Ezinne, a devoted Church Warden and a compassionate mother. Your kindness, wisdom, and love were boundless.
We bid you farewell with heavy hearts, but also with gratitude to God for the time we shared with you. Your faith, service, and example will forever remain a guiding light in our parish and community.
Signed:
Mr. Vudu Edwin Amaechi – Zonal Chairman
Christopher Mbah – Acting Secretary
From the Family of Ugwu Friday Nicolas
Mama, you were our guiding light and the strength of our home. Your love, wisdom, and prayers shaped who we are and continue to lead us even now. Through your grandchildren Oluchi, Kelechi, Chiemerie, Uchechukwu, Odinaka, and Chikamuzo, your legacy shines on in their kindness, strength, and faith.
We will always cherish your counsel, your compassion, and the warmth you gave so freely. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit remains rooted in our lives, guiding our steps and giving us strength.
Rest peacefully, Mama. Your love and legacy live on in us.
From the Family of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Nkiruka Nistoran
You were a mother, friend, mentor, and prayer warrior. Your unwavering love, wise guidance, and steady faith shaped our lives and taught us courage, kindness, and unity. You celebrated our joys, supported us in difficulties, and filled our home with comfort and laughter.
Mama, your love remains our foundation, influencing every decision and every act of compassion. Though you are no longer here in body, your spirit continues to uplift and inspire us to live in a way that honors your memory. Your legacy is everlasting.
From the Family of Ugwu Okwidili Johnson
Your life was marked by sacrifice, devotion, and compassion. Your counsel gave us wisdom, your kindness uplifted all who knew you, and your strength brought warmth and stability. The values you lived—honesty, patience, compassion, and faith—remain the pillars of our lives.
Your legacy continues not only through us but also through your unborn grandchild, who will one day know the love and strength that defined you. Though we miss your presence, your memory is a blessing, and your love remains our strength.
Rest peacefully, Mama; your spirit shines on in us.
From the Family of Ugwu Ejike Kingsley
Mama, you nurtured us with love and patience, shaping our childhoods with care and guiding our hearts with faith. Through Somuto, Adaeze, Daniel, and Akachukwu, your legacy blossoms, carrying your kindness, courage, and joy. Your life was a testament to love in its truest form, teaching us that family is built on patience, generosity, and steadfast support. Though you no longer walk beside us, your spirit illuminates our path, and your memory remains our compass.
From Ugwu Francis Okechukwu
Mama, your strength was the foundation of our lives, and your faith guided us. Through your quiet sacrifices and constant love, you taught us to be humble, kind, and caring. Your courage showed us that real strength comes from patience, resilience, and trusting God. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit continues to guide our steps. Your legacy lives on in the choices we make, the values we hold, and the love we share.
From Ugwu Ikechukwu Collins
Let me speak of your love in my early days, 1997–2000, during my primary school education at Goodnews Nursery and Primary School, Iji Nike, Enugu.
After school, I would come to meet you at Odoo Umuenwene in Ahaia Abakpa Nike for food each day. First, you always made sure I had something to eat there before preparing the food items I was to cook at home.
Even before your arrival from the market after your trading business, I was already outside the compound frontage known as Ihu Obodo Uzor Nwaugwu, with other children, all of us eagerly anticipating the arrival of our mothers.
No matter what the condition, you never returned without goody bags, known as ihe afia.
There are other memories of your love that many may not know: whenever I came in as a mediator between you and offenders, or those you were not at ease with, your love always showed itself as compassion and reconciliation.
One thing my spirit is convinced of is this: you could display love because God is Love. Your departure from this present life on Friday, 31st October 2025, the eve of All Saints’ Day according to your Catholic faith, is a sign to me and to the world that you are indeed a Saint to us.
Without doubt, Mama, I am already missing you. Yet God comforted me, even as I wept for your departure, with a song that says: “Since it is God who decided to call you home with the Saints, I have no other choice.”
Before I bid you farewell, Mama, I want to make this confession: the God of the Catholic faith you introduced me to, I am still holding onto Him, and I will forever put my trust in the same God.
Mama, your life on earth is both a celebration and a memorial.
Rest in peace, Mama.
With love, it’s me, Collins, as you would always call me.
From the Family of Late Ugwu Anthony Chibuike
Mama, your love was immeasurable, and your presence filled our lives with warmth and security. Your patience, devotion, and guidance made each of us feel cherished, inspiring us to live with courage, kindness, and integrity. Through Chibuike, Adaeze, and Mmesoma, your legacy continues to flourish, reflecting your values and love. Though you are no longer with us in body, your spirit remains ever present, guiding us with grace and strength.
From the Family of Late Chijioke Anthonia Nweke
We are grateful for your love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion. Your faith and compassion brought comfort in trials and strength in joy. Through Chinelo, Joy, Peace, and your great‑grandchildren, your values live on. Though you are no longer with us Mama, your spirit remains in our hearts, guiding us with trust, perseverance, and love.
From the Family of Late Ugwu Eunice
Mama, your love was boundless, and your guidance shaped every life you touched. Through Chioma, Ngozi, Chinedu, Sunday, Ogechukwu, Chukwuma, and your great-grandchildren, your legacy flourishes in kindness, strength, and faith. Though you are no longer with us, your prayers remain in our light, and your spirit lives on in our hearts. Forever cherished, your wisdom and devotion will guide us for generations to come.
Survived By & Acknowledgments
Children: Six surviving—Ugwu Friday Nicolas, Ugwu Francis Okechukwu, Ugwu Okwidili Johnson, Ugwu Ejike Kingsley, Ugwu Ikechukwu Collins, and Nistoran Nkiruka Lucy. Four late—Ugwu Batrice, Ugwu Eunice, Chijioke Anthonia Nweke, and Ugwu Anthony Chibuike.
Grandchildren & Great‑Grandchildren: Numerous, across both surviving and late children, carrying forward Mama’s legacy of love and faith.
Extended Family: Relatives, in-laws, neighbors, and friends cherished Mama’s presence and were blessed by her kindness, wisdom, and love. Your support, shared memories, and prayers have honored her life and strengthened our family.
Acknowledgments:
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who have stood by us during this time of mourning. Special thanks to the families of Late Chief Stephen Ugwu, Adieu Nyiri‑Igwurube I of Nike, and the former Chief Secretary of Umuenwene Iji Nike for their support and prayers.
Sincere appreciation to the clergy and parishioners of Holy Cross Parish Catholic Church, Umuenwene Iji Nike, for their spiritual guidance, comfort, and presence.
We are grateful to relatives, friends, and neighbors whose prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness have strengthened us. We also acknowledge the wider communities of Ibagwa Nike and Umuenwene Iji Nike for their solidarity, love, and support.
Closing Scripture
“Ngọzi dị n’aka ndị nwụrụ n’ime Onyenwe… ha ga-ezu ike site n’ọrụ ha, n’ihi na omume ha na-eso ha.” — Revelation 14:13
Nkiruka Nistoran – NN News Media Online Publisher
