Mbutu Nwenkwo traditional ruler, Eze Ikenna Nwachukwu, buries late mother in grand style

…Hon. Amuchie, Hon. Obinna, Hon. Amadi, Mayor of Mbutu Evang. Leo Nwigwe, others, grace event

By Chris Anucha

The Tradition Ruler of Mbutu Nwenkwo autonomous community, in Aboh Mbaise local government area (LGA), Eze (Prof.) Ikenna Nwachukwu, on Friday, July 4, laid to rest, his dear mother, Lady Hulda Nwachukwu, in his family compound. Lady Hulda Nwachukwu, who was born in 1934 passed on at the ripe age of ninety (90).

The burial ceremony, which began with a funeral service at St Peter’s Anglican church, Mbutu, attracted important personalities from all walks of life. They included: the political class, traditional institution, the Ivory Towers, especially, the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where the husband of the decease, Sir Theophilus Ama Nwachukwu retired as a Professor, Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences, among others. Among the politicians, who came to identify Eze Nwachukwu and his family were; the Member representing Aboh Mbaise in Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Princewill Amuchie, former member representing Aboh Mbaise in Imo House of Assembly Hon. Eddy Obinna, member representing Owerri Municipality in Imo Assembly, other top politicians in the state and VC, Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Prof. C. Eze.

The Mayor of Mbutu, Evangelist Leo Nwaigwe and his team were also on ground to identify with the royal father and his family. In the Biography of late Lady Hulda Chinyere Nwachukwu, who was a retired school Principal, she was described as a strong, prayerful matriarch, a God-given pillar of support to her family. The family also described her as someone known for her sacrificial service to the church, her community and her family.

“Her life within the University of Nigeria Nsukka campus community and at Christ church chapel, where her family worshipped, was exemplary. She served in various roles at the church, including leading the children and Youth Ministry, and preparing women for induction into Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild. She was an active member of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) and the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International.

Hulda also held leadership roles in the Oke-Ovoro community Women’s Wing in Nsukka”, her Biography further revealed. It continued: “Despite the demands of being a wife, mother and a full-time teacher, Hulda remained committed to her personal growth. She continued her education and Ultimately rose through the ranks, retiring as a Secondary School Principal in 1995, under the Enugu State Ministry of Education. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards for excellence”

In his tribute to his lovely and dear wife, Professor Theophilus Ama Nwachukwu recalled how he asked God for a Faithful wife, “a woman in whom the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwells”, and God granted his request.

Professor Nwachukwu also recalled how he met his late wife, who was on transfer to St. Peters Anglican school, Mbutu, and fell in love with her According to him, that was her first day at St Peter’s Anglican school, Mbutu. Hear grieving Professor Nwachukwu: “It was your first day at St peter’s Anglican School, Mbutu. I had come visiting from St Andrew’s school, Obizi, Ezinihitte. That encounter was no accident –It was divinely orchestrated. To confirm what my heart already knew, my parents and sisters, in my absence, chose you among three women who had visited our home. We lived peacefully and joyfully together –with our relatives and all who crossed our path.”

In conclusion, the widower prayed to God to receive his late wife into His glorious rest, adding, “May you behold His glory, just as He promised.”