The Igbo-Ukwu Community in Anambra’s Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) has mourned the loss of Chief Njideka Ezeife, the widow of former Gov. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, whose death was revealed last week.
Chief Christian Ike, the Community’s President General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday that Njideka’s death was a tragedy and a great loss not only to Ezeife’s family but to the entire community.
“This is a woman who embodies every aspect of womanhood; she is a good woman, a role model; she is everything anyone could want in a wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, friend, and neighbor.”
“She is a very humble woman; no one in the community has ever spoken ill of her, and I have never heard her have a problem with anyone in the community.”
“She lowered herself even further when her husband became governor; no one would know through her carriage that she was the wife of a governor; she was an example to women of all ages,” he said.
Ike stated that Ezeife first distinguished herself during her husband’s tenure as president general of the community through her philanthropic gestures and concern for the oppressed.
“Before her husband became the state governor in 1990, she was known for her community charity work, and even when she became the first lady of the state, her life style did not change,” he said.
According to the president general, the deceased died in her late 70s, which was the best age for her to counsel a new generation of women on how to build a home and raise children.
“She was known for admonishing women and young wives on how to make their marriages grow stronger and show hospitality to family guests, her death was so unexpected and we will really miss her personality,” he said.
Dr Levi Muonanu, a close relative of the Ezeife family, also spoke, describing her as a philanthropist and very humane personality who would be difficult to replace in the community.
“She was a wife to everyone in the house and was very easygoing, pius quiet, and patient,” he explained.
Chief Eze Akajiugo, a family friend, described her as an incredible woman and a precious jewel of the Ezeife dynasty, and prayed for her peaceful soul.
He stated that the family had suffered the loss of a rare amazon.
According to NAN, the deceased left behind three daughters, a husband, and numerous other relatives to mourn her.