TRIBUTE TO EZINNEM

Ezinnem! Nneoma! Nneokwukwe! Nneora! Asa! C U King! Ezigbo Mamam!!! That phone call at 7.07am on Monday October 6, 2025 was the greatest shock of my life. I thought my mother would live for ever. My kids had a bet on who would out live the other, between Mama and the Queen, being born the same year, and Mama worn!!!

Though 99 years seems like such a long life, for Mama, it was just a number. She was full of Joyful energy. She enjoyed perfect health and her memory never failed till the end. Mama was phenomenal and like no other. To meet her was to love her. She always left an unforgettable impression of an epitome of grace, well-bred dignity, beauty, clean, calm, collected and contented Lady. She always prayed for a peaceful transition, without being a stress or burden to anyone, and GOD answered her exactly.

Having lost her husband at a very tender age, she braced up, took courage and went on to play the role of both parents to 6 children. Ezinne was kind, loving and lovable, but she was a principled disciplinarian. It was to her that erring, naughty and stubborn children were sent to learn etiquette and discipline, they had no choice, but to turn a new leaf, as mama’s Akpuluekw was always on had to spare the child and spoil the rod. Not considering her small stature, she feared no one.

Asa ran a sawing and finishing institute in Obalende Lagos, so fashion was her thing. No Taylor was good enough. She would loosen every cloth made for her and meticulously resaw them to her taste and standard. She was always appropriately dressed for the occasion. Saturdays were for coordinating and tiring gele for her Sunday outfit. My late sister was the happiest person when auto gele was introduced, and bought all possible colours for mama.

Mamam loved to read and write. She read her Bible, with several devotionals, especially her favourite Our Daily Bread for 2 hours every morning, ensuring that each year, she read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; then on her knees to pray – she always prayed on her knees. To her, GOD is not our mate, that we should seat down when praying to HIM. Ezinne’s record keeping was legendary. I found her original baptismal certificate from 1934. She always had a pen in her hand. Every picture had the date and occasion on the back and her room is filled with annual diaries of daily activities and everyone’s history. Before the advent of telephones, her children, grandchildren, family and friends were recipients of constant letters and cards from her.

Nnem was a giver. If you give her N1, she will look for something worth N5 to give you. You cannot come to Mama’s house without eating something, even if it’s a biscuit. For that, her financial independence was of paramount interest to her. She ensured her own source of income to avoid being a burden and to be able to assist and give when she perceives a financial challenge.

Ahh!!! There is no book large enough to contain a tribute to my Mother. We are only consoled by John 11:40 that if you believe, you will see the glory of GOD”. I believe and one day we shall see to part no more. Sleep well Mamam…
Adanne
Will always love you.