Death provokes pains, sorrow and deep sense of loss no matter the age of the deceased. However when an icon blessed with longevity and glorious impactful life passes away, we also have reasons to celebrate their memories and reflect on their lives. Ezinne Adanma Okpara, died old, fulfilled and with a rich tapestry of outstanding memories. She passed on at a ripe old age of 99 years. An age when the deceased transits to a Hall of fame for generations to celebrate.

She was the wife and soul mate of one of the greatest, towering and innovative Igbo, nay Nigerian leaders, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Ọkpara, the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria. She was a dutiful and respectable wife like Sarah the wife of Biblical Abraham. Mama was a mother to many, beyond her biological children. Indeed a mother comparable to Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth of the Holy Bible. She was an icon and a reflection of Igbo values, just as her husband was to Ndigbo. She carried herself with dignity and poise and provided support for her husband, especially through those trying moments just before the ill-fated civil war and through the exile years. One can only but imagine the pains and stress that this strong woman must have passed through and yet came out even more inspiring.

Chief (Mrs) Adanma Okpara was a distinguished Women Leader. She was until her death the Patron of the Girls’ Guide Abia State and Girls’ Brigade Umuahia and Ohuhu Districts. She was also the Patron of the Women’s Fellowship of the Methodist Church. She was over her long active life, a teacher at Central School Ndoro Ikwuano Oboro, Mary Flanney Memorial School Oron and Women Training College Umuahia where she left remarkable landmarks as an exemplary teacher and positive influencer. Mama bagged many awards from various organizations such as Methodist Church of Nigeria, Mission Organizations, Voluntary Agencies. Such awards include Knight of John Wesley (KJW), Abia Women of Substance Award to mention just a few. She was also conferred with many Chieftaincy titles like Eze Nwanyi and Ochi Ora.

She was known as a disciplined, humble and hardworking Lady. She never arrogated power to herself nor saw herself as the wife of the Premier of the former Eastern Region covering almost nine states of the Federation. We mourn Adanma Okpara today; but above all we celebrate her. We celebrate her stoic stance and motherhood which she wore like a brilliant coat of many colours. We thank her also for keeping her light shining for all to see. We take lessons also from her subtle and strong influence on the character and achievements of her husband, the great leader, the Premier, Dr. Power Mike I. Okpara.

We say Rest on Mama. May God help us shape our lives to be positively impactful as we take lessons from the life and times of this iconic mother of mothers. May we draw inspirations to enable us continue to build on the great foundation she left behind. Thank you all for listening. God bless the Ọkpara family and dynasty. God bless Ndigbo and Alaigbo. God bless Nigeria.

•Being a tribute read by Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd) on behalf of Ndigbo Lagos, during the Virtual Celebration of the Life of Mrs. Adanma Okpara, held on December 3, 2021.

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