BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. ROSELINE ORIAKU EZEKWE

MRS. ROSELINE ORIAKU EZEKWE (1928-1998)

Roseline Oriaku (Ijere Nwanyi) Ezekwe (nee Obiagui) was from Urukweluora clan in Egbengwu, Nimo, Anambra state, Nigeria. She was born in 1928 and died on August 29, 1998. May her soul rest in peace.

Roseline was betrothed to Mr. Vincent Nweke Ezekwe, but before they were married, Vincent had to go to World War II under the British military. Roseline waited patiently for his return several years later. Vincent returned from the war safe in 1945. They were married on June 20, 1946.

Roseline and Vincent moved to Umuahia, Abia state, looking for better life and opportunities. They were among the first pioneers from Anambra state to settle in Umuahia. While living in Umuahia, they raised 8 children (Angela, Nnaemeka, Bridget, Elizabeth, Ngozi, Nkechi, Ike, and Maureen).

Like many women of her time, she had a trade which was buying and selling dry fish. Roseline was very hardworking and successful in her trade. She was very tireless in making sure that her children were provided for. She and her husband worked together to ensure that their children had a very loving, peaceful, and joyful home.

Roseline and Vincent were extremely dedicated to the educational needs of their children. Though they did not have much financially, they placed high priority on the education of their children. They made sure that their children had books, uniforms, and other school supplies that were needed. They made sacrifices to ensure that we could attend school. It is remarkable to see the respect and trust Vincent had for his bride, Roseline. It is a tribute to her wisdom and intelligence which were demonstrated in the ways she took care of her family.

Roseline’s love and kindness is not only reserved for her husband and children. She cared for everyone. She did not have any enemy. Even when she was wronged, she still seek to make peace. She and Vincent also took care of relatives. Though they have eight children to support, many relatives lived with them. Their dedication to education was extended to relatives as well. They encouraged all the children who lived with them to excel in school, just like their own children.

Roseline would not be the woman that she was without her strong faith in God. And she passed her faith to her children not by preaching, but by living it. She belonged to Catholic Christian Mothers at Saint Finbar’s Catholic Church and later on to Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Umuahia. She was an active member of ministries in the church such as Sacred Heart, Legion of Mary, Saint Jude, etc. She was so committed to these ministries that she would close her business early to attend prayer meetings and charity works such as Legion of Mary works (visiting the sick, mourners, mothers of new babies, etc.).

Roseline lived her faith also in her kindness and generosity to everyone. Even though she did not have much money, she would help people as much as she could. When we visited our village, she would make sure to buy food such as rice, canned tomatoes, yams, beans, etc. to give to our relatives who lived there. Even the children in our Umuahia neighborhood recognized her sweet and tender soul. When she returned daily from the market, the children would all run to her to welcome her, saying “Mama Maureen welcome back!” For sure she would have goodies for them like akara. Because of her and our father’s love for all people, our home was like the Nkporo Lane Center in Umuahia. Our home was open to all. Children played in our compound throughout the day, young adults hung around, and their parents visited after dinner for the discussion of the events of the day.

On August 29, 1998, Roseline returned to her eternal home. It is an understatement to say that her death was a huge loss for all who knew and loved her. The loss was not big because she held a celebrity status in the community. It was because of her love, humility, generosity, and kindness to all. She was truly a follower of Jesus Christ. She lived her faith till the end. Mama, we missed you so much.

This foundation, in honor of her and our father, is a most fitting tribute to them. Mama always said this phrase, “In my next life, I would go to school to the highest level”. Mama, you might not have had the opportunity to live this dream, but thanks to be God that future generations now have the opportunity to achieve it on your behalf. Thanks to you and Papa for instilling in us the importance of education.