Strength in Simple Steps:- The Story of Mrs. Eziaku Ogbulogo

LATE Mrs. Grace Eziaku̞ Ogbulogo was born to the royal family (Ezindinze) of Ndu̞kwe Okenchi Agadangwo of Amaedo, Eziama Achara Imeobi, Uturu in 1937, ten years before the landmark event of the 1947 eclipse of the sun. Her mother, U̞lo̞o̞maU̞gu̞ru̞ belonged to the Uhu Ukwu (the great compound) lineage of Owere Akpu̞kpa Uturu. Though happily married to Ndukwe, Ulooma was better known with her maiden name. There was even a children’s version of her name, Mmo̞o̞ma which eventually overshadowed her original name-U̞lo̞o̞ma, Janet Ndukwe.

She was the third among five children, Nwau̞lari̞ Joana O̞gu̞gu̞o̞, Ezelewe Ndu̞kwe, Grace Eziaku̞ Ogbulogo, Akanjo̞ Ndu̞kwe and Fredrick (Akaso) Ndu̞kwe. Mama received the best of education available to her then. This reality manifested in her deft handling of very complex situations in later life.
Married to the very talented and skillful Dennis Iroo̞ha Ogbulogo, Mama began very early to assume responsibility over a large family left behind by her husband who passed on early in life. Her mother-in-law, Nne Mgbeeke Ikodiya provided the bulwark of support in this onerous task . It is to the glory of God that the bond established in those early days is getting even stronger today as evidenced in the unity pervading this celebration of life.
Mama understood her position in a family of great people. This is the family of Ogbulogo the son of Ugwuiro, the son of E̞du̞, the son of Akawara, the son Efe, the son of Egbo, the son of Amu̞kaahi̞a in Amailechi, Obiletiti, the son Akpu̞kpa and the son of Uturu Ukwu Enamgbe.

A devout Christian, Mama believed strongly that nothing was ever achieved in her own energy. This belief she emphasized in the names of some of her children. As a reward and in line with the promise in Psalms 127 God blessed her with sons and daughters and preserved them for her. Mama would avoid any conflict with anybody as much as she could afford .In her simple steps she visited almost all geopolitical regions of Nigeria. She also lived in the United States of America.

She was privileged to have a very intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. She kept praying for forgiveness and for a smooth passage. Before her home-call, she transferred her account to the account of one of her young children.

She received all her children and grandchildren two weeks before her home call. In the morning of her journey, she called for her favourite meal, had a shower and got dressed in a decent outfit. She also wished one of her daughters- in-law good health. Thus, we are persuaded that she had a blessed assurance.
Left to mourn mama are children, grand children and great grand children. Among these are; Professor Charles Uzodinma and Bridget Nkechi Ogbolugo (who also has four grand children for mama), Monica Amaka Eluagu (who has three grand children for mama), Emmanuel Ifeanyi and Victoria Ogbolugo (with two grand children), Stephen Kelechukwu and Joy Ogbolugo (four grand children) Henry Udoebiuwa and Nkeiru Ogbolugo (four grand children), Paul Chijioke and Ifeoma Eziokwu (Nweke) and Stanley Chinedu Ogbolugo.

She will be entered on Saturday April 4, 2015 at her hometown, Amaedo, Eziama Achara Imeobi, Uturu, Abia State after church services at St. Peters Methodist church.