Catholics and entire people of Umuaku Ntu in Ngor/Okala, Imo State celebrate the passing to glory of Mrs Irene Nwankwo, devout Christian popularly called ‘Mother of Faith’ as she is interned, October 24, at age 103.
The funeral of Mrs Irene Nwankwo, a devout Christian, of the Catholic Church from Umuaku Ntu, in Ngor/Okpala of Imo State was a funeral of sort, rather than mere bereavement. She died at age 103 years and left footprints of exemplary motherhood, good character and other qualities of a true believer in Christ, virtues that attracted people far and wide to her internment program on October 24, 2025.
Her burial was more of a celebration than bereavement as people from all walks of life gathered at Umuaku Ntu, Ngor/Okpala, October 24, 2025, to pay their last respect to
Irene Nwankwo, popularly known also as Eringa onyeuba is a woman cherished till death. And the story of her life and death has very unique things to be dismembered. She was born on March 16, 1922. And she uniquely died on March 16, 2025 at the age of 103 years.
This coincidence of history seemed to explain the multitude of people that graced her burial. It also elucidated the barrage of accolades different people placed on her.
Various testimonies attest that all her life, she never allowed the vicissitudes of life to sway her faith in God. All her life, she was stuck to the Catholic Church and demonstrated unwavering service, both in and outside the church.
Eringa was a mother to many. She exhibited love and care to many children born in Nwankwoala family and beyond, to the extent that she was honoured with award as “Mother of Faith” (Nne Okwukwe) by St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Umuodagu Ntu.
Mrs. Franca Nwaego Obi, Eringa’s first daughter said she would forever miss her mother because of her dogged support, care, love. She stated that she learnt her no-nonsense life style from the mother and that that character which made her (Nwaego) what she is today. She stated also that late Eringa lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation and always encouraged her to place her hope in God.
“I lost my father at the age of five and since then my mother has been playing the role of both parents up till the time, I left Nigeria for greener pastures. I copied her business acumen which helped me a lot in life, especially when I was in Port Harcourt. Even when I travelled abroad, I did all I could to take her along, but she refused, which prompted my yearly visit to the village, to behold a caring and strong woman. Honestly, I’m privileged to have the oldest woman in the community.”
Chief Oliver Nwankwor, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Holland said the late “Mother of faith” did not only live a long life, but also impacted positively in the lives of members of Umukuba kindred of Umuaku Ntu. “I will always cherish the light and strength she showed me and lessons of humility she taught me.”
Miss Nwanyi sunday Nnaji is another beneficiary of Mrs. Eringa’s magnanimity. She was actually the lady that took care of her in her old age. She told Verbatim that she is yet to come to terms with the loss of a dependable mother of all. “Right from my childhood she took me like her own daughter. In fact, I grew under her tutelage and the bond I shared with her was that of mother and child. Her death in my presence revealed the sad truth that death is very certain among mortals’’.
Miss Faith Obi, late Eringa’s first grand daughter said that her grandmother’s death was more of a celebration of life well lived. She said : “For someone to live up to her age (103) is a rare privilege. My joy is that she remained a woman of faith and never drifted from her Christian belief.”
Elder Ambrose Nwankwor said late Eringa was a peace maker, very industrious and hospitable. He said : “Her character was why God blessed her with long life and prosperity. She was exemplary among the wives of Umuokereocha Nwaezi. I cherished her so much for her virtues and capability. The problem now is I don’t see who will help me narrate some unknown histories of our family. And who are we going to call Daa Eringa again?”
Earlier in his sermon during the funeral mass, the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuodagu Ntu, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Amadi admonished the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God. “In our eyes, she is dead, her death may sound disastrous, but she is at peace with God.”
According to the priest, late Eringa never wavered in her faith, prompting the church to bestow on her “Mother of faith” (Nne Okwukwe) title.
Late Eringa was born to the family of chief Okereafor of Umuofeke, Ekwea na Agbom Eziama in Ngor/Okpala Local Government Area. She was the fourth wife of Chief Nwankwoala Okereocha Nwaezi of Umuaku Ntu. She was blessed with two daughters, Mrs. Francisca Nwaego Obi and Clementina. She will always be remembered for her humility, industry, kindness and peaceful character which were not buried with her.
