By Austin Akabueze
Lagos, Dec. 27, 2023 – In House Rules, Jodi Picoult says: “The best place to cry is on “ mother’s arms’’ while Amit Kalantri says “a mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend’’.
To the famed African American author Maya Angelou, “A mother’s love liberates’’ and Milton Berle says “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?’’
These attributes do describe Lolo Ezinne Paulina Akabueze, who will be interned in her village, Ubahuekwem, Ihiala, on Wednesday, Jan 3, 2024.
In this rustic but homely village of Ubahuekwem, in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunty, educator and Christian leader, Ezinne Paulina Akabueze, will be laid to rest after transitioning at the age of 92.
Lolo Akabueze’s life was one that embodied her Christian values right from the age of five, when she was enrolled in an elementary school run by reverend sisters at the Holy Rosary School in her hometown. It was a rarity at that time but as a daughter of a pioneer teacher, nothing less was expected.
She later became a grade two teacher rising to the position of Headmistress before retiring in 1990. When the history of education in her hometown of Ihiala is written Lolo Akabueze’s name will feature prominently because of her impact in teaching thousands of pupils who now adorn many positions all over the world.
As was the norm of that era, young Paulina went off and attended teacher’s training college run by reverend sisters where she imbibed and perfected the Christian values that later became the hallmark of her entire life. She eventually taught in so many schools before meeting and marrying a dashing and popular young teacher, Lazarus Akabueze, in 1958. The marriage produced nine children, who all survived her and are successful in their careers all over the world.
All over Ihiala, Lolo is simply known as Mama because of her motherly disposition to all, even to those who were her children. Ezinne was that motherly, humble to the hilts, and evoked a parental treasure with her poise and mien.
She was honored by The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and St Gregory’s Catholic Church, Ubuahuekwem with the titles Ezinne (Good mother) and Nneife (mother who brings light and progress). She also held the title as Lolo Osodieruku in her hometown. A widow of one of Ihiala most notable educationists, Chief Laz O. Akabueze.
Mama lived to be 92 years, far more than her husband, who died untimely at 63, in 1993, but to her nine children, separation even at this age is tough. According to her children, Mama was the best mom one could crave or get.
“She denied herself everything to raise and nurture us to enviable heights,’’ her first son, Chief Austin Akabueze, said. Her first daughter, Lady Josephine Ngobili wished that mama would live forever. ’’. To her seven other children, “Mama’s memory will forever remain green in our memory.’’
Left to mourn are her children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws, brothers, sisters, and nieces. Amongst them are Lady Evangeline Okolie, Lady Genevieve Ujubuonu, Miss Emmanuella Akabueze, Hon. Emmanuel Akabueze, Mr. Didacus DD Akabueze, Lolo Rosemary Nnajiofor and Mr. Sylvester Akabueze. May her very motherly soul Rest in Peace. Amen. (GBN)
*Chief Austin Akabueze, a former Sports Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria, a former Editor-in-Chief of African Quest, Atlanta, GA USA and currently is a Business Consultant in the U.S.
