The Funeral of late Ezinne Mrs Grace Nwanyinkwo Nwosu, was held in Nnewichi Nnewi, over the weekend, with dignitaries from all works of life gracing the occasion in her honour.
Mrs. Grace Nwosu was the mother of Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, a lawyer and politician, who, as a member of the Anambra State 3rd House of Assembly, stood against impeachment plot by his colleagues and the eventual impeachment of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, in November 2006. At the time, Hon. Benchuks Nwosu was elected Speaker Protempora by the group who stood against the illegal impeachment. Before then, Benchuks had been a popular lawyer and one of the brightest figures in Nnewi.
Madam Grace Nwosu’s demise at the age of 98 years was double blessing in the sense that she lived to very old age and in good health. The story of how she was widowed at the age of 31 years and the bold and firm decisions she made, including her sacrifice, to raise her four kids, was iconic and worthy of reckoning.
At her funeral on Friday 5th April, former governor, Mr. Peter Obi and his wife was on ground, so also former governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba. The Deputy National Chairman of Labour Party, Comrade Clement Ojukwu and many political stalwarts were in attendance. Serving senators, not excluding all three serving Anambra State senators were in attendance – Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, Sen. Victor Umeh and Sen. Tony Nwoye. The candidate of the PDP in the 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, was also in attendance. Several members of House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly, including Hon. Peter Uzokwe, representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, as well as Hon. Augustine Ike, member representing Nnewi North in the State Assembly. On this list comprises of former members of the National and State Assembly, including Sen. Uche Ekwunifw, Hon. Theo Nnorom, among others. Other public officers in attendance include, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu. The former Minister for Health, Prof. ABC Nwosu, as well as former Ambassador, Amb. Oddy Nwosu, were in attendance. The governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma was duly represented by his Commissioner. Former Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige was also represented.
Also, several business moguls and industrialists of national and international repute were equally in attendance. Dr. Cosmas Maduka Chairman and CEO of Coscharis Group, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of Ekulo Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman and CEO of Innoson Group, Mr. And Mrs Anazodo, Founders of Crunchies fast-food franchise, Chief Dozie Mbanefo Chairman and CEO of Crystal Communications, Dr. Robert Anwatu CEO and founder of Roban Stores, Chief Okey Ezeibe, among others. Several sterling professionals and Senior Advocates of Nigeria including Emeka Etiaba, SAN, Echezona Etiaba, SAN, Chijioke Okoli, SAN, Chief Ahinze Anichebe, SAN. Other attendees are Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Emeka Udechukwu, Dr. Ikejiani, Chief Ben Etiaba and Wife, Dr. Enyi Etiaba, Prof. Obi Nwosu, Barr. Chuma Nwofor, among many other professionals of high repute.
Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha was represented, while Igwe Nnewi was represented by Prince Obi Orizu. The Obis of Nnewichi and Uruagu were on the ground and Chief Dan Ulasi, the Chairman of Nnewi Traditional Rulers Council was also in attendance.
Mama’s funeral was a befitting honour to her ethics of hard work, determination and industry. She is survived by her four children, about twenty-two grandchildren and about fifteen great grand children.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
