In many rural Igbo communities, longevity is not celebrated in isolation but as a collective achievement of family, faith and community. Old age is seen as a mirror reflecting decades of choices — how one treated others, upheld communal values and navigated life’s trials. As a result, elders who attain advanced age in good health are often regarded as living archives of history and culture.
Umuzocha village, like many parts of southeastern Nigeria, has witnessed profound social change over the past century — from colonial administration and missionary influence to the disruptions of the civil war and the pressures of modern life. Within this shifting landscape, individuals who not only endured but also contributed positively to community cohesion stand out.
Against this backdrop, the recognition of Ojiefi Beatrice Obuekwe as the oldest woman in Umuzocha beyond personal celebration, represents the community’s acknowledgement of a woman whose life intersected with key moments in local history while remaining firmly rooted in shared values of discipline, industry, faith and peaceful coexistence.
Her journey reflects the experience of many Igbo women of her generation who balanced family responsibilities with economic activity and community leadership at a time when opportunities were limited and survival demanded resilience.
The gathering in her honour therefore serves as a moment of reflection for Umuzocha — a reminder that endurance, moral consistency and service still command respect in an age of rapid change, and that community memory is preserved not only in stories, but in the lives of those who lived them well.
Speaking on the occasion, her second daughter, Mrs Ifeyinwa Egwuatu, described the celebration as an expression of gratitude for a life marked by healthy ageing and service.
“It is worth celebrating because she attained this age in good health, no illness – call it diabetes or arthritis or any of those age-related health issues. She was the Woman Leader of the village and she led very well.
“She is a staunch Catholic – one of the leaders of CWO in Enugu before she retired. She achieved so many things. I advise the women in our village to emulate her because she has lived a good life.
Ojiefi’s 75-year old first son, Chief Obiora Obuekwe, reflected on the values his mother instilled in her children, identifying discipline, hard work, honesty and respect for elders as her strongest legacies.
“My mother is being honoured and recognized as the oldest woman in Umuzocha village and today’s event is also to mark her 95th birthday. The value she gave to all of us was discipline. She also inculcated in us the virtue of hard work and the importance of respect for elders.
“She equally thought us that honesty is very critical. If you are honest, you will get whatever you want because honesty brings trust. Once you win people’s trust, they want to relate with you. They confide in you.
He further appreciated his mother’s contribution to his education especially while studying abroad. “There was a time in the United States, I lacked funds and we just came back from the war. My father wasn’t financially strong at that time. My mother supported my father, making sure that I didn’t have any drawback in my education,” he recalled.
For her daughter-in-law of nearly 40 years, Mrs Tessy Obuekwe, Ojiefi stands out for her clarity of mind, truthfulness and moral courage. “95 years birthday anniversary is worthy of celebration. We are thanking God for her life and achievements.
“My mother-in-law is very industrious as demonstrated in all her achievements. She loves her children and grand-children. She is a god-fearing woman and calls a spade a spade not minding whose ox is gored.
A close relation, Chief Harold Okoye from Amawbia, described Ojiefi as a counsellor, adviser and moral guide who taught values of uprightness, generosity, love and closeness to God. “It is only by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that she is living today. Most of her siblings are gone but she is still alive and strong.
Ojiefi’s only surviving brother, Chief Sunday Orji, described her as a woman richly blessed by God who touched lives through courage, generosity and enterprise. “Before the war, she had been a business woman going to Ogoja to buy articles. She was the first I knew doing things like men in terms of courage and boldness.
“My sister is a woman God has blessed so much. I pray she gets older than my father who died at 114.
Also speaking, Dr Chukwudi Okoye, a retired civil servant and close family friend, described Ojiefi as exceptionally strong, intelligent and business-minded. “We really appreciate the children, relations and people around her who help in taking good care of her.
“I have not seen a woman as strong and intelligent especially in business acumen like her. At her old age, she has several properties and investments to her name,” Okoye concluded.
From the women’s group, Mrs Felicia Okafor, Chairlady of Obekenufiv Women Wing of Umuzocha Village, described Ojiefi as a long-serving capacity leader whose life taught lessons on virtue, industry and successful family life. “We learnt a lot about how to be virtuous, industrious and successful wives and mothers from her.
A member, Mrs Chinelo Anagbogu extolled for instilling qualities that sustain marriage in them. “Ojiefi is a unifying factor. She does not like quarrel or fight but always working towards peace.
In her remarks, Ojiefi Beatrice Obuekwe acknowledged, “All through the civil war, I saw a lot but by the grace of God, nothing sinister happened to me. I have also survived decades after the war.
“I am excited to see this crowd of people celebrating me at 95. It shows that I am at peace with people in the village. I wish you long life like God has given me.
“I am actually not suffering from debilitating diseases common to people of my age. My only issue is aging and not sickness.
“I advise you to shun evil and embrace the truth. Assist one another. This is the reason God created us and brought us together. Remember, nobody knows tomorrow,” Ojiefi concluded.
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