A Tribute to Mrs. Bridget Nwankwo
By Maria Okpara
It is difficult to capture in words the grace and poise that Mrs. Bridget Nwankwo embodied throughout her life. Fondly known to me as Auntie Biddy, or simply Auntie B, she became a cherished figure during a pivotal time in my life. I first met her in the later years of the Nigerian, Biafra war—a period of upheaval and change—and soon after, when I married the first son of Dr. M.I. Okpara and Mrs. Adanma Enyidiiya Okpara, she stepped into my world with open arms and an open heart.
From our very first encounter, I recognized that Auntie B was a wellspring of wisdom and strength. Her ability to navigate life with unwavering excellence and determination left an indelible mark on me. She exuded poise and class in the discharge of her duties, sharing her love of education and children, her quick wit, and her generous guidance with all who had the honor of knowing her.
Auntie B was not only a mentor; she was a relative, a friend, and a guiding light. Her generous nature was evident in every conversation and every shared memory. I will forever cherish the day when she and Uncle graciously agreed to be the godparents to my son—a moment captured in photographs that I hold close to my heart. In those images, I see not only the joy of that day but also the deep, abiding trust and affection that defined our relationship.
Though I will miss her presence dearly, I take solace in knowing that her journey continues beyond the confines of our world. Her life was a testament to dedication, kindness, and an unyielding commitment to family and community. Auntie B left footprints on my heart and instilled in me a drive to pursue excellence, to serve others, and to carry forward the legacy of love that she so generously bestowed.
Until we meet again, may the Lord welcome you with open arms and grant comfort to all you have left behind, dear Auntie B. Your spirit lives on in the lives you touched and the memories you created.
Da Bridget Nwankwo, may your beautiful soul rest perfectly well in The Lord.
From
Nneoma Roseline Aguocha
Emeka and family, be consoled for your mum is gone to rest in The Lord. She tried.
GOD TAKE GLORY, AMEN.
A TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE B:
What a task trying to pen these words in honor and respect to Auntie B . I cannot adequately express and define the life of this heroine, inspiration and role model I was privileged to come across. Beside my biological mother, no other woman played a better role in moulding and contributing in all ramifications to what I am today, ( though I may not have sufficiently expressed these by words and deeds to her which I deeply regret).
Your kind is rare, you exemplified the virtues of dedication, diligence, hard work, compassion, faithfulness , courage and an uncommon ability to sacrifice and be a succor to all who came across you. In all spheres of life you were exemplary ranging from education, motherhood, public service, and Christian virtues. I dare say that God in his infinite knowledge sends people like you sparsely into every generation to make a difference to the admiration and acknowledgment of all.
I thank and praise God for the long and fulfilled life he graced you with, the privilege to have benefited from your immense generosity, love and care amongst many other people whose lives you touched in special ways.
To Ihuoma and Emeka I say take heart, while you sorrow at this time also celebrate the privilege of being mothered by one of heaven’s best.
Auntie B, you were a shining light that blessed and impacted humanity.
Good night and rest in the blossom of the Lord until the resurrection day. Amen.
Chibuzo Aguocha, Esq.
Lady Bridget Nwankwo, The Unforgettable!
Mrs. Bridget Nwankwo, she was my school principal and later became my mother-figure!
I went to Holy Secondary School Umuahia (Girls’ Secondary School), and Mrs. Bridget Nwankwo was my principal for part of my time at the school. She left the school when I was in class 3, in the late 70’s. We re-connected in the late 80’s - early 90’s. Our relationship changed with this re-connection, from being my principal to being a mother- figure, and from then on, I fondly called her Mma’m (my mother)!
From the time we reconnected, our relationship metamorphosed into a more personal relationship, and we had our terms of endearments for each other. I called her “Mma’m”, and she would usually address me as “Adam nwanyi” or “Nne le”. So, it was with us till January 18th, the last time I spoke to her.
Though we were in different continents, but it felt like we were in closer space due to our regular communication; so far yet so near. I called Mma’m regularly; weekly or bi-weekly. We were in regular and frequent communication. Our communications gave us opportunities to share and update each other on the most recent happenings in our lives. Through these sharing I learnt a lot about Mma’m and got glimpses of her expectations and standards from a personal viewpoint.
Mma’m, was highly principled and stayed true to her roots. She did not allow expectations of others or things around her to sway her negatively; she did not deviate from her upbringing of honesty, humility, respect, and hard work, from the stories she shared with me about her parents and siblings during their formative years. She had a Christian-faith family background and never departed from it. Her faith became her guiding principle and anchor, and her life was reflective of one who was mindful of God, her creator. She showed kindness, respect and nurtured those around her, giving to each what they needed. She had a strong sense of relationship and duty; she stayed connected to her ‘close’ family members and friends and worked actively in her professional life till the Lord called her home on January 25, 2025.
Mma’m showed kindness and empathy to mankind! She did to me!
She shared her life experiences and stories with me, with embedded lessons in each. She gave me motherly advice. Some of the things that stuck with me were her belief in God and in His Sovereignty. Her faith was unshakeable and unflinching even at times of tragedies. she stood still, while believing that God had her and that He would work things out. She was never swayed by the vicissitudes of life. She shared this faith with me through advice that she’d give to me at times of difficulty, and would end with these words, “Nne O, let go and let God”. She believed in the power of prayer and that God works things out for His people. She was not given to the spirit of fear.
Mma’m was a generous giver and highly appreciative of any show of kindness by others. Mma’m had little or no expectation of things from others, hence, was very grateful.
Mma’m, I called and spoke with you briefly on January 18, 2025, I did not know that was going to be our last conversation. On Sunday January 26, 2025, at 4:26AM (my time) I got a text from friend, and it read “Have you heard????”, my mind immediately went to you. My immediate response to the text was “What happened to Mma?” This was how I learned that you have transitioned to Glory.
You always told me that you were ready to go whenever your Maker called you Home and I would always let you know that I was not ready yet.
You are gone and gone forever! I am devastated. I am grateful for our time together for more than a quarter of a century. My mother died when I was very young, and you filled the void for me. You took me in, and we were ‘mother and daughter’. I thank you for giving me that privilege to call you “Mma’m”, for giving me personal access. Thank you for the times we spent together, virtually, and physically. Thank you for the lessons that you thought me, your show of unconditional kindness, empathy, and unwavering strong faith, despite the situation I will be sure to remember them and pass them on to others, in remembrance of you, for posterity and legacy.
The Unforgettable!
Rest In Peace, Mma’m!
Leruo anya oke-nwami!
Shine on my beautiful mother!
Go well Mma’m mara nma na’ese okwu!
With a much grateful heart, always.
Nwa ghi nwanyii / Nne le (Adanneya Ezikpe)
