BIOGRAPHY OF LADY CECILIA NGOZI ONOCHIE

Lady Cecilia Ngozi Onochie was born on the 22nd of June 1959. in the city of Jos, Plateau State,

Nigeria. She was born into the esteemed family of Chief Gabriel and Lolo Francesca Enendu both of blessed memory, who instilled in her the values of love, integrity, and compassion.

Lady Cecilia's educational journey began in Jos, where she embarked on her primary education.However, the turbulent times of the Nigerian crisis and the aftermath of the 1966 coup forced her family to relocate to their ancestral hometown ofAdazi Ogidi in the Eastern Region. Undeterred by the circumstances, she continued her studies at Adazi Primary School until the horrors of the civil war reached their doors. The family then found solace in Nnevwi, until the war's end in 1970, where she resumed her education with unwavering determination.

With her indomitable spirit and thirst for knowledge, she excelled academically, transitioning to the prestigious Ogidi Girls Secondary School. After some enriching years there, she transferred to Onitsha Girs, where she completed her secondary education with remarkable achievements.

Following this milestone, Lady Cecilia secured employment with the Anambra State School Management Board in Onitsha, where she worked diligently for several months.

Destiny intervened during this transformative phase, intertwining Lady Cecilia's path with that of Sir Justin C. Onochie, the love of her life. Their courtship flourished into a profound and enduring marriage, sealing a lifelong bond of unwavering love and partnership. Simultancously, she pursued her aspirations of further education, illuminating her steadfast commitment to personal growth.

After attaining her NCE from the esteemed College of Education, Nsugbe in 1981, she embraced a teaching appointment at Nike Grammar School, where she shared her knowledge and passion until an opportunity arose for her to pursue a degree in Guidance and Counseling at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Enugu. Subsequently, they were transferred to Awka,where she continued and concluded her educational journey at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, embracing the enriching chapters that awaited her.

That same year, Lady Cecilia and her beloved partner exchanged vows, embarking on a journey blessed with six beautiful children. As a loving wife and devoted mother, she ensured that her family thrived both intellectually and spiritually. She was a constant pillar of support for her family. The mere thought of the delicious dishes prepared by her evoked a profound sense of nostalgia,iresistibly drawing one back to the cherished warmth and comfort she created for her loved ones.

Amidst these daily delights, she remained resolute in prioritizing her children's education, ensuring that each one achieved the distinction of graduation.

She had a stint with politics when she joined the Congress for National Consensus (CNC) party during the administration of Late General Sani Abacha. This remarkable but short chapter in her life led her to traverse the nooks and corners ofAnambra state.

A woman of faith, Lady Cecilia actively participated in various church societies, such as Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the Knight of St. John International. Within her Umunnachi community, she held the honorable position of St. Peter's ldeal Parish CWO Home & Abroad

President, serving her second term with unwavering commitment until her passing. Additionally.she was an esteemed member of St. Bridget Society and a Life Member of CWo Onitsha Archdiocese. Recognizing her remakable dedication, she was bestowed with the revered title of "Nne Oma" at St. Mary's Trans-Ekulu Parish Enugu, where she lived. At her maiden parish, St. John Parish Ogidi, she received the esteemed "Mma Si Olu" title, a testament to her unwavering devotion.

With the same unwavering devotion, she graced the grotto of Our Blessed Mother Mary, out of love for Her, on a daily basis. This sacred routine began after attending morning Mass every day. Even when circumstances prevented her from attending morning Mass, she gracefully transitioned to evening Mass, keeping her unwavering commitment alive until the end of her earthly journey.

Her love extended beyond her immediate family, as she tirelessly aided the less fortunate. Her

selflessness knew no bounds, as she sought out solutions to provide sustenance and shelter for thosein need. Witnessing the suffering of others pained her deeply, motivating her to offer her home and other valuable resources on numerous occasions to shelter and assist people in need and as long as it would take to improve their living standards. Yet, she did not stop at that but also had to pay school fees for the less privileged on numerous occasions when necessary.

We, the ones she left behind, now find ourselves enveloped in sorrow as we bid farewell to a

remarkable soul. Her departure has been a profound lesson, reminding us of the fragility of life. Her absence will be acutely felt by her entire family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Most especially her 18 grandchildren who are just starting to know, love and appreciate her tender loving care.

You ran a worthy race, my dear wife and friend, and we wholeheartedly believe that Our Lord has welcomed you into His eternal embrace. As we say our farewells, we cherish the memories and

imprints of your remarkable presence.

Adieu, Adadioramma,

Adieu, Maluogo,

Adieu, Idiogo.

She is survived by:

Husband:

Chief Sir Justin C. Onochie

Children:

Mrs. Adaeze Ugwu

Engr. Chinedu Onochie

Mrs. Nwando Okafor

Mrs. Chinenye Udoka Austin

Mrs. Chika Okeke

Engr. Kenechukwu Onochie

She also left behind numerous grandchildren, sisters, brother, in-laws, and a multitude of other

relatives and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.