Birth and Early Life
Nneora Lolo Catherine O. Egbonwonu was born into the esteemed family of Ogbuzulu Ede Nweze of Obodoukwu Village in Imeoha Nkerefi. She was the first child of her mother, Mary Edenweze, and her birth brought immense joy and open doors to the family.
From an early age, she stood out among her peers, especially as one of the few girls privileged to receive formal education. She was widely known for her decency, deep faith in God, and respect for elders. Her beauty and brain got her the accolade: “Ogo Edenweze, Mmiri ánwá”.
Education and Career
Lolo Catherine’s educational journey began at Igwebuike Primary School, Imeoha Nkerefi, before she moved to St. Patrick’s Primary School, Amofu Nkerefi (now Central School, Amofu Nkerefi).
Her love for education led her to pursue a teaching career. She obtained her TC II Certificate from Teachers’ Training College (TTC), Eha Amufu in Isi Uzo Local Government Area. She later advanced her studies at the Institute of Ecumenical Education Center, Enugu, earning both her National Certificate of Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree.
Her teaching career spanned several schools across Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas, including:
Igwebuike Primary School, Imeoha Nkerefi
Central School, Amofu Nkerefi
Central School, Nara
Central School, Agbani
Ezubuoke Primary School, Nkerefi
Community Primary School, Ogbeke Agbani
Through dedication and hard work, she rose to the position of Headmistress, serving in Central School, Amofu Nkerefi for several years before retiring meritoriously in 2010.
Service to God and Humanity
Endowed with wisdom, courage, and a heart full of kindness, Lolo Catherine Egbonwonu dedicated her time, talent, and resources to the service of God and humanity.
Consequently, she was conferred with the title of Osodieme 1 of Nkerefi by the late Igwe E C Ajah.
Nneora as a devout Roman Catholic, played significant roles at the Parish, Deanery, and Diocesan levels. She was a pioneer member and in multiple tenures, the Chairperson of the Christian Mothers group in the early 1970s, which later became the Catholic Women Organization (CWO).
In recognition of her unwavering service, she received several honorary titles, including:
Ezinne
Nneokwukwe
Nneora
and Nneife
Community Leadership and Contributions
Beyond her religious commitments, Osodieme was a formidable force in community development. She championed peace, unity, and the progress of her people.
She founded and led various women’s organizations, including:
Di-bu-ugwu Umuezeoche, the umbrella body for the women of her village.
Nkerefi Women Association (Ndinne Mama) is a leading group in the Women’s August Meeting movement.
Her impact on the community remains indelible, as she tirelessly advocated for development and social harmony.
Family Life and Legacy
Nneora Lolo Catherine Ogo Egbonwonu’s marital journey began towards the end of the Nigerian Civil War when her beauty, intelligence, and charisma caught the attention of Late Chief G.P. Egbonwonu. Their marriage was a model of love, faithfulness, and commitment, lasting until his passing in 2014.
Together, they raised their children with strong Christian values. All their children and grandchildren remain devoted Catholics, a testament to their upbringing.
She is survived by:
Nine children
Seven daughters-in-law
One son-in-law
Twenty-two grandchildren and numerous relatives.
Despite facing life’s challenges, Lolo Catherine Egbonwonu remained resilient. She navigated difficult times with courage and wisdom, never allowing circumstances to defeat her dreams. She was bold when necessary and submissive when it mattered most.
Farewell to a Matriarch
Mum – The Osodieme 1 of Nkerefi, The Nneora, Ezinne, Nneife and Nneokwukwe of Catholic Church, The Passionate Teacher, The Disciplinarian, Voice of the Voiceless, The Bold and Beautiful yet Kindhearted, Mama Celestine, Mama Jude, Mama Jerry, Mama Mary( Rested), Mama Uchenna, Mama Felix, Mama Esther, Mama Wilfred, Mama Agnes( Rested) Mama Nicholas, and Mama Livinus – we bid you farewell.
You were many things to different people, earning you countless accolades. No one lives forever in this world, but a person’s legacy endures. Your footprints remain on the sands of time, and you shall live on in our hearts.
Adieu, Osodieme!
Rest in peace with your Maker.