By Ingram Osigwe

Few people are blessed with the grace of longevity. A centenarian, Mrs Marcelina Ekwutosi Omagie a.k.a Nwaezebuona is one such person.

Saturday, April 9, 2022, was her day. She clocked 100 that day and the Catholic faithful in Anambra state, especially members of Stella Maris outstation, Onitsha, friends, families and well-wishers rolled out the drums to celebrate her.

Born on April 9, 1922, in Onitsha, Anambra State, to the family of His Royal Highness, the late Eze Timothy Williams Obiosa Ibuaka and late Catherine Ibuaka from the present-day Delta state, mama, as a kid, spent much of her time in the service of God through membership of various societies in the church including the Block Rosary and Mary League.

Though mama has no biological children of her own, she has spent the better part of her 100 years on earth mentoring the young and old and contributing tremendously to the goodness of humanity, growth of the Catholic church and tranquillity of the society.

Thus organizers of her birthday insisted it was only fit, proper and deserving to celebrate a woman who in the last one century dedicated her life, energy, resources and time to the service of God and humanity.

Interestingly, the venue of the birthday event, Stella Maris Catholic outstation, Onwugbenu street, GRA, Onitsha, is one of the products of Mrs Omagie’s selflessness.

Not having a biological child of her own, a time came in Mrs Omagie’s chequered life when she immersed herself in the work and worship of God and then discovered that life and everything therein was all vanities.

She thus decided to bequeath all she owned, including the land on which Stella Maris Catholic Church now stands, to God and the betterment of mankind.

Mrs Omagie’s 100th birthday celebration was carnival-like. Many important personalities swarmed the venue like bees with all of them paying glowing tributes to her impactful and salutary life.

Among personalities from all walks of life, including the Catholic clerics at the birthday celebration were

His Grace Most Rev. Dr Valeria M. Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Emeka, Aro Chancellor Basilica Of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Very Rev Fr. Nwokedi Francis Ezumezu, Rector, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Christogonus Ibemere, Chaplain, Stella Maris Outstation, Basilica Of the Most Holy Trinity.

Others include Very REV. FR. Marius Obiagwu, former Rector Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Christian Agha, mama’s adopted son.

So many Catholic nuns from Onitsha and Iseleukwu Dioceses as well as the Onitsha archdiocese were also in attendance.

Also gracing the colourful birthday celebration were captains of industry and business moguls such as

Chief Sir Samuel & Ldy Maria Ihionu, Chairman/CEO, Reliable Steel and Plastic Ind., Chief Donatus Ebubeogu, MD TIGER FOODS Ltd. who freely donated all the wines used for the occasion, Chief (Sir) & Lady Ikem Osanakpo, CEO, Kates Associate, Dr (Lady) Loretta Ukeji (ADADIORAMMA) of Ejison Group of companies who was Mother of the Day.

Equally in attendance were Okwudili Oti (CALTEC), who presided over the occasion as Chairman, Chief (SIR) & LOLO NNAMDI OKWUONU (AKAJIUGO DI NDU NA UKE) CHAIRMAN SILVER ROSE LTD, Hon. (SIR) Everest Uba (OBA NNABUENYI NA ISUOFIA), Chief (SIR) Mich Anagu (IDE UMUOJI), CEO MAKSON CHEMICAL, Chief (SIR) & LOLO Lady Mike Arinze Ogene AWKA ETITI (GMO), Chief & LOLO Dona Madumere, CEO Vinval INDUSTRIES LTD, HON. Chike & Barr. Lizzy and the wife of GUO Okeke, CEO of GUO MOTORS, presented her husband.

Also there to celebrate mama were Princess (Lady) Nkiru Okolo, Zonal Manager, ZENITH BANK PLC, Mrs Edna Okafor, CEO, SOPROM HOTEL ONITSHA, Chief (SIR) & Lady Livinus Mbadugha, Chief (Mrs) ENWEONWU, DAME Beatrice Madueke (KSG, LSM) former Director, CWO Onitsha Archdiocese & former Vice President, CWO Nigeria and Chief (Mrs) Mbaji, wife of CEO LAKE PETROLEUM.

So many social clubs within the Onitsha metropolis, including sports club, Ladies of Honour, Nlecha, Delightful Ladies, FDI Ladies, Like Minds Sisters, Divine Sisters, Glorious Ladies, Gallant Ladies and Nobles Ladies for Christ were either represented or attended the birthday in full.

Mrs Omagie’s relations from Obeche, Ndokwa East, Delta state led by Engr. Felix Nwakonobi of Chevron Nig PLC.

Monic Bridal and Unity GRA Caterers, Sparkle Tent and Decoration and Sister Patrick Anthony Decorations added glamour and flavour to the occasion with their beautiful skills. They also donated the cake free with MC Zanzino and DJ Slim giving a touch and trills of entertainment.

Mrs Marcelina Ekwutosi Omagie’s 100th birthday was indeed a celebration of a life well-lived and still living. It was a day to remember!