A Glorious Farewell as Hon. Chidi Ibemeka Bids Grandmother Final Goodbye in Grand Style.
The quiet town of Ukwulu in Dunukofia Local Government Area was filled with emotion, colour, and grandeur on Friday, July 25, 2025, as Honourable Chidi Ibemeka, FCAI, member representing Njikoka I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, laid to rest his beloved grandmother, the late Mrs. Grace Ugoye Nwankwo, who passed on at the exceptional age of 118.
What was expected to be a solemn moment turned into a celebration of life as people from different walks of life turned out en masse to honour a woman whose influence transcended her family and community. The burial ceremony, held at Chief Nwankwo’s compound in Iruezeagu Village, was a powerful tribute to a matriarch whose life of discipline, love, wisdom, and service left lasting impressions on generations.
Hon. Ibemeka, in his heartfelt tribute, described his grandmother as a rare gem who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Her death, he noted, was not a moment of sorrow, but one of gratitude for a life well lived, for legacies well established, and for memories that would never fade. The guests who attended the ceremony echoed this sentiment with glowing remarks about her impact on the lives of those around her. For many, Mama Grace, as she was fondly called, was more than just a grandmother—she was a guide, a counsellor, a community figure, and a symbol of strength.
The event witnessed an impressive turnout of high-profile personalities who came to commiserate with Hon. Ibemeka and his family. Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Hon. Chucks Azotani, Mayor of Dunukofia; Hon. Chinedu Dominic Ononiba, Mayor of Njikoka; Rt. Hon. Fred Chigozie Ezenwa, Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency; Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly; Hon. Jude Akpua, Member representing Njikoka II; Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, former member of the House of Representatives; Ozonkpu Chief Nduka Okoye, APGA Vice Chairman for Anambra Central; Amb. Pharm. Chinedu, APGA Chairman Njikoka; Njikoka councillors and ward chairmen of the APGA; Chief Christopher Onyekwuo, Chairman Board of Trustees of Save the Future Development and Empowerment Initiative (STFDEI); Deacon Henry of STFDEI; and many others including friends, relatives, media practitioners, traders, artisans, civil servants, students, and community leaders.
It was a moment that reminded everyone present of the power of legacy. The air was filled with both laughter and tears, and the music, traditional chants, and cultural displays made it clear that the late Mrs. Nwankwo was being given a royal send-off befitting a queen. Her story, shared through the voices of her family and those who knew her, served as a reminder of the beauty of old age, the grace of a life of service, and the pride of a family rooted in tradition.
As the casket was gently lowered into the earth, surrounded by heartfelt prayers and deep reflections, one could feel that Ukwulu had not just buried a womanit had celebrated a legend. And in doing so, Honourable Chidi Ibemeka had once again shown the world the strength of family, the dignity of heritage, and the importance of honouring those who paved the way.
APPRECIATION FROM HON. CHIDI IBEMEKA
May the soul of Mama Grace continue to rest in peace.
