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Day the Anosikes bade farewell to their matriarch, Mama Joy Ementa

Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

The crowd of sympathizers that gathered at Nneyi village in Umueri town in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday, November 12, 2021 presented a picture of a mother that lived her life in service to humanity.

Hundreds of sympathisers, family members, friends and associates that gathered to bid her farewell had come to pay their last respect to the great mother of all times.

The deceased, who died on August 18, 2021 was the only daughter of four children, two preceded her in death.

Late Mrs Joy Anosike, nee Anikpe, is survived by her children including Senator Emma Anosike, Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, among others, grandchildren, brother, nephews, nieces and friends.

Aged Eighty-three, the deceased was a devoted Christian and avid Anglican Church member and community volunteer who belonged to many groups that promoted evangelism and continual growth of the Anglican Communion.

The funeral service of late Mrs. Anosike at Immanuel Anglican Church Umueri was presided over by the Anglican Bishop of Niger West Diocese, Right Reverend Johnson Ekwe and assisted by the Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Right Reverend Ephraim Ikeakor.

Bishop Ekwe described the deceased as woman of substance, and committed Christian mother, while Bishop Ikeakor in his sermon, appealed to the bereaved family to take solace in God over the demise of beloved Mrs. Anosike, saying that her death is a reminder that everyone should trust in God.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Dr. Uche Nworah and many other dignitaries who graced the occasion, commiserated with the bereaved family.

Dr. Nworah expressed confidence that the state has returned to normalcy after a peaceful election and people can now celebrate their loved ones without fear.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the first son, Senator Emma Anosike and the Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, wailed that since forty years ago they lost their father as a Junior Police Officer, their mother until her death continued to show she was the best mother they could ever had, even first grandson, Mr. Somto Maduka, narrated how he lived with her grandmother and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest.

First daughter to Mama, Esther recalled the impact of her mother’s love and care on her life.

She said: “Mama you were too good and so caring just like our father and we cannot forget that song that you always sing “baby Nwam Nosike Ogadirigi mma and each time I come home from school I always see you and Papa singing the song.

“Your blessings manifested in me and my children and you laid down the best exemplary life of a mother to me and you wisely chose my husband for me because you preferred a priest to other suitors.

To Mr. Fidelis Anosike, one of her son’s, she was indeed a dependable mother who fought hard to protect her children, recalling a certain case in Enugu when he and the mother was charged for murder but her strength and faith in God vindicated them both at the end of the day.

One of the youngest of her children, Noel Anosike told the story of the affection given to him by her mother as he was fondly called Onwa Na Eti Eti which indeed electrified his morale and was a litmus for him to strive to greatness at all times.

According to his first son, Senator Emma Obiajulu Anosike, family life was the cornerstone of everything she stood for.

“She attended primary school and never had the opportunity to further her education and she married very early in life to our father, the late Elias Mordi Anosike and the two were each other’s lifelong companion and friends.

“It is this love that we learnt from them that has remained the success story of our respective marriages and they both taught us patience and understanding in our respective married life and we remain eternally grateful to them,” he stated.

Candidate of Zenith labour Party in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, described Mama Joy Anosike as a mother of many, adding that a lot of accomplished men and women had passed through her to become successful in life.

“When you understudy this great woman, you will discover that a lot of people around her drew their inspiration from her and that explains why you see this intimidating crowd attracted to her funeral; and what other blessing does one need again?

“She produced a senator of the Federal Republic, produced a Newspaper publisher among others and this would continue to serve as a lesson to all mothers that are alive today.

“I urge her children to continue from where she stopped to remain role models to the upcoming generation and I also urge them to bear her loss with fortitude,” he said.

Senator Andy Uba, candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election, on his own part, called for the institution of a foundation in memory of Mama Joy Anosike with a view to immortalising her name and that of her late husband.

Uba described the life of Mama Joy as one that is a guiding principle in life, adding that generations yet unborn would forever remember her.

Former Commissioner for Information in the state, Chief Joseph Ofokansi recalled how Mama Joy made sure that every of her children and their friends were given the same attention and treatment, adding that one must be a responsible child to be a friend to her children.

“Mama would sit you down and talk to you and even report you to your parents if you are not behaving well and she was a disciplinarian and would ensure that you are reprimanded for your mischief.

“Indeed posterity would always reckon with the mother of all mothers who lived the life of charity, love for humanity and Christian Life,” he added.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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