By Akeem Lasisi
The Ughelli people of Delta State recently lost an illustrious matriarch. That was Lady Edith Mary Iwhewhe, a thoroughbred teacher, church leader and socio-cultural mobilizer. Based on her contributions to national development, especially in the area of education, Lady Iwhewhe’s death is indeed a national loss.
But for the Ughelli, Delta State-born gem, her family and other loved ones, there is a big consolation. This borders on the fact that hers was a roundly impactful life. Apart from making a robust success of her cherished profession, which is teaching, she was able to raise an enviably successful family despite the fact that she lost her husband, the late Mathew Diyeri Iwhewhe, just 21 years after their marriage – when they already had six children whom she then had to single-handedly bring up.
Six tender daughters! By the time the widow of value and valour was joining her creator on August 10, 2022, however, the amazing damsels had stepped up educationally, professionally and socially.
As a matter of fact, one of them is no other person than the Managing Director of Shell Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), Mrs Elohor Aiboni. Interestingly, Aiboni is the first female to attain the height in the top-rate company.The other children are Mrs Okiemute Linda Uwadia, Mrs Ochuko Wendy Afa, Miss Ovonmo Regina Iwhewhe, Miss Onajiyovwi Theresa Iwhewhe and Miss Oghenetega Patricia Iwhewhe.
The story of the life of Lady Edith Mary Iwhewhe, indeed, harbours a lesson in dedication, perseverance, godliness and the principle of cause and effect. She invested all in her passion, calling, family and dedication to God’s work and she reaped abundance fulfilment. So, she must have returned to her creator armed with a beautiful report to submit to the angels.
Below is a summary of the account of her eventful journey through life.Born on 21st April, 1944 to Chief Peter Akpomedaye of Ekakpramre in Jeremi clan of Ughelli-South LGA and Madam Winnie Sokoh of Ovwian in Udu clan of Ughelli South LGA of DELTA State, Lady Iwhewhe attended the African Church Primary School Dawudu in Warri from 1949-1958.
After completing her primary education, she stayed with her maternal grandmother in Ovwian, a town in the Udu Clan, Delta State, from 1958-1961. In 1962, her uncle took her into his home to further her education. She got into St. Theresa’s Teacher’s Training College, Ughelli, after her secondary education from 1964 to 1968, where she earned a National Certificate Education.
She met her husband,Matthew Diyeri Iwhewhe (MDI), who she got to know through a close senior school friend (Theresa Iwhewhe) who was a younger sister to her husband. They got married in 1969 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri, Delta State. MDI worked with U.A.C Foods and, as a regional manager for the southern region, there was no other better place to settle down than Lagos. In 1974 he got transferred to the East and the family moved to Port Harcourt which soon became home for his beautiful family.
This union produced six damsels and this beautiful family devoutly practised their faith in the Catholic Church. The couple both enjoyed working and supporting church activities and joined several Pious Societies. Not surprised that they got nominated to join the Order of Knights of St Mulumba in 1986.Lady Edith Iwhewhe enjoyed teaching, she did this passionately and had close bonds with her students and their parents.
Her quest for education saw her go back to school in 1988 to further her education (part time with the University of Ibadan) while raising her lovely girls in Port Harcourt. MDI supported her through this and was always veryo proud of her. Sadly, he didn’t see her complete the programme when tragedy struck in March 1990! Her charming husband became sick and passed on in June 1990, leaving her alone with their beautiful damsels who were still very young.
Lady Edith had no one except God and taught her girls the same. She held on to her faith in the Catholic Church and was strongly attached to Our Lady. She devoutly said her daily devotion to Our Lady and joined societies dedicated to Our Lady (Five Sisters, Block Rosary).
Lady E, as she was fondly called, also joined other Pious societies in the church (Sacred Heart, St Jude, Infant Jesus of Prague, Divine Mercy, Purgatorial Society). She was active in the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), zonal wards in the church and was a Silent Preacher (training of seminarians to become priests).Mummy was simply graceful and an epitome of humility. She mentored and loved all around her.
She had so many adopted sons and daughters as she opened her home and heart to all.She loved travelling and wouldn’t miss any opportunity to learn about different cultures. Settling in Port Harcourt made it easy for her to learn about the eastern culture – she grew to know 60% of the states and villages including their culture and food.
Mummy did not leave her girls out of her travel adventure as she would visit them regularly and kept abreast of news in their locations.In her last trip, she was not in any hurry to leave – I guess that was her way of leaving her girls with fond memories of her for years to come.
She prayed for a Happy and Peaceful exit in life and God granted her that. A lot of people have asked – was she sick? How did it happen? Mum started 9th of August full of life, she was planning to attend two weddings that weekend and spent the day planning for it and in-between made several calls to loved ones – little did they know it was her way of saying ‘Goodbye’.
She had her evening stroll with one of her grandsons and thereafter ate her dinner with much enthusiasm. Mummy retired to her room where she listened to Mass and finished her Thank you Jesus Rosary afterwards, then laid down in bed at about 11pm.
She got up shortly afterwards with a cough, asking for water and we noticed she had difficulty in her breathing and rushed her to the hospital. The medical team was so sure that mummy would pull out of this as she still had pulse upon our arrival at the hospital.
Sadly, our thoughts were not her Maker`s thoughts as He called her home at 12.40am 10th of August. She is survived by Children, Grandchildren, Brother, Sisters & In-laws.
The Song of LADY EDITH MARY IWHEWHE has ended but the melody will always linger on in our hearts.