St. Martin Catholic Church Ihiala Confers Nneoma Title on Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye

Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye with two of her daughters

By Raymond Ozoji

Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye, popularly known as Dibumma, was among over 50 women honoured by St. Martin Catholic Church, Ihiala, Anambra State, on August 9, 2025. The recognition celebrates women of impeccable character and outstanding leadership in both their families and the broader society.

A native of Umumeri Uzoakwa, Ihiala, Mrs. Okoye was overwhelmed with joy as family, friends, and well-wishers from far and near gathered to celebrate her investiture as Nneoma,a title that means “good mother.”

More than just a mother to her biological children, Mrs. Okoye was also a devoted wife to her late husband, Chief Emmanuel Okoye a.k.a. Rainbow (Nnayelugo). Their marriage, by all accounts, was loving and exemplary. She extended the same unwavering affection to her in-laws and grandchildren, always selflessly putting others first and seeking their comfort and happiness without asking for anything in return.

A mother of eight successful children, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye’s legacy shines through her offspring: her first daughter is a Principal Nursing Officer with the Anambra State Government; her third daughter, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; her third son, a business magnate in Kogi State; and her fourth son, another successful entrepreneur based in Onitsha.

Her efforts in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and charitable works in Uzoakwa have marked her as an icon of peace,an exceptional woman who values unity above all. She is often described as “an angel in human form.”

According to findings , St. Martin Catholic Church conducted a comprehensive background check into Mrs. Okoye’s life,examining her marriage, parenting, community involvement, and societal impact before conferring upon her the prestigious Nneoma title in recognition of her remarkable contributions to both the Church and humanity.

Testimonials from her children, grandchildren, relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers affirm that Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye (Nneoma) exemplifies kindness, compassion, and a constant willingness to extend an olive branch for the sake of peace.

Her first daughter, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Juliet Ojiakor (née Okoye), expressed pride in her mother’s award, stating that her mother has always lifted others as she rose. Mrs. Ojiakor described her as “the last of her kind on planet Earth” a truly exceptional woman who fully deserves the Nneoma title.

Similarly, Chief Amb. Josephat Okoli, alias Nnabuohimiri, a member of the Uzowulu extended family of Umumeri Uzoakwa and a successful businessman based in Lagos, said he and his wife returned home for the event due to the profound impact Mrs. Okoye has had on his family. He recalled that Mrs. Okoye married around 1968 and has since remained a beacon of inspiration. He added that the Church thoroughly examined her character and concluded that she was indeed worthy of the honour.

Nnabuohimiri also noted that Chief Mrs. Okoye and her late husband were instrumental in bringing several Catholic societies from Onitsha to Ihiala, including the St. Jude Society, Sacred Heart Society, and others. She was also once the Coordinator of the Block Rosary Society for Children in Onitsha.

He emphasized that she is currently the most senior woman in age, marriage, and church involvement in the entire Uzowulu kindred of Umumeri village, and expressed gratitude that St. Martin Catholic Church recognized her with this deserved accolade.

Her third daughter, Mrs. Amara Priscilla Ozoji (née Okoye), a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, echoed similar sentiments. She praised her mother’s legacy and values, stating that she and her siblings continue to draw inspiration from their mother’s life. A First Class graduate in Accountancy, Mrs. Ozoji affirmed that her parents’ marriage was both successful and impactful, not only for their own children but also for others whose lives they helped shape.

Chief Everestus Okoye, alias Onyefeze, the third son and a successful businessman in Kogi State, declared that the timing of the honour was perfect. He lauded his mother for her boundless love,extended not only to her children but to everyone she met. He added that the widespread attendance at the investiture ceremony, with guests from Lagos, Enugu, Onitsha, Kogi, and beyond, is a testament to her influence.

According to him, the Church found her fit and proper for the title after discovering her unwavering love for peace and desire to foster a harmonious environment where all can thrive.

Mrs. Evelyn Nneka Udogu (née Okoye), her second daughter, who is married in Oguta, Imo State, called the title a well-deserved recognition of her mother’s belief in good neighbourliness. A professional outdoor caterer based in Onitsha, Mrs. Udogu added that the Nneoma title is didactic—encouraging others to emulate her mother’s life of mentorship and virtue.

Mr. Okechukwu Anthony Obi, son-in-law to Mrs. Okoye and based in Kogi State, added his voice, asserting that Nneoma is a woman without blemish. He stated that her love for in-laws is equal to the love she shows her own children. He praised the Church for their diligence in selecting recipients for such an esteemed title, highlighting how not everyone qualifies for such a prestigious honour.

Other children Chief Obinna Okoye, Chief Nonso Jude Okoye, Chief Chimezie Michael Okoye, and Mrs. Chinenye Anthonia Obi (née Okoye)—all expressed admiration for their mother, describing her as a “quintessential Amazon” and “a moral compass” for all who encounter her.

The septuagenarian and cynosure of the event, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Okoye, crowned Nneoma by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of St. Martin Catholic Church Ihiala on August 9, 2025, attributed the honour to divine grace and the prayers of her loved ones. She affirmed that the title will further motivate her to continue her virtuous deeds and to promote peace and unity.

In her closing remarks, she expressed deep gratitude to God and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported her on this memorable occasion.