Bereaved family donates building to church, empowered 50 indigent families...as 5 Bishops, Governors mourn late dancer, Ibe
By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha
All roads led to Cathederal Church of Saint Mark's, Isu-Awaa, Agwu, Enugu state, for special mass where five Anglican Church Bishops, Governors, Ambassadors, National Assembly members, captains of industries and others too numerous to mention paid tribute to late lay reader and super dancer, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, (nee Chime, popularly known as Black Indigo).
Aged 90, Late Ibe is survived by all her children among them a business tycoon and Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, first son.
The Emperor is the founder of a support group known across Enugu state as SAFE-- Save Awgu Forum Enugu State.
Among the Bishops was the pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province who also was the pioneer Bishop of Oji River diocese, Most Rev. Dr.Amos Madu, the Bishop of Afikpo diocese, Rt Rev.Paul Udege, the Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Rt.Rev Daniel Oliha, the pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese Rev.Dr Afam Ugwu.
The Bishop of Oji River diocese,Rev.Dr.Ikechukwu Egbuonu and that of Nike diocese, Rev.Dr.Onyeka Onyia were both represented and over 30 Anglican priests attended the burial ceremony.
In his homily the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Awgu/Aninri, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson N. Chukwunweike (JP), reminded Christians that every human being will one day die and will ultimately be remembered by their good deeds on earth.
Bishop Chukwunweike warned against seeking blessings outside God’s will, noting that any blessing not from God could place a person on the wrong path.
He cautioned that one careless action could ruin a person’s life and reputation forever. Citing Judas Iscariot, whose name means praise, he said Judas is remembered negatively because he betrayed Jesus Christ.
“When you lie where the late Mrs Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe lies today, what will heaven say about you?” the bishop asked, urging everyone to live rightly every day.
Late Ibe was born in the year of the Lord 1935 to the polygamous family of the late Chimengwu of Isu-Awaa community in the present Awgu local government area of Enugu state. She got married to Late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze 1 of Isi-Awaa) from Umunevo n'Umuevee of Enugu Isu-Awaa Agwu Enugu state.
Through dint of hard work and utmost faith in God,Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu worked hard extraordinarily from the cradles to rise from grass to grace
It was gathered that 'Black Indigo' was a unique mother and an example of motherhood,who suffered seriously to overcome challenges in raising and training her children without allowing her background to weigh her down.
Amidst the obstacles, she was said to be still kind and generous to all who came her path and as such no surprising that God Almighty in his infinite mercies blessed her children exceedingly as seen in Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and his siblings who are all billionaires.
An empowerment programme to kick off her final funeral rites was held at the Ibe Family's event arena at Isu-Awaa community in the spirit of giving and care for humanity which they imbibed from late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe.
They gave out a bag of rice, gallons of vegetable oil and a sachet of Maggi cubes to 50 of the poorest families in each of the 21 Communities that make up Awgu local government area. In all, a total of 1,050 bags of rice, Vegetable oil and sachets of Maggi cubes meant for the most vulnerable and 50 poorest families in each community of Awgu local government area were shared.
One beneficiary, Mrs. Madueke Geraldine, reflected on the late Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibeh. “She was a woman of giving,” Geraldine said. “She would always call you: ‘Sister, have you eaten?’ ‘Aunty, have you eaten?’ Seeing her son continue her work today, it feels like her spirit is still here with us.”
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe said the largess was part of the legacy of giving they learnt from their mother noting that the reason for sharing the largess to the very poor also stemmed on the fact that not everybody among the rural dwellers will have the privilege to join in the enlarged event.
Some of the beneficiaries interviewed by newsmen expressed gratitude to the Ibe family for the largesse, describing the late Lady Ezinne Eunice Ibe as very kind hearted and generous to all who came her way.
Ifeanyi Okonta, a beneficiary from Mgbidi Awgu, said the support came at a critical moment for many families struggling with the rising cost of living. He described the palliatives as a lifeline that enabled people to mark Christmas in a modest but dignified way.
“This means a lot to people who would otherwise have had nothing for Christmas,” he said. “It shows that Emperor Baywood Ibe truly cares about the poor and understands the struggles of ordinary people.”
Another beneficiary, Christiana Onwualia, expressed joy and gratitude, describing the remembrance of the downtrodden as a rare and kind act that restored hope.
“This gesture goes beyond food,” she said. “It reminds us that we are not forgotten. I pray that God opens greater doors for him and rewards him abundantly for this kindness.”
Leticia Ike, who also benefited from the distribution, said the initiative brought happiness and relief to many households during the festive season.
“He has made Christmas memorable for us,” she said. “May God continue to bless him for remembering people at such a special time.”
The outreach also drew commendation from notable observers. Mr Lukas Udeagbara, former Executive Assistant to the Enugu State Governor, praised Emperor Ibe for extending love and support to the poor and needy, describing the gesture as a reflection of a compassionate heart committed to uplifting others.
“This is a clear example of leadership through service,” he said, praying that God would replenish Emperor Ibe’s resources and reward him richly for his generosity.
In their respective speeches, the clerics poured encomium on late lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe as a virtuous woman who dedicated her life and family to God. Rev.Dr Amos Madu appraised her as a good chorister in her youth and was steadfast in God's vineyard throughout her lifetime.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the Ibe Family at the church service, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe assured the Family will continue to trail the legacy of their late mother to the church by supporting projects needed in the church.
He asked the church to make a request since the family didn't come with any material for thanksgiving. The church requested a two storey building guest house.
This instant request from the church priest for a Cathedral guest hall was accepted by Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and he on behalf of the entire Ibe Family of Isu-Awaa, Awgu promised that the foundation for a befitting Cathedral guest house will be laid by the family in the first quarter of 2026, attracting praises and jubilation from the congregation.
After the Church service at Saint Mark's Cathedral, the remains of late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was laid to rest in his late husband's house at Isu-Awaa.
Among the personalities at the church service included, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, former House of Rep.member Aninri/Awgu/ Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon.Toby Okechukwu, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party Governorship candidate in Enugu state and Hon.Ikeje Asogwa, and a former chairman of PDP in Enugu state,
Others were, former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, Barr Olisa Metuh, Hon.Martins Chukwunweike, the immediate past commissioner for Health in Enugu,VPrincess Peace Nnaji', Dr Dakuku Peterside, Barr.Eugene Eneh, Gabriel Oladekpo,Sir Chidi Nwokeabia, Prince Austin Nwankwo,the Insurance guru, Dr Raph Ezeoma, Dr Mrs Nkoli Anibogu,Dr Emeka Onah, Yakubu Yikassa, Prof.Victor Nnam, High Chief Enahoro and many others from different parts of the country.
It is worthy to note that the Nigerian Ambassador to Malawi, Ambassador Ben Shida and Ambassador Sam Umara from Uganda were at the reception.
Emperor Baywood Ibe commended all for coming to identify with the Ibe Family in their activities to mark their late mother's transition to glorious eternity.
He poured encomium on her wife- Empress Pat Baywood Ibe from Obosi as the secret on the success of the entire funeral arrangements.
He also poured encomium on his wife for the bountiful care of love she showered on his late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe while she lived. He asserts he is being tempted to visit his in-laws at Obosi and pay her dowry once again, if they permit because of her exceptional, unique manners and care for his family.
He thanked his brothers for the unity existing in the family and urged people to come and learn unity of purpose and brotherhood from them boosting that no third party can destroy the beautiful foundation of the Ibe family. He also thanked his sisters for standing together in solidarity to family unity, peace and love.
Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state; Dr Alex Otti of Abia state; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Right Hon.Benjamine Okezie Kalu; immediate Governor of Enugu state, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Osita Ngwu , Senate Minority whip and Senator Okey Ezea; Executive Director Fidelity Bank PLC, Ken Opara; MD/CEO Polaris Bank Limited Kayode Lawal as well as Executive Chairman Awgu local government area Hon Uchenna Joseph Okolo expressed their sympathies to His Majesty, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and family for the loss of their Matriarch, praying God to grant them the courage to bear the irreparable loss.
