BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS NONYELUM PERPETUAL OKONGWU: A LIFE OF HARD WORK, LOVE AND RESILIENCE AS CHILDREN, SIBLINGS AND RELATIVES PAY EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES
By Ike Enemoh
OGUI EKE, ENUGU STATE — Emotions ran deep as family members, siblings, children, relatives and loved ones gathered to bid a final farewell to Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu, a remarkable woman whose life was defined by hard work, determination, generosity and an enduring commitment to the welfare of her family and community.
Late Mrs Okongwu, née Nwosu, who passed away on August 28, 2026, was laid to rest on October 9, 2026, at her husband’s family home in Ogui Eke, amid heartfelt tributes celebrating her life, achievements and the remarkable relationships she built during her lifetime.
In exclusive interviews with Eke Community TV Channel, her children, siblings and other relatives expressed their grief, shared treasured memories and reflected on the profound impact of her passing.
Among those who paid emotional tributes were her son, Onyekachukwu Solomon Okongwu; Nwadi Nwosu; Joseph Okongwu, popularly known as Oj Mopol; Nonso Anigbo, fondly called Okpotokpo; her younger brother, Engr. Izuchukwu Nwosu and other sympathizers. Their tributes painted a picture of a woman whose love extended beyond her immediate household to her siblings, extended family and community.
EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY BACKGROUND
Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu was born in April 1969 during the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War. She was born a twin into the family of the late Mr Ntukokwu Nwosu and the late Mrs Josephine Nwosu of Uhori Village, Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Growing up during a difficult period in Nigeria’s history, Nonyelum developed a resilient spirit that would later define her life. Despite the challenges she encountered, she remained determined to pursue opportunities that would improve her circumstances and enable her to provide for those she loved.
She began her education at Ukpor Central School before proceeding to Ukpor Girls’ Secondary School. Although she did not complete her secondary education at the time, her desire for learning remained strong.
Determined to fulfil her educational ambition, she later enrolled in adult evening classes and sat for her West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations at Ebenator Community Secondary School.
Her determination to return to the classroom demonstrated a remarkable quality that remained evident throughout her life: the refusal to allow setbacks to define her future.
A JOURNEY OF HARD WORK, SELF-RELIANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Following her secondary school experience, Nonyelum travelled to Enugu to learn hairdressing. During her apprenticeship, she lived with Cecilia Emenike, popularly known as Mama Dozie, the daughter of Williams Emenike of Akwuodo-Mbanagu, Nnewi.
She dedicated herself to mastering the profession, acquiring the skills and experience that would later become the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey.
After completing her training, she returned to Ukpor and began working at Afam Farms, where animal and poultry feeds were produced. She later worked at Zanders Oil Mill in Ukpor, which specialised in palm-kernel oil production.
Through discipline, hard work and careful savings, she eventually raised enough capital to establish her own hairdressing salon.
Her business became successful and earned her recognition within the community. Beyond providing services to her customers, she trained numerous young women from Ukpor, equipping them with practical skills that enabled them to earn a living and pursue greater financial independence.
To the women she trained, Nonyelum was more than a businesswoman. She was a mentor who demonstrated that determination, patience and honest labour could create opportunities for a better life.
Her contribution to the development and empowerment of young women remains an important part of her legacy.
MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD AND FAMILY LIFE
During her apprenticeship in Enugu, Nonyelum met Ferdinand Okongwu of Udi, a renowned plumber. Their relationship blossomed into marriage, and their union was blessed with two children, Nwadinene Prisca Nwosu and Onyeka Okongwu.
As a mother, she was committed to the welfare of her children and worked tirelessly to provide for their needs. Her determination to build a better future for her family was reflected in her willingness to undertake different jobs before establishing her own business.
She understood the value of sacrifice and the importance of preparing the next generation for life’s challenges.
Her love, however, was not limited to her children. She also maintained strong relationships with her siblings and extended family, demonstrating affection and concern for those around her.
The emotional testimonies shared during her final burial offered a glimpse into the depth of these relationships and the enduring place she occupied in the hearts of her loved ones.
ONYEKACHUKWU SOLOMON OKONGWU: A SON’S HEARTFELT FAREWELL TO HIS MOTHER
One of the most touching tributes surrounding the burial was the emotional farewell expressed by her son, Onyekachukwu Solomon Okongwu.
In his tribute, titled “Tributes to My Mother, Nonyelum Perpetua,” he reflected on the shock of losing his mother and the painful reality of having to say goodbye to a woman who meant so much to him.
He recalled rushing her to the hospital on August 26, 2026, with hope in his heart that she would recover and return home. He held her hands, prayed for her and believed that she would come back home with him.
Sadly, she passed away on August 28, leaving him devastated.
Reflecting on their relationship, he recalled their arguments, laughter, long conversations and the many moments that strengthened their bond as mother and son.
He expressed the pain of losing her so soon, acknowledging the helplessness he felt during her illness and wishing he could have done more.
One memory that remained particularly painful was his mother’s final promise that she would still be his mother in their next lifetime.
Those words, he revealed, continued to move him to tears as he struggled to accept her departure.
His tribute was not merely an expression of grief but a declaration of enduring love for a mother whose presence had shaped his life.
As he bade her farewell, he offered heartfelt blessings and wished her eternal peace with her Creator, expressing hope that they would meet again someday.
His words captured the depth of a bond that death could not erase.
NWADI NWOSU, JOSEPH OKONGWU (OJ MOPOL) AND NONSO ANIGBO (OKPOTOKPO) MOURN THEIR BELOVED MOTHER, STEPMOTHER AND AUNT
In separate interviews with Eke Community TV Channel during the final burial ceremony, Nwadi Nwosu, Joseph Okongwu, popularly known as Oj Mopol, and Nonso Anigbo, fondly called Okpotokpo, joined other relatives in mourning the death of Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu.
Their tributes reflected the different family relationships through which the deceased expressed love, care and affection during her lifetime.
Nwadi Nwosu, who mourned her as a mother, reflected the pain of losing a maternal figure whose love and presence formed an important part of family life. The loss of a mother leaves a void that cannot easily be filled, as the memories of her care, sacrifices and affection remain deeply treasured by those she leaves behind.
Joseph Okongwu, popularly known as Oj Mopol, mourned her as his stepmother. His tribute highlighted the family connection and the significance of her place in their lives. His participation in the farewell reflected the affection and respect with which family relationships are remembered, particularly at a time when relatives come together to honour a departed loved one.
Nonso Anigbo, fondly known as Okpotokpo, also paid tribute to his late aunt. His mourning reflected the importance of extended family bonds and the grief experienced when a beloved relative passes away.
Together, their tributes added a deeply personal dimension to the burial ceremony, demonstrating that Nonyelum’s influence extended across different branches of her family.
Their reflections, alongside those of other relatives, reinforced the image of a woman whose memory will remain cherished by the people who shared different stages of her life.
Although each relationship was unique, the grief expressed by the bereaved reflected a common sentiment: the loss of a loved one whose presence and memories cannot easily be replaced.
ENGR. IZUCHUKWU NWOSU: “SHE TREATED ME LIKE HER OWN CHILD”
Another deeply moving tribute came from Engr. Izuchukwu Nwosu, the younger brother of the deceased, who expressed profound sadness over the death of his elder sister.
Speaking in an interview with Eke Community TV Channel, Engr. Izuchukwu described Nonyelum as a wonderful sister who treated him like her own child, showering him with love, care and affection.
According to him, their relationship went beyond the ordinary bond between siblings. His elder sister played a significant role in his life, offering him the kind of attention and support associated with a mother’s love.
He reminisced about her kindness and the special place she occupied in his life, describing her as a sister whose affection and care would remain unforgettable.
Engr. Izuchukwu also expressed shock at her passing, explaining that her death came as a painful surprise that left him struggling to come to terms with the loss.
For him, Nonyelum was not simply an elder sister; she was a source of comfort and a maternal figure whose love had become an important part of his life.
His testimony offered another perspective on the character of the deceased, revealing that the woman who worked tirelessly to provide for her own family also extended motherly care to her younger brother.
The grief expressed by Engr. Izuchukwu underscored the profound emotional impact of her death on her siblings and the wider family.
As he mourned her departure, he was left with cherished memories of a sister whose love transcended ordinary expectations and whose absence would be deeply felt.
A WOMAN WHO FACED LIFE WITH COURAGE
Beyond the tributes of her children and relatives, Nonyelum’s life story was one of perseverance in the face of adversity.
She experienced several painful losses, including the death of her beloved twin sister, Chinwe, in 2007. In 2011, she mourned the passing of her father, Mr Ntukokwu Nwosu, and in 2018, she lost her mother, Mrs Josephine Nwosu.
Despite these experiences, she continued to face life with strength, faith and optimism.
She remained committed to her work and family, demonstrating that personal grief did not have to diminish one’s capacity to show kindness to others.
Her life was characterised by an enduring belief in honest labour, self-reliance and the importance of supporting those around her.
Even during her illness, she maintained a determined spirit, refusing to allow adversity to completely extinguish her hope.
These qualities became part of the legacy celebrated by family members and loved ones during her final burial.
HER LEGACY OF GENEROSITY AND SERVICE
Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu will be remembered not only for her entrepreneurial achievements but also for her willingness to help others.
She was known as a hardworking woman who strongly disliked laziness and believed that every individual should strive to make meaningful contributions through honest labour.
Her hairdressing salon provided more than a source of income. It became a place where young women acquired practical skills and learned the value of independence.
Through her training and mentorship, she helped others discover opportunities to support themselves and build better futures.
Within her family, she was a source of support, care and encouragement. Among her siblings and extended relatives, her generosity and willingness to help made her an important figure.
Her story demonstrates that a meaningful legacy is not measured solely by material possessions or personal achievements, but also by the people one empowers, the kindness one extends and the positive influence one leaves behind.
A FINAL FAREWELL IN OGUI EKE
The burial ceremony held on October 9, 2026, at her husband’s family home in Ogui Eke provided an opportunity for family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers to celebrate her life and bid her a final farewell.
The gathering brought together people whose lives had been touched by her in different ways, from her immediate family to her siblings, extended relatives and former apprentices.
Through their interviews with Eke Community TV Channel and their personal reflections, the bereaved offered a collective picture of a woman whose life was marked by determination, love and service.
For her son, Onyekachukwu Solomon Okongwu, she was a beloved mother whose departure left a profound emotional wound.
For Nwadi Nwosu, she was mourned in the role of a mother.
For Joseph Okongwu, popularly known as Oj Mopol, she was a beloved stepmother.
For Nonso Anigbo, fondly called Okpotokpo, she was a cherished aunt.
And for Engr. Izuchukwu Nwosu, she was an extraordinary elder sister whose love and care made him feel like her own child.
These different relationships reveal the breadth of Nonyelum’s influence and the depth of the grief her passing has brought to her family.
SURVIVED BY HER CHILDREN, SIBLINGS AND LOVED ONES
Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu is survived by her two children, Nwadinene Prisca Nwosu and Onyeka Okongwu, several grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, former apprentices and other relatives.
Her surviving siblings include Prof. S. N. Nwosu, Sir Peter Nwosu, Elder Christ Nwosu, Mrs Ozoeme Udezuka, Mazi Obum Nwosu, Barr. Eucharia Onwurah, Mrs Fidelia Nwadumeme, Mr Kenneth Nwosu, Mr Osita Nwosu, Mr Hyginus Nwosu, Mr Chinedu Nwosu, Engr. Izuchukwu Nwosu, Miss Oby Nwosu, Mrs Agnes Iloeboh and Mrs Obianuju Nwogu.
She is also remembered by her stepmother, Mrs Susana Nwosu, and her uncle, Chief Mike Nwosu, alongside extended family members and loved ones who will continue to cherish her memory.
Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the young women she trained, the people she supported and the countless memories she created during her lifetime.
CONCLUSION: A LIFE THAT WILL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE
The story of Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu is the story of a woman who confronted life’s difficulties with courage, built her future through hard work and extended love beyond the boundaries of her immediate household.
Born during a period of war, she grew into a woman of hope. Despite educational setbacks, she pursued her ambitions. Through employment and entrepreneurship, she built a livelihood. Through hairdressing and mentorship, she empowered young women. And through her relationships with her children, siblings and extended family, she created memories that will remain treasured for generations.
Her death on August 28, 2026, brought profound sorrow to those who knew and loved her. Her burial on October 9 marked her final earthly farewell, but the tributes offered in her honour demonstrated that her influence will not end with her passing.
As her son, siblings and other relatives continue to mourn, they are left with the enduring gift of her love, her example and the values she upheld.
Late Mrs Nonyelum Perpetual Okongwu may have departed this world, but her legacy of hard work, resilience, generosity and unconditional family love will continue to speak through the lives she touched.
May her gentle and industrious soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
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