The Ahiwe Family of Umuire, Egbelu, Eziama Ntigha in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State on Saturday, April 6, 2024 honoured their beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and niece, Lady Ann Ahiwe (1950-2024) with a superlative funeral ceremony that could make the living jealous of the departed.
Lady Ann Ahiwe (popularly known as ‘Ann Tailors’), a remarkably successful entrepreneur and one of the pioneers of modern fashion design culture in South East Nigeria, was the eldest of six children of Mr. Christopher S. J. Ahiwe and Mrs. Martha S. J. Ahiwe (both of blessed memory).
The Requiem Mass, held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Egbelu, Eziama Ntigha, had the large Church Auditorium completely filled with friends, associates and well-wishers of the Family from all parts of the State and beyond.
In a powerful and thought-provoking Homily delivered by Reverend Father Chuka Nwala, the Homilist charged everyone to be conscious of a significant message of the coffin in which every living person must end their journey at some point, underscoring the transient nature of life and challenging everyone to reflect deeply on their lives, particularly on what they shall be remembered for at the end of their voyage on earth.
According to him, “Our sister, Ann Ahiwe has lived her life and has now gone to be with her creator, and people have gathered from all walks of life to celebrate her footprints. As we honour her memory, let us ask ourselves individually, what we are doing with our lives that would shape the narratives about our journey when we are gone.”
Speaking after the Requiem Mass on behalf his elder brother, Hon. Chief Linus Ahiwe and the entire Family, Chief Okey Ahiwe (Abia State PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections) appreciated God for the life of Lady Ann Ahiwe and thanked everyone who stood with the Family at the moment of grief, especially those present at the Church/funeral ceremony. In his words, “Just as Chief Obefemi Awolowo had described his wife as his ‘jewel of inestimable value’, Ann Ahiwe was our own jewel of inestimable value whose kindness transcended family boundaries.”
Officiating Priests at the Mass included Very Reverend Kelechi Anyanwu, Rev. Fr. Cyril Okafor (Parish Priest, St. Perter’s Catholic Church, Egbelu, Eziama Ntigha), and Rev. Fr. Kelechi Nwankuba. Others are Rev. Fr. Okechi Nwabeke, Rev. Fr. Bernard Iloka and Rev. Fr. Chuka Nwala, the Homilist.
His Eminence, Eze and Ugoeze J.N. Nwabeke, CFR; Distinguished Senator Nkechi Justina Nwaogu, Ph.D, CON; Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere, Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, Hon. Justice C.J. Okeke, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Hon. Chief Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (Member representing Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State House of Assembly), Hon. Chief Rowland Chinwendu Dennis (Member representing Isiala Ngwa South, Abia State House of Assembly), Nze Marshal Nwokocha, Chief Stanley Nwokocha, Hon. Chief Okwukwe Oriaku (Akuenwebe 1), Chief Uba Alilionwu, Mr. Tony Otuonye, Mr. Alison Obiajunwa and Barr. Regis Achilihu were among dignitaries that attended the Requiem Mass.
Others are Chief Engr. Emma Nwauhiara, Chief Ike Onyenweaku, Ph.D; Chief Peter Nwaguru, Chief Uzoma Ihuka, Chief ACB Agbazuere, Hon. Enyinnaya Appolos, Hon. Uche Onyeama, Mrs. Nelda Chioma Okafor, Dr. Chike Uche Ikonne, Comrade Okey Paul Nwankwo, Prof. Charles Obinna Njoku, Dr. Nnamdi Nwaeze, Hon. Peter Aguwamba, Hon. Prince Chinedu Ugboaja, News Mirror Publisher, Prince Clinton Uba; High Chief (Sir) Emeka Eluwa; Chief Sampson Ahuchogu; Chief Peter Nwokonko, Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu, Prince Robert Ndu, Rev. Dr. (Mrs) Charity Ajujumba, Rev. Mrs. Ndianna Nwokike, and Dr. Onwukwe Sunday.
Several other eminent personalities graced the reception at the Ahiwe Family residence following Requiem Mass and interment.
