Ann was born into the Christian family of Mr. Christopher S. J. Ahiwe and Mrs. Martha S. J. Ahiwe (both of the blessed memory) on the 29th of September 1950 in Umuire, Eziama Ntigha, now in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State. She was the first of seven children.
Adanne, Daa Nwada, Ann Tailors, as she was fondly called by her numerous admirers, was imbued with a distinctive blend of intelligence, spirit of hard work, kindness and an indefatigable quest for excellence in all her endeavours. These qualities energized her drive and propelled her to success in her adult years.
Early in life, the young Daa Nwada was quite conscious of her special role in the family and started undertaking responsibilities that would assist her parents and younger siblings. As soon as she passed out from primary school at St. Benedict’s Catholic School popularly known as Group School, Eziama Ntigha where she got her first school leaving certificate in flying colours, she left home to serve Ezeji Peter Njoku who was then a teacher in Nbawsi and eventually enrolled her for vocational training as a seamstress.
Ezeji Peter Njoku was later transferred to Amapu Ntigha. He got a bicycle for Ann to enable her shuttle between Amapu Ntigha and Mbawsi to continue with her training.
Following the successful completion of her training, and with the help of Ezeji Peter Njoku she established her sewing business in an open shed at Ahia Orie Amapu Ntigha. Her works were remarkably creative and trendy, attracting an incredible number of clients and not less than seven beautiful ladies under her apprenticeship within a year. Her profile and popularity as a leading fashion designer grew beyond Amapu Ntigha and its environs.
A ravishing beauty and role model in her own right, she got married to Friday Onwudara of Umuerim, Avor Ntigha in 1967 and God blessed their union with the birth of their daughter, Uloma Onwudara in 1968.
Unfortunately, after she faced some unforeseen challenges in her marriage and following the dissolution of the union, she moved forward independently and relocated to Aba where she courageously pursued a new chapter of her life which birthed the establishment of the very popular fashion brand ‘Ann Tailors’.
Her unique dexterity in translating her clients’ imaginations into impeccably tailored garments shot up her reputation as one of the most creative bespoke designers and secured high-profile clients for her business. She gradually climbed the social ladder to become an elite seamstress and a celebrity as Ann Tailors became a famous brand in Aba and beyond.
Daa Nwada was a devoted Christian of the Catholic Faith and was among the founding minds of the revered Ngwa Daughters. She was active in the Church, her community, social organizations and, of course, at the family level where she remained a fountain of love and inspiration.
Her life was remarkably eventful and positively impactful, and even in the period of her protracted battle with health issues, nothing could diminish her faith in God. Lady Ann Ahiwe was indeed an exceptionally courageous woman.
She is survived by (siblings) Hon. Chief Linus Onyemachi Ahiwe, Mrs. Anthonia Nwaeze, Chief Okey Ahiwe (Abia State PDP 2023 governorship candidate), Mr. Chimezie Ahiwe and Mrs. Blessing Ugochi Ejimogu. Others are (children) Lady Uloma Onwudara and Mr. Abara Kingsley Ezinwanne. Her grandchildren include Victoria Ogochukwu Aghedo, Philip Ukanwoke, Chelsea Ukanwoke and George Ukanwoke.
May her Gentle soul rest eternally in the perfect peace of God. Amen!
