The Nnewi industrial community, Anambra State on Thursday November 9, 2023 was thrown into mourning when late Dame Dr (Mrs) Uju Uchendu Ozoka was committed to Mother Earth at Umuenem, Otolo.
But the entire family of the deceased, Nnewi community, Anambra and Nigeria at large take solace in the legacies she left before her departure at the age of 62.
In her official biography, Uju was described as a successful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and home maker who traversed many areas of life and left positive impacts on a lot of people.
Uju was a lawyer; medical personnel; journalist; publisher; author; politician and a philanthropist par excellence.
She was further described as a visionary woman, embodiment of an ideal lady who was, of course, an American citizen.
Her funeral was, therefore, regarded as a celebration of the beautiful and honorary life she lived.
Testimonies abound at the burial, all pointing to the legacies she left and numerous action plans she could be remembered for.
In his testimony, Uju’s cousin, who is the President, Automobile Manufacturers and Importers Association, Nnewi, Mr Austin Jideofor said the deceased was very dear to him.
Mr Jideofor told journalists how Uju taught him to be fearless, courageous and hard-working in life, adding that the virtue had continued to sustain him in life.
“She knew my beginning and the stage I was before her death. She left the world early but we cannot question God.
“However, the little time she lived on Earth was very eventful, Nigeria knew she existed. I realize in her life that it is not how long that matters but how well. At the age of 62, only few men can equal her in achievements.
“She impacted on the poor and the needy having adopted over three hundred children. Some of them have graduated as medical doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and other areas of life. Some of them are living abroad while others are in Nigeria. But she has three biological children.
“Uju taught me how to know genuine and fake friends. When I look at somebody now I will be able to know whether the person is a friend indeed or not. She taught me that. She can be immortalized with a lot of things she did when she was alive.
“She has a foundation already and many investments, too. Her children and I will put heads together to ensure that her legacies are sustained, “he said.
He disclosed that Uju was a member of Igwe Nnewi cabinet, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III with the title of “Ogboo-Ogu Nnewi” which he translated to mean a peace maker.
“If there’s any problem between a millionaire and another millionaire, Uju would just intervene, she would mediate and peace would reign. She was given the title because of her peaceful disposition.
“She was a role model in Nigeria and also left her marks in government circles, “he disclosed.
