5 Anglican Bishops, Governors Pay Tribute To Lay Reader, Super Dancer, Late Lady Ibe

By Uzo Ugwunze

A music lover and dancer, a Jerusalem Pilgrimage ,an astute business woman and an Anglican Lay Reader, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe nee Chime popularly known as Black Indigo, Apunanwu is dead. She died at age 90. She is survived by all her children with a business tycoon and Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe as first son. The Emperor is the founder of a support group known across Enugu state as SAFE– Save Awgu Forum Enugu State.

Other of late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe ‘s children include Mrs Anayochukwu Ogoke; Mrs. Blessing Onuchukwu ; Mr. Edwin Uchenna Ibe; Hon. Dr. Ugonna Reginald Ibe ; Lady Dr. Juliet Nkem Ude; Engr. Schwarz Eziekwe Ibe and Mrs. Vera Uzoamaka Adibe. She was survived by 32 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. All her 8 children and four daughters in law are alive as well as sons in-law.
At her burial ceremony at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, Agwu , Enugu state, five Anglican Bishops among whom were 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. Over 30 Anglican priests attended the burial ceremony.

— As Bishop Chukwunweike Urges Christians To Live For Good Deeds

Just as the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Awgu/Aninri, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, 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.

Delivering the funeral sermon, Bishop Chukwunweike urged the congregation not to take life for granted, stressing that life itself is sustained only by the mercy of God. He noted that no human being has control over how long they live, but everyone has control over how they live.

Quoting Numbers 23:10, the bishop read in full: “Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” He explained that the scripture teaches believers to focus on living righteously so that their end will be pleasing before God.

He also quoted Ecclesiastes 7:8, which states: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

According to him, this verse reminds Christians that how a person finishes life is more important than how they start.

The bishop further cited Hebrews 9:27, saying: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” He stressed that death is unavoidable and that judgment follows immediately after, making it important for every person to live a life acceptable to God.

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. Using the story of Jacob, he explained that Jacob became more blessed only after he stopped running ahead of God and submitted to divine timing.

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.

The life and times of Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was a life of fulfilment and accomplishments.Like a warrior, she came,she saw and she conquered.

She 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

She passed on to the great beyond at a ripe age of 90 (1935-2025) but her death was described as a glorious transition to eternity based on her Christian virtues and service to humanity.

Her lifetime was very unique and the legacies she left behind are thrilling.

Therefore,it was not surprising that the funeral ceremonies to give her a befitting burial from December 18th- 21st December,2025 were tagged- “BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME”.

The ‘Black Indigo’ left unparalleled foot prints in the sands of times in the history of the Isu-Awaa community, Enugu state, Nigeria,Africa and the rest of the world. She was a unique mother and an example of motherhood,who suffered seriously to overcome challenges in raising and training her children. She didn’t allow her background to weigh her down. Amidst the obstacles, she was still kind and generous to all who came her path .Thus, it was not 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.

Her funeral ceremonies are one celebration whose memories will remain indelible in the history of Isu-Awaa community and generations yet unborn.

The Religious, Social and Cultural aspects of her funerals were perfectly executed without hindrances by the special grace of God. Funding was not a problem as the Ibe royal family budgeted from their large hearts in commemorating their beloved mother, who from all indications was the secret of their success and prosperity in life.
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, gallon 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.

To avoid a stampede at the venue, the Coordinators of Save Awgu Forum Enugu(SAFE), a socio cultural pressure engineering unity and peace in Awgu, from the 21 Communities were instructed to carry their community shares to their respective village squares.

The event was memorable as Chris Baywood Ibeh and Brethren brought hope to Awgu Families via that outreach.

And for the women and families gathered, it was more than food — it was a tangible reminder that kindness and care still exist. Some balanced the heavy rice bags on their heads while guiding their children, others whispered quiet prayers of gratitude. The scene was lively, filled with laughter, tugging at wrappers, and the occasional cheer of “Emperor!”

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.”

Volunteers and community coordinators moved quickly, ensuring the 50 selected families received their supplies smoothly. Over 42 vehicles helped transport the goods, highlighting the community effort behind the outreach. Ibeh reminded those present that the programme was not about his name. “No name was attached to this programme,” he said. “This is about the community, not me.”

The day was filled with quiet joy and relief. Children ran around in excitement, women exchanged smiles, and laughter rang out under the sun. For many, this outreach was not just a festive gesture , it was a chance to celebrate Christmas without hunger, a reminder that generosity can touch lives in real, meaningful ways.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe said the largess was part of the legacy of giving they learnt from their mother. He likened her to Mother Theresa.

Emperor Baywood noted 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 billed for Friday, December 19th.

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.

Observers say the palliative distribution highlights the growing importance of individual and private-sector efforts in addressing social challenges, particularly during festive periods when many families struggle to meet basic needs. They note that such acts help strengthen community bonds and promote a culture of empathy, sharing and mutual support
The usually serene and lonely community of Isu-Awaa was lively on Friday, December 19th, as various dignitaries and friends of the Ibe Family from various parts of Nigeria and beyond trouped into Isu- Awaa to join the Ibe Family in the church service to commemorate their late mother.

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.

There was lavish entertainment for friends and Special guests and other personalities, including the natives who identified with the Ibe Family at the event to mark the final funeral rites of their late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe.

Among the personalities who were at the church service was the 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, a former chairman of PDP in Enugu state,among numerous others.

Former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, Barr Olisa Metuh, Hon.Martins Chukwunweike, the immediate past commissioner for Health in Enugu state were among dignitaries who featured at the grand entertainment.

Others include Princess 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.

An outing church service to conclude the 4-day funerals of late lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was held at St Marks Anglican Cathedral, Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion) Isu- Awaa, on Sunday, December 21st.

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 the His Majesty Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and family for the loss of their Matriarch, asking God to grant them the courage to bear the irreparable loss.

The reception featured several caterers, including Ike Osiriora Continental Dishes, Precious Kitchen Onitsha, and The Lagos Kitchen (Yetunde Caterers). The event planning was by Lifestyle and Events team led by an international event planner Kofosorade Macaulay. She consoled the family particularly Emperor and Empress Chris Baywood Ibe and thanked them for always supporting her with briefs. She informed that she planned their late father’s burial ten years ago.

Known affectionately as the Black Rose of Aninri, Lady Eunice’s funeral unfolded like a carefully written script, solemn, dignified, emotional, yet deeply celebratory. It was not about death alone; it was about meaning.

The journey began at the Ibe family country home in Enugu-Isu Village, Isu-Awaa, Awgu, Enugu state. There, waiting in graceful silence, was a horse-drawn carriage ambulance, a sight that immediately set the tone. As the casket was gently placed inside, murmurs rippled through the crowd. It was not extravagance that stirred emotion, but symbolism. The slow-moving carriage rolled through roads that Lady Eunice once knew intimately, roads that had felt her footsteps, her kindness and her presence.

People lined the streets instinctively. Some stood motionless, others bowed their heads, while a few quietly wiped away tears. Friends and sympathisers followed on foot, turning the procession into something more than a funeral march. It felt like a final escort, a collective act of gratitude from a community saying, we saw you, we remember you, and we honour you.

After the church service, the same respectful mood followed the body back to the family compound for interment. There was no rush. Every movement was deliberate, as though time itself had slowed to allow everyone to absorb the weight of the moment.

Inside the Cathedral Church of St Mark, Isu-Awaa, history and humanity met. The Anglican cathedral, familiar with years of worship and farewell, bore witness once again. The pews were filled, the aisles crowded, and the atmosphere thick with emotion. Amidst the pain of loss, yet there was also gratitude, gratitude for a life that, by all accounts, had lived well.

After the burial, sorrow softened into celebration. At the Ibe family residence, guests were warmly received. Laughter mingled with memories, and stories of Lady Eunice flowed freely.

From the praise worship/all night wake to the funeral service proper to Royal visitation and culture display and thanksgiving service and 10 years remembrance service of their Patriarchy Late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze) were all filled with grace and could best be described as splendid outing.

Indeed Late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, the Black Indigo Apunanwu lives on.