NNEOMA ANGEL AMONG ALLSTARS A BIOGRAPHY OF NNEOMA VERONICA ONUABUCHI ONWU (1950

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NNEOMA
ANGEL AMONG ALLSTARS
A BIOGRAPHY OF
NNEOMA VERONICA ONUABUCHI ONWU
(1950 – 2026)

BY
JOJ ONWU
SON, ENTREPRENEUR

INTRODUCTION
Nneoma, Angel Among Allstars is a euphoric and historic biography of an
exceptional woman and kinswoman, mother and grandmother, matron and
matriarch. Simply described as the first among equals (primus inter pares) in all her
life endeavors. Nneoma Veronica Onuabuchi Onwu (Nee Uzor) whom we are
celebrating her life and time was a candle in the wind, who was able to withstand
many life storms and challenges, remains a role model to this and next generations.
The human life is imperfect, made up of pains and gains, merits and demerits,
upwards and downwards. But how we handle and manage every situation
determines the success and progress of our welfare and wellbeing. We celebrate a
unique woman with a very high level of patience, perseverance and performance.
She was inherently built with character, strength and principle, who lived a life that
will always be a great source of aspiration, inspiration and motivation for women.
As great women said,
“behind every great woman…is another great woman” (Kate
Hodges); “her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions”
(Jane Austen); “what I want young women and girls to know is, you are powerful
and your voice matters” (Kamala Harris); “you have to believe in yourself when no
one else does” (Serena Williams); “life is about finding yourself, embracing your
strengths and weaknesses, and being true to who you are” (Oprah Winfrey).
Most important for women,
“it’s not about being perfect, it’s not about where you
get yourself in the end, there’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard,
in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice” (Michelle Obama);
“don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you” (Margaret Thatcher); “a woman
with a voice is by definition a strong woman” (Melinda French Gates); “the future
belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” (Eleanor Roosevelt).
For according to the scriptures, “she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction
is on her tongue, she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat
the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and
he praises her, many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” (Proverbs
31:26-31); “God is within her, she will not fail, God will help her at break of day”
(Psalm 46:5) and finally “for I am fearful and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

BACKGROUND
Nneoma is derived from two Igbo Language words “Nne” and “Oma” meaning
“Mother” and “Good” respectively. Nneoma describes a good and kind mother,
caring and loving mother, cautious and virtuous mother; all of which describes our
dear great mother Nneoma Veronica Onuabuchi Onwu, an angel among allstars.
Her life and time as seen in her education, marriage and career was an epitome of
kindness; which has been attested by anyone and everyone that knows her well.
Her biography is aimed at documenting the life and time, legacy and philosophy of
a rare personality that was a pillar of support for her husband, children and
grandchildren, siblings, in-laws and relatives, colleagues, associates and friends.
Nneoma Veronica Onuabuchi Onwu, who was variously called “Mum”, “Mummy”
Madam Vero” was born on Friday, 07th July 1950 at Isinweke Maternity home, Etiti
(now Ihitte – Uboma LGA), Imo State to Mr. Luke & Mrs. Justina Uzor (both of
blessed memory) from Umuntume – Ofeiyi, Okwuohia – Obowo LGA, Imo State.
Her father worked with the Public Works Department (PWD) of Nigeria, an agency
of the colonial government responsible for building and maintaining government
buildings and properties, roads, rails, bridges, harbors and aerodromes, and also
was a renowned Roman Catholic Church Catechist. Her mother was a farmer and a
trader. Nneoma was the second child and second daughter in a family of six –
Anthonia, Victoria, Kenneth, Simon and Theresa. They were all brought up under
sound ethical, moral and spiritual upbringing of the Roman Catholic Church
doctrines and principles – a life they all maintained and passed on to their children;
strongly maintained and practiced by them, well preserved for next generations.
Nneoma and her siblings had a very good family upbringing but was truncated by
the early passage and untimely death of their beloved father. However their lovely
mother continued with the struggle for their various training in different fields of
human endeavors. A very unique attribute she utilized with her husband in raising
and training their own children. Not deterred by the death of their father early in
their life and the burden of their mother to raise them up, with her siblings they
collectively supported their mother towards achieving their individual ambitions
and collective objectives of their family. A very unique ethical and moral values,
financial and general obligations she inculcated in her children and their families.

EDUCATION
Nneoma attended St. Bridget’s School, Okwuohia – Obowo LGA, Imo State, where
she successfully passed and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate (FSCL –
Standard VI) on 23rd November 1962. And in her School Testimonial she was
described as “…intelligent, hardworking and trustworthy”, by her school – a
wonderful recommendation that paved the way and the foundation for her blissful,
fruitful and fulfilled life on earth in all her endeavors. She had also successfully
passed and obtained the Christian Doctrine Certificate of the Umuahia Catholic
Diocese on 20th July 1962, covering Scripture, Doctrine, Liturgy and Lay Apostolate.
Nneoma not deterred by the challenges of raising and training her children with
her husband, and being a great lover of wisdom and knowledge (a moderate
philosopher), who believes in constantly improving herself and developing her
family and society; successfully sat and passed the West African Senior School
Certificate Examination (WASSCE) organized by The West African Examination
Council (WAEC) as an external candidate in November/December 1999
examinations; with excellent result in Economics, Government, English Language,
Igbo Language, Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
She also attended several trainings, seminars and workshops including the three
months (1966) Private Branch Exchange (PBX) used for private telephone network
within an organization or institution at the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN)
in Port Harcourt Undertaking in Rivers State, which became the National Electric
Power Authority (NEPA) and later the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN);
and presently unbundled variously as the Distribution Companies (DisCos), the
Generation Companies (GenCos) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
She also attended a three day (1988) intensive workshop on Basic Nutrition, Health
and Catering, conducted by the Nutrition Unit of the Imo State Ministry of Health
as well as a two year course (1992 – 1994) at the Women Education Centre of the
Ministry of Education, Imo State with proficiency in Clothing Construction, Food &
Nutrition, Batik, Tie & Die, Cosmetology, Craft, Family Living and English Language.
Also was the two day (1999) Breastfeeding and Lactation Management Course by
the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, Imo State and presently renamed the
Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) also in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

MARRIAGE
Veronica Onuabuchi Onwu (Nee Uzor) from Umuntume – Ofeiyi, Okwuohia got
married to Godfrey Omenuchekwa Onwu from Umuonweremmadu – Umuosinta
Amuzi, both in Obowo LGA both of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. The cultural and
traditional marriage rites were fully performed at Umuntume – Ofeiyi, Okwuohia;
and the religious marriage was solemnized on 8th April 1972 at St. Michael’s
Catholic Church Parish, Enugu – old Anambra State. This was before the creation of
nineteen States in Nigeria in 1976. Their marriage was blessed with eight children
– all of whom are meaningfully and successfully engaged in different fields of
human endeavors in both the public and private sectors of the global economy. She
also had eleven grandchildren, and numerous relatives, friends and well-wishers.
Nneoma was a loving wife and a caring mother, who together with her husband
ensured that their children were well trained based on sound family ethical, moral
and religious values as well as quality academic, educational and skilful talents to
enable their children to make valuable contributions toward the growth and
development of the family and community, society and country. This is evidence in
the outstanding performances of their children in the public and private sectors.
She was very accommodating and tolerant in making sure that there were no
conflict of interest among her immediate family and the extended family members.
Moreover her husband being the first child in a family of seven and herself the
second child in a family of six, she definitely and exceptional was a mother to all.
She also effectively and efficiently managed the challenging interests of being a
career woman – a loving wife and caring mother. Her utmost priority was that a
better family is a prerequisite for a better society. She was actually one of the best
examples of a loving wife and caring mother, which she also extended to her kith
and kin. She was not just one among equals (unus inter pares) but first among
equals (primus inter pares), one of the reasons for her description as “Nneoma, the
Angel Among Allstars” is a Triple – A (AAA) for her in family, community and society
values; and that definitely is the basis, theme and foundation of her biography. She
was indeed a blessing to her generation, the present and future generations to
come. Simply as her life legacies will continue to be an encyclopedia of knowledge
and a major subject of continuous research for better and greater family values.

CAREER
Nneoma had a very fulfilling and rewarding career as a civil (public) servant
spanning over thirty progressive years in both the State and Federal Government
institutions especially within the agriculture and healthcare establishments. She
started her career as a Telephone Operator at the Federal Department of
Agriculture, Enugu in 1976. Her appointment was brief following the creation of
Imo State from the then old Anambra State. Subsequently with the transfer of the
services of her husband from the Anambra State Civil Service to the newly created
Imo State Civil Service her family relocated to Owerri, the Imo State capital in 1976.
In 1978 she joined the Health Management Board of the Imo State Ministry of
Health, Owerri as a Cook at the General Hospital, Owerri which later became the
Federal Medical Centre, Owerri but presently the Federal University Teaching
Hospital, Owerri, Imo State. She occupied various positions of the establishment as
follows: Cook (1978 – 1986), Senior Cook (1986 – 1990), Chief Cook (1990 – 1995),
Catering Assistant (1995 – 1999), Senior Catering Assistant (1999 – 2001) and Chief
Catering Assistant (2001 – 2010). She retired on the 7th of July 2010 after reaching
the mandatory Nigerian Government civil (public) service retirement age of sixty.
She was an outstanding staff of the Nutrition, Catering and Dietetic Department of
the then Federal Medical Centre, Owerri in Imo State. While in active civil (public)
service, she was the Financial Secretary (1985 – 1993) of the Catering, Medical and
Health Workers Association (CMHWA), Imo State Wing. A position she handled
with confidence, competence and diligence. She also successfully completed her
twelve weeks (13th June – 13th September 1994) industrial attachment (training)
at the Edinburgh Hotel, Owerri – Imo State; after the completion of her two year
course (1992 – 1994) at the Women Education Centre of the Ministry of Imo State.
Nneoma Vero Onwu apart from the fact she professionally carried out her duties
and responsibilities exceptionally, she maintained an outstanding healthy working
environment with her superiors, colleagues and associates to the admiration of all,
also thoroughly combined her working career, family affairs and religious activities.
She was a great example of an intelligent career woman, diligent super mother and
effulgent practicing catholic. She effectively and efficiently managed the everyday
living requirements and interests of her work, family, church, society and country.

DEDICATION
Nneoma Vero Onwu was a devout Christian rooted in the Catholic Church,
epitomized by exceptional faith, hope and charity. She dedicated her life to the
service of the Almighty God, humanity and society, based on the principles of
sacrifice, patience and perseverance. This was as a result of proper parental ethical,
moral and spiritual upbringing aimed a better and greater family, community and
society values. This practice has been from generation to generation. Nneoma Vero
Onwu’s entire life activities, programs and operations was founded on complete
submission to the will of the Almighty God. She was a practicing Catholic involved
in several religious activities, with the Scriptures and Holy Rosary as her daily
companion. She was one person who actually practiced what she professed and
preached, both in her personal and official life endeavors. Even in the face of life
adversity she remained courageous and religious. Generosity was part of her
everyday living, as our Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Mary was her role model.
She was a staunch member of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Holy
Cross Catholic Church Parish, Aladinma – Owerri, Imo State. She had been the
Publicity Secretary (1992 – 1996) the Zone 2 of the parish Catholic Women
Organization. She was also a member of the Lay Readers Association (LRA) of the
Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish and served as the Treasurer (1992 – 1996). She
was also a member of the League of Sacred Heart of Jesus; member of the Guild of
Saint Anthony of Padua. Sponsor and promoter of the Block Rosary Crusade; and
member of the Finance Committee of the Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish,
Aladinma. Her immense contributions cumulated in several awards and
recognitions in appreciation of her dedication: Distinguished Service Award
(EZINNE – 1999) by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Holy Cross
Catholic Church Parish, Aladinma; distinguished Service Award (NNEOMA – 2011)
by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.
Nneoma had also made valuable contributions to her home town and home parish,
the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Parish, Amuzi – Obowo LGA, Imo State. Similarly
in her community service, she had played advisory and counselling roles for
children, youths and women for a better society. For decades she was the Financial
Secretary of the Amuzi Women Association (AWA) Owerri Branch, Imo State.

CONCLUSION
Nneoma Vero Onwu was a beautiful and wonderful super mom par excellence not
only to her children and grandchildren, relatives and friends, colleagues and
associates but also to anyone and everyone that comes across her in all her
undertakings in both personal and official engagements. A very empathic and
sympathetic mother, selfless in solving problems and proffering solutions to issues.
Nneoma was an effective listener, efficient learner and objective decision maker.
She enjoyed singing and dancing for her everyday life, for which she was a foremost
chorister; she liked reading and writing for which she was a renowned church lay
reader and writer; excellent in keeping accurate records and writing proper reports;
she was involved in farming and gardening that also formed part of the foundation
of her being a professional caterer and nutritionist; at her spare time she also
enjoyed sewing and mending clothes; and very humorous at her leisure moments.
Nneoma Vero Onwu was a beautiful and wonderful person in all aspects of her life
and time – physically and empirically, mentally and intellectually, religiously and
spiritually, morally and ethically, emotionally and psychologically, vocationally and
professionally, financially and economically, socially and politically. She was a
blessing to her family and community, society and country. Her generation, present
and future generations will honour, respect and celebrate her as a unique mother.
Above all she does not compromise personal hygiene, a very meticulous person,
highly coordinated, thoroughly organized and always ensures very clean
environments and neat surroundings which she valued and treasured, so much
being her unique attribute and characteristic. She was simply a great asset of an
immeasurable value and will continue to be missed as she is basically irreplaceable
– super mom, great mom, angel among allstars is a very simple description of her.
Her birth on 7th July 1950 was memorable and treasurable, having lived a kind and
pious life, while her death on 11th March 2026 was impeccable and remarkable,
having passed away in a calm and mild manner to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
And as the book of Proverbs 3:15 describes wisdom as priceless, personified as a
woman speaks of the immense benefits of finding wisdom and knowledge, noting
that “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her”.