Philanthropy; An Undeniable Legacy of Late Ezinne Eunice Ibe
Felix Oti, Awka
Lady Ezinne Nwabugwu Ibe who was, last week, commited to mother earth will forever be remembered for her nap for philanthropy and compassion for the down trodden.
Her undeniable quest to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged synchronised with the vision and mission of The Save Awgu Forum in Enugu (SAFE), Enugu state, Nigeria.
SAFE is a socio-political group that advocates for the development and political empowerment of the Awgu people.
Over the years, SAFE and Ibe family in Isu Awaa Awgu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state have been at the forefront in championing a better life for the less privileged and downtrodden in the society.
Late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe is the mother of a famous entrepreneur and social activist, Mr. Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe who has used his God-given wealth for the good of the poorest of the poor in the society.
Other children of Late Eunice Ibe include: Mrs Anayo Ogoke,
Mrs Blessing, Mr Edwin Uchenna Ibe, Ugonna Ibe, Juliet Nkem Ude
Eziekwe Ibe and
Uzoaka Adaibe.
Last week, the remains of their beloved mother was inter
ed. Ibe family converted the mourning mood to charity by lifting over 50 families in 21 communities that make up Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state out of poverty.
For the beneficiaries of their philanthropy in honour of their late mum, lady Eunice Ibe, 2025 Christmas will ever remain evergreen in their lives.
Taking care of the downtrodden was the initiative, vision and mission of their late mother who departed this world on March 19, 2025.
Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu lbe (Nee Chime), Was born in 1935.
Her late father Chimengwu, a renowned farmer at the time, was revered among the great men of Isu-Awaa. He had five wives with her mother Ogochukwuegbo being the last
wife.
Her mother had two children: Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu and her brother, late Cyril Nwabueze
Chime.
Death struck early in her childhood, and she lost her beloved mother. As a result, she moved to
her maternal home, Akwu village in Agbogwugwu where she was nurtured and loved by her grandmother, Nwoyonta Nwaugwu who unfortunately also passed while she was still a teenager,
and necessitating her return to her father’s house, where she lived with her father and his surviving wives.
The death of her beloved mother created a huge vacuum in the lives of Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu and
her younger brother, late Mr Cyril Nwabueze Chime, which ultimately caused her to embrace the role
of motherhood in her brother’s life.
With the support and love from her husband, late sir Benson
Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze 1 of Isu-Awaa), she guided and financially assisted her brother
Cyril throughout his early struggle in different apprenticeship and other business enterprises until he got married and became a successful and independent man with great fortune and wealth.
Ezinne Nwabugwu was
the apple of her father’s eye in that she was adorned by an elephant tusk (Odu Enyi)
She found love in her late husband, Chief Sir
Benson Maduabuchukwu lbe (Chinemeze 1of lsu-Awaa) from Umunevo n’Umuevee of Enuau lsil Awaa.
They got married in 1955, and their lovely
Union produced eight beautiful children, thirty-two (32) grandchildren and nine (9) great grandchildren.
Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu lbe was the Dorcas of her time, her generosity for mankind was unfettered with no discrimination irrespective of status, personality or identity.
Her advocacy for
peace, love and kindness was without boundaries, these virtues are no doubt evident in her children and all who crossed path with her.
Lady Eunice Nwabugwu lbe was indeed blessed and lived a memorable and graceful life.
As we bid her farewell today. we take solace in God that her legacy lives on.
It is true that late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe is dead and buried, her legacies still resonate in her children. Sympathisers, family and friends testified how she lived a life worthy of emulation as they pray for her peaceful repose.
