Church honors veteran teacher, Ezinne Felicia Igboeli, others

By Adeze Ojukwu

A notable educationist and community leader, Ezinne Felicia Igboeli was recently honoured by St Peter’s Church Abagana in Anambra State, for her selfless services in the parish.

The ‘Unique Mother Award’ was conferred on Mrs Igboeli and four others, by the Mothers’ Union of the church during this year’s Mothering Sunday service.

Speaking at the prestigious occasion, Ven. Solomon Chidoka said Ezinne Igboeli was ‘specially selected for the honour because of her exemplary character. Since she lost her husband, over twenty years ago, she has served the church in various leadership capacities.’

‘She is a good role model and as a church, we commend her zeal and passion towards supporting  church projects, evangelism, youth events and initiatives by the women.’

The archdeacon’s wife, Nneora Ijeoma Chidoka also hailed Mrs Igboeli for her years of voluntary service as a financial secretary of the Mothers’ Union.

She enjoined women to emulate Igboeli and all the awardees in humility, charity and godliness.

The joyful event was attended by numerous dignitaries including Igboeli’s maternal cousin, Mr Vincent Azie, former Auditor-General of Nigeria(AGN), Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwobi-Okoye, her niece and her sons, Associate Prof Chiedu Igboeli and Dr. Chikwado, a veterinarian.

The special service is an annual celebration, to appreciate the contributions of women to church and society.

Igboeli is a retired school administrator and prominent leader in the women’s ministry.

She has a Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

She was married to late Samuel Igboeli, a forest conservationist and church leader.

Their union is blessed with seven children and numerous children, grand-children and great grand-children.