Matriarch of the Apugo dynasty, Lolo Dorathy Nkechinyere joins the Lord

Life is a race, a struggle, an accomplishment and a journey the mysteries of life and death remain beyond human comprehension and belongs to divine will. Today, the eventful and encompassing voyage of our dear late mother, Lolo Dorathy Nkechinyere Apugo on earth has come to an end in preparation to join the angels of host in heaven. We give God Almighty all the glory for her life time.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

Lolo Dorathy Nkechinyere Apugo was born on 10th October, 1945 to the family of Mazi Isaiah Onyekwere and his amiable wife, madam Victoria Onyekwere who hailed from Lodu Ndume Ibeku Umuahia in Abia State, Dorathy was the third child of her parents and her birth brought untold joy to the household she was named “Nkechinyere” meaning the one given by God to us” she was indeed a special gift to the Onyekwere family.

Her father was a staff of Iyienu hospital in the then eastern region which today is in present-day Anambra state. Her mother was a dedicated housewife who also engaged in business to support the husband. The Onyekwere family settled in Onitsha where they raised young Dorathy and her siblings. Their father was a disciplined and well-traveled man who worked with European officials at the Iyienu hospital and this ignited his love for western education.

Young Dorathy attended new bethel primary school, Onitsha for her primary education. A brilliant and diligent pupil she proceeded to Zik’ Academy school also in Onitsha for her secondary education. This renowned institution owned by a kinsman from Afara Ibeku moulded her and imbued in her the virtues of hard work, perseverance and dedication to duty. These were attributes which will later come to distinguish her and make her stand out among her peers.

In 1972, Dorathy already a beautiful and dignified damsel met her husband price Benjamin Benedict Apugo (Ochiagha Ibeku) and they got married the same year. Her husband, seeing her qualification and intellect helped her secure a job as a teacher at the Nkatta Community Primary School in Umuahia Ibeku. Throughout

her service in school, Lolo Dorathy was known as a passionate, committed and outstanding teacher whose sense of humility and service was overwhelming. She was accessible regardless of her exalted status and background.

CHRISTAIN LIFE AND TIMES

Lolo Dorothy married her husband in the Catholic Church. She later became a deeply committed member of the lord Chosen church. She gave her time, treasure and talent to the church till death, and never wavered in her faith in Christ Jesus. Her active participation in Christian activities singled her out yet her legendary made her focused on the service to God and humanity.

SOCIAL LIFE

Lolo Dorothy was a mother and wife per excellence. Her humble mien, kind- heartedness, generosity and caring disposition endeared her to all who came across her. Our mother was widely known to share her reason with the needy. She always sought to know and solve problems of others. Moreover, she loved her family and always stood for unity and peace.

DEMISE

Mama took ill sometime within the year. A vibrant and lively woman, she kept her spirit high and remained active in her Christian life. She bore her pains with equanimity and liberal spirit till the lord accepted her on 26th August, 2020 after a brief illness. We have no right to question the will of God and must accept every situation as Christians who believe in Christ.

Lolo Dorothy is survived by:

Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo – Husband

(Ochigha Ibeku)

Member, All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of trustees / member National caucus

CHILDERN

1. Hon. Ikechukwu Martin Apugo – SON (Founder, Diamond Football Academy, Umuahia)

2. Prince Emeka Christopher Apugo – Son

3. Hon. Chukwudi Joseph Apugo – (Member, Abia State House of Assembly Representing Umuahia East Constituency)

4. The late Lilian Onyinyechi Apufo –

5. Prince Okechukwu Victor Apugo –

6. Judith Onyedikachi Apugo –

7. Prince Ifeanyi Innocent Apugo –

SISTERS AND BROTHERS

1. The late Deaconess Harriet Ogbuehi – 2. Deaconess Patience Nwaopara – 3. The late Mr. Emmanuel Onyekwere – 4. Mrs. Chinasaokwu Onyekwere – 5. Mrs. Charity Okwudiri – 6. Mrs. Mabel Alaukwu