Celebrating Osodieme, A Woman Of Excellence

EMEKA OZUMBA

The wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), is beautifully made by the grace of God. However, this is not just about her physical endowments but rather a further peep into her humane nature and unwavering commitment to charity. A firm advocate of the Christian ethic of sacrificial love, Mrs. Obiano, whose Birthday is on 7th October every year, set out in pursuit of perfection early in life by engaging in corporal works of mercy which include taking care of the most vulnerable in the society.

A devout Catholic who can’t be caught without the Brown Scapular round her neck, in submission to God and as identification as a child of God as revealed to St. Simon Stock in 1251, Osodieme’s 2019 Birthday is unique – falling on the Feast of the Holy Rosary. As usual, she will mark the Birthday in quiet contemplation in appreciation of the grace of God on her over the years.

Interestingly, engaging Osodieme at this time of the year, one cannot fail to notice the quiet spirituality in her mien, and the apparent joy borne out of wholesome contemplation and enriching solitude. Little wonder she emerges stronger and more focused on the task ahead of her; she appears bolder and more confident, with more invigorated positive energy and drive to success that resonate all around her.

Such was the drive that enabled her make the seamless transition to public life in 2014 next to her husband, Governor Willie Obiano. She set out with ease and has since then been positively transforming the lives of indigent widows and the less privileged in the society through the programmes of her NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ).

As founder of CAFE, an NGO which supports family and community health, Mrs. Obiano has become a beacon of sustainable empowerment for women and the less privileged within Anambra State and beyond. Ebelechukwu Obiano’s tenacious attachment to thankless charity seamlessly compliments the selfless attitude in service to humanity of her friend and partner of over thirty five years, the hardworking and urbane husband and Governor of Anambra State.

Thus, Osodieme has in the last five years demonstrated in practical ways the words of Booker T Washington that “excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” Many today attest that she has excelled beyond measures in ensuring that ndi Anambra of all ages, statuses and physical attributes are recognized in the affairs of the state piloted by her husband, Chief Willie Obiano.

Having raised the bar of service as First Lady in the State, Osodieme’s humble disposition would not allow her to accept the accolades trailing her exploits. In fact those close to her will tell you that she is well aware that as mere mortal, perfection is not realizable, but like another American, Vince Lombardi, opined, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

But like a gold fish which has no hiding place, Mrs. Obiano’s advocacy and work in community health, empowerment of the less privileged, including the physically challenged, have led to several global and local recognitions/awards. A few worth mentioning include: Woman of Excellence Award in 2019; Zik Prize for Leadership in humanitarian Services in 2017; EU/UNICEF WASH Ambassador 2016, and United Nations Peace Ambassador 2014.

Some local recognitions are by the Ogbunike Progressive Union with a Merit Award in 2015; the conferment by the Laity Council of Onitsha Archdiocese on her of the title of Duchess of the Laity, and St Luke Anglican Communion Nsugbe which singled her out as Nnedioranma to mention a few.

As Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano marks her 2019 birthday, let us join hands and celebrate her achievements in words and pictures.