Emeka Obasi pays tribute to Iyke Amaechi's loving mum

Prince Nico Mbarga and Nneoma Violet Iroagalachi Amaechi shared a common thread, despite never meeting, as she would often dance to his iconic song 'Sweet Mother' on a daily basis.

The Methodist Church's decision to honour Mama with the title 'Nneoma', meaning Good Mother, was a fitting tribute, and her son, Chief Ikechukwu Amaechi, now finds himself singing 'Sweet Mother' more often after her recent passing at the age of 93.

Nneoma Violet's love for dance was evident, and although she never played the violin, she was an accomplished dancer, with her son recalling that she would often dance to the traditional Umuahia 'Odumodu' dance.

Chief Ikechukwu Amaechi shared that his mother was a huge fan of Prince Nico Mbarga, a Cameroonian musician with a Nigerian mother, who spent most of his life in Nigeria and passed away near the Ikom axis.

Mama Amaechi's own life was marked by her time as a teacher, having trained at the Mary Hanney Institute For Girls in Oron, and later retiring as a Headmistress in 1984, after which she delved into activism and politics.

Her husband, Comrade Iroham Emmanuel Amaechi, was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Labour Congress, serving as Head of Research, and was known for his activism and knowledge of economics and statistics.

As a unionist, Comrade Amaechi was a strong advocate for workers' rights, and his wife's own activism was likely influenced by his passion, making her a force to be reckoned with in her own right.

When Mama Amaechi became Secretary of the Abia State chapter of the National Council of Women Societies, her tenure coincided with that of the fiery Laila Dogonyaro, and together they made a formidable team.

At home, Mama Amaechi was a devoted mother, and her exposure to different cultures and ideas had a profound impact on her family, particularly when her son, Iyke, married a Muslim woman from Edo State, Mulikat.

Iyke recalled that his mother accepted his wife without any hesitation, despite their cultural differences, and the two women developed a strong bond, with Mama Amaechi even forming a close relationship with her Muslim mother-in-law.

Mama Amaechi's sporting prowess was evident in her younger years, as she played netball during her time as a trainee teacher, while her husband was an avid football fan, often taking their children to watch Enugu Rangers matches at the Enugu Township Stadium.

Her son, Iyke, fondly remembered watching football legends like Godwin Achebe, Chukwuma Igweonu, and Dominic Nwobodo, and later, Emma Okala and Christian Chukwu, with his friends, including Louis Igwilo and Kenneth Boardman, who would go on to become notable footballers.

Iyke's own football career was marked by his time at Uzuakoli Methodist College, where he played alongside notable teammates like Emeka Ezeugo and Obioha Achilefu, and was part of a school with a rich footballing history.

Uzuakoli Methodist College, established in 1923, has produced several notable footballers, including Okoronkwo Kanno, who was part of the 1949 national team, and Nnamdi Egbukichi, who captained Nigeria Academicals to a 5-1 victory over Ghana in 1974.

The college has also played a significant role in the country's history, with notable alumni like Justice Egbert Udo Udoma, who acted as Governor General of Uganda, and Professor Okoronkwo Ogan, Nigeria's first Gynecologist and Obstetrician.

As Iyke and his siblings, Chief Chukwudi Amaechi and Onochie, prepare to celebrate their mother's life on April 11, they will be joined by friends and family for a reunion that promises to be filled with history lessons, food, and drinks.

Meanwhile, Marketing Consultant, Sir Ken Ihedioha, is mourning the loss of his wife, Janet Ngozika, who passed away at the age of 53, with her burial set to take place in Owere-Nkwoji, Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State on April 8, 2026.

Interestingly, Nneoma Amaechi was born in May 1932 and will be buried in April 2026, while Janet Ngozika Ihedioha was born in May 1970 and will be laid to rest in April 2026, a poignant coincidence that highlights the cycle of life.