Matriarch of Ibe Family of Umuariam Obowo, Matilda dies at 94

OBITUARY ANNOUNCEMENT

Late Matilda Adaocha Ibe

The families of late Charles Korie Simeon (CKS) Ibe of Umuokoro Umuariam Obowo and late Pa Peter Ohanele of Aguneze Ahiara Mbaise, both in Imo State, Nigeria have formally announced the passage unto glory of their wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, Chief Mrs. Matilda Adaocha Ibe.

A statement by Mr. Henry Ibe, the first son of Chief (Mrs.) Ibe, said that the Matriarch of the family died on February 28, 2026 aged 94, after a brief illness.

Chief (Mrs.) Ibe, a grassroots educationist par excellence, was renowned for her contributions to the education sector, especially primary education in Obowo, the old Etiti Local Government Area, in Imo State and far beyond.

Widely travelled, the woman of many firsts, taught many of the greats of today as a primary school class teacher, rose to become a much-loved Headmistress for many years, before rising to become a highly respected Supervisor of Schools, also for many years.

Chief (Mrs.) Ibe's love for education and healthcare knew no bounds. For instance, besides ensuring that her biological children received quality education up to the tertiary level, and working to provide basic education to children wherever she found herself, she was instrumental to the founding of the Umuariam Secondary Technical School and served as head of the School's Board for many years.

She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Our Lady of Mercy Teaching Hospital and College of Nursing Sciences, Umulogho, Obowo, one of the foremost medical facilities in the South East geo-political zone of the country.

A nationalist, who traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria with her husband, the late Mr. CKS Ibe, in the service of the country, she also served at different times as Supervisory Councillor for Education, and Health, at the Local Government level, and left indelible marks of excellent service and a trail of wise counsel wherever she passed through.

The Mazima Ukwu 1 of Umuariam/Achara ancient Kingdom, she was equally a celebrated Christian Woman leader up till her demise, having held various top positions in the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) up to the Diocesan level. Her home was also always open to the Clergy and other servants of God.

A tireless community leader, philanthropist of note, and passionate social and political activist, Chief (Mrs.) Ibe played a vital role in the survival of many children and the elderly during the Nigerian civil war, when she was one of those in charge of the relief efforts that saved hundreds of thousands of people from starvation.

Mother of eight children, Mr. Henry Ibe, Group Captain Charles. O. S Ibe (Rtd.), Pastor Simon Iro Ibe, Barrister (Sir) Lawrence Ibe, Eziada Princess Caroline Ibezim-Onyesonwu, High Chief (Dr.) Stella Ngozi Korieocha, Mr. George Ibe and Lolo Maureen Ogbuehi, Chief (Mrs.) Ibe is being mourned across the world by the countless individuals and groups that she impacted positively during her earthly sojourn. 

She is also survived by her sons in law - Prince Cyriacus Ibezim, High Chief (Sir) Linus Korieocha, Chief Dike (Obz) Ogbuehi; daughters in law - Mrs. Victoria Uzoma Ibe, Mrs. Justina Ibe, Assistant Pastor (Mrs.) Florence Ibe; 22 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

Others are a sister, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The family and other stakeholders are working on the burial arrangements and would communicate the details in due course.