Anglican Bishops, Governors Pay Tribute To Late Ezinne Eunice Ibe As Family Donates Guest House To Church

By Uzo Ugwunze—

A music lover, dancer, Jerusalem pilgrim, astute businesswoman, and Anglican Lay Reader, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe (née Chime), popularly known as Black Indigo, Apunanwu, has passed away at the age of 90.

She is survived by her children, including business tycoon and Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, the eldest son.

The Emperor is also the founder of a support group recognized throughout Enugu State as SAFE—Save Awgu Forum Enugu State.

Other children of the late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe include Mrs. Anayochukwu Ogoke, Mrs. Blessing Onuchukwu, Mr. Edwin Uchenna Ibe, Hon. Dr. Ugonna Reginald Ibe, Lady Dr. Juliet Nkem Ude, Engr. Schwarz Eziekwe Ibe, and Mrs. Vera Uzoamaka Adibe.

She is also survived by 32 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. All of her eight children and four daughters-in-law, as well as sons-in-law, are alive.

At her burial ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, Agwu, Enugu State, five Anglican Bishops attended, including the pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and first Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Amos Madu; the Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Udege, the Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Oliha, and the pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, Rev. Dr. Afam Ugwu.

The Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Egbuonu, and the Bishop of Nike Diocese, Rev. Dr. Onyeka Onyia, were both represented. Over 30 Anglican priests were in attendance at the burial ceremony.