GOV OTTI HAILS CHIEF DAME MABEL EHISIANYA UMEH ON HER CENTENARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Tuesday, 30th December 2025, joined the family, friends, and well-wishers of Chief Dame Mabel Ehisianya Umeh to celebrate her 100th birthday, describing her life as a timeless testimony of faith, resilience, service, and enduring legacy.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, at the celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the Governor described Chief Dame Mabel Ehisianya Umeh as “a mother of Israel, a matriarch of rare grace, and a living testimony of God’s favour.” He noted that attaining the age of 100 goes beyond the celebration of years, but represents a celebration of legacy, sacrifice, character, discipline, faith, perseverance, and selfless love.

He highlighted the timeless virtues exemplified by Chief Dame Mabel Umeh—discipline, faith, perseverance, and selfless love, adding that these values are evident in the accomplishments of her children and generations after her.

“Mama’s centenary reminds us that nation-building begins in the home, where values are planted, character is moulded, and destinies are shaped,” the Deputy Governor stated.

Engr. Emetu congratulated the Umeh family on the historic milestone and commended them for honouring their matriarch in a manner that reflects Abia’s deep cultural reverence for elders and motherhood.

“As Abians, we value longevity, family unity, and respect for our elders. This celebration is not only for the family, but a communal inspiration and a reminder that a life well lived leaves footprints that cannot be erased,” he added.

He prayed for continued peace, comfort, sound mind, and divine grace for the celebrant, while wishing the family sustained unity and joy.

Earlier in his welcome address and biography of the celebrant, her son, Dr. Dennis Umeh, provided an extensive account of the remarkable life and times of Chief Dame Mabel Ehisianya Umeh, born on 15th November 1925. He described her as a woman of uncommon courage, resilience, enterprise, and deep faith, whose life journey cut across education, entrepreneurship, community service, and unwavering devotion to God.

Dr. Umeh noted that despite the early loss of her husband and the challenges of the Nigerian Civil War, Mama remained steadfast, raising her children single-handedly and ensuring they received quality education and moral upbringing.

He highlighted her vast contributions to the Catholic Church, including her 21-year tenure as Diocesan President of the Christian Women Organisation (CWO), her induction as a Papal Knight of St. Gregory, and her recognition in the Madonna Hall of Fame. Her community service in Olokoro clan, including leadership roles, infrastructural development, women empowerment, and humanitarian interventions during the Civil War, earned her traditional titles, notably Ugo Eji Ejemba I of Olokoro, the first woman to be so honoured in the community.

The centenary celebration featured prayers, tributes, goodwill messages, and moments of thanksgiving, all celebrating a life widely acknowledged as “a mother in a million.”

The landmark event attracted an array of dignitaries including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Senator Dr. Chris Adighije, traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders, members of the business communities, as well as friends and well-wishers of the Umeh family.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State

30th December, 2025.