on return to nigeria

She returned to Nigeria aboard the ‘SS Oriole’, the same cargo and passenger ship that had taken her to England. ‘SS Oriole’ like many other ships played a crucial role by transporting people and goods between Europe and West Africa during the colonial era and beyond.

On her return to Aba, the Otolo Nnewi community resident in Aba honoured her with a grand reception. Her achievement was a source of communal pride at a time when relatively few Ibo families sent their daughters overseas to study.

Fate would soon bring her together with her future husband, David Chukwuemeka Nwizu, a young engineering graduate who had recently returned from the United States of America. They met at the 'Public Service Commission' (PSC), in Enugu where both had gone to seek employment. Both secured appointments. Anthonia was posted to Ikot Ekpene and David to Port Harcourt, then part of Nigeria’s Eastern Region. Anthonia worked at the General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene for less than two years before preparation for her marriage to David brought her back to Enugu, then the capital of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. There, she took up an appointment at the Park Lane General Hospital informally known as the European Hospital, because it had served many British colonial personnel. She later joined the newly commissioned University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu as a pioneer member of staff. Drawing on her specialist training, she worked alongside Dr. Kaine to help establish the 'Premature Baby Care Unit' within the Midwifery Department. She continued to serve at UNTH Enugu until her meritorious retirement in 1990 as a Senior Matron, bringing a distinguished nursing career to a close.

family legacy

Mrs Anthonia Nonyelum Nwizu married Engr. David Chukwuemeka Nwizu in January 1965 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral Church, Ogbete Enugu. Their marriage was blessed with four children.

Together, they built a home rooted in Christian faith, discipline and love, instilling in their children the values of hard work, education and service to others. These values have continued to guide their children and grandchildren in their personal and professional lives.

In 2019, Anthonia suffered the heartbreaking loss of her son, Osita (Osy) Reginald Nwizu. His passing brought profound sorrow, which she bore with the support of her family and the strength she drew from her Christian faith. His memory remained a cherished part of her life and that of the family.

The following year, she endured another painful loss with the passing of her beloved husband, David. After decades of marriage and companionship, adjusting to life without him required immense courage. Sustained by her faith and the love of her family, she remained a devoted mother and grandmother, drawing comfort from the family they had raised together and continuing to uphold the values that had shaped their home.

As a mother and matriarch, Anthonia devoted herself to the wellbeing of both her immediate and extended family. Through her wisdom, encouragement and steadfast support, she guided successive generations and provided a reassuring presence in times of difficulty. Her care extended beyond her own household to relatives and neighbours in need, reflecting the compassion that defined both her family life and her nursing career.

As a grandmother, she brought warmth, grace and generosity to her relationships with her grandchildren. She shared her experiences and the lessons she had learnt, passing on the faith and values that had sustained her throughout her life. Her example demonstrated the lasting influence of a life devoted to family, professional service and the care of others.

Anthonia’s life was one of faith, purpose and quiet strength. From her early years in Aba to her training in England, her nursing career and her years nurturing her family, she approached her responsibilities with discipline, compassion and dedication. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the patients she cared for and the many people who found comfort and support in her presence.

She is survived by 3 of her children, 11 grandchildren, her daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, siblings and numerous extended family.

As we bid her farewell, we give thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of her life and for the years we were privileged to share with her. We will remember her with love and gratitude, carrying forward the values she taught us and the care she so freely gave.

May her soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.