As the clock ticked toward midnight on November 1, 2025, memories came rushing back for journalist and public affairs commentator, Uche Anichukwu — memories steeped in love, loss, and legacy. It marked exactly one year since the passing of his beloved mother, the late Senior Mother-in-Israel Josephine Mgborie Anichukwu (née Anyianuka-Orji) — a revered teacher, devout Christian, and matriarch whose life embodied faith, discipline, and service.

Her passing on that fateful night in October 2024 brought to an end an era of quiet strength and devotion, one that had begun decades earlier with her husband, the late Rabbi (Chief) Gabriel Nworie Anichukwu, who joined the saints triumphant in October 1995. For the Anichukwu family, 2025 marks not just a memorial — but a celebration of the enduring values of two extraordinary parents who shaped generations through their example.

“Death closes all,” Uche reflects, borrowing from Alfred Lord Tennyson, “but it would never close the fond memories our parents left behind or the extreme sacrifices they made to see us through life.”

A Mother’s Final Vigil

Recounting the moments before his mother’s passing, Uche remembers sitting by her hospital bedside, playing her favourite hymn — “Almighty Jah Jehovah, the freely giver of old…” Even in her unconscious state, he believed she was listening. Moments later, the matriarch of Nomeh Unataeze breathed her last.

“I thank God for the disbelief that came first,” he writes. “Otherwise, I wonder if I could have survived the shock of losing my mother — the lioness who could never be conquered.”

It was a scene eerily reminiscent of 1995, when he received news of his father’s death — the disciplined headmaster fondly nicknamed ‘Duty is Duty’ by his teachers for his unmatched dedication to work.

Two Pillars of Principle and Discipline

Both Gabriel and Josephine Anichukwu were educators to the core — teachers in profession and in character. As Uche recounts, they demanded excellence, fairness, and honesty in all things. His father, a respected headmaster and election returning officer during the tense 1983 polls, famously refused to alter results under pressure from armed thugs.

His mother, equally unyielding in principle, combined firmness with compassion. “Mama would pursue after you until she caught and flogged you like a masquerade,” Uche recalls with humour. “Papa, on the other hand, would allow you to sleep first, then wake you up in the middle of the night to account for your actions.”

Faith, Hard Work, and Service to Humanity

The Anichukwus’ lives revolved around faith, duty, and community service. Both served Nomeh Unataeze selflessly — he as Secretary of the Nomeh Development Union, and she as Financial Secretary of the Nomeh Unataeze United Women Association, where they helped establish the maternity health centre that still serves the community today.

They raised their children on the pillars of prayer, education, and service. After Gabriel’s death, Mother Josephine bore the burden of nurturing and educating her children alone — a task she embraced with grace and grit.

Living Lessons Beyond the Grave

Even in death, their teachings remain alive. “Sometimes after Sunday service,” Uche admits, “I make to drive to Nomeh to see Mama — only to remember she is no more. Yet, her words keep coming true every day. If she were here, she would simply ask, ‘Did I not warn you?’”

As the family marks one year of living as orphans, the memories of these two exemplary lives continue to inspire not only their children but also generations of former pupils, neighbours, and community members whose lives they touched.

“They are deeply loved and sorely missed,” Uche concludes. “But it is well. We will keep the flags flying high.”

The Anichukwu family, in a message of gratitude, expressed appreciation to all who stood by them through the difficult months of mourning and the celebration of life that followed. Truly, as the Igbo saying goes, “Mmadu ka eji aga — it is people that make the journey worthwhile.”