Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
First female artist in the old Eastern Nigeria and renowned herbalist, Chief Dr. Flora Ilonzo, has made known her desire to be laid to rest in her Onitsha home when she passes away.
Ilonzo, the founder of Centre for Herbal Medicine and Centre for Psychic and Healing Administration (CPHA), Awka, made her wish known on Sunday at the unveiling of her mausoleum, a final resting home she prepared for herself in Onitsha.
According to her, “I’ve built this place as my final resting ground because it’s where I wish to lie in eternal peace. I explicitly desire to be buried here, and I humbly request that my wishes be respected.
“I want to avoid any potential disputes or controversies surrounding my burial location. This is my home, and I’d like to rest here forever,” she said.
At 79, Ilonzo’s desire to be buried in a specific location may be linked to her past marital ties in Igbo-Etiti, Ukehe, and Uke, respectively, suggesting a deep-rooted connection to the area.
To mark the occasion during a Thanksgiving service at Our Saviour’s Church, Onitsha, Ilonzo gifted some parcels of land to her loyal staff and cousins in what seemed like a reward for hard-work and sacrifice through the years.
One of the beneficiaries, a Northerner, Mohammed Sani, was picked up by Ilonzo when he was aged three, after the loss of his mother. Sani was groomed by Ilonzo alongside Mr Emeka Friday, another beneficiary, to become her darling personal assistants.
Ilonzo also gifted parcels of lands to two of her cousin brothers, Pastor Chetachukwu Chude, son of late Alphonsus Chude; and Mr Onyebuchi Ndulue.
Others she empowered were her cousin brother, Chief Onyekwe Onyido, who received N21 million to support his induction into the prestigious Ozo title in the Onitsha ancient kingdom; and her cousin sister, Mrs. Caroline Eke, gifted N1.5 million to facilitate her sons’ overseas education. She also presented N1 million to her cousin, Barr. Chigbo Ogwudibe, as a token of support.
Recalling her other philanthropic gestures, Ilonzo said she had in the past gifted landed properties to eight of her staff, noting that it was her unique ways of celebrating good works and appreciating God.
“I built a technical school in 1982 and gave all the students a scholarship, I liberated women from forceful marriage, built houses for about six widows, and trained their children,” she added.
General overseer of Our Saviour’s Church Onitsha, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, during his sermon, celebrated Ilonzo, describing the day as momentous for her. He acknowledged her dedication to the church and her contributions to humanity.
The cleric stressed the need for knowledge sharing and empowerment, lamenting that Africans were suffering because most of the geniuses had died without impacting lives positively with what they knew or acquired.
Some of the beneficiaries, during separate interviews, expressed joy at the gifts, noting that they never knew they would receive such gifts and be land owners.
Chief Onyekwe Onyido, who was given N21 million for induction into Ozo title society, said his dream of joining the decision making body has finally come to fruition because that position was left vacant since the passage of his father to eternal rest.
For Dr. Mohammed Tahir, National President of the Artisanal Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, Ilonzo is a unifying force and a champion of love. He called on Nigerians to follow her footsteps, promoting kindness and gestures that foster peace and national development.
The last son of the celebrant, Dr Chuka Chude (Akunne), prayed for more good health for his mother to impact more lives.
