From John Silas, Lagos
Mrs Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu, elder sister of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has died at the age of 61 following a sudden collapse at her Lagos residence while preparing to attend church.
The Nnewi-born woman from Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State reportedly showed no signs of illness before her death last Sunday, leaving her family devastated.
Her husband, Mr. Jude Chigbogu, who recounted the tragic incident amid tears, described her death as a shocking and painful loss, saying she had shown no indication of any health challenge that morning.
Narrating the circumstances surrounding her death, Mr Chigbogu explained that his wife had woken up as usual and was preparing for church, where she was actively involved in various activities.
“That Sunday morning, she woke up without any sign of illness. She had no headache, no fever, nothing. She finished taking her bath and was preparing to go to church.
“She usually leaves home early, around 7:00 or 7:30 a.mbecause of her responsibilities in church,” he said. According to him, he went outside to prepare their car for the journey to church. By about 8:00 a.m., he became concerned that his wife had not come downstairs and asked their son to check on her.
He said the situation took a tragic turn when their son discovered that she was unresponsive. “My son started screaming that he had called his mother, but she did not answer.
He lifted her hands and they dropped. He ran upstairs and told me what had happened. We performed CPR, called her name many times, did everything we could but still there was no response,” he recounted. Mr Chigbogu said he immediately alerted neighbours and they rushed his wife to several hospitals in search of emergency medical attention, however he said they were repeatedly informed that she had passed away.
Still unwilling to accept the devastating news, he continued seeking medical assistance from six more different hospitals till they reached the last which was Navy Hospital, where they also finally stated she was gone. “I prayed and did everything I could, but my darling wife did not come back to me.
After all my efforts failed to change the situation, I eventually had to accept what had happened; Though this is very painful, we are comforted that she lived a very good exemplary life and she is in heaven,” he said.
He further disclosed that arrangements were eventually made to transport her remains to the South-East. According to him, the ambulance left Lagos at about 6:00 p.m. and arrived in their hometown at approximately 7:30 a.m the following day.
Born on September 25, 1965, in Nnewi, Anambra State, to the family of Mr and Mrs Alphonsus Ubah, Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu received her early education at St Mary’s Girls Primary and High School before proceeding to the University of Benin, where she studied Applied Arts and obtained her degree.
She was a virtuous hardworking business woman and a devoted Christian who touched many lives positively.
Her death is a painful loss to her immediate family, friends, relatives and loved ones.
Late Mrs. Fidelia is survived by her husband, Mr Jude Chigbogu and their five children, alongside other relatives and loved ones who will cherish her loving memory.
