Participants at the first anniversary remembrance ceremony of Obi Martha Dunkwu (Omu Okpanam/Omu Anioma/Nneoha) have continued to eulogize her global brand whilst articulating ideas on how to sustain her legacies.
The participants drawn from family members, colleagues, associates and friends, gathered at the Obi Martha Dunkwu Palace in Okpanam, Delta State on Sunday, February 16, 2025, where they took time to speak about their experiences with Omu Martha Dunkwu and how her earthly exit had continued to affect their lives.
Omu Dunkwu’s only biological son, Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor said he had continued to take solace in the fact that his mother was never afraid of dying.
He appreciated all those within the ranks of his mother’s other children globally, for how they had continued to support him and care for him.
Dr. Afamefuna specifically commended Major General Raymond Nani Ochei for being a true Anioma son, who had not ceased for once in reaching out to him and to see that the legacy of Obi Martha Dunkwu is given its deserved sustainability.
The Omu of Obior, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo comforted everybody by asking them to stop crying and remain hopeful, insisting that the birth of Omu Dunkwu’s granddaughter, Onyemaechi means that she is still in our midst.
The Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Delta State Chapter, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe described Obi Martha Dunkwu as a global brand, positing that such a brand must not be allowed to fade away.
He proffered a number of suggestions that would ensure that the ideals of the legendary culture connoisseur are sustained and continued to enjoy local and international recognitions.
On his part, Omu Anioma’s younger and only brother, Mr. Onyekwe Dunkwu spoke on how the sister ensured that all her younger siblings, including himself travelled overseas for their academic pursuits.
He attested to the fact that the sister raised their profile within the Dunkwu larger family; adding that there can never be another like Obi Martha Dunkwu.
In his own narrative working with the legendary culture and media icon as her Media Consultant, Comrade Patrick Ochei said he would forever miss her as a mother, a mentor and an encourager.
He recounted the impeccable tutelage he received from her to be able to establish himself well in community journalism as well as joining forces with her in the projection and propagation of Anioma Identity and Culture.
This would definitely be an anniversary to remember in a long time as Oji Chukwu Bulu-Uzor Dance Group was present to electrify the atmosphere with their traditional tunes while participants were adequately entertained.
Some of the persons present included the 98 years old Aka-Omu of Okpanam, Mama Cecilia Ofuani, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Aninye, founder and coordinator of Fostering Hopes Foundation, Nkechi Ukome, members of the Who The Cap Fits Movement and numerous others.
