By Grace Ofurum
The remains of Nneoma Monica Nwafor Akagburuonye Amuchia, popularly known as Mama Success and Nwanyi Okwukwe, mother of the Founder of Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation, Engr. Chief Obioma Success Akagburuonye, have been laid to rest in her hometown, Ogbor Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Mama Success, who died on July 4, 2026, at the age of 105, was buried on Friday, November 6, following a funeral service held at Ogbor Central School and conducted by the Assemblies of God Nigeria.
The burial attracted prominent personalities from Nigeria and beyond, including former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma; and former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
Others were the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; APC Imo State Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu; and NDC Owerri Zone Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, alongside other political leaders, religious figures, traditional rulers, gospel ministers and well-wishers.
Delivering the sermon, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Abel Ukachi Amadi, reminded the congregation of the need to live worthwhile lives with eternity in view.
He described the deceased as a woman whose life was worthy of emulation and urged the people to embrace godly living in order to inherit the kingdom of God.
In his tribute, former President Obasanjo described Mama Success as a pillar of strength, a committed community leader and a great mother to all who came in contact with her.
He said her title, Nwanyi Okwukwe, aptly captured her personality as a woman of profound faith and unwavering virtues.
Obasanjo, who disclosed that he had met the deceased on two occasions, said that despite her advanced age, she appeared radiant, amazing and full of life.
Speaking at the ceremony, her son, Engr. Akagburuonye, paid tribute to his mother, describing her as a woman of faith whose values, prayers and exemplary lifestyle shaped his life and those of other members of the family.
He expressed gratitude to God for blessing her with 105 years, noting that her legacy of faith, love and service would continue to inspire generations.
Also speaking, the first son of the deceased, Rev. Blessing Uzodimma Amuchie, said their mother would be remembered for her strong faith, playfulness, courage and commitment to Christian service.
He noted that her life demonstrated how faith, perseverance and trust in God could sustain a person through every season of life.
A major highlight of the burial activities was the commissioning of a memorial health centre established in honour of the deceased. The facility, commissioned by former President Obasanjo, is expected to provide free healthcare services to members of the community.
The ceremony also featured the presence of gospel and music ministers, who joined family members, friends and associates in celebrating the life and legacy of the centenarian.
Mama Success is survived by nine children, 52 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and other relatives.
