Ifeoma Christiana Nwankwo

Ifeoma Christiana Nwankwo (née Uyanwune)
"Ada Ogalanya of Awka"
1950 – 2025
Ifeoma Christiana Nwankwo (née Uyanwune), fondly known as Ada Ogalanya of Awka, was born on December 25, 1950, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. She was the beloved first daughter of Late Sir Emmanuel Uyanwune "Omeino" and Late Lady Agnes Uyanwune "Ochiora." Raised in a devout Catholic home, Ifeoma later embraced the Anglican faith upon her marriage, while always remaining deeply rooted in Christian values.
Her early years were shaped by the movement of her father's career, which took the family to Kaduna in 1964. Only two years later, the onset of the Nigerian Civil War forced the family to flee Northern Nigeria. The war years (1966–1970) were marked by hardship and constant relocation-from Kaduna to Awka, to Aba, Mbaise, and Umuchu-as they sought safety. One of the most defining moments of her life came in 1967, when she, her mother, her brother Edward, and Aunty Grace narrowly survived an air raid on Aba General Hospital, an event that remained etched in family memory.
When the war ended in 1970, the family resettled in Enugu before returning to Jos in 1975.
Ifeoma's educational journey began at Township Primary School in Jos and Kwoi Girls Secondary School in Kaduna, where she formed lifelong friendships during Nigeria's post-independence era. She later attended Queen's College Enugu before earning her bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1977. She went on to obtain a Master's degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin.
Her professional career was marked by excellence and service. Ifeoma joined the Federal Ministry of Labour as a Factories Inspector with the National Industrial Safety Council. Through hard work, integrity, and exceptional leadership, she rose to the position of Acting Director in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, where she served Nigeria with distinction.
In 2008, Ifeoma moved to the United States. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country, she excelled academically once again, earning a Master's degree in Public Health Administration from the University of Connecticut-while working full-time. She later joined the Department of Social Services as a Health Program Associate, a role she held with dedication until her passing.
Ifeoma is survived by her loving children: her son, Ifeanyi C. Nwankwo; her daughters, Adaora I. Ogbu and Chiamaka O. Nwankwo; and her cherished grandchildren: Kelly, Zimife, Daniella, Isabella, Alexander, and Isaiah. She is also survived by her siblings: Chief Patrick Uyanwune, Lady Ngozi Uyanwune, Joseph Uyanwune, Rita Offiaeli, Edward Uyanwune, and Nnenna Uyanwune, as well as a wide, global circle of family members, colleagues, and friends whose lives she touched deeply.
Among the things Ifeoma valued most were her family and her sacred calling as a mother. She saw each person in her life as unique and maintained a special bond with everyone she loved. If she could speak to us now, she would encourage patience, kindness, forgiveness, courage, and unwavering trust in God-principles that guided her life and shaped her character.
Ifeoma's strength lay in her profound kindness, purity of heart, and graceful humility, qualities that drew people to her and earned her tremendous goodwill and friendship. Industrious by nature, she taught her children the virtues of hard work and led always by example. She championed unity, family closeness, and community involvement. She found joy in social gatherings, charitable service, and especially in church activities, where her leadership and integrity made her a trusted and respected figure. She was often sought after to lead organizations or chair important events-a testament to her character and her influence.
Ifeoma Christiana Nwankwo leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, resilience, and love. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her impact everlasting.
Her family will receive friends Friday, December 12, 2025 from 9-10 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10 AM at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery, Bristol. For directions or to leave condolences for the family please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com