The final journey of Mrs. Nsomma Gladys Ubani, Matriarch of the Ubani Dynasty and a beloved community leader, is ongoing now at Umuosoko – Awomukwu, in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, CITY LAWYER can report.

In this tribute titled ‘Life And Times Of Mrs Nsomma Gladys Ubani, [1935 – 2025],” journalist and public affairs analyst, Mr. Sam Ogbonna captures the profile of a Woman of Purpose, A great Mother, A loving Wife and a faithful Christian whose virtues of honesty, hard work, love for family and community will definitely endure

Saturday, December 27, will be a remarkable day in the history of the community, as all roads lead to Umuosoko Awomukwu in Ikwuano LGA of Abia state, for the final journey of Mrs. Nsomma Gladys Ubani to her resting place. Her journey began in 1935 and finally arriving at her last stop in 2025 in fulfilment of Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

Born in 1935 to Mr. Ngwankwe and Mrs. Adaocha Mbah of Umuru Family in Ekebedi, in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Mrs. Gladys Ubani (Fondly called Nsomma), grew up in a super-tight family with her siblings, sticking together through thick and thin; where the values of simplicity, honesty, and hard work were deeply cherished.

She showed kindness, modesty, and empathy even when she was young, and those qualities became defining characteristics of who she was.

Beautiful and elegant young woman she was, Mama was married to Mr. Egbedubi Ubani Nwokocha from a family of Ndiako in Umuosoko – Awomukwu, Ikwuano, Abia State – a visionary man who had returned from Fernando Pó (an Island in Equatorial Guinea).

Later on, Mama and her husband relocated to Lagos, and they had two kids, Glory and Monday Onyekachi and the kids brought them so much happiness and pride

During the Nigerian Civil War, Mama’s family had to split up for safety. The kids, Glory and Monday, were taken back to their family’s hometown in the East to keep them safe from the conflict. It was a tough time, and they had to make sure the kids were protected.

After the war, Mr. Ubani went back to Lagos, but Mrs. Ubani stayed in the village with the kids. She showed strength, raising them with good values and making sure they got an education despite the challenges. She relied on her faith and perseverance to keep them on track. Eventually, the kids joined their father in Lagos.

Though she really wanted more kids, but due to health issues after her third pregnancy, she couldn’t get pregnant again

She handled her situation with acceptance and peace; focused on being happy with what she had and found purpose in being a great wife and good mother. She was solid, kind, and spiritual, passing on good values of honesty, hard work, and love to her family.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Mrs. Ubani gave her life to Christ through the influence of her son.

She was a devout member of both the Assemblies of God, Nigeria, and the Apostolic Church of Nigeria. She was humble, prayerful, and trusting in her faith. Her actions and words showed she was all about serving and trusting God.

As it’s rightly said that the true measure of life is what remains after death, Mama’s impact won’t stop; her good deeds, love, and wisdom will keep influencing her son, grandchildren, and everyone she helped.

As the saying goes that a good legacy is the voice that continues speaking when the body is silent, Mama’s only surviving son, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, – a Public Interest Lawyer, popularly known for his interventions in policies perceived to be against public interest as well as his enormous contributions in the legal profession in Nigeria, Africa and the world, will continued to be her pride, living with honesty, trust in his beliefs, and helping others.

Mama’s daughter Glory passed away over 10 years ago, but she’s left behind 5 grandchildren who’ve grown up, settled and thriving.

Though Mama Nsomma gave birth to few children, she was blessed with plenty grandchildren, including four from Dr. Ubani, namely Obinna, Chidindu, Chinwe, and Ebube, whom she deeply loved and continually prayed for.

In the words of a 21st century anonymous writer who said that Life fades, but goodness glows, Mama Gladys passed away in February 2025 at the age of 90, joining her beloved husband Mr. Egbedubi Ubani Nwokocha, who died three years ago at the remarkable age of 101, under the same roof of their son, Dr Ubani.

As the world gather on Saturday to pay last respect to Mama Nsomma Gladys Ubani, we are hopeful that her good name will survive the silence of the tomb.

To Ndiako family, Umuosoko Women and Awomukwu in general, Mama’s exit has created a vacuum no doubt, but they take solace in the fact that no grave is deep enough to bury a meaningful life.

To the Assemblies of God, the Apostolic Church families and the entire body of Christ, there’s the need to remember that only bodies can be buried, not memories; love refuses the grave. After all, death is not the end of life, but the sealing of a story already told.

To the Chief Mourner, Dr. Ubani and family, and the entire grandchildren, we understand that there’s no best time to lose a loved one, but Mama, having lived a good life should see good legacies turn mourning into gratitude.

Given that a good legacy is the only inheritance death cannot steal, a life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

As we bid farewell to Mama Nsomma, we should remember that death closes eyes, not influence.

We say sleep on, beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch, till we meet to part no more. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

She is survived by her son, Monday O. Ubani, SAN, grandchildren- Ngozi, Uche, Oluchi, Amaka and Rosemary and beautiful great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives.

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