A Christmas of Compassion: How Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe Honoured His Mother by Feeding 1,050 Awgu Families

Grief is often quiet. It settles into the heart, heavy and unseen. But sometimes, grief chooses another path. Sometimes, it walks into the open, carrying food, hope and warmth for others. That was the story that unfolded in Isu-Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and Brethren turned family loss into a powerful act of love for 21 communities in Awgu.

Day before the burial of his late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, the Executive Vice-Chairman Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and his brethren made a decision that surprised many and moved even more to think in this direction. 

Instead of beginning preparations with feasting and ceremony, he chose to feed the hungry. Instead of focusing inward, he looked outward.

The result was a large-scale Christmas palliative outreach that reached 1,050 families across all 21 towns in Awgu LGA, a gesture rooted not in publicity, but in memory.

 *Morning breaks, hope arrives* 

The Ibe Family Event Arena in Isu-Awaa Village, Enugu state came alive early that morning. Long before midday, buses rolled in from different directions, bringing beneficiaries from distant towns and rural communities in Awgu local government area. There was no noise of celebration, no music blaring. What filled the space instead was anticipation, respect and hope.

Elderly men stepped down carefully, aided by younger hands. Women held small bags close to their chests. Some came with children, others alone. Some others came uninvited. Many carried the tired look of people used to enduring hardship silently. Others kept dignified calmness anticipating the best. 

Christmas, for them, is often not a season of abundance. It is a season of coping.But, this period is filled with expectations as they see bags of rice heaped in 50's plus 50 gallons of vegetable oils and packets of Maggi. 

 *On that day, coping gave way to comfort* 

Neatly arranged within the venue were stacks of food items: bags of rice lined up in clean rows, five-litre gallons of vegetable oil reflecting the morning sun, and packets of seasoning cubes placed beside them. Every item had a destination. Every package represented a family.

 *A son, not a benefactor* 

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe did not stand apart from the crowd. He moved calmly through the venue, exchanging greetings, offering nods, speaking softly. Terrified the crowd was more than expected, but had to to ensure it's done as initially planned to avoid choas. There was no showmanship. No speeches designed for applause. When he eventually addressed the gathering, his words were simple and deeply personal.

“This is not charity,” he said. “This is who my mother was.”

He spoke of Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe as a woman whose life revolved around giving, not when it was convenient, but always. To her, generosity was not measured by abundance, but by willingness.

“She could not ignore hunger,” he said. “She could not look away from suffering.”

For him and his siblings, honouring her meant continuing what she started. Feeding the poor before celebrating her burial was not a strategy; it was a duty.

“How can we cook in excess and waste food,” he asked, “when people around us have nothing to eat?”

 *A different kind of funeral preparation* 

In many communities, funerals are marked by lavish displays. Mountains of food are prepared. Large sums are spent. Often, much is wasted. Emperor Chris Ibe chose to challenge that pattern.

Before a single ceremonial pot was placed on fire, food was sent to homes that needed it most.

Each of the 20 towns in Awgu Local Government Area was allocated 50 beneficiary families. Selection was not done by the Ibe family. It was handled independently by the Save Awgu Forum- SAFE, a grassroots pressure group with coordinators in every community.

“The coordinators know their people,” Emperor Ibe explained. “They know who is struggling.”

To ensure inclusion, buses were provided to transport beneficiaries to the venue and back to their communities. No one was excluded because of distance, age or cost.

What could have been chaotic was instead calm, organised and respectful.

When food becomes dignity

For the beneficiaries, the outreach was not just about food. It was about dignity.

Ifeanyi Okonta, who travelled from Mgbidi Awgu, said the support changed the mood of his household.

“Christmas would have come and gone quietly for us,” he said. “Now, we can cook. We can sit together. We feel included.”

Christiana Onwualia described the gesture as deeply emotional.

“When someone remembers you at a time like this,” she said, “you feel seen. You feel valued.”

Leticia Ike echoed the same feeling.

“He remembered us when he himself is mourning,” she said. “That says a lot about the kind of person he is.”

For many families, the food items meant meals shared, laughter restored and children able to enjoy the season like their peers.

 *Praise without exaggeration* 

The outreach drew quiet praise from observers who saw it as an example of leadership driven by values rather than image.

Mr Lukas Udeagbara, former Executive Assistant to the Enugu State Governor, described the initiative as service in its truest form.

“This is not noise,” he said. “This is impact.”

He noted that in difficult economic times, such gestures help communities survive festive seasons with dignity.

“When individuals step in like this,” he added, “they strengthen the social fabric.”

 *Love that continues* 

As the distribution came to an end, beneficiaries boarded buses back to their towns. The mood had changed. Faces were lighter. They ate and drank at the venue as well. Conversations flowed more freely. Some offered prayers quietly. Others simply smiled.

Before they left, Emperor Ibe shared Christmas wishes with the crowd.

“This is in her spirit,” he said. “As we prepare to lay her to rest, we want no one left behind.”

It was a simple statement, but it captured the heart of the day.

This was not about public recognition. It was about continuation, ensuring that a woman known for compassion would still be felt, even in her absence.

 *A legacy measured in lives* 

Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe will be buried with honour. Hymns will be sung. Prayers will be said. But long after the burial rites are completed, her legacy will remain visible in kitchens across Awgu, where pots simmered because someone chose kindness over excess.

In choosing to honour his mother through service, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe offered a powerful reminder: true legacy is not announced. It is lived.

And for 1,050 families this Christmas, that legacy arrived quietly, in bags of rice, bottles of oil, and the simple, profound feeling of being remembered.

 *5 Anglican Bishops, Governors Pay Tribute To Lay Reader, Super Dancer, As Family Donates Two Storey Guest House* 

A music lover and dancer, a Jerusalem Pilgrimage ,an astute business woman and an Anglican Lay Reader, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe nee Chime popularly known as Black Indigo, Apunanwu is dead. She died at age 90. She is survived by all her children with a business tycoon and Vice- Chairman of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe as first son. Emperor is the founder of a support group known across Enugu state as SAFE-- Save Awgu Forum Enugu State.

Other of late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe 's children include Mrs Anayochukwu Ogoke; Mrs. Blessing Onuchukwu ; Mr. Edwin Uchenna Ibe; Hon. Dr. Ugonna Reginald Ibe ; Lady Dr. Juliet Nkem Ude; Engr. Schwarz Eziekwe Ibe and Mrs. Vera Uzoamaka Adibe. She was survived by 32 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. All her 8 children and four daughters in law are alive as well as sons in-law. 

At her burial ceremony at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark's, Isu-Awaa, Agwu , Enugu state, five Anglican Bishops among whom were the pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province who also was the pioneer Bishop of Oji River diocese, Most Rev. Dr.Amos Madu, the Bishop of Afikpo diocese,Rt Rev.Paul Udege, the Bishop of Eha- Amufu Diocese,Rt.Rev Daniel Oliha, the pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese Rev.Dr Afam Ugwu.

The Bishop of Oji River diocese,Rev.Dr.Ikechukwu Egbuonu and that of Nike diocese,Rev.Dr.Onyeka Onyia were both represented. Over 30 Anglican priests attended the burial ceremony. 

Just as the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Awgu/Aninri, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson N. Chukwunweike (JP), reminded Christians that every human being will one day die and will ultimately be remembered by their good deeds on earth.

Delivering the funeral sermon, Bishop Chukwunweike urged the congregation not to take life for granted, stressing that life itself is sustained only by the mercy of God. He noted that no human being has control over how long they live, but everyone has control over how they live.

Quoting Numbers 23:10, the bishop read in full: “Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” He explained that the scripture teaches believers to focus on living righteously so that their end will be pleasing before God.

He also quoted Ecclesiastes 7:8, which states: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Her lifetime was very unique and the legacies she left behind are thrilling. 

Therefore,it was not surprising that the funeral ceremonies to give her a befitting burial from December 18th- 21st December,2025 were tagged- "BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME".

Thereafter, the Church services at Saint Mark's Cathedral, the remains of late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was laid to rest in his late husband's house at Isu-Awaa.

There was lavish entertainment for friends and Special guests and other personalities, including the natives who identified with the Ibe Family at the event to mark the final funeral rites of their late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe.

Among the personalities who were at the church service was the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Former House of Rep.Member Aninri/Awgu/ Oji River Federal Constiuency,Hon.Toby Okechukwu, Hon.Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party Governorship candidate in Enugu state and Hon.Ikeje Asogwa, a former chairman of PDP in Enugu state,among numerous others.

  Former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, Former PDP Chieftain Barr Olisa Metuh, Hon.Martins Chukwunweike, the immediate past commissioner for Health in Enugu state were among dignatories who featured at the grand entertainment.

Others include Princess Peace Nnaji', Dr Dakuku Petersside, Barr.Eugene Eneh, Gabriel Oladekpo,Sir Chidi Nwokeabia, Prince Austin Nwankwo,the Insurance guru, Dr Raph Ezeoma, Dr Mrs Nkoli Anibogu,Dr Emeka Onah,Yakubu Yikassa,Prof.Victor Nnam, High Chief Enahoro and many others from different parts of the country.

It is worthy to note that the Nigerian Ambassador to Malawi, Ambassador Ben Shida and Ambassador Sam Umara from Uganda were at the reception.

Emperor Baywood Ibe commended all for coming to identify with the Ibe Family in their activities to mark their late mother's transition to glorious eternity.

He poured encomium on her wife- Empress Pat Baywood Ibe from Obosi as the secret on the success of the entire funeral arrangements.

He also poured encomium on his wife for the bountiful care of love she showered on his late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe while she lived. He asserts he is being tempted to visit his in-laws at Obosi and pay her dowry once again, if they permit because of her exceptional, unique manners and care for his family.

He thanked his brothers for the unity existing in the family and urged people to come and learn unity of purpose and brotherhood from them boosting that no third party can destroy the beautiful foundation of the Ibe family. He also thanked his sisters for standing together in solidarity to family unity,peace and love. 

An outing church service to conclude the 4-day funerals of late lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was held at St Marks Anglican Cathedral, Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion) Isu- Awaa, on Sunday, December 21st. 

Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state; Dr Alex Otti of Abia state; Deputy Speaker , House of Representatives, Right Hon.Benjamine Okezie Kalu; immediate Governor of Enugu state, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Osita Ngwu , Senate Minority whip and Senator Okey Ezea; Executive Director Fidelity Bank PLC, Ken Opara; MD/CEO Polaris Bank Limited Kayode Lawal as well as Executive Chairman Awgu local government area Hon Uchenna Joseph Okolo expressed their sympathies to the His Majesty Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and family for the loss of their Matriarch, asking God to grant them the courage to bear the irreparable loss. 

The reception featured several caterers, including Ike Osiriora Continental Dishes, 

Lifestyle and Events team led by an international event planner Kofosorade Macaulay, Precious Kitchen Onitsha, and The Lagos Kitchen (Yetunde Caterers).

Known affectionately as the Black Rose of Aninri, Lady Eunice’s funeral unfolded like a carefully written script, solemn, dignified, emotional, yet deeply celebratory. It was not about death alone; it was about meaning.

The journey began at the Ibe family country home in Enugu-Isu Village, Isu-Awaa. There, waiting in graceful silence, was a horse-drawn carriage, a sight that immediately set the tone. As the casket was gently placed inside, murmurs rippled through the crowd. It was not extravagance that stirred emotion, but symbolism. The slow-moving carriage rolled through roads that Lady Eunice once knew intimately, roads that had felt her footsteps, her kindness and her presence.

People lined the streets instinctively. Some stood motionless, others bowed their heads, while a few quietly wiped away tears. Friends and sympathisers followed on foot, turning the procession into something more than a funeral march. It felt like a final escort, a collective act of gratitude from a community saying, we saw you, we remember you, and we honour you.

After the church service, the same respectful mood followed the body back to the family compound for interment. There was no rush. Every movement was deliberate, as though time itself had slowed to allow everyone to absorb the weight of the moment.

Inside the Cathedral Church of St Mark, Isu-Awaa, history and humanity met. The Anglican cathedral, familiar with years of worship and farewell, bore witness once again. The pews were filled, the aisles crowded, and the atmosphere thick with emotion. Amidst the pain of loss, yet there was also gratitude, gratitude for a life that, by all accounts, had lived well.

After the burial, sorrow softened into celebration. At the Ibe family residence, guests were warmly received. Laughter mingled with memories, and stories of Lady Eunice flowed freely.

From the praise worship/all night wake to the funeral service proper to Royal visitation and culture display and thanksgiving service and 10 years remembrance service of their Patriarchy Late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze) were all filled with grace and could best be described as splendid outing.

Indeed Late Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, the Black Indigo Apunanwu lives on.