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The Uke’s family of Amapu Village in Awomukwu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria is one big family that is well known for their big heart, and whose philanthropic gestures and indefatigable commitment to community development cannot be ignored in the local government area and abroad.
With the passing to glory of their father in 1998 and the subsequent passing to eternal glory of their mother, some ten years after, the family can be said to have a unanimous wish that “their parents stayed a little longer to reap and enjoy the fruits of the children’s labours in abundance”. According to Mr. Ifeanyi Emmanuel Uke, the last of the ten children of Late Chief Sir Steven Ututuwa Uke and Lady Maria George Uke in a tribute to his parents, he described them as “two burning candles in the wind”. He went further to call them “my hero and heroine”. Mr. Uke, Jnr. Said that his parents were true reflection of Smiley Blanton’s thought when she wrote that “Love is the immortal flow of energy that nourishes, extends and preserves; its eternal goal is life.” He wished they stayed longer… Chief Sir Augustine Uke was around to give few words about his Dad and Mum, when contacted. He remembered vividly how it all happened. He confirmed his believe that both of his Dad and Mum did find favour in the sight of God and are both living happily ever after death. Chief Uke narrated how his parents trained and impacted their lives towards humility, truthfulness and unequalled integrity and philanthropy in the community and in church.
Without mincing words, Mrs. Ify Uke was at hand to comment on how tender, compassionate and lovely her parents were in life as she spoke of the memories her parents left behind in their children, which she said were love, kindness, joy, forgiveness, peace of mind and patience. Evangelist Steven Mario Anozie, the family In-law and Adatuma Uke in their respective tributes and poems said that Late Chief Sir Steven Uke and Lady Maria George Uke still live in them and in their grand-children. The entire Awomukwu community went agog on the 30th of December, 2007 for the celebration of life and visions of tow ideal couple who left behind love and; who walked the earth and impacted it with great difference. Chief Sir Steven Ututuwa Uke (KSM) was an accomplished teacher, knight of the Catholic Church, headmaster and a community leader of repute until his death; while Lady Maria George Uke was a dedicated housewife, accomplished farmer and trader. She was also a caring mother and community leader with a heart of gold. The duo are great figures whom the history of Awomukwu and Ikwuano cannot be written without grand mention! |
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