The Nnajiofor's family of Mbulu Owo Autonomous Community, Nkanu East Local government area, Enugu State, held a remarkable solemn and robust well planned heartfelt one-year memorial and remembrance outing in honor of their late queen of good heart, Chief Mrs. Vivian Oluchukwu Nnajiofor (née Onwubiko), fondly remembered as "Osodieme."
The event took place on Sunday, 20th October 2024, at the family compound, drawing an outpouring of love and solidarity from family, friends, associates and dignitaries across various sectors of the society .
Late Mrs. Vivian, the beloved wife of Rt. Hon. Chief Paul Nnajiofor (Ononenyi), the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Legislative Matters, passed away last year after a courageous but protracted battle with brain cancer. Her memory was celebrated in an emotion laden and spiritual gathering that reflected the compassion, generosity, and sense of community and care which she was known for.
The event commenced with a Christian memorial Church service, where prayers were offered for the Nnajiofor family, including Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, their children, and extended relatives. The solemn service sought to rededicate the family to God, reinforcing their faith and offering them comfort as they marked one year since the passing of their beloved wife and mother.
A key highlight of the memorial was the formal launch and flag-off of a pro-health Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), named the Vivian's Centre for Brain Cancer Enlightenment & Support. This NGO, established by Rt Hon Paul. Nnajiofor and Children is designed to support individuals and families affected by brain cancer, offering financial, medical, and emotional assistance.
The initiative is seen as a powerful response to the family’s personal grief, transforming their loss into an opportunity to help humanity. The centre in collaboration with partners , sponsors also aims to raise awareness about possible symptoms of brain cancer, a disease that claimed the life of Mrs. Vivian Nnajiofor, and to promote early detection and intervention.
The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia,formally inaugurated the NGO.
In his brief remarks, Prof. Onyia praised the Nnajiofor family for turning their personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others, stating, “This initiative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, turning pain into purpose for the benefit of himamity . I commend Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor and his children for this noble endeavor and assure them of the state government’s full support in their quest to save lives and raise awareness about brain cancer.”
Prof. Onyia then formally unveiled the NGO to some loud applause from the audience, signaling the start of its operations from families, community, State then to a national spread.
The memorial event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including top government officials, prominent businessmen, Royal fathers political associates of Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, and members of the wider Enugu community. Present at the occasion were friends and well-wishers of the Nnajiofor family, including the children of the late Mrs. Vivian, who played an instrumental role in establishing the foundation in their mother’s honor.
In addition, the event featured the distribution of gift items to widows and underprivileged individuals from Mbulu Owo community and its environs ...further reflecting Mrs. Vivian’s lifelong dedication to charity and caring for the vulnerable.
In an emotion laden speech, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their support during this one year challenging time. He reflected on his late wife’s life and legacy, saying, “Vivian was not just a wife; she was a pillar of strength, a mother to many, and a beacon of hope for my family, community and humanity
Her ten years battle with brain cancer was long and difficult, but her spirit never wavered untillast year 2023 when it pleased God to end the pain. Today, with the launch of the Vivian's Centre for Brain Cancer Enlightenment & Support, we are taking a significant step forward in ensuring that her memory lives on through our collective efforts to fight this disease and offer hope to those who need it.”
Nnajiofor continued, “Our family, especially my children, have been pivotal in bringing this vision to life. It is our way of transforming the pain of our loss into a platform that helps others. I know Vivian is smiling down on us today, proud of the work we are doing to immortalise her name and dreams of always helping others, epitomising a shared humanity
The event concluded with moments of prayer, reflection, and fellowship, as attendees celebrated the life of Mrs. Vivian Nnajiofor, whose legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness and charity.
As the one-year memorial concluded, the Nnajiofor family reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Mrs. Vivian’s legacy alive through the Vivian's Centre for Brain Cancer Enlightenment & Support. Her story, marked by grace, compassion, and courage, will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to many, while the foundation will offer hope and healing to countless individuals battling brain cancer.
May the memory of Chief Mrs. Vivian Oluchukwu Nnajiofor live on through her acts of kindness and the foundation established in her name.
