Wednesday, December 31, 2025; all roads will lead to Umuololo Obodo Amaimo, in Ikeduru local government area of Imo state for the 80th birthday anniversary of a mathriach, community leader, astute philanthropist and successful business tycoon, Chief Mrs. Virginia Chinyere Anyanwu.
As she marks this 80th birthday, we honour not only her longivity but also a lifetime of grace, wisdom, service and unwavering strength. Chief Mrs. Virgy Anyanwu is a beacon of hope, a strength to the weak, a voice for the downtrodden and a mother to the motherless.
She was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Moses Mbata in Umuoti, Inyishi Ikeduru LGA on 31st of December, 1945. She had her primary education at Central School Inyishi, Ikeduru and her secondary school education at Ovim Girls Secondary school, Ovim, Imo State.
After passing her West African School Certificate Examination, she proceeded to the Teacher’s Training College Aba. Upon completion of her Teacher’s training, she joined her uncle in Lagos who immediately secured her a job at Imercel Chemical company. A company that blossomed her destiny!
By God’s special arrangement, barely one year at Imercel Chemical company, she got married to her hearthrob, late Chief Sabastine Obinna Anyanwu, who at that time was the Manager of the company. Chief Mrs Virgy Anyanwu had ten children out of which, two died leaving eight, among whom is her first child, Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu who is currently, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Mama is a proud grand mother of 20 well raised children, among whom are graduates in Law and Medicine, etc. As a woman of impeccable character, Chief Mrs. Virgy as she is fondly called is a woman of wisdom and kindness through which, many lives have been shaped with true inspiration.
It is noteworthy that most women are who they are today because of her guidance and by showing them the way. Her life is an incredible story of strength and resilience. She has left a beautiful mark on the world through decades of laughter and experience. Her presence is a gift to our lives, no wonder, the society is celebrating her wisdom and compassion she represents.
Mrs Virgy Anyanwu and her husband, Late Chief Sab Anyanwu left Lagos state where they lived for Amaimo Ikeduru to settle to family life. Remarkably, at the end of the Nigeria Civil War, Chief Mrs. Virgy and her husband moved to Aba, Abia state where they finally joined politics and pitched tent with the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Her husband became influencially active in politics during the time of His Excellency, Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, Ph.D as Governor.
Having become so active in politics, Chief Mrs. Virgy and her husband returned to Amaimo, Ikeduru where Chief Sabastine Anyanwu was appointed the Supervisory Councillor and thereafter, elected Executive Chairman of old Mbaike, (Mbaitoli and Ikeduru local government) while his wife, Mrs. Virgy became the Secretary of NPP in Mba-Ike respectively.
It can be recalled that after their efforts to enthrone Sam Mbakwe as Governor of old Imo state, Chief Mrs. Virgy was rewarded with a plump appointment as Major Distributor of the then Golden Guinea Brewery, Umuahia. This appointment offered her business great boost and financial impact. Mrs. Virgy, as a successful business woman, also has one of the biggest poultry farms in Mbaitoli-Ikeduru till date.
As a virtuous woman who reminiscence the holy virtue of a good mother, Chief Mrs. Virgy is a committed Catholic faithful and strong member of the Christian Women Organization (CWO). She is an adent supporter of the CYON, the Choir, and many other religious societies at Saint Columbus Catholic Church, Parish Amaimo. Up till date, Chief Mrs. Virgy is widely known as a stronger supporter and developer of widows, downtrodden and the less privileged.
As we celebrate the 80th birthday of Chief Mrs. Virgy Anyanwu, we pause to honour a life richly blessed and deeply rooted in faith, family and unwavering purpose. Eight decades of grace, strength and resilience have shaped a woman whose spirit has been a guiding light, not only to her beloved children and grandchildren but to all who have had the privilege of walking alongside her.
At 80, Mama Virgy feels fulfilled; she is a testament to the power of divine providence and the beauty of a life lived with intentional love and devotion. Her role as Mathriach transcends mere numbers. It is in the values she has instilled faith, humility, courage and compassion that her true inheritance lies.
Beyond mere earthly titles, Mama’s greatest legacy remains the warmth of her home, the strength of her prayers and the enduring love that binds her family.
We say happy birthday to this distinguished woman of unequalled value!!!
*_Written by Dr. Ikenna Onuoha, Public Affairs Analyst, Media Consultant writes from Owerri, the Imo State Capital._*
