Nigeria’s future begins with virtuous Mothers — Eze Laz Umahi

…. describes Umahi’s late mother as virtuous Woman

By Godwin Aliuna, Ebonyi 

The Eze Adu III of Uburu Autonomous Community and Chairman, Uburu Ezes-in-Council, His Royal Highness Eze Laz Umahi, Ph.D., has identified virtuous women and strong family values as critical foundations for rebuilding Nigeria and sustaining national development.

Eze Umahi made the assertion while presenting a paper titled “The Role of a Virtuous Woman in Nation Building” at the Margaret Umahi Memorial Special Public Lecture organised by National Issue Newspapers to mark the 11th anniversary of the transition of his late mother, Mrs. Margaret Umahi.

He said the lecture, held in honour of his mother, was not merely about remembering her life but also an opportunity to examine the wider role of women and motherhood in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.

According to him, Mrs. Margaret Umahi, who died on October 6, 2015, was not a woman of political office or public prominence, but a mother whose discipline, sacrifices, faith, compassion and exemplary life helped shape the values of her children.

He described her as the matriarch of a family that has produced individuals who have contributed to society in various capacities, including the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Nweze Umahi, CON; General Obi Umahi (Rtd); Barrister Roy Umahi, SAN; Chief Austin Umahi; Engr. Stanley Umahi and other children.

Eze Umahi, however, stressed that his mother’s greatest achievement was not that she raised prominent children, but that she instilled in them the values that prepared them to become useful members of society.

He identified discipline and moral upbringing, sacrifice, prayer and faith, compassion and service, as well as leading by example, as the major pillars that defined the life of the late Mrs. Margaret Umahi.

He said she believed strongly in discipline, honesty, hard work and respect for elders, adding that she corrected her children with love but never compromised on integrity.

According to him, her sacrifices, many of which were never publicly recognised, constituted the foundation upon which the lives and achievements of her children were built.

“Behind every accomplished man is often a story of people, values and sacrifices that helped shape his journey,” he said, stressing that his mother’s story represented that foundation for the Umahi family.

The traditional ruler argued that nation building should not be left entirely to government institutions, political leaders or public office holders, insisting that the process begins from the family.

He said Nigeria’s challenges, including moral decline, youth restiveness, weakening family structures and the erosion of traditional values, could not be effectively addressed without rebuilding the family institution.

Eze Umahi said mothers occupy a strategic position in raising responsible citizens, promoting education and character, fostering peace in their communities and making sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

“A virtuous woman builds a nation by raising responsible citizens; by championing education and character; by promoting peace in the community; and by making sacrifices that may never receive public recognition,” he said.

He noted that the choice of the lecture’s theme was particularly relevant at a time when Nigeria was confronted with significant social, economic and moral challenges.

According to him, while infrastructure and economic reforms remain important to national development, the country also needs a renewed commitment to values, integrity and responsible citizenship.

He called for greater recognition of Nigerian women who continue to play critical roles in their families, workplaces and communities, urging them to use their influence to strengthen rather than undermine society.

Reflecting on his mother’s legacy 11 years after her death, Eze Umahi said her greatest memorial was not any physical monument but the quality of lives she influenced through her values and sacrifices.

He commended National Issue Newspapers for instituting the memorial lecture, describing it as a platform that had transformed the remembrance of Mrs. Margaret Umahi into a broader national conversation on motherhood, values and nation building.

He said the annual commemoration should serve as a reminder that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the quality of citizens produced by its families.

Eze Umahi concluded by calling for a return to values capable of strengthening families, communities and the nation, while praying that the legacy of his late mother would continue to inspire generations yet unborn.

He also prayed for God’s blessings upon virtuous women across Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.