₦airaland Forum

Tribute to Her Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma - by Frank Ofili

I met her for the first time on 27th December 2017 at Idumuje Unor in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. It was at an event to confer on my friend, Michael Brian Odiakose, the title of Chief Nwadialor (wa ji aka n’abo apa) of Idumuje Unor, by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III.

Resplendent in her cultural regalia, personal elegance, and panache reminiscent of a royal salamander - akwa ocha, beads, otulaka, red cap, ugo and all – she looked royal, regal, majestic! Like an empress, she walked with a certain swagger that was at once leisurely and purposeful.

But she was more. She was cultural elegance personified. She was, in many ways, different from all the other royalty around. She exuded an aura that was indescribable – imperial, kingly – attributes that make you keep a respectful distance. Heads turned in her direction, eyes blinked in humbled reverence you could almost cut through with a knife.

Born at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Martha Dunkwu attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State and St. Murumba's College, Okpanam, Delta State. She worked for a couple of years in Ministry of Finance, Benin City, Edo State before proceeding to L.T.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies, London, England. She also attended South West London College, England, Henderson State University, Arkansas and University of Nevada, United State of America. Obi Martha Dunkwu was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26th January 2002 and Omu Anioma on 15th January 2010. On 7th October 1998, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin presented Obi Martha Dunkwu Royal Beads (Ivie-Urhu -Beaded Necklace).

She was a Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member, Institute of Administrative Management (MIAM), England, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM), Past and First Female President, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Past and First Female President, Delta State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DELCIMMA) comprising Warri, Sapele, Asaba and Ethiope Chambers of Commerce and National Officer, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Member, Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Member of Board, National Orientation Agency.

In 2001, the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England selected Obi Martha Dunkwu to be included in the "2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st century". Excerpts of the award read: "The Oxford English Dictionary defines intellectualism as the "Doctrine that Knowledge is wholly or mainly derived from pure reason" and it follows by saying that an intellectual is a person possessing a good understanding, enlightened person". Surely, therefore, this definition is the reason for your selection to be included in this prestigious publication which is due for release in late 2001".

Obi Martha Dunkwu was granted "21st Century Award for Achievement and included in the WHO IS WHO IN THE 21st Century also by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. On October 3rd, 2001 she became pioneer recipient of the Indomitable Spirit Award" Abuja. On 19th June 2005, Obi Martha Dunkwu was conferred Doctor of Science D.Sc degree (Honoris Causa) by Columbus International University, Virgin Island, United Kingdom.

An Inductee, Nigerian Women Hall of Fame, Abuja, holder of many Traditional chieftaincy titles in Delta and Edo states, Patron Media Correspondents Chapel of Edo NUJ, Obi Martha Dunkwu was the Public Relations Consultant to His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin. Her friends and colleagues in the media admiringly call her "Royal Image Maker".

Obi Dunkwu was the Chairman, Board of Governors, Martha Dunkwu Education Centre. Leadership through conviction and relationships based on fairness, loyalty and trust, makes Obi Martha Dunkwu a proven leader, media guru, efficient motivator, recognized performer, able administrator, enterprising business-person, royal image maker, committed Public Relations practitioner translating professionalism into excellence, crisis manager of the highest order and Information Manager par excellence.

A loving, devoted, caring, disciplined and God-fearing mother of a son. Obi Martha Dunkwu was an ardent believer in Nigeria's leadership of the black world.

Today, I received the sad news that Obi (Dr) Martha Dunkwu has transitted to the Great Beyond at age 69. May her soul rest in peace, Amen

Peppermaster:
Tribute to Her Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma - by Frank Ofili

I met her for the first time on 27th December 2017 at Idumuje Unor in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. It was at an event to confer on my friend, Michael Brian Odiakose, the title of Chief Nwadialor (wa ji aka n’abo apa) of Idumuje Unor, by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III.

Resplendent in her cultural regalia, personal elegance, and panache reminiscent of a royal salamander - akwa ocha, beads, otulaka, red cap, ugo and all – she looked royal, regal, majestic! Like an empress, she walked with a certain swagger that was at once leisurely and purposeful.

But she was more. She was cultural elegance personified. She was, in many ways, different from all the other royalty around. She exuded an aura that was indescribable – imperial, kingly – attributes that make you keep a respectful distance. Heads turned in her direction, eyes blinked in humbled reverence you could almost cut through with a knife.

Born at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Martha Dunkwu attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State and St. Murumba's College, Okpanam, Delta State. She worked for a couple of years in Ministry of Finance, Benin City, Edo State before proceeding to L.T.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies, London, England. She also attended South West London College, England, Henderson State University, Arkansas and University of Nevada, United State of America. Obi Martha Dunkwu was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26th January 2002 and Omu Anioma on 15th January 2010. On 7th October 1998, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin presented Obi Martha Dunkwu Royal Beads (Ivie-Urhu -Beaded Necklace).

She was a Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member, Institute of Administrative Management (MIAM), England, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM), Past and First Female President, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Past and First Female President, Delta State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DELCIMMA) comprising Warri, Sapele, Asaba and Ethiope Chambers of Commerce and National Officer, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Member, Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Member of Board, National Orientation Agency.

In 2001, the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England selected Obi Martha Dunkwu to be included in the "2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st century". Excerpts of the award read: "The Oxford English Dictionary defines intellectualism as the "Doctrine that Knowledge is wholly or mainly derived from pure reason" and it follows by saying that an intellectual is a person possessing a good understanding, enlightened person". Surely, therefore, this definition is the reason for your selection to be included in this prestigious publication which is due for release in late 2001".

Obi Martha Dunkwu was granted "21st Century Award for Achievement and included in the WHO IS WHO IN THE 21st Century also by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. On October 3rd, 2001 she became pioneer recipient of the Indomitable Spirit Award" Abuja. On 19th June 2005, Obi Martha Dunkwu was conferred Doctor of Science D.Sc degree (Honoris Causa) by Columbus International University, Virgin Island, United Kingdom.

An Inductee, Nigerian Women Hall of Fame, Abuja, holder of many Traditional chieftaincy titles in Delta and Edo states, Patron Media Correspondents Chapel of Edo NUJ, Obi Martha Dunkwu was the Public Relations Consultant to His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin. Her friends and colleagues in the media admiringly call her "Royal Image Maker".

Obi Dunkwu was the Chairman, Board of Governors, Martha Dunkwu Education Centre. Leadership through conviction and relationships based on fairness, loyalty and trust, makes Obi Martha Dunkwu a proven leader, media guru, efficient motivator, recognized performer, able administrator, enterprising business-person, royal image maker, committed Public Relations practitioner translating professionalism into excellence, crisis manager of the highest order and Information Manager par excellence.

A loving, devoted, caring, disciplined and God-fearing mother of a son. Obi Martha Dunkwu was an ardent believer in Nigeria's leadership of the black world.

Today, I received the sad news that Obi (Dr) Martha Dunkwu has transitted to the Great Beyond at age 69. May her soul rest in peace, Amen

An Iroko has fallen. A great woman with a great personality!. Igbo race will surely miss you

Okpanam, Aniocha North, Anioma, and the Igbo race mourn your departure to the great beyond. We pray for the fortitude for the family to bear the loss and also the repose of her Soul IJN

Jee nke oma!