“She is open, kind and always there when you need a listening ear or solid but compassionate advice. She taught me about unconditional love and kindness.”
By Anayochukwu Agbo
Diamonds are said to be forever but when it comes to life, it only marks an epoch. The memory may last forever though.
Family, friends and well-wishers gathered in their numbers to celebrate Princess Florence Nwosu as she turned 60 in Abuja on Tuesday, February 27, 2023.
Florence, as her dotting husband, Marcel, Udemba Ezinifite, calls her, leaves everyone she meets with a memory. Brilliant, strong, ever-cheerful, compassionate, and a hundred-and-one other things, she’s indeed timeless like the diamond.
And everyone in Abuja wanted a cut of the diamond cake.
“To know my Mum is to love her,” enthuses Lotana, her first daughter with the brain of a phoneix.
“She is open, kind and always there when you need a listening ear or solid but compassionate advice. She taught me about unconditional love and kindness.”
Though she bagged a first-class at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Yola, Lotana who’s in Germany for further studies, didn’t get all she knows from teachers and softwares. “My self- confidence, my humility, and my compassionate side came from watching her live her life from day to day and the interactions she had with the people around her.”
Florence, indeed is a confident lady; confidence that comes from ingrained, intuitive competence. She could face any crowd, high and low and put them on the tips of their seats.
“She deserves the celebration she received,” sings Lotana; “it made me glad to see the people around her celebrating the 60 wonderful years she has lived on this earth. All I want for her in the next coming years is that she feels a sense of fulfilment and she lives long enough to enjoy the fruits of her labour. ”
How has life treated her these 60 even years? ”Generally I feel life has been kind to me. Though òne cannot really escape the vicissitudes of life, I still consider myself lucky considering the many miracles l’ve experienced, especially a loving husband, wonderful children, caring parents and amazing siblings. I always wanted a peaceful family and I got it.”
Is there anything she would have done differently if she has her life to live again? “The only thing I would have done differently is vigorously pursuing a career.”
Nearly everyone who knows her would agree that Princess Nwosu would have achieved any diadem she sets her eyes on in the academic world and be a top technocrat . But that is now Alfred Tennyson “Road not taken.” We can only philosophise about it.
Florence Anayo Nwosu (nee Udeh) was born on 27th February, 1964, to the family of Mr Chikezie Henry and Nneoma Uchenye Rebecca Udeh of Amagu, Eziama, Umunnekwu Autonomous Community, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State.
Florence is the last of six and four surviving children. She attended Umunnekwu Community School, Queens School Enugu and graduated from Nigeria’s premier indigenous University, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Florence is a devout Catholic Christian and served as Vice Chairperson of Catholic Women Organization.
She is a member of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, a humble student of Rosicrucian Philosophy. She served the Order in various capacities including serving as Venerable Master of Centrum Heptad, Abuja. She also served as National President of Sisters of the Rosy Cross from 2019 to 2022.
Florence is married to Udemba Ezinifite Nnewi, Chief Marcel Nwosu. The marriage is blessed with four children, two females and two males all now graduates in various disciplines.
HRH Engr Okey A. Udeh, Nkalu Ukwu Umunnekwu, her elder brother, sums up his admirable sister, “She’s very brilliant, sociable and unassuming. Her culinary expertise and ability to host people has endeared her to many. I wish her many more blissful years….!”
Her hearthrob, Marcel, says he received a blessing from God
“I am married to an amazing woman, a great soul personality, a mystic par excellence, who considers everything she does with a thought of how can it be of help to others? She is a wife I will wish to marry in my next incarnation.”
This shows how efficiently the Princess has played the marriage chess; Marcel is fully taken!
So how did their love happen?
“I met Florence in Rosicrucian National Convention Lagos, 1988. Seeing her as the chantress of the closing convocation I told my friend and her cousin, Greeg Okehi, whom both of us attended the convention from Abuja, that I’d found my wife.
“That decision I took in that convention, a day never passed that I did not say, thank you Lord.
“She has been my life partner, my life support, and the greatest medication on my trying times.
“She has a mind of her own which is a great thing that makes her who she is, a great woman.
“I am retired now, I wish we have the grace of God on our side so we can travel to see the world. Happy birthday my dear wife!”
The Book of Proverbs may have had Marcel in mind when it was written in 18:22; “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favour from the LORD.”
King Lumel may have had Florence in mind when he philosophised in Proverbs 32:26-29, “She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excels them all.”
That’s the testimony of Udemba and their four smart children.
Kayfe Rosaire Nwosu, her second daughter also lives in Germany but time and space couldn’t stop them from being in Nigeria to see Mum cut her diamond cake:
“Happy birthday to my dear mother who showed me how to love, taught me to be kind and who cared for her family consistently. May the God of my heart give you strength and fill you with His enduring peace. I love you Mum.”
Okechukwu Marcel Nwosu Junior, is in competition with his father over the love of his Florence but he defers to Dad. “My Mum is an amazing woman who loves me unconditionally even with all my short comings. I pray that God grants you long life so I can show just how much you mean to me. Thank you for taking care of Dad. God bless you….”
And Dubem Einstein Nwosu, a gentle giant, says she’s a wonder. “My Mother, My wonder woman turns 60 today. All through trials and tribulations she has shown resilience, strength and love towards her family. She is deserving of all accolades and remains a beacon of light in this family. I wouldn’t have asked for a better mother and I’m truly grateful for your presence in our lives. Happy birthday Mommy and I wish you many more years and happiness for all remaining years of your life❤❤🎂”
Jemima Aliegba, spoke the minds of other LBAs who look unto Florence for love and nurture and guidance.
“Happy birthday, Second Mom! Your comforting presence turned unfamiliar places into a haven when my family was far away. Thank you for being my home away from home, and may this new year bring you the joy and security you’ve gifted me throughout our journey together.”
Amazing feelings!
Just ten years hence, Florence would be celebrating her platinum mark, by the grace of God. If the diamond cut is anything to go by, the platinum gotta be crazy, as young people say!
