God Our Father, You bring us to birth by your Almighty Power, and guide us by your unfathomable providence. At your behest, we return to dust.
I understand that for those who die believing in you, their lives do not come to an end, but are changed. I pray for late Mrs. Njideka Odom and all those who have died in the hope of rising again.
May they, in company with Christ, our Mother Mary and the hosts of heaven, enter into the delight of Paradise. May the light of Your sacred countenance always shine upon them.
May the soul of late Mrs. Njideka Odom and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mrs. Njideka Ursula Odom hails from Amorji Umuoma Ogbe in Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A. of Imo State. Born to the Maduekwe’s family of Eluama Osina in Ideato North L.G.A. of Imo State, she was married to Dr Conleth Chinazom Odom with three children.
Mrs. Njideka Ursula Odom was an accomplished educator with a strong background in mathematics and computer science. She held an M.Sc. in Computer Science, a B.Sc. in Mathematics, an N.C.E. in Mathematics/Integrated Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science as well as a P.G.D.E in Mathematics.
She was a member of several professional bodies, including the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (M.A.N.), the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (T.R.C.N.), the Computer Professionals of Nigeria (C.P.N.) and the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (C.P.I.N.) as an Associate Member.
Until her demise, Mrs. Njideka Odom worked at the Early Childhood and Primary Education department of the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt – teaching in their Demonstration Primary School. She was passionate about the development of digital resources that enhance numeracy skills and mental calculations, reflecting her dedication to innovative teaching and learning methods. She ran a Telegram Channel Free Maths for Kids, where she created mathematics quizzes for pupils to practice mental calculations for free.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Mrs. Njideka Odom enjoyed cooking, dancing and playing with children, which complemented her vibrant and creative personality.
"Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value. Her husband entrusting his heart to her has an unfailing prize." (Proverbs 31:10–11).
With solidarity, we honour today, and remember the gracious life of a most beautiful soul, late Mrs. Njideka Ursula Odom (Njy, as she was fondly called) – a woman whose life reflected faith, courage, grace, wisdom and love. A pillar of Christian virtues, a model of sanctity and an icon of God’s beauty!
Njy’s journey began in 1972, when she was born into the family of late Mr. Boniface Maduekwe and late Mrs. Geraldine Maduekwe of Eluama Osina, in Ideato North L.G.A. of Imo state. She was the 5th child of her parents and was born in Isunjaba where her father was posted as a teacher at the time. Brought up in a Christian and well-disciplined home, Njy learned obedience, respect and contentment and grew with them. She was taught to be honest and hardworking early in life and she imbibed them.
Njy attended Alaogidi Primary School, Osina, between 1978 and 1984. She continued and entered Secondary Commercial School, Osina, studying between 1984 and 1990. To further her studies, Njy went to Okene, Kogi state, where she enrolled for an N.C.E. program in the Federal College of Education, Okene. She proceeded afterwards to University of Uyo through “Direct Entry” where she bagged a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in Mathematics. In the wake of computer adoption, availability and use in the evolving Nigerian economy, she enrolled for a post graduate diploma (P.G.D.) in computer science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where she obtained a PGD in computer science. To further hone her skills in computer science, Njy enrolled for a Master’s degree program in University of Port Harcourt and obtained a Master of Science degree (M.Sc.) in computer science. In 2023, in order to bring her Education qualification to graduate level (having earlier obtained and N.C.E.), she enrolled for a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (P.G.D.E.) at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt – a program she completed in January 2025, just six months before her demise.
Njy was married to Dr. Conleth Chinazom Odom of Amorji Umuoma Ogbe Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A. of Imo State and their marriage was blessed with three children. Even though she lived apart from her husband in the early years of their marriage due to her husband’s work, she stayed alone courageously all through her first and second pregnancies and had her husband visit only on some weekends. She masterfully held her family together in love and affection. As a wife, she emptied herself for her husband. As a mother, she cared for and nurtured her children sacrificially. As a daughter and sister in-law, she stole the hearts of her parents in-law and brothers and sisters in-law. As “nwunye di” (co-wife), she was loved and cherished by her mates.
Njy was an accomplished Teacher and Educator. Her teaching career spanned three schools. She worked very briefly in a private secondary school in Enugu owned by former governor Chimaraoke Nnamani as well as in Trinitate Int’l Secondary School, Igwuruta, Rivers state owned by former governor Celestine Omehia. She finally settled for a teaching career when she got appointed in University Demonstration Primary School (U.D.P.S.), university of Port Harcourt, where she worked for 18 years until her demise and made her mark. She taught across junior and senior primary sections but spent more time in the senior primary section.
While at U.D.P.S., she had the opportunity to lead pupils on excursions to various places including Airforce Base, Aba Road, Port Harcourt. She also prepared and led their pupils to external mathematics competitions on various occasions. She was a strong coordinator and leader of the Igbo cultural group and the school’s dance group. For the first time, Njy served as a co-editor of their school’s Yearbook in 2021, the 10th Edition. Afterwards, in 2022, she was appointed the Editor of the 11th Edition of the school’s Yearbook. In her edition of the yearbook, she added a unique and rare flavour by bringing forward the history of University Demonstration Primary School, Uniport – a documentary loaded with notable and useful facts about the establishment and early years of the school. Until her demise in June 2025, she was the Chairperson of the organizing committee of the 2025 End of Academic Session/Graduation Ceremony of the school, with all other subcommittees reporting to her.
Njy was born into a committed Catholic family. As a juvenile, she was a pioneer member of the junior Presidium of Legion of Mary, St. Mary’s Parish Osina. She was also a member of Mary League Girls, St. Mary’s Parish Osina. While in Secondary Commercial School Osina, she belonged to the Young Catholic Students (YCS) Movement. She was also very active as a Legionary while in the university, belonging to the same Presidium with her husband in St. Peter’s chaplaincy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. She was also a very strong member of Nigeria Fellowship of Catholic Students (N.F.C.S), UniUyo chapter, in her university days. As a married woman, Njy remained a devoted Catholic and a very strong and committed member of the Catholic Women Organization (C.W.O.). As a Catholic woman, she fulfilled all her obligations. And as a Christian, Njy lived an exemplary life.
Njy was an epitome of goodness. Her hands were always open in generosity. Her smiles were always handy and charming. Her heart always warm and welcoming. She was a very strong and vibrant woman: God-fearing, peaceful, caring, very contented, affectionate, intelligent, smart, hardworking, very loving, courageous, bold, honest, forgiving, not easily provoked, does not hold grudges, talented, experienced, compassionate, very understanding, calm, highly motivated, versatile, possesses sharp memory, skillful, modest, polite, pleasant, not arrogant, interesting, powerful, decent, easy going, quiet, very principled and minds her business.
Njy will be remembered for her readiness to make and maintain peace at all times. Her humility, contentedness, straightforwardness, cordiality and respectfulness will continue to inspire all who came across her.
Exactly as the bible put it in Matthew 24:40-41, concerning the coming of the Son of man for an individual, in the early hours of June 14th, 2025, Njy was taken by her creator without a prior brief or protracted illness, few hours after celebrating her husband’s birthday (now I know, symbolically, celebrating her own birth in heaven) and after getting ready for her colleague’s daughter’s wedding on the same day – which she never attended (now I know also, symbolically, she prepared for the biblical wedding banquet with her heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ).
The earthly bride has gone to meet her heavenly Bridegroom. Njy has joined the great cloud of witnesses, clothed in white, where every tear is wiped away and every prayer fulfilled.
May her gentle, most sweet and dearly beloved soul rest in peace – perfect peace. Amen.
– Dr. Conleth Odom (for the family)
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