Exit of Mother-of-All

Fri, Jan 25, 2013

By publisher

3 MIN READ

Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life grace the funeral of Ifeyinwa Comfort Chigbo, a fashion designer, in Umuoji, Anambra State

|  Anayo Ezugwu  |  Feb. 4, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

SHE was a creative icon whose works cut across many aspects of human life. Ifeyinwa Comfort Chigbo, 76, former staff of the defunct Chase Manhattan Merchant Bank and the proprietor of COONITA gift shoppe, died on December 3, 2012 ,and was buried on January 12, in Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State. She was survived by her three children, Emeka, Ifeyinwa and Chukwuma, and many other relations.

Chigbo also worked with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, NBC as a part-time broadcaster on the popular Shakey Shakey and Alao television reality shows. Her desire for fashion and design led her to Enugu where she established COONITA gift shoppe and Yasmine Couture, an outfit that brought fame.

Besides, her passion for fashion and design took her to places like Greece, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia where she traded on jewelleries, handbags, shoes and household accessories. Her fashion outfit, Yasmine Couture, was recognised far and wide. She was known for her creative designs, her attention to details, the quality of her products, perfection, and her sense of elegance. In fact, she won a creativity award for her designs and creations.

Chigbo, fondly called Mama Uwa, (Mother -of-all) by her admirers, attended Holy Rosary Convent School, Enugu and Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos. After her secondary school education, Ifeyinwa proceeded to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where she studied nursing. She also earned a certificate in secretarial studies from Pitmans College in Holborn, London.

Prominent Nigerians that attended the burial includes Virginia Etiaba, former governor of Anambra State, Aliko Dangote, president, Dangote Group, Fola Adeola, former managing director of Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, Margaret Obi, wife of Anambra State governor and Pius Muoghalu, former director of finance and supply, National Youths Service Corps, NYSC.