Inyama, Rosemary (b. 1903)

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Inyama, Rosemary (b. 1903)

Nigerian educator, politician, business tycoon, and community developer. Name variations: Mrs. Inyama. Born Rosemary Ike, Nov 11, 1903, in Arochukwu, Igboland, Nigeria; incapacitated since 1996 due to age and sickness; dau. of Mazi Okoronkwo Ike (soldier, WWI) and Madam Otonahu Ike (who played an instrumental role in relocation and "cleansing" of famous Ibiniukpabi oracle after the 1901–02 attack on it); m. P.K. Inyama (grade 11 teacher), 1934; children: Hycientha Inyama Nwauba (consul-general of Nigeria in NY); Nnenna Inyama; Jennifer Inyama; Okoro Inyama.

Champion of the cause of women in Igboland, taught in primary schools (1923–35); established a Domestic Science Business Training Center at Ikot Ekpene; dealings in the gold business took her on several business trips to Ghana (1940s–50s); went into trading partnership with 19 women and men across the country, buying and selling foodstuffs; active in Nigeria's politics (1940s–50s); played a key role in community development at Arochukwu; started motherless babies home; honored several times by women's organizations such as the National Council of Women Societies, Nigeria, Imo state branch.

See also Women in World History.