Early Life and Family Background

Mrs. Helen Ighowho Iwo was born in the remote village of Okorogba in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. She was born to the late Pa Isibor John Overo of Okorogba and the late Mrs. Catherine Idoro Overo (née Iku) of Okpara Island.
She was the first of twelve children in her father’s polygamous family, a role that naturally positioned her as a pillar of support and responsibility within the household from an early age.

Education

Helen began her early education in the early 1960s at St. Martin’s Catholic School, Okpara Waterside. In search of better opportunities, her father later relocated the family to Sapele, where she continued her education at St. Francis Primary School. She successfully completed her primary education and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 1965.
Driven by a passion for academic excellence, she gained admission in 1966 to St. Ita’s Girls Grammar School, where she earned her West African School Certificate in 1970.
At a time when higher education opportunities in Nigeria were limited, she moved to Lagos to live with a relative in pursuit of better prospects. While there, she secured employment with Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET), an experience that broadened her exposure and inspired her to further her education abroad.
She later gained admission to study in the United Kingdom, where she pursued and successfully completed her academic programme between 1975 and 1979.

Career and Professional Life

Mrs. Helen Iwo began her professional journey with Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET) in Lagos. Following her return to Nigeria after her studies abroad and completion of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she continued her career with the organization, which later became NITEL.
She dedicated many years of service to her profession before voluntarily retiring in 2002. In 2003, she relocated to the United Kingdom to join her family.
While in the UK, she worked with various establishments as a social worker, a role that reflected her compassion and commitment to helping others. She remained active in this field until her retirement in 2023.

Marriage and Family Life

During her National Youth Service Corps, Helen met her husband, Mr. Frank Festus Iwo, a young man from Elume. Their union was solemnized in August 1980.
The marriage was blessed with two children: Erhomo May Toba (née Iwo) and Mr. Aghogho Frank Iwo.
The couple spent some time living together in the United Kingdom before Helen returned to Nigeria to complete her national service. She later rejoined her family abroad after retirement, maintaining strong family bonds throughout her life.

Faith and Religious Life

Mrs. Helen Ighowho Iwo was born into a devout Roman Catholic family and remained steadfast in the faith throughout her life. Her entire educational journey—from primary to secondary school—was rooted in Catholic institutions.
She was a dedicated member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Okpara Waterside, Nigeria, where she remained connected to the clergy and congregation.
In the United Kingdom, she was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Roehampton, London. She participated fully in church life and was a committed member of the Women’s League, contributing to various spiritual and social activities.
Helen firmly believed in the power of prayer and was rarely without her rosary. Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was evident throughout her life, and even in death, she held firmly to this symbol of her faith.

Social Life and Associations

Mrs. Helen Iwo was known for her quiet, calm, and humble nature. She lived a modest life, finding contentment in simple achievements rather than seeking attention or extravagance.
She was an active member of:

• St. Ita’s Girls’ Grammar School Old Students Association (SIOGA), Amata
• Okpara Patriotic Union UK

She was deeply committed to these organizations and contributed meaningfully to their activities and development.

Personality and Legacy

Helen Ighowho Iwo was widely regarded as a determined, hardworking, and visionary woman. Her life was marked by courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to family and service.
She was compassionate and selfless, often placing the needs of others before her own. Her life of service and care for the less privileged drew comparisons to Mother Teresa.
Within her family, she was a unifying force—a “binding wire” whose presence held many together. Her passing leaves a significant void in both the Isibor and Iku families.

Final Wishes and Passing

Mrs. Helen Ighowho Iwo expressed a heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in her hometown of Okorogba in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Her children and family have honored this wish.

Mrs. Helen Ighowho Iwo will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends. Her life stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, humility, and service to humanity.
May her soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.