By Chuka Nnabuife
In a world where detractors and people of little faith trumpet negative tales about Nigeria as claims that there is no hope reign, a little girl of 14 has shown the great possibilities in the country even in the realm of the saints. The teenager presents a message of hope for Nigeria’s youngsters.
The late little girl, Vivian Uchechi Ogu, is on her journey for canonisation in the Catholic Church following her killing by armed robbers who took her life in her family’s residence in Benin City, Edo State as well as the feats attributed to her devotion among Catholics across Nigeria since her death in 2009.
According to a report from the Veritas Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Benin, the little girl lived an illustrious life and died in the faith as a martyr.
“Vivian Uchechi Ogu”, states a social media post by the Veritas Communication, “was a young Nigerian Catholic girl whose life of holiness, purity, prayer, and courage has inspired thousands of people across Nigeria and beyond. Though she died at the tender age of fourteen, her witness of faith continues to touch hearts, especially among young Catholics.
“Today, the Catholic Church has officially opened her Cause for Canonization, beginning her journey toward sainthood.”
By the Church’s opening of her Cause for Canonisation, she is on her journey to becoming a saint. Already there are Catholic churches and stations in Benin, Sapele, Delta State as well as in her native Imo State named after her. Stories of prayers, petitions and pledges made in devotion to her are also in the public domain. There is equally a body named the Vivian Ogu Movement in the church.
The story of the late Miss Ogu is a remarkable Nigerian narrative. Born in 1995 to parents who are natives of Imo State but residents In Benin City, she was killed by rapist armed robbers in 2009. Through her nightmarish experience which exhibits the vicissitude of the Nigerian street, she acquired her sainthood from the way she responded to the ugly challenges.
A Facebook contribution from Izuchukwu gave the girl’s background thusly: “…Her story is incredibly powerful, heavy, and deeply revered within the Nigerian Catholic community.
“Here is the breakdown of who she is and why her journey to sainthood has officially begun:
“Who Was She?
Vivian was a 14-year-old Nigerian Catholic lay girl living in Benin City, Edo State. Born in 1995, she was known in her local parish (St. Paul’s Catholic Church) as a deeply devout, brilliant, and active teenager. She served as the president of the Holy Childhood Association and even organized her parish’s first official children’s choir. From a very young age, she was known for teaching other kids about faith, prayer, and the value of purity.
“Her Martyrdom
On November 15, 2009, armed robbers invaded her family home. They robbed the family and subsequently dragged Vivian and her sister into a nearby bush with the intent to rape them.
Vivian fiercely resisted, choosing to protect her chastity at all costs. She kept encouraging her sister to resist as well, which distracted the attackers long enough for her sister to escape. Because Vivian utterly refused to give in, the attackers shot and killed her.
“Path to Sainthood (Canonization)
Because she chose death over violating her convictions and moral purity, she is viewed by the Catholic Church as a martyr for chastity (similar to Saint Maria Goretti in Italy or Blessed Anuarite in the DRC).
“Servant of God: In October 2023, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City officially read the edict to open her Cause for Canonization, giving her the title “Servant of God.”
“Diocesan Inquiry: The formal diocesan inquiry into her life, virtues, and martyrdom officially kicked off in May 2024.
“Today, she is widely celebrated across Nigeria as a beacon of immense courage, and her legacy has even inspired the Edo State government to name a Sexual Assault Referral Centre after her.”
The late Vivian Uchechi Ogu hails from Enyiogugu in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government of Imo State. Before her death she was remarkably brilliant and notable in he r leadership of children’s bodies and minors’ choir in the church. She was also reported to assist in teaching other children.
Miss Ogu’s story and possible elevation shows the immense potential of the Nigerian child and how he or she can acquire greatness by staying the good course notwithstanding the difficulties and distractions society presents. She shows that commitment to high value potentially reaps high prizes.
- Nnabuife, FNGE, FSNA, author and journalist writes from Awka, Anambra State via chukafornaija@gmail.com. 08026472357
