Tribute to a Devoted Companion

By Chinwe Muanya

The remains of Chief (Ogbuefi) Johnson Chukwuemeka Uzodinma Nwangwu (Nne-Uzu Lagos, Ifemelunma), aged 83, devoted and loving husband and father, will be laid to rest on Thursday August 16, 2018, at his compound at No. 6 Onwa Lane, Umueri Village Awka (By St. Faith’s Cathedral Church, behind Obioma Maternity Home) after lying-in-state and funeral service at St. Faith Cathedral Church Awka South.

The burial ceremony will continue on Friday August 17 and Saturday 18, while there will be outing service on Sunday August 19, 2018 at the same church. He was survived by a wife- Mrs. Ifeyinwa Gladys Nwangwu (nee Chukwukeluo)- with seven children including Mrs. Chinwe Diamond Chinelo Muanya (Chukwuma Muanya’s wife).

Late Nwangwu was born into a Christian home on the August 8, 1934 by his parents: late Chief David Nnagbo Uzodinma-Nwangwu and late Mrs. Deborah Udobu Nwangwu (nee Muodozie -Ifite Awka).

He was the first child of his mother (the second wife- “Mama Ochie”) and the second-born child of their father. Papa Uzodinma (“Papa Ochie”) was blessed with two wives and 12 children (eight sons and four daughters), with over 50 grandchildren and great grandchildren too.

Chukwuemeke, he was popularly called along with his siblings grew up in Kolo (Ogbia), present day Bayelsa State where his parents lived. He was particularly fond of his immediate elder stepbrother Oliver, with whom he shared an affectionate sobriquet and they both called one another “Hope!”

Nwangwu graduated from Government School Awka ahead of his peers and gained admission to the foremost high school, Government College Umuahia but could not proceed because of lack of fund.

He was an apprentice mechanic at Ogui, Enugu in the 60’s, under the tutelage of the Late Ogbuefi Nwana Nwimo from Umudioka Village, Awka). Before the civil war, he worked with the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Port Harcourt.
At the start of the Civil War, he joined the Biafra Militia even before the fall of Port Harcourt and ended as Driver to General Nwawo until the end of the Civil War; while his parents, wife, son and siblings took refuge at Uga, Anambra state.

After the war, he travelled down to Lagos with his young family and started his career as a Mechanic specializing in repairing cranes with Stronghold Engineering Company, Ikeja. From there, he moved on to Dunlop Nigeria Limited.
He retired from Dunlop in the early 80’s as a supervisor and established his own business: JCU & Sons Enterprise- as a General Contractor. He worked as a Contractor with Knight Frank & Rutley, Campbell Street, Lagos, before he ventured into politics.

Johnson married his wife- Mrs. Ifeyinwa Gladys Nwangwu (nee Chukwukeluo) in 1966 and their union was blessed with seven children (three sons and four daughters), with over 20 grandchildren within and outside the country.

He was enthusiastic about history and had vast knowledge of global events and dates. He possessed a good sense of humour and in-depth cultural background. He was an excellent dancer, singer and comedian too.

He was humane, a selfless volunteer and sacrificial giver. He was highly accommodating and his home “was for all”. He lived and labored for others (especially his siblings, relatives, friends, neighbours and family) to succeed and achieve their own dreams.

Adieu Nne Uzu… Adieu Ifemelu-fine… Adieu J-M-J… Adieu Baba Yellow… Adieu Papa Osondu…

*Chinwe Diamond Chinelo Muanya (Nee Nwangwu) is late Nwangwu’s wife