By Barr Ifemeluofuma Atuanya

Iroko Ogidi, twenty and six years have lapsed since you wrote a befitting epitaph for my late father, Engr. Udemezue Atuanya (former Perm Sec/Controller of Works, defunct – East Central State) who attained immortality ahead of you.

Crafted with clinical precision this epitaph remains a tonic for my soul. An evergreen and never ending one; deeply resonating the profound legacy of my late Dad fondly called Okigbo.Okigbo was your friend, your soul-mate, your confidant, your kinsman and above all your in-law (Mrs. Agnes Adaosodi Achebe nee Atuanya was his first cousin). Yours with him therefore was an enviable affinity, far from a quicksand union. A friendship in which you proved to be a long distance runner.

Dike Ogidi (the grand one), now that your years have expired and you have gone the way of all mortals, it is obvious you cannot transit unsung and uncelebrated in the hearts of those that adored you. Hence, as thenudging and the prompting of affinity beckoned on me to pen this piece; I was to say the least star-struck, fully confronted by your larger than life image too huge for a mere narration. But I leverage on the fact that this is only a lullaby to bid you goodnight as you begin your eternal slumber in forever land.

Anya fulu ugo (the unique one), you were a rare breed of humanity; a man of priestly disposition and quiet dignity, an embodiment of deep thoughts and little talk. You were unapologetically your own person. Simple and unassuming, without airs nor chips on your shoulders. You were truly a breed apart, a locus classicus of uncommon carriage and decorum.

Like the Biblical city set on a hill, completely devoid of a hiding place, you were a world brand and the headline of history!

Your life was neither a cameo appearance nor a wink in the dark. You were never in the backburners or backwaters of life. You didn’t tiptoe through life. You were not a side attraction, mba nu! (No!) You played mainstream.

The highpoint of your life was your scholastic profundity. You were the grandmaster and presiding deity (Agaba Idu) of the literary world. You were not just a man of letters but of profound letters; the herald of African literary Renaissance.

Whether a broad stroke or a short take you never failed to pen a masterpiece, such that re-wrote the destiny of the entire black race beyond comprehension.

Your scholastic wizardry utterly demystified racial stereotypes and became the ultimate game changer in the condescending view points and warped consciousness of colonial writers like Joseph Conrad (Heart of Darkness), who felt the Ebony race is savage and less human. Suffice it to say that your literary fecundity syndicated the caveat that Africans must not be judged by color but by content, lending a vigilant voice to the legacy of Martin Luther King (Jnr).

Little wonder the superb articulation of your skill and sagacity caught the attention of the African living legend; Nelson Mandela that he referred to you as the writer in whose company the prison walls came down.

Agaba Idu, in life you were a colossus nay in death a colossal loss. Not just to the black race but to Ogidi in particular. More so since you sustained a flamboyant banner for her when it seemed her glory had departed (Ichabod).

For once upon a time in the history of this country Ogidi was a dynasty of icons. What with the rare breed of Ogidi Engineers that called the shots at the then Ministry of Works and Transport, defunct East Central State. I am talking about Udemezue Atuanya; Super Perm Sec. and controller of works, my uncle Maduegbuna Unobagha, Christopher Udokwu (odu) Augustine Achebe, Chike Ifekandu, Steven Okoye etc that shone like million stars in their hey days.

Oh! how I relish with extravagant passion, my Uncle Eric Atuanya (Ezefum); pioneer and and iconic legend of the then Mobile oil Nigeria, Walter Onubogu (renowned medic and former Minister for Health, defunct Eastern Region), BVO Amobi (then Igwe Ogidi and famed Medic), Justice Alfred Obi-Okoye (deified jurist), John and Oby Okaro (a double dose of medical lngenuity), Egwu Atuanya (Iconic Pioneer Medic of the National Assembly Clinic, Lagos), legendary Nweze Udokwu (profound progenitor of phenomenal Nike Grammar School, Enugu), Nwafor Agulefo (A list Medic), Ernest Okocha (Engineer per excellence), Dr Nwasike of Ikenga Ogidi (primus inter pares) Ikwuemesi (of Sosoliso fame), Dr Ojuche of Nkwelle Ogidi (exceptional Medic) and lots more too numerous to mention and too monumental to keep memories distant.
Oh! Ogidi lnwelle, what gallery and galaxy of super stars you suckled, what an enviable pedigree!

But alas Ogidi Idemili it is no longer uhuru for you. At some point in your golden history you began to nose dive. Like a missing chord in a grand Orchestra you began to pale into obscurity. You made a wide berth from the frontlines and headlines of Nigerian history. What a far cry of yester years! So apt for this scenario is the indelible and highly redeeming question of my dexterous and dynamic Governor Mr. Peter Obi: Is Anambra state cursed or are we the cause? And so do I ask: Is Ogidi now cursed or are we the cause? Have we
overdrawn our Account in the history bank of this country? Why are we no longer upstream and mainstream? Why?

But as I pondered with apostolic sobriety, my intuition is deafened by the sound of abundance of rain. Yes in my mind’s eye I see thick clouds aligning and realigning to drench Ogidi with the double honour of former and latter rains, such that Ogidi will yet again reap a bountiful harvest. Like the proverbial phoenix Ogidi shall rise from the ashes of her past glory to dizzy heights of prominence. Breaking forth like waters, she will yet again break ground and breakthrough to redeem her star-studded years in all spheres of endeavor. Already people like Ada Unobagha (Solicitor General, Anambra State), Lawrence Ikeakor (Hon. Commissioner for Health, Anambra State), Bob Manuel Udokwu (Senior Special Assistance on Creative Media Anambra State and Nollywood guru), Ada Ehigiamusoe (Justice of Benin High Court), Chiedu Osakwe (Former Ambassador and Director of Accessions World Trade Organization, Geneva Switzerland) are eloquent telling points in this regard. So to Nkwelle Ogidi, Ikenga Ogidi, Umuanugo, Umudoma, Ire etc I make bold to say; it is morning yet on creation day for you! Post Nubia phoebus!
Oh! What a digression. Chinualumogu are you still online? I only made a brief detour to make a case for the diming destiny of Ogidi Inwelle, our common patrimony. More so at your demise.

As my ink dries on this piece and I begin to bid you a final goodbye, I must not fail to mention that controversy barely parts company with Patron Avatars like you. And so it was, akin to the deified African masquerade that does not exit an outing without erupting violent clouds of dust, deafening ripples (not likely to evaporate in a hurry) ushered your final departure. What with the raw umbrage and rabid vituperations that confronted your final offering to humanity. Or better still; the last testament of your literary exploits titled: There was a Country. Not a talk in the margins, this Best Seller is so pungent and penetrating; belching and pulsating with controversy. But as the hullabaloo raged, you meandered through the landmines of verbal artillery and veered into eternal glory!

Then I wondered could this book be Pandora’s Box? Has it caused things to fall apart and anarchy unleashed upon the earth? Capital No! It is simply the parting shot of an ardent marksman. The signature tune and sign off phrase of a departing legend. Oh! How you stirred the hornet’s nest, ruffled feathers, rattled nerves and bowed out when the ovation was highest!

What a clinical finishing!

Whether demonized or canonized, lauded or loathed, it remains an undisputed fact of global history that you were truly a genius! You are gone, but you rocked the red carpet of history in no mean way; making full proof that death is not the greatest loss in life but what dies inside a man when he lives and/or what dies with a man when he dies. You were none of such you died empty totally discharging all your potentials. To wit a clear handover of baton to upstarts in the relay race of life. Good finish!

Chinualumogu, well done and fare thee well as you journey to the land of eternal consequence, where you will definitely walk tall among our ancestors.

Na gboo! (Fare thee well) Iroko Ogidi!
And to the living may we aptly be reminded that we are all transient toys in this fleeting game called life.

Now that your remains have been gracefully lumbered to dust, I cannot affirm any less that truly, there was a man!

Barr. IfemeluOfuma Atuanya is the daughter of late Engr. Udemezue Atuanya of Umuosodi, Nkwelle Ogidi, Anambra State. She is an Attorney, a published Author, a Sociologist and a public speaker, and can be reached via ashestobeautyng@ gmail.com and 08147492771

This piece was first published in 2013.

HERE ARE SOME REVIEWS FROM READERS:

Wonderful! I’m satisfied. R.I.P Chinua Achebe – Rico De Red

Nice one bro. He is truly a legend – Vic Popee

A long but very interesting piece. Barr Ofuma, thanks for a job well done. One can easily say that Ogidi people have a flair for writing. God bless you – Engr. Arinze Nnoka

Excellent and a thought through piece for an extraordinary as well as distinguished citizen. He will surely be missed – Emeka Belonwu

Ogidi Kwenu!! I am proud to be a daughter of the land. Thank you Ofuma… – Nanma Okafor

You said it all, thank you very much oke nwadi-ani – Chris Ogo

Just seeing this piece to a man more deserving. Great job Ofuma. Ogidi mulum ma fenyenam nni. Ogidi is rising again! – Nkiru Okongwu-Eziakor

By Eric Elezuo

The Diagnostic and Medical (Diamed) Centre located in Lagos, is partnering with the Hospital for Humanity, a US-based 501(c)3 organization, and a registered Nigerian NGO, dedicated to providing free open-heart surgeries to children with heart conditions, to conduct free open heart surgeries for 20 beneficiaries.

This gesture is targeted at members of the host community, who can not afford the bill.

According to media broadcast by the management of HFH, the “Hospitals for Humanity has performed almost two hundred open heart surgeries in the last ten years here in Nigeria.”

They noted that the reason the Hospital for Humanity is in Lagos is “because we are happy to partner with the new hospital called Diamed Center here in Lagos and this partnership is dynamic because it brings together an organization who has successfully completed her open heart surgeries and a new organization to perform the surgery on site.”

The hospital added that “We select the patient based on the severity of their congenital heart disease, so they have been seen by their own Pediatric Cardiologist and voluntaries come from all over the world, we have an executive team who have come from Asia, we have nurses and doctors who come from the US.”

Lending credence to the functionality of the Hospital for Humanity programme, one of the heart doctors, Njem Josia informed that “So far we have taken three patients, and we are hoping to take several victims.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Hospitals for Humanity, Dr. Myna Shegog, commended Diamed for the partnership, and for being a dynamic health organisation while soliciting donors to continue to contribute to the project so that much more victims of heart related ailments could be reached out to.

She said, “So because we are a non profit organization, 501C3 as it’s called in the United States. All of our capital comes from donors, donors like yourself, so ask for donations because that’s what sustains our program. People’s generosity will even do one heart surgery so because of the generosity of people like you, we are able to do this heart surgeries, we are able to pay for rooms and boards for families when they come to Nigeria so that is what your donation go towards, we are providing free heart surgeries to those in need.

“So Diamed Center is a dynamic organization we have been able to partner with as this is not just a one time thing as this collaboration will last for a long time.”

Diamed Centre, located in Lekki, Lagos, began operations earlier in 2024, has continued to be in the forefront of providing first class health care.

By Temidayo Adewole

November 11, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the life of Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, as he celebrated his 70th birthday. The day was filled with gratitude, praise, and festivity, reflecting the pastor’s life of service, leadership, and dedication to God’s kingdom.

The celebration began with a heartfelt thanksgiving service at The Citadel Global Community Church. The sanctuary was packed with members of the congregation, dignitaries, family, and friends, all gathered to honor Pastor Bakare’s life and legacy.

As the service commenced, Lady Evangelist Yinka Alaseyori led the congregation in soul-stirring worship, setting the tone for a spirit-filled celebration.

Afterwards, the Bible reading was taken by Fisayo Bakare, one of the daughters of the Pastor Bakare.

The likes of  Former Governor of Awka Ibom Victor Ata, Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Professor Ibe kachuwku and many others paid glowing tributes to the birthday boy.

A short documentary of the life of Pastor Tunde Bakare was broadcast for the guests just as relatives, close friends and more special guests Pastor including Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Bishop Wale Oke, and Pastor Paul Adefarasin. They separately highlighted Pastor Bakare’s contributions to nation-building, leadership, and community development, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to serving God and humanity.

There was also prayers for the Celebrant by Pastor Oladele, Bishop Wale Oke and Rev. Dr Babajide.

There was afterwards the unveiling and launching of the Celebrant book titled “The Last But Definitely Not the Least” led by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governor of Ogun State,  Prince Dapo Abiodun, assisted by other dignitaries.

The vote of thanks was given by the Celebrant, Pastor Bakare, who reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout his life, sharing personal testimonies and experiences that highlighted his journey.

In his words (My father has 22 children and I am the 22nd and I’m the only one alive with 22 grandchildren).

He also said (I was trained by 3 Generals In the ministry, Pastor Kumuyi Taught me Holiness, Pastor Adeboye taught me about Faith) He emphasized the importance of gratitude, humility, and service, encouraging the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith.

After the thanksgiving service, guests proceeded to the church’s event center for a grand reception. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and warmth as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Pastor Bakare’s life.

The reception featured a cake cutting ceremony, gift presentations, musical performances by renowned highlife artist King Sunny Ade. and photo exhibitions showcasing Pastor Bakare’s life and ministry. Dignitaries, including politicians, business leaders, and clergy, took turns to felicitate with Pastor Bakare, praising his selfless service and leadership.

Pastor Bakare’s family members, including his children and grandchildren, presented a heartfelt tribute, expressing their gratitude for his love, guidance, and example.

In his response, Pastor Bakare thanked God, his family, and the church for their unwavering support. He reiterated his commitment to serving God’s kingdom, emphasizing that his life’s work was far from over.

As the reception drew to a close, Pastor Bakare was surrounded by loved ones, basking in the joy and appreciation of a life well-lived.

The 70th birthday celebration of Pastor Tunde Bakare will be remembered as a testament to his enduring legacy, a life marked by faith, service, and dedication to God’s kingdom.