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Adieu, Godwin Chukwuma Idoko (1954 – 2016)

By Valentine Ifeanyi Idoko
16 April 2016   |   12:42 am
Born on Thursday, February 18, 1954, into the family of Nkpozi Felix John Odo Idoko Aaji Eze of Umueze clan, Onicha Enugu-Ezike, and Mrs. Rebecca Nwaelugwu Idoko (nee Abugu Owaa) of Umuagada Okwor clan, Umu-Agama...
Idoko

Idoko

Born on Thursday, February 18, 1954, into the family of Nkpozi Felix John Odo Idoko Aaji Eze of Umueze clan, Onicha Enugu-Ezike, and Mrs. Rebecca Nwaelugwu Idoko (nee Abugu Owaa) of Umuagada Okwor clan, Umu-Agama Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State, the late Dr. Godwin Chukwuma Patrick Idoko was the first son of the family. As expected, his birth was a source of joy to the family and he lived to add to the joy of the family and others until death took him away recently.

The late Idoko’s parents were devout Catholics. His father was an ardent lover of western education, having studied up to Standard Four under the early Christian missionaries at Enugu-Ezike. He promptly enrolled Godwin into St. Patrick’s Primary School, Olido. However, the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War disrupted the late Idoko’s early education.

He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1970. He enrolled into Igbo-Eze Secondary School in January 1971 and finished in June 1975. He was a good footballer and athlete while in the school. His exemplary character earned him the appointment as Senior Prefect in his final year.

After his secondary education, Idoko proceeded to Dennis Memorial Grammar School (D.M.G.S.), Onitsha, where he obtained a Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1977. Thereafter, he gained admission into the University of Lagos, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. In 1996, he enrolled into a Masters Degree Programme in Public Administration at the same university. He bagged the Degree in 1998.

The late Idoko continued to demonstrate his unflinching flair for research when in 2007 he registered for a Ph.D programme at Nassarawa State University, Lafia. But fearing that he might be delayed, he withdrew his research and applied to Life Leadership University, Mission Hills, California in 2009. By sheer dint of hard work and the guidance of his supervisor, Prof. Lubusa N’ti Nseendi, to whom he remained grateful, he completed his research and submitted his thesis to the university in record time. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) Degree in Human Resource Management (with High Honours) during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony held on November 9, 2013, at the Abuja Study Centre.

Godidoko kpe (as he preferred to be addressed) had his work history as follows: Clerical Officer (Exchange Control Department) at Central Bank of Nigeria, Lagos (1977); NYSC at Government College, Umuagbai, Rivers State (Teaching) (1980 – 1981); and Federal Government Girls’ College, Shagamu, Ogun State, Educational Officer (Teaching) (1981 – 1982). He also worked in various capacities at the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) from August 18, 1982 to May 30, 2015, during which time he rose to the position of Deputy General Manager (Human Resources and Cooperate Services) (2009 – 2015).

He was a member of Nigerian Economic Society (since 1984); an associate member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (since 1991); and a member of Nigerian Institute of Management (since 2011).

Towards the end of his career at NITEL, he established a consulting firm – Ceteris Consulting limited – which specialised in the training of managers of industry. Through it, he made reasonable impacts in capacity-building and human resource development, a job he so much cherished.

Godidoko kpe was until his death the President General of Onicha Enugu-Ezike Aborigines Union (a.k.a. Abroad Union) now incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission, all to his credit. He was better known as a bridge builder between society’s two social extremes (a.k.a. Agenda 1) aimed at dismantling the vestiges of social discrimination in 21st century Onicha Asadu, Ngwode or Elugwu, so that we can move forward and progress. He abhorred all forms of social injustices and fought hard to eliminate them.

Godidoko kpe, we love and cherish you. We find it extremely difficult to come to terms with the reality that you no longer share this mortal life with us. But the events surrounding your last days on earth easily console us. A discerning mind would judge that you had a smooth sail to the bosom of your Lord and God.

While on earth did, God chose to call you on a divine mercy Sunday, allowed you to come back to life and share experiences with us – your dear ones surrounding your sick bed – and finally took you home on the solemnity of Annunciation of the Lord just a few minutes before the great hour of mercy? What a glorious exit! This for us is a sheer reward for your strong and rare faith in Him throughout the time you were sick. You depended solely on God, who is our healing and wholeness, to restore your health even amidst some other suggested alternatives. You were calm amidst pains and tribulations. You were indeed a believer and lover of the Cross. No wonder your journey home was in the Holy Season of Easter at the great hour of mercy.

To the God of mercy and compassion who prepared you for a successful journey home through this sickness, and gave you opportunities to receive the Sacraments of the Church to strengthen you for the journey, be all the glory even as we mourn that we can no longer see you in this mortal flesh.
Adieu, our great friend and dear father! Ladoore o!

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