Christian Chukwunonyerem Chukwuocha (1939-2015): A Farewell

IF great men are known by the legacies they leave behind, then, they do not come any greater than Sir Christian Chukwunonyerem Chukwuocha, Ugo Itu; Traditional Prime Minister and Ugwumba 11; Knight of St. Christopher and Guard Commander, Public Servant par excellence, lover of his people and builder of   a great family, who passed on recently.

  Born to Late Peter Nwichi Chukwuocha and Sarah Adanta Chukwuocha on November 16, 1939 the fourth of seven children,

‘Dee Chry’-as he was fondly called by all who were younger than he, but Chry, Christian or Chukwuocha by his contemporaries and colleagues- was, a rare gem, a selfless man, lover of education, an epitome of hard work and honesty and a philanthropist who encouraged and contributed to many development projects in Itu, his hometown he greatly loved. 

  The late C.C received good quality, disciplined education from primary, secondary to tertiary levels at St Peter’s C.M.S School, Itu and St John’s Primary School Amumara, through Ife Grammar School and University of Nigeria Nsukka; University of Legon Ghana and also at University of Bradford Yorkshire England. 

 He worked in different cadres of planning first with East Central State Government, then to Imo State rising to the peak as Permanent Secretary in which capacity he served in a number of ministries, and Government Departments.

  He left indelible footprints in the service of his community, Itu and further afield to the larger Ezinihitte, Mbaise and Imo community, distinguishing himself most creditably and courageously.

  For his positive contributions and achievements in Itu, he was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Ugo Itu, and subsequently appointed the Traditional Prime Minister, Ugwumba II, after the demise of the Ugwumba I, Chief Boniface A. Ochulor.

   He also served Christ in various capacities in the Anglican Communion Diocese of Owerri, Diocese of Mbaise and Diocese of Egbu where he worshipped at the All Saints Cathedral Church till death, holding membership of some Church positions such as Parochial Church Committees, Parish Councils Archdeaconry and Diocesan Boards and   Men’s Christian Association among others.

  He also served as member Board of Governors of several schools including Archdeacon Dennis Junior Seminary Mbieri and for many years Chairman Parents/Teachers Association of Dora Chinyere Nwankiti Juniorate, Inyishi.

  Another legacy for which the late Sir Christian Chukwuocha would be remembered is as builder of a great family.

  Married to Lady Mercy Chukwuocha in a union blessed with four children, Sir C.C. together with his brothers, Sir Abraham and Sir Festus, coordinated a thriving dynasty of love and Christian commitment.

On the tombstone of his late eldest brother, Solomon, De Chry had written: “Here lies the late Mr. S. A. Chukwuocha, the lone Architect of the Chukwuocha Family . . .” 

  But if Solomon was architect, Christian was the great builder of the Chukwuocha’s family. From being the lone graduate in Chukwuocha’s family in 1978 there are more than 25 graduates and professionals in diverse fields of life today. 

  In a tribute, his younger brother, Sir Abraham Chuckwuocha aptly concludes: “Let no one mourn, let none cry, just lift your hands in worship. Let all sing God’s praises for a life so beautifully lived. And let all stand still and sing to the glory of this God who has been so merciful: “To God be the glory, great things He has done.” 

  He was buried on Thursday, February 19, 2015.