The Uzuakpunwa brothers – Ichie Godwin Obinani and Dr Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa has been given the burial befitting of royals as they were laid to rest in a Grand Style at his hometown Isuofia on 4th and 25th March 2022.
Ichie Godwin Obinani Uzuakpunwa the ” Uguluabanigwe of Isuofia ” and his younger brother Dr Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa were born into the humble and industrious family of Late Uzuakpunwa and Ogoneme Nwokediuko of Umuezeebinyuo kindred of Ozalla village in Isuofia Aguata LGA of Anambra state in the year 1929 and 1940.
Brief History of Late Ichie Godwin Obinani Uzuakpunwa :
Goddy as he is fondly called was an accomplished businessman, prudent manager , husband , father, Grand-father, Great – Grandfather, a straightforward and humble gentleman to the core. He believed in the spirit of fairness and equity in all things and persistently encouraged peace, love, discipline, and progress with all those around him.
Ichie Godwin Obinani Uzuakpunwa in his service to humanity as far back as early 70’s became an executive member of the Isuofia Council which later metamorphosed into the Isuofia Peoples Union Federated [ IPUF ] where he served as their secretary for 21 solid years without foul play. He also served as a cabinet member in the Igwe Council Chamber under HRH Late Igwe P. Ezeabasili ‘s reign where he served as the secretary to Igwe’s cabinet before his induction into the Prestigious “ICHIE” title by HRH Late Igwe Ezeabasili.
Moreso, Ichie Godwin Uzuakpunwa was a faithful and working Christian . He gave his service, time, and resources to the growth of the body of christ, both in his home town and abroad. He was born an Anglican, and he remained and maintained faith with the Anglicans until his demise.
The burial ceremony was attended by all and sundry as he was a man who doesn’t discriminate. The Egedege 1 of Africa – Chief Mrs Theresa Onuorah was live to serenade guests with her Melodious voice.
Ichie Godwin Obinani Uzuakpunwa left behind his naturally beautiful and respectful wife – Mrs Paulina Uzuakpunwa [ Née Ezulike ] who also hails from Ozala Isuofia. They are blessed with 7 biological children who are breaking grounds in their various endeavours.
Watch Video :
Brief History of Late Dr. Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa
Ozombandu 1 of Isuofia as he is fondly called was well read, with good history of political and business accomplishments . Dr .Ben Anene Uzuakpunwa cut his political teeth under the mentorship of the Late Vice President of Nigeria – Dr Alex Ekwueme at the NPN ( National party of Nigeria ) in 1978 after completing his Doctorate in Boston US.
Ozombandu belonged to a number of professional societies amongst them were:
- Member Geological Society of America
- Fellow Geological Association of Canada
- Corporate member of the Nigerian society for Minning and Geosciences
- Full Member of the Society of Sigma XI ( American Scientific Research Fraternity)
Dr. Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa in 1985 was appointed the 3rd Rector of the Federal polytechnic Oko by Group Captain Samson Emeka Omeruah – a one time governor of Old Anambra state. His appointment brought about various landmark achievements that transformed the Previously known Glorified Secondary school into a Citadel of Higher Learning.
Like a Dogged soldier, Dr Anene Uzuakpunwa returned once again to partisan politics in 1998 joining the Peoples Democratic Party- PDP. He campaigned massively for his mentor Dr. Alex Ekwueme to win the presidential ticket of the party at that time. In 1999 , he became the Chief of Staff to Governor Mbadinuju from 1999-2003. He later became the Chairman of the Governing Council Federal polytechnic Oko . His Good works at Oko was appreciated so much that the Igwe HRH Laz Ekwueme conferred on him the chieftaincy title ” OchiKA Mma” of Oko.
Watch Video :
The current Governor of Anambra state – His Excellency Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo who also attended the funeral ceremony is among the Industrious Sons of Late Dr Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa. Dr Soludo while studying at the University of Nigeria Nsukka took the University residence of Dr Benedict Uzuakpunwa as a ” home away from home”.
Sir Dr. Benedict Anene Uzuakpunwa was married to Late Mrs Roseline Udunna Okoye and their Union is blessed with 6 children who are equally doing well in their human capacity.
RIP Great men