By David Desbordes.

The people of Umueji, Ufuma in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State wept and wailed profusely on Friday, November 17th, 2023, when the late Christian Chibueze Nwankwo, who passed on earlier this year at Enugu, was laid to rest in his father’s compound.

Earlier, in Enugu, there had been a Service of Songs in his honour at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Trans-Ekulu, on Tuesday November 14th, 2023.

Christian Chibueze Nwankwo, fondly called Eje Nwa by his parents and siblings, was born on May 6th, 1963, into the family of late Dr. Henry C.C. Nwankwo, a prominent Gynaecologist, and late Mrs. Christiana Nwankwo, nee Achu.

He attended St. John’s Primary School, Umueji, from 1969 to 1970, during the civil war years, and completed his basic education at the then All Saints, now Ekulu Primary School, GRA, Enugu, from 1970 to 1973.

He attended the elite College of the Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu, from 1973 to 1978, and earned the West African School Certificate, WASC, in flying colours. He equally earned the nickname, which stuck to him all his life, of the Man Major, due to his dazzling exploits, with his famous left foot, on the football field. He had earlier played for the Ekulu Netbrreakers, an under -13 football team in GRA, Enugu, and performed so well that he won a place as a member of the then East Central State Academicals football team. Eje Nwa was also a member of the Boy Scouts in, as a Cub.

Eje Nwa was ahead of his mates during Sunday School Bible recitation, and he was also a bellringer at the All Saints Anglican Church, GRA, Enugu.

He moved on to study Civil Engineering at the University of Akron, Ohio, USA, from 1980 to 1985, and acquired a B.Sc (Hons) degree, as well as an M.Sc in Structural Management.

While he was at the University of Akron, Ohio, he became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and continued when he came back to Nigeria. He even became the Project Manager of the church until his retirement earlier in 2023. Prior to this, however, he had worked with Ebilah Construction Company, Enugu.

Christian Chibueze Nwankwo got married in 2003 to Mrs. Cynthia Onyinye Nwankwo, nee Akpata, a native of Oghe in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, in a union which is blessed with three children, Glenn Chikelu, Chidubem Lyle, and Chimemerie Del-Cobly.

He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, in-law, and a constant role model to extended kith, kin and neighbours. He planned for his family members welfare, he tackled each person’s challenges as they manifested, he had soothing words of advice, he gave wise counsel, he reached out and talked when needed,, he called to order where necessary, and he sacrificed personal comfort for the good of others.

In short, he lived a ‘Christian’ life, and he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, children, brothers and sisters, cousins and inlaws.

May the gentle soul of Christian Chibueze Nwankwo rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.