By Ingram Osigwe
The late Pa Cyprian Amandibuogu Agughasi (Onyechiyanyere) was a study in stoicism, endurance and perseverance. Obsufucations and vicissitudes, he encountered as a child and later in life as an adult never wore him out. Rather, he soldiered on, putting those difficult phases of his life behind him and trusting solely in God.
No wondered he aged gracefully, peacefully departing this world at the ripe and glorious age of 98.
Born in 1921, Pa Amandibuogu was orphaned early in life. He lost his father before he was born and his mother died while he was still an infant.
He started life as an orphan with the family of his maternal grandmother in Akpulu. His grandmother later took him from her father’s house to her matrimonial home in Umueshiahurike Amokwu, Urualla.
The young, Cyprian was later to berth at his Aunt’s house at Umu Onyimara. In both places, the young lad was a farmhand and domestic aide.
As a child, Cyprian had a burning desire to acquire education. So, at a time, he rebelled and started school without the approval of his guardians. This did not go down well with them and as punishment, he was made to go without food for as long as he continued to go to school instead of the farm.
After about a week, he could no longer bear the pressure and had to stop school and went back to the farm work.
As a young man, Cyprian was determined to succeed in life. This determination saw him delve into different types of trade, including palm kernel, yam tubers, stationaries among, farm produce, livestock among others. He variously shuttled Orlu, Onitsha and Arondiuzogu for supply his goods.
In 1954, Cyprian got married and started having children. One of the vicissitudes Cyprian suffered in life was the death of his children. His first child was Philip who died some years later. Philip was followed by Innocent who also died. After Innocent, came Hyginus, who died an early age.
He was followed by Eusebius. Eusebius presently is Cyprian’s oldest surviving child.
In spite of the sad episodes, Pa Amandibuogu was a loving and dutiful husband and in recognition of God’s faithfulness to him, he and his wife had a grand Golden Jubilee wedding Anniversary celebration on the 28th of December, 2008.
He was not only blessed with longevity but also with strong health, strength and sound body and mind even till his very old age. He was up and about till a few weeks before his demise.
A programme of event released by the family indicates that Pa Agughasi’s rite of passage will commence on Thursday, August 29, 2019 with a night of tributes in his compound at Amanato Ozuakoli at 6pm.
Friday, 30th August, funeral mass takes place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Urualla. Time is 10am. Internment follows immediately after at his compound.
Saturday, August 31st, 2019, funeral rites continue. Thanksgiving Mass comes up on Sunday, September 1st, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Uralla.
Pa Cyprian Amandibuogu Agughasi, Onyechiyanyere (He that is blessed by his God) is Survived by his wife, Ezinne Agnes Agughasi, 8 children, 30 grand children and 6 great grand children, including; Chief Eusebius Agughasi (Nwachinamere) and Chief Azubuike Agughasi (Akubuo Nwata)
Having surpassed the Biblical age and also exceedingly blessed, friends and well-wishers insist Pa Agughasi’s departure elicits celebration-celebration of his eventful and impactful life-rather than mourning.