By Mrs Ifeoma Okoli (Nee Okereke)
TUE, FEB 18 2020-theG&BJournal- Born on October 30th 1935 in the Cameroons into the family of late Mazi Samuel Nwaejim (S.N.) and late Mabel M. Okereke, C.V.O. as he was popularly called was the fourth child of eight children from his mother.
He was a most amiable, caring, compassionate and God fearing man. Loving, quiet, soft but well-spoken, CVO was a gentleman who committed his lifetime to improving the lives of people around him as well as those he came in contact with.
His notable and contagious smile as well his pleasing personality and demeanour, endeared him to many and uplifted everyone that came in contact with him.
C.V.O. had his primary education at St. Williams Catholic School Oke-ado Ibadan from 1946-1951 where he was one of the first five pupils to excellently pass Standard Six Examination.
He had his secondary education at New Bethel College Onitsha, graduating in 1956. Subsequently, he enrolled for the GCE and made three A Level papers in one sitting.
At the UNN where he studied Sociology and Anthropology for his first degree, he graduated with a Second Class Honours Upper Division, narrowly missing First Class by 0.4%.
He further obtained a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration from the same University.
The enormous responsibilities he shouldered then made him drop the pursuit of a Phd twice.
C.V.O. started his career as a primary school teacher and later worked briefly with UAC as a Manager in Training. His work life at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (1961 – 1999) saw him rise through the ranks to the peak of his career.
He distinguished himself in all fields of endeavours as well as in all the offices held at the University and retired from UNN without a single blemish to his name.
At the establishment of Anambra State University (now known as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University) he became the pioneer Registrar of the University and later worked as Senior Adviser to the Vice Chancellor – an enviable position in Universities.
C.V.O in various periods served the Government of old and nascent Anambra State both as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry as well as the Special Adviser to the State Government on Agriculture, Commerce and Industry. It is worthy of note that these were periods when the State consolidated its leadership status in the aforementioned areas.
He represented Nigeria and Anambra State at various trade shows and missions at both the national and international level. He equally served in committees and think-tanks too numerous to mention here. A nomination then into the then National Code of Conduct Bureau never saw the light of the day. His patience, expertise, wisdom, knowledge, commitment and extreme honesty made him a heavily sought after ‘Civil Servant’.
As a husband, father and uncle he showed much love to his immediate and extended family.
In fact, the problems of his extended family were equally his to shoulder and he was instrumental to establishing many of his nieces, nephews and innumerable others who are today in their own rights pillars of society.
His passion for prayers, drove him to establish regular prayer conventions for his extended family and many other places for two decades now.
A close associate of Eze Ikelionwu the 11th, Prof Chukwuemeka Vincent Ike ( who incidentally passed on a day before C.V.O ) and many other notable oldies.
Ndikelionwu , enjoyed the peace, tranquillity and progress such men brought upon any town where they dwelt. However our consolation is that C.V.O has been called Home to be with his Maker and is resting in the bosom of our Lord. C.V.O fought the good fight, finished his course and kept the faith.
His memory will forever remain evergreen in our hearts, and he will be dearly missed. He will be laid to rest on the 27th of February, 2020 at his home in Ndikelionwu, Orumba north Local Government Area of Anambra State. He is fondly remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, relations, well wishers and many others. Rest in Peace an amiable gentleman!! Adieu!!!
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