Biography of Late Sir Christopher Amanze Onyenanu.
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Late Sir Christopher Amanze Onyenanu, was born in 1920 to Late Nnaoma Onyenanu of Durujinelu Family, Umuduruekwere Umuezeala in Umuele Amazano in Njaba LGA of Imo State. He lost his parents at a tender age before he could reach seven years. He was nurtured and brought up by his elder siblings, Late Stephen Egbujionuma and his late sister Adannaya Diaku and Uncle, late Ikwuonu. As an orphan, his education started late, he arranged and prepared himself for Baptism in Catholic Church and was baptized in 1934 when he had attained the age of 14, he started school and passed through St. Mary’s Catholic School Umuaka.
He was the third person to pass standard six in the whole community and it was celebrated by the entire community because of the poor background, efforts and resilience exhibited by him. He joined the noble group of late Jerome Uwakwe, late Chief J.S.A Apakama as the third person to be educated in the community. Late Sir, Christopher’s high level of intelligence gave him the ground for growth as he went to join the Nigerian Army in 1956. As a soldier and perfect gentlemen, he was one of the soldiers on the parade ground on 1st October 1960. He was sent to Congo Republic as Peace Keeper under the command of late Maj. Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi.
Shortly after he returned from Congo, he married and children started coming. He joined forces with Umuele in Diaspora like late JSA Apakama, Late Cletus Apakama, late Jerome Uwakwe, late Peter Okoro etc to organize better Umuele Hope Union and Scholarship Foundation. As if that was not enough, he personally sponsored and supported many families in educating their wards in colleges.
His good vision was disrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war, he joined the Biafra Army and fought agonizing war for three years, after the end of the Civil war in 1970, he was one of the soldiers recalled back into Nigeria Army. Then life continued, his magnanimity and philanthropy continued until he retired from Nigerian Army on 31″ December 1977. Unbelievable! When his own children were about to enter secondary school. The man retired. A man of faith and vision, he bowed out from service when the ovation was highest. From January, 1978, God was in control of his life, he devoted his life absolutely to God’s service and humanity. Without much experience in business, he ventured into business and the little gratuity he got from the Army was spent, but he had his life, honor and integrity intact. Those that serve God can never be brought to shame, neither their children will beg for bread. God sent his servant, Engr. Sam Apakama who picked him up and placed him on the better ground with good job.
Today, late Sir Christopher was able to train all his children to University and was happy to see his first son and first daughter obtain their PH.D in their various disciplines. His grandson is a medical Doctor, a Consultant Nephrologist.
Late Sir Christopher knew that whom much is given, much is expected, he joined forces with late Sylvester Uzowuru, late Damian Okorowu, late Sylvanus Abiakwe, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoro, Hon. Chuma Nnaji, late Basil Orisakwe and late John Oguamanam to get Holy Rosary Parish, Umuele. Like a new born baby, he nurtured and sponsored the new Parish to build and dedicate their Parish church in 2020.
Late Sir Christopher was an introvert and perfect gentleman, he was secretly involved in so many activities for the growth and development of the Catholic Church in the area of training of the Catholic Priest, maintenance and upkeep of the old priests training of the Missionary Priests (MSP) and establishment of Catholic Schools. As a knight of St. Mulumba, he defended his Catholic faith with his life and resources with which God blessed him.
In Community development, Late Sir Christopher was not missing. He was pioneer member/founder of Umuele Hope Union. He was instrumental to the establishment of Umuele Scholarship scheme. He was not left out in the social life of the community, he invited his friends from old Umuaka in his house, people like late Ben Okoro (Akajiaku), late Ozoano Geoffrey Agwubuo, etc and they founded Umuaka Youths Crusade in his house and the club built the Crusade Hall in Afor Umuaka. When he saw the success of the crusade club, he brought the idea home and called his fellow brothers like late Patrick Nwosu, late John Oguamanam, late Alexander Chukwumezie, late Dona Chinaka and late Basil Orisakwe. Umuele Social club was founded in his house and their first project was building of Umuele Town Hall.
Adieu Onye Army. May your soul rest in peace.
Chief Okechukwu Onyenanu (PH.D) (Chimeremeze)
