Biography of Chief Damian Orjiako Amadi.
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Daddym, I love you and you will always remain in my heart forever. You came, you witnessed, you accomplished and you delivered. My father Hon., Chief, Ichie & Nze Damian Ojiakor Amadi JP was the first son of Amadioha Mbamara and Oyiridiya Mbamara, all from Umudorohuo Uloano Ndugba.
My Dad started his education career at St Gregory’s elementary school Olori Umundugba and after which he proceeded to Holy Ghost College Umuahia. My Dad’s humble beginning started when he lost his father early in his life while he was at Holy Ghost Colle
ge Umuahia. He became the breadwinner of his family helping his mother to train all his siblings.
After the Nigerian Civil war, Daddym married our Mom Ezinne Lolo Priscilla Amadi. Their marriage was blessed with three of us: Chinyere, Chika, and Nnaemeka. His enthusiasm for education made him leave his young family at Alvan Ikeokwu College of Education, Owerri, where he obtained his National Certificate of Education (NCE). Upon graduation, he did his Youth Service (NYSC) at Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
With his NCE Certificate, he taught in many Secondary Schools in our area. My Dad was an intellectual and educational trailblazer, he moved from the corridors of Alvan Ikokwu College of Education to the shores of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (a great lion), where he got his bachelor’s degree in Education. His bachelor’s in English and literature from UNN led him to the position of principal of secondary schools and supervisor of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in many schools.
Some of the schools he worked as the principal were: Amurie Omanze Secondary School, Itu Mbauzo Secondary School, Agbaja Secondary School, Umuhu Okabia Secondary School, Okwuudor secondary school, Isu Njaba secondary school before he retired. My ageless Dad retired from government civil service but was not tired as he usually said. He became a popular independent education consultant, helping communities to revive underperforming secondary or Commercial schools. He equally devoted his retirement time to community leadership service. He became a high-ranked member and stakeholder of his political party in Isu LGA. He held many leadership positions in the community such as President of Old Amandugba Federal Union, President of Ibewuike Social Club of Nigeria, President of Amandugba Progressive Club, Secretary of Nigerian Union of Teachers in Isu, Secretary of Ndi Nze na Ozo in Isu LGA, President Uloano Council of Chiefs and many others.
Following the words of the English poet whom he mastered most of the quotes in his literature, (William Shakespeare), my Dad believed that “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them”. My father assumed the responsibility and worked hard to achieve his own greatness but did not attach himself to worldly things. One will ask, did he achieve greatness? The answer is a big YES.
My Dad believed in the existence of a deeper spiritual point of view, that we are all spiritual beings in a physical body endowed with divine and intellectual attributes and faculties.
Rest in peace Dad, Let the weak say I am strong. Let the widow say it is well.
Thank you and we love you all.
Nnaemeka Amadi.
