Biography of Chief Prince Jude Chidi Anyaibe.
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(OCHASI NNANYERUGO 1 OF Umuaka) January 1959 – January 2024.
Chief Prince Jude C Anyaibe (Ochasi Nnanyereugo 1of Umuaka Ancient Kingdom), a great son, brother, father, husband, and uncle – was the second son and fourth child to be born to the family of the late Chief Sir Nnaoma Emmanuel Nnanna Anyaibe (KSM) of Umuawaha, Uba, Umuaka and late Lolo Nneoma Margret Urenwune Anyaibe, one of the funding members of Ezigbonne Social Club of Umuaka, on the 16th day of January 1959.
Chief Prince Jude Anyaibe started his educational journey at Saint Mary’s Primary School Umuaka. He attended a couple of schools during his primary days as a result of his father’s postings to different locations as a Headmaster. He attended in no particular order, Saint Paul’s Primary School Okwudor, All Saints Primary School in today’s Ibele Akah and Saint Theresa’s Primary school Amurie where he finally took his common entrance examination.
After successfully completing his common entrance examination, He proceeded to Umuaka High School where after five years of secondary schooling, he obtained his West African School Certificate in flying colors. He proceeded to work with Orlu Local Government Area administrative authorities.
In 1980, like his father before him, with hunger for education and desire to be impactful in the delivery of education to the younger generation, he left his promising career with Orlu Local Government Authority and proceeded to attend Teacher Training College for the singular purpose – to be impactful to his community by educating the younger generation. He learnt from his father Chief Emmanuel Nnanna Anyaibe, Headmaster Emeritus of all times and Teacher of Teachers the importance of education and impacting that knowledge to the next generation.
Like his father before him he chose teaching knowing that the financial reward is minimal but he also knew from his own experience that he with education is with endless opportunities and that his impact as a teacher to his teaming students is worth more than being a millionaire with no impactful legacy. He proved his fidelity and consistency to the cause of educating his community After completing his teacher’s training program at Teacher Training College Ihie, in Isiala LGA, Abia State, with a Grade Two Teacher’s Certificate, he embarked on his teaching career. He could have chosen to teach in any other community, but he decided to remain in Umuaka and was posted to Umuaka High School where he taught for a couple of years before proceeding to the United States to improve upon his own education. His overall intention was to finish his education and go back to his community and continue to educate the younger generation.
The sojourn to the United States to continue his education was not an easy one. But like any other thing in his path, he overcame. He arrived in the United States in 1984 and proceeded to Southeastern University, Washington DC to study Business Administration. He subsequently transferred to The University of District of Columbia, a member of HBCU where he obtained his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration. Throughout this period of schooling, he was at the same time working full-time to support himself and academic endeavors.
Having satisfied his academic pursuit, he turned his attention to achieving the next goal in his life, having and raising a family. So, in 1993 with his can do and nothing will stop me attitude he traveled to Nigeria during the most challenging political upheaval period of Babangida’s regime – he went home to Nigeria and wedded in the Catholic Church, his loving wife, Lolo Dr. Ijeoma Anyaibe, Nee Uzoagba, whom he loved and always called Mommy in honor of his late mother. Not even the threat of possible border closing during the period stopped him because having a family was very important to him.
He brought his wife to the United States of America to start a new life as a couple. They lived happily for 30 years. The Marriage produced four children, three boys and a girl, and he spent the rest of his life devoted to his wife and children. During his married life, he played a tremendous role as a husband, father, sibling, uncle and in-law. His in-laws welcomed him very dearly as a family member. He never had any issue with his loving wife and children. He was always there for his wife as a husband and for his children as a father. He always cherished his wife and never took her for granted and handled her like a Queen. He supported each and every member of his family to achieve their academic heights having learnt in his early and adult life the importance of education. The entire family has sorely missed him and the vacuum he created will hardly be replaced in the life of his entire family.
Chief Prince Jude Chidi Anyaibe was indeed a tiger an (OCHASI NNANYERUGO 1) who worked in several buildings as a security officer at the beginning of his arrival in USA and while in the University of District of Columbia. He proceeded to secure a State government job at the Maryland State Department of Corrections where he spent more than 20 years of the rest of his work life with several promotions and awards until his last day.
In 2021, Chief Prince Jude Chidi Anyaibe joined the rank of our Traditional and Cultural Heritage Custodians when he was crowned Chief Jude Chidi Anyaibe, Ochasi Nna Nyere Ugo I of Umuaka Ancient Kingdom. Chief Prince Jude Chidi Anyaibe was an immediate past President of his hometown meeting ANU Umuaka Community MD/VA/DC affiliate branch for six years and just handed over to the current President few months ago. He contributed a lot to his community. During his leadership, he raised lot of funds at the local ANU meeting and spearheaded the hosting of UNU National Convention for the community where he equally raised a good amount of funds with the mission to help with home security in his community. He also was involved in, and contributed to, some community school renovation in his home school, which is still ongoing.
Chief Prince Jude Chidi Anyaibe was a Founding Member of the Unique Committee of Friends Association, Umuaka; also particular and our community in general. You left an indelible mark which is recognized in our community and across several Imo State Diaspora organizations. You will always remain our beloved brother, father, husband, uncle, in-law and friend. Like your grandfather and father before you, you will remain evergreen in our hearts. You’re an accomplished man; a family man; a titled man and above all a gentle and God-fearing man. You have exhibited an uncommon characteristic and your sense of fairness will never be forgotten. Time is short and space is limited – I’m only left to say “that more is thy due than more than I can say”. In the short time you lived, you have left your foot prints in the sands of time
Adieu my beloved brother, Adieu my beloved Prince, Adieu my confidant, Adieu my “twin” Rest in everlasting peace.
Fondly remembered by your loving brother and family
Valentine Anyaibe – brother
Beatrice Chi Anyaibe – Sister In-law Dr. Val Emeka Anyaibe – Nephew Johnbright Chukwuma Anyaibe – Nephew Sam Uche Anyaibe – Nephew
