My Dad. By Nnamdi Nwokedi.
4 min read
On the faithful day of Saturday the 18th day of March 2023, High Chief Aloysius Nwokedi passed onto glory to rest with the Lord. He was born on the 18th of December 1933 in Ibele Umuaka by Late Ekwuju and Late Mrs. Elizabeth Alubi Nwokedi. He was the first son, with 3 of his other siblings. Late Mrs. Anthonia Nwunyennaya Dire (Nee Nwokedi) Mrs. Louisa Onukwufor (Nee Nwokedi) Mrs. Louisa Onukwufor (Nee Nwokedi) and Engr. Anthony Nwokedi.
Late High Chief Aloysius wedded the love of his life Lolo Mrs. Justina Nkechinyere Nwokedi on 9th of February 1969. This union was blessed with eight children, 5 boys and 3 girls and 13 grand children.
Papa began his education journey at St. Mary’s Catholic School Umuaka where he obtained his Standard Six Certificate between 1945-1951. From 1951 to 1956, he proceeded to the New Bethel College in Onitsha. After completing his college in 1956, he moved down to Lagos where he started his professional career.
On his arrival to Lagos he was successful in his first interview with the Nigeria Railways where he was posted to Nigerian Railways Traffic School Ebute Meta in Lagos. After the Completion of his training he was then posted to Nigerian Railways Station which was situated in Jebba the then Niger State. He worked in Jebba for a while after which he was posted back to Lagos in Agege.
Late High Chief Nwokedi worked in Agege station for a period of time. From Railways stations in Agege, he then moved over to work with a Government Coastal Agency. This agency is charged with the responsibility of all the consignments coming in and out of Nigeria through the sea port. He worked at the above establishment till 1966. As a result of the Nigeria Civil War, he was forced to relocate down to the Eastern part of the Country.
On his arrival from Lagos late High Chief Nwokedi proceeded to work with Ministry of Commerce and Industry Enugu. He worked in this ministry for a very long time until his voluntary retirement in 1979. After his voluntary retirement in 1979, High Chief Aloysius embarked on another journey to Lagos for a business opportunity. The business journey was short lived in 1980 when he returned back home as a result of the death of his father. As years went by, High Chief showed his resilience and handwork by establishing a business enterprise in 1982 where he captured the distributorship licences of so many reputable companies such as Lever Brothers , Hercules, 33 Export Lager beer and Coca Cola.
He conducted his business activities with the highest level of integrity and honesty. He was able to gain the trust of his various customers because of his integrity and honesty. Having been in the business arena for man years and a successful one at that. Papa proceeded towards community development. He joined the Umuaka Town Development Union and was an active member. He participated whole heartedly in the meetings of the union. As a result of his commitment to the progress and development of Umuaka, High Chief Nwokedi was appointed as the Chairman of Umuaka Community Hospital Management Board.
A position he gave his best and served honourably between 1997-1999. As a dependable and dedicated leader, Papa was the Chairman of Ibele Development Union. Under his leadership he played a significant role to making sure that Ibele became an autonomous community in 2003. An achievement he was very proud of and ready to share with anyone who was ready to listen.
Having achieved this milestone, High Chief Nwokedi became the President General of Ibele Autonomous Community. A position which he led selflessly for a period of 10 years and few months. The struggle for the Ibele Autonomous Community was enormous. As a result of his commitment and steadfastness towards this struggle, His Royal Highness Eze Rufus Anyanwu ( Achazie IV of Ibele) conferred a chieftaincy title of Alagbaoso I of Ibele Autonomous Community.
Papa was also a devoted Catholic faithful who played a prominent role on the activities of the Umuaka Ibele Autonomous Community. He made so many generous donations to the Church and participated in Church bazaars and other Church projects. He was the Patron of the Ibele Catholic Church Choir and the Mass Servers Association. He served also as the Assistant Parish Chairman in 1998. In 1999, he became the Chairman of the Ibele Catholic Parish Council. He was committed to the work of God and community.
Papa as everyone has gathered here today to pay their last respect to the Pillar of the family and a dedicated public servant who accomplished all in life, your children, grand children, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and the entire Nwokedi Family mourn your demise at this critical time. We are comforted that you will rest in the bosom of the Lord.
