Family, Adaelu, Iwuanyanwu, Abaribe,Niger Gov., others pour Encomium as late Jonas Awujo laid to rest

Alex Ibeh

Eulogies have continued to pour in as the remains of Late Dr. Jonas Ihejieto Awujo committed to mother earth on Friday 24th May, 2024 at his Compound Umudurulo Ubakuru, Mbieri, in Mbaitoli Local government Area of Imo State.

Until his death, late Dr. Jonas Awujo retired as Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa Sea Port, Lagos State.

According to the documented biography, his unwavering commitment to integrity and contributions to safe guiding the ports will always be remembered.
The document read in part, “He was a man who held his culture and tradition in high esteem.” “In 2008, he was conferred with a high Chieftaincy title as “Ugwu Mba 1 of Amaike Mbieri” by His Royal Highness , Late Eze Vincent Onyeali”.

*One of the most remarkable things about him was his contentment with what he had”.

The funeral Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church at Ubakuru, Mbieri was officiated by Rt.Revd. Emmanuel C. Maduwike, the Anglican Bishop of Ikeduru Diocese and host of other Bishops and clergies present at the Church.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after interment, his first son, Mr. Ikenna Awujo, said his father was a hardworking man and everything a loving father should be.
He said: “He gave us, the children the best platform to excel in life, and today, as you can see, all of us are doing well in our various areas of calling.”

“I must tell you, my father was the best in the whole world. He was so caring, loving and most humane. He was a philanthropist who used his resources to raise many both in the community and Nigeria in general.

“We actually wished death didn’t come but who are we to question God. We will miss him dearly.”

In an interview with Journalists, the immediate younger brother, Prof. Austin Awujo, a Professor of Management and Business administration firstly, expressed gratitude to God for a bright day throughout the funeral just as he thanked the entire family for their active participation in giving their brother a befitting burial.

He described his brother as a cherished companion who inspired his successes and achievements in life.

The current pro chancellor, University of Uyo therefore prayed God to grant those who came from far and near journey mercies back to their respective homes.

Speaking earlier immediately after the Church Service, the younger brother, Mr. Silas Awujo enumerated attributes of late Dr. Jonas Awujo.

He described his brother as an accomplished individual who led by example in all the things he did while alive.

In his words, “the unique thing about my late brother was that he strived for Excellence, righteousness, he would want you to pursue whatever you want to do and be the best in it.”
“He provided example in all things he did, in Academics, in the customs, he did his best and got to an enviable position, we the family will miss him dearly”

Speaking also with Journalists, the son-in-law, Rt. Hon. Engr. Solomon Adaelu, recounted that the deceased was as a man of great accomplishments who touched lives in various forms.

Adaelu who represented Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo federal constituency for two terms in Abia state, further eulogized late Awujo whom he said had been good father-in-law and a father to him.

According to him, my father-in-law saw tomorrow and paved ways for all that had come in contact with him including his children to survive.

He said: “My father-in-law was a father for all. He was such a unique man that impacted so many lives.” “He was very selfless, friendly and encouraged all that around him. “As you can see people came from all walks of life to honour him because he was a man of the people.

“We thought he would have lived a little longer but in everything, God knows the best. “The most important thing is that he dedicated his life in serving God and humanity.

“The duty we owe him is to sustain all his endearing legacies which had led him this far in life.”

He doubles as the deputy Chairman, House committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration as well as a house Committee member on Public Petition.

The former Abia state Commissioner for Rural Development prayed for journey mercies to all friends and well-wishers who came from far and near to be with the family in this time of grief.

Speaking also with Nze Engr. John Oluebube Awujo, the younger brother to the deceased and the seventh in the family, said his late brother was a man of many parts, a leader and a family builder.

“I was with him when I left for United States of America in 1971 and he gave me the enabling hand to achieve my goals. Today, I am a professional engineer and architect, although I just retired last December.

“Awujo family is well known to all because offcourse, we are more for the people. “It is true that most of live abroad but we are down with our people. “I am an Nze in Ubakuru Mbieri, and you should know that no one receives such traditional title without being in consonance with his people.

“Without sounding immodest, Awujo’s family is the biggest in Mbieri and Mbaitoli at large. We have produced great people and we thank God for that.”

The President General of Ubakuru Mbieri home and abroad, Engr. Ike Nnamdi Johnbosco also in an interview with the Press, described the fallen hero as a rare gem.

“He was my Uncle. “We are not particularly happy about his death because he was still sound and productive at 79. “We would have wished he lived longer but we cannot question God.”

In her eulogy also, Prof. Grace Chinenye Awujo, the wife of Prof. Austin Awujo and lecturer at University of Portharcourt, Rivers State recounted the life and times of the deceased, saying that late Jonas Awujo was a man who lived happily and believed in enjoyment
She pointed out that one of the things she would miss about him was his humorous disposition.

Mr. Samuel Chinenye Amadi,during Press time disclosed how he related to the family. He said the deceased was a dogged and good man whom every individual would want to be with.

He said, “I am very close to the family, “the man whom every man gathered here today was a great and good man who made name in the society. “He never segregated or cheated any person. He was an upright man in deed.”

The youngest Traditional ruler in Imo State who also paid his tribute to the bereaved family, HRH Eze Engr. Ezeugo Nwoke, Igwe Ohazurumee II of Okoroduru autonomous community, Ekwe in Isu LGA of Imo state, said the deceased has created a vacuum which no one will fill.

According to him, having enjoyed a long cordial relationship with the family. I feel sad over the loss.
He recounted that the fallen hero was a good a hearted man.

Another relation who also speak with Journalists shortly after the interment was Mr. Christ Awujo who described the deceased as a man of the people and a man whom human ought to know.
According to him, Late Jonas Awujo was my uncle and my father in Christ too and we are all Awugo’s family.

He said:”he was a man that enjoyed himself and loved everyone around him to enjoy with him, in fact, we knew him as “Rarawandu” meaning “always enjoy yourself”
“For the entire family which I am part of and to the children, I would want them to follow the foot-steps of their father because he was a man of the people. They should always carry people along like their father. I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest, Amen.