WRITTEN BY HON ANAYO NNEBE
Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of own spirit,

which is the ultimate goal of all goals. An Awka-born first class diplomat, technocrat and community leader, Chief Samuel Nwigwe Nnebe-Agumadu realized early in life that service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Thus, he excelled.
Born on June 21, 1942 into the family of late Ozo Nnebe-Agumadu of Umuarize kindred, Umubele village, Agulu Awka, the young Samuel attended Saint Pius Secondary School, Bodo, Ogoni in Rivers state, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. In 1961, he was admitted into Holy Ghost College, Owerri where he obtained his Higher School Certificate in 1962.
From 1963 to 1969, he attended Universite Lovanium, Kinshasa, Dimocratic Republic of Congo, where he obtained Diploma Certificate in French Language, B.Sc Degree in Commerce and Finance and an M.Sc Degree in Commerce and Finance, respectively. The exceptionally brilliant Samuel Nwigwe Agumadu had a long experience in social and economic management and development. He received part of his education in English and part in French and had a very good command of both languages.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Chief Samuel Nwigwe Nnebe-Agumadu did just that. In 2007, he was appointed Chairman, Anambra State/Local Government Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), where he proved his mettle. From there, he became a Federal Commissioner: Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, representing Anambra state. Apart from disbursing funds for the three tiers of government from the federation Account, the commission determines the remuneration of political office holders, including the president and governors. In 2005, the African Institute for Economic Analysis, Enugu asked Chief Samuel Nnebe-Agumadu to join their team of consultants hired by the European Investment Bank through ECOWAS to do a study on resource mobilization for ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
Between 1999 and 2004, Chief Samuel Nnebe-Agumadu, Ogbuefi Ikaonadu as he was popularly called, was appointed President, Special Initiative, Future Span Limited, a consultancy company that specialized in mobilization of financial resources. In the company, he was responsible for making contacts and coordinating the studies and presenting them.
Chief Nnebe-Agumadu was Managing Director: JOSAM Import/Export, Abidjan, Cote d’voire. The company specialized in the export of agricultural products from Ivory Coast. From 1994 to 1996, Ikaonadu held the position of Director, Human Resources Management Department, African Development Bank (ADB), during which he was one of the main actions who reviewed all existing rules and regulations of the Bank. From 1992 to 1994, he was Director: ADB’s Regional Representative to North Africa and was posted from Ethiopia to Morocco and other parts of Africa, including Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Sudan and Libya.
Ikaonadu was also Director, ADB’s Special Representative to Ethiopia, Organization of African Unity (OAU) and United Nations Economic Commission to Africa (ECA). He was Deputy Director, Operations Department, ADB, having risen from the position of Division Chief, Development Division, Research Department, ADB. He later joined African Development Bank.
Indeed, excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends. Other jobs he did for humanity include: Head of Unit, Institut Africain Pour le Development Economique et Social (INADES) and Development Officer, Institut Africain Pour le Development Economique et Social where he was in charge of Anglophone countries. Ikaonadu equally served the church and his community meritoriously. He was an ardent Catholic and was very fervent in prayer. He bagged many awards.
No doubt, being of service to others is what brings true happiness as there is no higher religion than human service. According to a Play Wright, Woodrow Wilson, to work for the common good is the greatest creed. As a bi-linguist, and versatile researcher and administrator, Chief Samuel Nwigwe Nnebe-Agumadu published many books and articles. Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of providing a useful service. Chief Samuel Nnebe-Agumadu did his best and died a happy man.
Ogbuefi Ikaonadu transited to the great beyond on February 5, 2018, in Atlanta Georgia, USA, aged 75. He is survived by a wife, six children, brothers, sisters and other numerous relations. Vigil Mass holds today at his new residence, near Catholic Conference and Retreat Centre, Okpuno. Tomorrow, Friday, by 10am, there will be funeral mass at his new residence, followed by interment. Thereafter, condolence visits. Adieu, Ikaonadu, Aurevoir, man of the people, good night Ezego, rest in peace, my mentor until that resurrection morning.

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