WRITTEN BY DR. EMEKA ORAGWU
Noble Sir Chief Lawrence Chukwuemeka Oragwu was born in Adazi – Nnukwu, in Anaocha council area on August 10, 1936. He belongs to Udoka Age Grade.

Chief Oragwu had a keen thirst education which can be seen from the many courses he undertook over the years. He obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1949. He obtained the Teachers Grade two Certificate in 1955 and his G.C.E. & H.S.C. in 1957 and 1958 respectively.
He obtained his Teachers Grade one Certificate in 1960. In the same 1960, he was awarded a Diploma in Law (London). He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a degree in Economics in 1963. He also obtained a degree from London in 1963. He obtained a Diploma in Public Administration and Journalism from in 1965.
Chief Oragwu’s career path covered teaching and administration. After graduating as the pioneer set from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1963, he joined the Department of Customs & Excise and rose to the rank of Comptroller.  On retirement, he established a Company, Chumdi Enterprises, which was engaged in shipping, consultancy and merchandising. He was also instrumental to the formation of Key Investment Company Limited, Knight of Saint John Publication, among others.
Chief Oragwu was the Vice President of the Association of Retired Senior Officers of the Nigerian Customs Service for nine years. Chief Oragwu married his heartrob, Felicia Nwakaego Oragwu (nee Nkwo). They are blessed with eight children. He saw to it that his children attended very good schools and graduated from tertiary institutions. The first child, Adaeze, is a banker; Emeka, the first son, is a Medical Doctor based in the United States; Nnamdi is a lawyer, next is Ifeyinwa. Chioma is a Chartered accountant; Kenechi is a lawyer; Ugonwa is an Economist and Ujunwa is a Computer Engineer. They are all married and as at date, Chief Oragwu has fourteen grandchildren.
He was a doting father and a loving husband. He instilled discipline in his children. He was known for his wise sayings and anecdotes. He was the life of the home and his positive spirit formed the very fabric of the family.
Chief Oragwu was a father and brother to many – extended family, kindred and friends. His house was always open to all, and one could be sure of getting shelter and food in Chief Oragwu’s house. He trained many people and set a lot of others in business. Hence, his well deserved title Okosisinechendo.
Chief Oragwu was a devout catholic and pursued his faith adherently. He attended daily mass and took his daily devotions seriously. He was a member of Ancient and Noble order of Knights of Saint John International. He was instrumental to the establishment of Knights of Saint John International, Commandery 645 Adazi-Nnukwu and was the Charter Worthy President of the Commandery. In 2011, he was invested with the Noble degree of the KSJI.
In 1984, he went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Vatican. Thereafter, he visited Italy, France and Portugal on Holy Pilgrimage.
Chief Oragwu was awarded Ezinna of Saint Andrew’s Church, Adazi. He was Patron of many Religious Societies Chief Oragwu was a well-known Christian Writer. He has to his credit, articles contributed in the Lagos Laity Courier and other Church Magazines & Newspaper published within and outside Nigeria. He was a spirit filled laity leader.
Chief Oragwu served as the Vice President, Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union (ATDU), Lagos Branch. He was also an executive member of the Association of Anambra towns in Lagos and was a member of the Ohaneze and the Peoples Club of Nigeria. He was an Honourable Member of the Rotary Club of Apapa. Chief Oragwu took the prestigious Ozo title of Adazi-Nnukwu in 1979. He was made the clan Chief of Nnukwu Clan in 1993.Until his demise, he was acting Adama (Igwe) in Adazi-Nnukwu. Chief Oragwu was a public spirited Christian whose sole focus was to improve the quality of those he came in contact with and the society as a whole. He served in many cultural, social and religious organizations.
His contributions to the welfare of his town and society are too numerous to count. Chief Oragwu contributed to the water and electricity projects, road construction and erosion projects in his town. He initiated the electricity and water project, he was highest single donor to the launching of the Mid-Wifery Centre of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi. He sponsored seminarians and contributed financially towards priestly ordinations among so many others. For these and many more, Chief Oragwu, a God-fearing man, a wise leader, a philanthropist, a caring father, a loving husband and a formidable patriarch lives on forever in our hearts.

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