Commentary: Biography Of Chief Honourable C.O.C Chiedozie

WRITTEN BY FRED CHIEDOZIE
Chief Honourable Christopher Ogugua Cheta Chiedozie was born on January 7, 1923 in Ezimezi village, Amawbia. His late Father, Nze Chiedozie Aghanya, was the first President-General of Amawbia Town Union (ATU).
C.O.C, as he was fondly called, attended Government School, Awka. He later went to Illesha Grammar School, Osun state. He passed the London Matriculation Examination, then enrolled as an external student and obtained the Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of London in 1963 and 1975 respectively.
Papa co-founded Saint George Commercial Academy, Enugu in 1963 and became the pioneer principal. However, the school was taken over by the government at the end of the War. Thus, he joined the teacher’s service as Vice Principal of Government College, Afikpo in 1970. He served as the principal of National Grammar School, Nike from 1973 to 1984. This was the golden era for the school.
National Grammar School, Nike dominated other schools and colleges in the old Anambra State in sports. Many great Nigerian sports personalities were product of the School when C.O.C was in charge. Innocent Egbunike (Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist), Austin J.J Okocha (Super Eagles and Nigerian Football Legend), Kenneth Boardman, among others. For these achievements, he was promoted to principal Special Grade. This means that he was then at par with the position of a Permanent Secretary in Civil Service – the first of its kind.
He contested and won election as a Councilor of the Enugu Municipal Council from 1955 to 1957. His political sagacity saw him associating with the likes of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and etcetera. From 1959 to 1964, he represented Enugu Municipality as Federal Parliamentarian in the Federal House of Representatives, Lagos.
He was the Chairman, Amateur Athletics Association of Nigeria, Anambra state. While he was the principal of National Grammar School Nike, he formed HAWKS, the school’s Handball Team that became the National Champions in Handball. In 1980, the HAWKS represented Nigeria in the International Handball Competition in Denmark. That would be the first time a black African nation would compete in an international handball tournament.
He formed the BLACK ROCK YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAM from student footballers in National Grammar School, Nike. In 1981, the football team won the prestigious Cardiff World Youth Cup in the United Kingdom. In 1982, National Grammar School, Nike came overall first during Anambra State Sport Competition for schools. Consequently, in August 1982, the school represented Nigeria in the second Aberdeen International Football Festival in Aberdeen University, Scotland where they emerged overall second best.
On retirement from teaching service in 1984, he was appointed the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Council to revitalize the Sports Council and re-invigorate the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu. During this period, the football club won the FA and National League cups that had eluded it for years.
COC contributed so much to the development of Amawbia. He was the Chairman of Enugu branch of Amawbia Town Union for 21 years. This record is yet to be rivaled. In recognition of his contributions to Amawbia Community, Igwe M.O. Okoye of Amawbia conferred on him the Chieftaincy title of Chinyelugo Amawbia and appointed him into his cabinet.
Papa was a member of Saint Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Asata Enugu and Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia. He was the life Patron of Women Guild of Saint Peter’s Church Amawbia, while his adorable late wife, Mrs. Monica Chiedozie (Manari) was their Life Patroness.
Chief C.O.C. Chiedozie and his wife had 11 children who they nurtured to become responsible progenies, trained to be graduates and are doing well in their various careers. He was known for his generosity to the indigent and less privileged, granting charitable assistance to orphans, widows, and those in need. He was also revolutionary in encouraging the youth to excel in education and encouraged hard work in students without recourse to examination malpractice. He was an oracle of English language and often had words that people scarcely knew existed.
Having accomplished his mission in life, Chief (Hon) Christopher Ogugua Cheta Chiedozie answered the final call to be with his creator on July 10, 2018, aged 95. In C.O.C, is fulfilled God`s proclamation in the book of Psalms chapter 116, verse 16, which says, “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.”
Service of songs holds today, while commendation service will take place tomorrow at Saint Peter`s Anglican church, Amawbia, followed by interment and condolence visits in his compound, Ezimezi village, Amawbia. Saturday, October 6, 2018, condolence visits continue. Sunday, October 7, there will be outing service at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church Amawbia.  Adieu C.O.C Chiedozie.