At about 6 am on Tuesday, 9th of June, 2020, I was woken up by a missed Call from Hon Ejike Okechukwu ( Ogbuefi na Uko Efi ). Looking at the time in the morning, I felt that something unusual must be afoot. I quickly returned the Call and without niceties, he quickly dropped the bomb with a shaky and emotion laden voice; ONOWU NENI IS NO MORE!

I became still and felt empty temporarily! I immediately asked, was he involved in an accident? No, he said, but that he got a call a few minutes earlier that he died in the night or evening of 8th June, 2020 after a brief Illness. Not satisfied, I immediately called Onowu’s phone and it rang out without anyone answering. As soon as the call ended, another unknown call quickly came in and the caller identified herself as Nkiru, ONOWU ‘s Second Daughter. I quickly asked about her father and she sobbed and told me that he passed on the previous night. I sought to speak with his wife, Iyom Mmiriaku. She passed the phone to her and on hearing my voice, she burst into a loud cry and I joined her. After, I spoke with his 1st son, Azubike and encouraged him to be strong.

Alas, I confirmed that the Great Onowu Aku Uvom has joined the Saints Triumphant. I quickly informed the Governor of Anambra State and his wife, Osodieme who also called his family in Aba and spoke with them.

I restrained my media team from joining the frenzy of breaking the news of his death and instead, we went into mourning.

We have indeed lost one of our Heavyweights and a Champion.

Onowu Aku Uvom as he was fondly called was my beloved elder brother, friend and political ally.

We were both Knights of St John International ( KSJI ) and Papal Knights of the Catholic Church. He was Papal Knight of St Gregory ( KSG ) while I am Papal Knight of St Sylvester ( KSS ).

In  September 2014, we were both decorated with National Honours by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. I was decorated with Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic ( OFR ) and he was decorated with Officer of the Order of the Niger ( OON). It was a great occasion for us as both of us are from Anaocha LGA of Anambra State.

In 2013, as the  National Chairman of APGA, I had gone to him and convinced him to join APGA and support the election of Chief Willie Obiano as Governor of Anambra State. He accepted and joined us and has been with us ever since then until his Death! He was Grand Patron of APGA and a Member of the Board of Trustees.

Sir Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme was an elephant and made huge impact in many fields of human endeavor. He was a very successful businessman, industrialist,and entrepreneur.

He was a great soldier of Christ and philanthropist.

Without the benefit of obtaining secondary education, while running his chains of businesses, he enrolled and sat for the West African School Certificate Examination and passed. He went on and obtained a BSc and MBA in Business Administration from the Abia State University, Uturu. He capped it with Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

He was the ONOWU of NENI and the President of the Council of NDI ONOWU of Anambra State.

His Biography will capture in details, the exploits of this Colossus.

We have indeed lost a LEGEND, but his numerous good deeds shall follow him and he shall be remembered for them all!

Adieu ONOWU AKU UVOM!
Adieu Anya Anaocha LGA!
Fare thee well my beloved brother!
May your great Soul Rest In Peace! Amen.
We shall miss you forever!
Good Bye until we meet again at the Feet of Jesus!

Signed: Senator Dr Victor Umeh, KSJI, KSS, OFR. (OHAMADIKE NDIGBO)

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