Chief Benedict Nwoye Ogbonia Ifeatu was born on February 20, 1944 as the first son of the family of Chief and Mrs. Ifeatu Nwankwor Ukpor of Okpalametue Kindred in Iriomam village of Ebe-Awulukwu quarters, Isiagu in Awka South Local Government Area.
Ben had First School Leaving Certificate, known then as Standard six and Senior School Certificate in Education (SSCE). He also possessed the International/Institute of Pubic Management U.S.A as well as Certificate on Public and Local Government Management in a Presidential System. Equally, Ben obtained certificate of recognition for excellent service to the betterment of humanity, community service Award by Retract club of Awka in 1990.
Chief Benedict Nwoye Ogbonia Ifeatu was Chairman, Awka Local Government Area Management Council from 1981 to 1982 as well as Sole Administrator, defunct Obizi Local Government council in 1982. Later, Chief Ifeatu metamorphosed into Chairman, defunct Obizi Local Government from 1982 to 1983
When the military took over the reins of power, Chief Benedict Ifeatu was, in 1990, appointed member of Awka Local Government Caretaker Committee as Supervisory Councilor for Finance and Supply. He was later appointed as the Executive Director, Anambra State Rural Electrification Board, a post Ozo Ogbonia held from 1992 to 1994. In 1997, Ozo Benedict Nwoye Ogbonia Ifeatu was appointed Special Assistant to the Sole Administrator of Onitsha South Local Government.
Ozo Ogbonnia Ifeatu was also very vibrant and active in the home front. He was elected, first, as Assistant Secretary, Isiagu Development Union from 1965 to 1972. In view of his humility, honesty, dedication and hard work, Ozo was, further, elected as Financial Secretary, Isiagu Development Union, a post he held from 1972 to 1976. Thereafter, he was elected as treasurer of the body. In view of his outstanding performance, Ndi Isiagu elected Chief Benedict Nwoye Ogbonia Ifeatu as Councilor for Isiagu in Awka Local Government Area Council in 1976.
In his early days, Benedict Ifeatu was a Tally Cashier/Storekeeper in UAC. He was a recognized Chief of a Cabinet Rank/Community Leader in Isiagu.
Chief Ben. N. Ifeatu, as he was fondly called, contributed immensely and financed most of the developmental projects and other progressive decisions in Isiagu Town and beyond, including fixing the Umuonyia-Enuko–Amabo intra-community village road; Enuofufe – Umudike link road; Amata Ndikpa inter-community road; Saint Michael’s Catholic Church – Iriomam village link road; Isiagu – Ntoko inter-community Road and Umudike – Eke – Eziodogwu link Road.
Chief Ifeatu equally sponsored the Isiagu women’s the Health Center building plan and attracted the state government to build the project as the local government Chairman. In addition, Ozo facilitated the inclusion of Awka-Ifite-Nibo-Isiagu road in Anambra State Government’s 1982 budget; constructed Ezude stream, Iriomam village Mini Bridge in 1990.
Ozo Ifeatu presented in 1988 to the then Anambra State Government Enugu, for the inclusion of Isiagu community in both ADP and then DFRRI rural electrification projects, facilitated the inclusion of Isiagu rural electrification in the then state budget. Thus, Chief Benedict Nwoye Ogbonia Ifeatu was a home personality; man of the people.
The vacuum left by the demise of Ide Isiagu will be difficult to fill. He was peace loving, caring, humble, sincere and endearing. Ndi Isiagu and indeed his family will miss him so dearly.
Vigil mass/wake keep holds today, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at his compound, Iriomam village, Isiagu by 5pm. Tomorrow, Thursday, January 6th, his remains leave the mortuary for a brief stop at his compound by 9am. There will be requiem mass at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, Isiagu by 10am, thereafter interment at his compound, Iriomam village, Isiagu, followed by condolence visits. Thanksgiving mass will hold at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, Isiagu by 10am on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Adieu Ide Isiagu.
WRITTEN BY SIR OKECHUKWU IFEATU
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