Born in 1945 to Ogbuefi Albert Okoye Ekwealor and Nneoma Nwatoka Ekwealor, all late, of Umuezilo village, Ovollo-Mbaukwu, Christopher attended Saint Augustine’s Primary School, Illushi, Edo state through Saint Lawrence’s Anglican Primary School, Mbaukwu, passing out very successfully at Saint Matthew’s Central School, Nibo in 1958.

Chinwuba obtained his WASC at Anglican Grammar School, Oraukwu in 1963. While in school, young Christopher was appointed the secretary of School Hobbies And Societies and Assistant House Prefect. He attended Saint Marks Teachers’ College, Nibo/Nise passing out with Credits and Distinctions in TC two in 1965.

In quick succession, he obtained G.C.E A/L in 1966; Senior Teachers Certificate (TC I) in 1973; B.Ed. at University of Ibadan in 1977; M.A University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1988 and Diplpma in Computer Science at Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti in 1999.

Ichie Prof. C.C. Ekwealor joined the Anambra State College of Education Awka (now Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe) in 1982 as a Lecturer and retired in 2013 as an Associate Professor, the apex rank in the institution. While in the college, he served two times as Head, Department of Igbo and other Nigerian Languages and once as the Dean School of Languages. He also served as member or chairman of a number of Academic Board committees.

While on sabbatical leave at the Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti in 1999, he served as Head, Department of Igbo. Ichie, Prof. C.C. Ekwealor has to his credit over forty-five articles in local and national journals and many books, including Omenala Na Ewumewu Igbo and Agumagu Ederede Igbo N’ozuzuoke.

Ichie, Prof. C.C. Ekwealor remained a very active member of Society for Promotion of Igbo Language and Culture (SPILC) and Igbo Standardization Committee of SPILC. He remained an active member of Igbo Studies Association for a good number of years.

Ichie, Prof. C.C. rendered invaluable consultancy services to such bodies as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and National Teachers’ Institute (NTI). He once served as a member of Management Committee for Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu.

Ichie, Prof. C.C. Ekwealor served Umuezilo village as treasurer for over twelve years. He resigned following his election as President-General of Mbaukwu Progressive Union (MPU) in December 1996, serving through December 1999. He was thereafter, elevated to the status of ICHIE of the Royal Cabinet of Mbaukwu Kingdom by his Majesty, Igwe P.N. Anugwu, Ezeukwu Mbaukwu.

Christopher was a strong member of the choir and the Anglican youth fellowship of his home Church. At the end of the Nigeria/Biafra war in 1970, he helped to bring the young men of Saint Lawrence Church together to form a body known as Saint Lawrence young men association.

While mourning this irreparable loss of our great daddy, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation and left wonderful legacies which time can neither erase nor erode.

Ichie, Prof. C.C. Ekwealor is survived by Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwealor-wife, Engr. Ejikeme Ekwealor and Arch Chiemeka Ekwealor (sons); Miss Chioma Ekwealor and Nneora Chukwudum (daughters). Others are: Reverend Prince Chiemeka Chukwudum of the Anglican Diocese of Awka (son-in-law) and Mrs. Kasarachukwu Ekwealor (daughter-in-law).

Service of Songs holds today at his compound (near Central School, Mbaukwu), while burial service holds tomorrow at Saint Lawrence’s Anglican Church, Mbaukwu, thereafter interment and condolences. There will be outing service at Saint Lawrence’s Anglican Church, Mbaukwu on Sunday, January 16, 2022 by 9am.

Daddy, may your peace loving soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty God, amen. Adieu papa; Farewell great educator; Jee nkeoma Ichie, Prof. C.C. Ekwealor (Ichie Dozienze Mbaukwu).

WRITTEN BY ENGR. EJIKEME EKWEALOR

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