Death is the inevitable end of every man’s earthly sojourn. Mr. Boniface Okonkwo Nwankwo, Eselu Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri, on Thursday 11th August 2022 answered the ultimate call to eternity. It was the fateful day the town lost one of its illustrious sons, a pioneer banker who rose to a top managerial position in the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB).
Born on 5th December, 1939 into the family of Pa Onwuatuegwu Nwankwo of Enuagu village, Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area and Mrs. Elizabeth Mgbafor Nwankwo (Nee Azodo) of Agulu in Anaocha LGA both of blessed memory, Boniface started his primary education at St. Anthony’s Primary School, Enugwu Ukwu where he excelled in both academics and extra-curricular activities. He was a celebrated athlete during interschool tournaments and was also spectacular with his dancing skills of the popular Atilogwu and the use of the flute.
Having passed his Standard Six examination with excellent grades, he voluntarily decided to relocate to Jos with one of his uncles to begin an apprenticeship in his transportation business. As one interested in academics, he seized the opportunity to enroll in a commercial school in Jos and expectedly performed creditably thereafter.
Shortly after, he secured employment as a Clerical Officer with Shell BP, and later African Petroleum (AP) in Jos. Impressed by his dynamism and business prowess, as his employers were transacting with African Continental Bank (ACB), the bank offered him employment as a clerical officer. He later became a cashier in the same bank.
During his sojourn in some Northern State branches of the bank, He learnt and became fluent in Hausa language which earned him the nickname “Alhaji ‘Eselu”. While working in the Ibadan branch of the bank, he successfully completed a part time special programme in banking at the University of Ibadan. These successes resulted in his promotion to the Senior management cadre. His many years of hard work with deep sense of honesty, integrity, loyalty and commitment to duty in the bank earned him an “Award of Excellence” by the bank management. He eventually rose to the position of an Area Manager in the Enugu branch of the bank.
Beyond this point, he was spurred to venture into private businesses-including transportation in attempts to sustain his family. His implicit trust and faith in God proved that “after the darkness comes a glorious dawn”.
Being a skilled writer, he became a Community Leader in Enuagu Village and Enugwu Ukwu and was engaged in philanthropic gestures and conflict resolutions.
In appreciation of his numerous selfless and dedicated services, his community appreciated him with the title of “Ochudo Enuagu” while his kinsmen fondly called him ‘Umunna nwezuo aku’. The Enuagu Development Association also gave him an “Award of Excellence” while many socio-cultural organizations including Enugwu Ukwu Widows Association, Umuada Enuagu and the Women Wing of Enuagu Development Association respectively appointed him their Grand Patron.
His earliest marriage was short lived by the death of his first wife, Mrs. Maria Nwankwo (Nee Enebeli) who hailed from Ndoni in Rivers State. He was later joined in marriage to Mrs. Pauline Nwankwo (Nee Odunukwe) from Adazi Nnukwu in Anambra State, also of blessed memory. He later married Mrs. Lucy Nkemdilim Nwankwo from Nkanu in Enugu State.
Eselu Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri was survived Mrs. Lucy Nkemdilim Nwankwo (wife); Rev. Wilfred Nwankwo, (son); Dame Judith Amaechi, former First lady of Rivers State (daughter); Emeka Nwankwo, (son); Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Member House of Representatives representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency (son); Mrs. Onyinye Uwaleke, (daughter); Mrs Vivian Adamma Anorue, (daughter); and Mr. Uche Boniface Nwankwo (son).
His sons-in-law include Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; Mr. Chijioke Blessing Anorue and Mr. Emmanuel Uwaleke. Two daughters-in-law – Mrs. Gloria Nwankwo and Mrs. Fabia Dozie-Nwankwo are also mourning him.
His remains will be laid in state at his residence in Enuagu village, Enugwu Ukwu on 21st October, 2022 by 7:00am, while Funeral Mass will be held for him at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Enugwu Ukwu at 10am, followed by interment.
We, his descendants are proud of the good life he lived and the attributes of hard work, patience and perseverance, trust and faith in Almighty God that he imbibed in us because he was indeed a peaceful, quiet, focused and caring man whose warmth and personality we will greatly miss.
May the noble soul of our patriarch, Boniface Okonkwo Nwankwo, Eselu Enu Ego Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Written by CHIEF FERDINAND DOZIE NWANKWO
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