The words of the popular hymnal “O when the saints go marching in, O Lord, I want to be in that number” was the guiding principle of our patriarch, Late Chief Mathias Akanihu Egbosi (Ugochitubere) while he lived on earth. He worked hard to preserve his salvation that whenever the last call of the saints come calling, he will be found in the right hands of his master.

 

The Late Chief Egbosi was born on November 25, 1931, to Late Egbosionu Royal and extended family of Ezenwosuokpala of Umudimudu Kindred, Enugwu Village, Aguluezechukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Young Mathias received his infant and primary education between 1947 and 1950, at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Mission (RCM), Aguluezechukwu and obtained standard six certificate. He also attended St. Peter’s TTC, Achina in 1959 for his TC III, St. John’s TTC Agbogugu in 1960 and St. Paul’s College, Awka, 1970.

 

Between January, 1954 and January, 1962, he worked at catechumen education house, Onitsha, and also served at the Local Government Service Commission, between January 1971 and April 1985.

 

The young and intelligent Mathias began his teaching career at St. Peter’s School Aguluezechukwu from 1954 to 1958,Holy Trinity Ozomaguobuwa from January 1961 to Dec 1961, St. Theresa’s Owalmezu between January 1962 and December 1962 and St. John’s Amandiodo, Imezi from January 1963 to December 1963.

 

Late Chief Mathias Egbosi also taught at St. John’s Ezeama Olo, from January 1965 to January 1967, L.A School, Akwuebenebe, between January 1967 and December 1970, St Paul’s Ogboji from January 1971 to December 1971,Central School Aguluezechukwu from January 1972 to December 1975, Primary School, Aguluezechukwu between January 1976 and December 1977, Primary School Enugwu, Nanka January 1978 to December 1978 and Primary School Okpokoro, Awgbu from January 1979 to December 1979.

 

His last years as a teacher were between January 1980 and October 1986, where he taught at Primary School Nkwoagu, Nanka, wrapping up his teaching career at Community Primary School, Mbato from October 1986 to March 1989 when he retired from service.

 

Late Chief Mathias Akanihu Egbosi, was a community leader who lived exemplary life that endeared him to all and sundry. He will be proudly remembered by his children as an ardent listener of radio and a voracious reader who encouraged them to do same.

 

Until his death, he was a member and one of the founders of legion of Mary and purgatorial society at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Aguluezechukwu.

 

He served different church organizations, including the Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO) and the Parish Council.

 

Late Chief Mathias Akanihu Egbosi (Ugochitubere) is survived by his wife, Lolo Regina Egbosi, eight Children, nineteen grand children, brothers, sisters and numerous other relatives.

 

Today, Thursday November 17, 2022, there will be vigil mass for him, at his compound, Enugwu Village, Aguluezechukwu, at 4pm. Tomorrow, Friday November 18, 2022, at 8am, his remains will leave Dionye Memorial Hospital for his home town, Agulezechukwu and will lie in state at his compound. Burial mass for Ugochitubere will hold at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Agulezechukwu, followed by interment and condolences.

 

Adieu Papa! Jee nke ọma, Ugochitubere! Continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord, your creator, Amen.

 

 

Written by    NZE IKEORA EGBOSI