Nnaemeka Okechukwu Ofomata was born on May 15, 1963, in, Ebutte-Meta Lagos, Nigeria to Late Chief Dr Sir David Bennet Anagwu Ofomata known as “Atuma Nnewi” and Lady Caroline Ofomata of Inyaba Umudim Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. At the outset of the Nigeria-Biafra civil War, Dr Ofomata, a medical doctor of repute relocated with his family to Eastern Nigeria and settled at his hometown, Nnewi until the end of the civil war.

 

In 1970, soon after the end of hostilities, they left for Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Umuahia where Emeka made new friends. Emeka briefly had his primary school education at the Library Avenue Primary School, Umuahia but completed it at All Saints Primary School, Onitsha after the family relocated to Onitsha in 1973.

 

Being an intelligent boy and under the tutelage of his mother who was a teacher, he passed into the prestigious Government College, Umuahia and graduated with flying colors in 1978. He later gained admission into Federal Government College, Enugu for his Lower Six (Arts) and proceeded to University of Benin, Benin City to study Economics where he graduated in 1983.

 

As a young boy, Emeka was thoughtful, social, engaging, and pragmatic, charismatic and easily made friends that he maintained throughout his life.

 

Soon after graduation, he was recruited into the then Allied Bank Nig PLC. While working for the now defunct bank, Emeka displayed unique business acumen and rare managerial skill which earned him rapid promotions and he managed several important branches of Allied Bank PLC in Onitsha, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.

 

Nnaemeka eventually left the shores of Nigeria for USA in 1993 in the wake of the collapse of Allied Bank. During his brief sojourn in USA, honed his business skills, partnering with a few close friends to operate business outfits geared towards reaching a global market. Emeka felt the need to capitalize on the emerging Nigerian market and eventually returned to Nigeria in 1997.

 

He managed his businesses from Lagos for a while, but later settled in the scenic landscapes of Abuja where he set up a world class home designing outfit, among other business interests. He was also involved in building and civil works and completed some landmark buildings in the Abuja metropolis. Suffice it to say that Emeka was a consummate Nigerian who loved his country was evident in his eclectic collection of friends and business partners and the widespread footprint of his businesses.

 

Emeka was also a consummate Nnewi man who revived and became President General of Inyaba Development Movement. He also helped re-energize the vigilante outfit of his beloved Inyaba, Umudim village. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his people.

 

Emeka had an uncanny affinity for people. He understood people and their needs and desires. Emeka was blessed with three children whom he loved completely – Raluchukwu, Mukaosolu and Shekinah. He was a loving and caring father, who went to every length to provide for his family. He had a way with children and young people, and he was able to impact the lives of many of them that had contact with him.

 

Nnaemeka Ofomata died in London on April 1, 2023 after a brief illness. He was loved by all who crossed his path. He had a strong sense of duty and worked assiduously to service his responsibilities and he encouraged his friends and family to do the same. Emeka will be fondly remembered for his brilliance, fastidiousness, style, love for mankind especially family and friends, and his impeccable taste. He will be missed so much by all who knew him.

Service of Songs shall be held in his honour today, Thursday June 1, 2023 at his home, Emeka Ofomata’s Country Home, No. 4 Ezeatuma Lane, Inyaba, Umudim Nnewi,  at 9:00 PM. Emeka’s  family and loved ones will bid him the final goodbye tomorrow, Friday June 2, 2023 at St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Inyaba Umudim Nnewi by 10am. It will be followed by Thanksgiving Service on Sunday June 4, 2023 by 8:30 at the same church.

Nwoke Obioma, as you journey home, our promise is to keep alive all the beautiful legacies you left with us.

 

Jee nke oma and may your gentle soul rest in the bossom of the Lord, Amen!

 

 

Written by  DR. AZUKA OFOMATA

 

 

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DR. AZUKA OFOMATA/