Chief Sir Simeon Akachukwu Arazu was born into the pagan family of Dara Akam of Umuakabuike-Umunkwere, Umudike Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra in 1933. As a young boy, Simeon joined his age mates in the sale of fenders and drinking water at Afor Ukpor. Those days, the business was a major economic activity. However, Simeon’s foray into the business was cut short when in 1945, th traditional ruler of Ukpor, Chief Edward Malize (Eze Onye oruru) declared compulsory primary education for every male child of school age. Thus, Simeon began schooling at St Mary’s Catholic School, Ukpor Centre. While in school, Simeon proved himself an obedient, hardworking, intelligent and godfearing boy.
In 1952, Simeon obtained his Standard six certificate that is First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC at St Michael’s Catholic School, Ozubulu. Immediately after, he left for Port Harcourt where his maternal uncle, Mr Joseph Nwosu secured him a job at Marketing and Export Shipping Line of Port Harcourt Wharf. He earned the nickname, “By the Grace of God” because of his trust in God. This also gave him favour before his employers making them to grant him overtime with better pay. From the money he made, he bought his first car – a “Morris Oxford” in 1957 becoming the fourth person in Ukpor to own a car.
In 1959, Simeon established Arazu Brothers which dealt in motor spare parts from his savings. Almost immediately, he began the importation of new motor spare parts becoming the first importer of the products in Port Harcourt when others were still selling washed motor spare parts popularly known as “asachaa”. He would later win the Eastern Zonal distributorship of Lucas House and UAC British Motor Spare Parts. He was also awarded the Gold and White Lion of Lucas Certificate. In fact, Simeon was known as “Lucas Man” in the whole Eastern region at the time. But Simeon feels more fulfilled from the fact that many wealthy men in Umudike his village and Ukpor his town, and in communities like Mbaise and Enugu passed through his tutelage as apprentices.
Simeon got married to former Miss Eunice Chinwe Olekamma of Umukwuoma Ubolukam Onicha Mbaise, Imo State at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Port Harcourt on 27th February, 1960. The marriage was blessed with seven children and a host of grand children.
In 1962, Simeon won the tender to manage the Nigerian Railway canteen in Port Harcourt. He was the proprietor of the canteen until the Nigerian Civil War broke out in 1967.
The setback of the civil war which resulted in Simeon leaving Port Harcourt empty handed did not stop him from engaging in philanthropic activities during the civil war. He teamed up with the then Parish Priest of St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Ukpor, Rev. Fr. G. C. Ikeobi to create four kitchen centres in Ukpor which helped to alleviate the sufferings of the people during the war. They collected food items from Caritas and helped distribute them in the community. This will later grow into a powerful prayer ministry which he dedicated his life to its service for over 35 years.
At community level, he served as the Vice President General, Ukpor Improvement Union, UIU, 2003-2006, Treasurer, Onitsha Branch of UIU, 1981-2007, and President General, Umudike General Assembly 1982 – 1987. He was an Executive member, Ana-Ukpor Progressive Social Club of Nigeria and a trustee of Nkpor Auto Spare Parts Market. In fact, he was one of the six persons that founded and acquired the land for the market.
Chief Arazu was a member of Igwe in-Council during the reign of Igwe S.U Mbanefo of Ukpor; Chairman, Building Committee, and member, Parish Council of Holy Trinity Parish, Umudike Ukpor; member, Ukpor Parish Council, member of Trustees, Knight of St John’s International and member, Zone 5, Catholic Men’s Organization, CMO, Sacred Heart Parish, Odoakpu, Onitsha.
Funeral rites in honour of Late Chief Sir Simeon Akachukwu Arazu begins today, Thursday 19th October, 2023 with a vigil mass at his compound, Nkwere village,
Umudike Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Time is 4pm. Tomorrow, Friday 20th October, 2023, a requiem mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic, Umudike Ukpor by 11am. Interment follows immediately after the mass at his country home. On Saturday 21st October, 2023, Reception and Condolence follows. Venue is Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity field, Onitsha. Time is 12noon.
“Ume Ugonna”, “Agu Lucas” fare thee well!
Written byCHIEF OWEN ARAZU
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