Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Reverend Michael Ifeanyichukwu Nwabufo, died recently. He was aged 64. Nwabufo retired from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources as Director and Head of Hydrology Department, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

 

Upon retirement from NIHSA after 33 years of meritorious service, he was appointed to manage the Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority by the former President Muhammadu Buhari. He served for two years from 2017 to 2019, after which he focused on his work as a Minister of God.

 

Nwabufo was perhaps one of the few Nigerians whose career straddled the public service and the ecclesiastical world, fairly equally. He handled both offices with dedication and did his utmost to leave both better than he met them. It may be fair to argue that his legacies transcended the boundaries of time and created, within the period he lived, ripples of kindness and love that resonate to this day. He was a lover of humanity who spared nothing in his power to offer support to those in need. He was a courageous christian and a firm believer in the healing power of Christ. He was so committed in faith that he betrayed no sign and did not confess negatively even at the twilight of his sojourn on earth. Indeed, when he was diagnosed of the disease that cut short his life, he fought it with every fibre of his being and encouraged his family to remain steadfast in prayer. He never gave up his belief in God and the healing power of Christ. Sadly, he went to his reward on November 13, 2023, almost at the time he was thought to be pulling through.

 

Although he lost the battle to live, he still lives in the memory of those who were fortunate enough to live, work, and worship with him. He was a great mentor to those who sought his advice on issues and was of immense help to others at the wrong side of life.

 

Reverend Nwabufo was a devout Christian of the Pentecostal family. Though an Anglican at birth, he became a Pentecostal and founded God’s End-time Mission (GEM) where he was the General Overseer and Senior Pastor. He was dedicated to the things of God and served Him with unmatchable zeal.

 

Born in 1959, at Aba, Abia State, into the family of late Chief Shedrach Okonkwo Nwabufo (Ezeibeanyikwelu) and late Mrs. Florence Ogbenyeanu Nwabufo (Igboenwezu) of Irukalita-Irunnebo village, Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, he began his primary school at St. Michael’s Primary School, Aba. He attended Sacred Heart College, Aba and in 1977, sat and passed for the West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) with flying colours. He graduated from University of Port Harcourt, River State in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Thereafter, he proceeded to the Netherlands for further his studies at the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC), Delft, Netherlands (now University of Twente) for a Postgraduate Diploma program in Exploration Geophysics. He capped it with Master of Science Degree in Business Analysis and Design from the City University, London, UK.

 

Nwabufo was a dedicated family man who lived a very private life. He was married to Mrs. Nnenna Lily Nwabufo (nee Nwosu), a seasoned banker and currently the Director General, East Africa Region, African Development Bank Group. The marriage was blessed with two lovely children Mr. Michael Ifeanyichukwu Nwabufo Jnr. and Miss Marvel Chidiume Ifunanyachukwu Nwabufo.

 

The death of Reverend Nwabufo might have left some vacuum in the lives of those who met him while alive. However, the belief that he made effort to live a Christian life trumps the fear of losing eternity with the Father, to which His mercy admits all who believe in and live for Him. It is not often that we have the grace to live and die, living out our faith. But those who did seem to accomplish well their earthly journey and leave the bereaved better comforted.

 

The Late Reverend Michael Ifeanyichukwu Nwabufo will be buried at his home town of Enugwu-Agidi on Thursday, February 22, 2024. The burial service will be officiated by an assembly of Ministers of God from across the nation. He will be sorely missed. May God grant his soul eternal rest.

 

Written by EJIKE ANYADUBA

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