The late Chief Sylvanus Udechukwu Okoye (Ogene Agulu) was born in 1938, to Okoye Azeabum family of Amorji village, Agulu and was the first surviving son of his parents, Chief Onukufor and Mrs Grace Okoye.

Late Chief Okoye started his education at St. Patrick’s Primary School now Ezeanyanwu Primary School, Agulu.

He lost his father at a very tender age and his Uncle, Pa James Okoye started catering for his education. He also followed his friends to St Patrick’s Anglican School now Central School, Agulu.

Late Chief Okoye wrote standard six examinations, passed and gained admission into Obosi Grammar School to pursue his secondary education but dropped later on the grounds that he was the only son of his parents and preferred to learn a trade to enable him meet his family financial responsibilities.

His journey to Onitsha marked the beginning of his business career as he started trading with his uncle Pa-James Okoye of Blessed memory.  He established himself very well in business and was among the first Agulu people to own a super market at Onitsha and a bread industry in Lagos but the civil war in 1967 destroyed the business.

After the civil war, he started bringing in food stuffs from the Northern part of Nigeria to the East. He later went to Awka and started trading on goat and from there he became the head of goat sellers market in Awka.

He did well with S.C.O.A. Company and when the company had a problem, he lost all he had but did not stop there. He joined a plastic business and became a distributor of Standard Plastic Company Limited, Umuahia, Abia State and from there he opened his own plastic manufacturing industry.

He was the Chairman of S.U Okoye and Sons Limited Onitsha and later the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zubis Foundation Company  limited.

In 1959, late Chief  Okoye  married his heartthrob Mrs Gladys Okoye and they wedded in 1960. Their union was blessed with nine children, four boys and five girls whom he single handedly   trained  to university level.

.He was a committed Christian father who served God with his wealth.

He was a delegate of a three man committee from Agulu that was sent to Port Harcourt by the Anglican communion in 1960 to promote  the building of Agulu Anglican Grammar School.

He also served as First Chairman of Obunato Umueshioha kindred of Amorji village, Agulu, Chairman of Njikoka Age grade Amorji village Agulu, Chairman APU Onitsha Branch  and  Chairman of Amorji village Onitsha branch.

During his tenure as the chairman of Njikoka Age grade, Amorji village Agulu, he negotiated a land free of cost where he built Njikoka Age grade hall, Amorji and the age grade handed over the hall to Amorji village.

We are consoled that he lived a good life, touched lives and ran a good race. He was known for his peaceful disposition in all community matters and was recognized for such.

Papa, all of us miss you. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen.

AZUBUIKE OKOYE

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