Chief Patrick Melikam Atuanya (Omelora One of Nando)  was born on November twenty-seven, 1939. At the age of six, in January 1946, he began his educational journey at St. Joan’s School, Nando. Between 1946 and 1951, he completed Standards one to four. In 1951, he was baptized, taking the name Patrick. He also received Holy Communion that same year.

In 1952, he  attended Sacred Heart School, Nteje, for Standard five, followed by St. Joseph’s School, Aguleri, where he completed Standard six in 1953. That November, he sat for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination, achieving an impressive third position out of thirty-four Pupils.

In 1954, The late Chief  Atuanya was admitted to the Preliminary Training Centre (PTC) in Nimo, where he trained as a teacher. Upon completing his PTC course, he was posted to St. Francis School, Ikem Nando, as the Head Teacher in January 1955, marking the beginning of his teaching career.

Later in 1955, he was admitted to St. Charles College, Onitsha, where he pursued further studies as a student-teacher until 1959. After completing his Teachers’ Grade Two Certificate at St. Charles College, he returned to teach at Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri from 1960 to 1961. During this period, he began studying by correspondence with Rapid Results College, London in May 1960, aiming to prepare for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations.

In April 1966, he passed the GCE Advanced Level in Economics, British Constitution, and History.  He  was admitted to study Economics at the University of Ibadan. However, his academic journey was interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War.

After completing his university education,   Chief Atuanya began working in Lagos in 1972, in the Federal Ministry of Trade, Price Control Board Division, and later worked in various other departments and Divisions.   In 1979, he was promoted to Administrative Officer Grade Five and in 1981, he was promoted to Administrative Officer Grade four.

He later transitioned to the Planning, Research, and Statistics Department, where he served as Assistant Director from 1988 until 1993, when he was promoted to Deputy Director.  His final posting before retirement was with the Federal Civil Service Commission, where he was promoted to Director in January 1998.

The late Chief  Atuanya remained deeply involved in the development of his community, Nando.  In 1992, he was honored with the title of “Ichie” by the Igwe of Nando. He was elected President of the Nando Improvement Union , Lagos Branch. In 1994, he was recognized for his selfless service to the Nando community with a Community Service Merit Award.

He was also instrumental in helping secure employment for many individuals, in civil service.

 Chief Atuanya married  his  wife on April 21, 1974 and  was a committed family man who balanced his demanding career with a strong dedication to his community and family.

He. passed away in 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and community development. He will be remembered for his immense contributions to public service, his tireless work in developing Nando, and the lives he touched through his acts of kindness and service.

SIR AMAECHI ONWUEGBUZINA

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