Late Mr. Samuel Chidelu Okafor (Ozobaku) was born on October twenty-one, 1944, to Mr. Christian Okafor and Mrs. Edna Okafor (née Nwankwo) of Umuriam Community, Nawfia, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He began his studies at Central School, Amàwbia, and completed his primary education at the Government Practicing School in Awka.
He was unable to pursue his secondary school education in the conventional way. His father encouraged him to pursue missionary work and he became a teacher at St. Michael’s Primary School and later at Emmanuel Primary School, both in Nawfia. He diligently prepared for and completed his qualifying exams independently, successfully passing both the Cambridge examination and the advanced-level exams.
In 1967, he gained admission to the University of Lagos to study Finance. The outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War forced him to withdraw from the University of Lagos and transferred to the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, where he switched his focus to Accountancy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Second Class Upper, and emerged as the best graduating student in both the Department of Accountancy and the Faculty of Business Studies.
The late Mr Okafor was recruited by the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) as an accountant and earn his Chartered Accountant Certification in record time and ten years later he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Santa Fe, an oil services company, later employed him as Chief Accountant, which resulted in his relocation to Port Harcourt and was soon after promoted to Finance Controller and appointed as a director.
He ventured into entrepreneurship and in 1983, founded his own company, Syco Unit Ltd. which initially focused on auditing, distributorship, haulage and logistics. Late Mr Okafor was a passionate sportsman and football goalkeeper. He also love lawn tennis and music, particularly classical songs and impressive choir performances.
He was a devout believer. At his home church, St. Michael’s Anglican Church Nawfia, he was an active member of the choir and a Youth Leader. In Port Harcourt, he was a dedicated member of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church and served on various church committees, including as the leader of the Rumudara Home Fellowship cell. He was also a member of the Burden Bearers ministry and served as a Patron.
He played a pivotal role in the affairs of both the Umuriam Obunese and Nawfia Progressive Union in Port Harcourt. His residence has remained the meeting venue for decades. Countless individuals can attest to the guidance and support he offered, helping many find their path and touching lives in various ways. He bought canopies for women of his kindred and security bus for the entire Umuriam as well as contributed in building Okpalariam Hall. He was also chairman of many reconciliation committees.
Late Mr Okafor was married to Mrs Keziah Okafor (Nee Nwagu) and their marriage is blessed with four children and six grandchildren:
Sam was a peaceful man, who lived a successful, impactful and contented life. He is loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
IKENNA OKAFOR
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