Awka, Anambra State Capital, will tomorrow Friday, 9th February, 2024, witness the funeral rites of an illustrious son of the community, the Late Professor Okechukwu Obiora Mbonu, emeritus professor of surgery at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
Born on 4th January, 1939, the Late Professor Mbonu was a man of great talent and scholarship. He was one of the young medical doctors who manned hospitals in the defunct Biafra where wounded soldiers were treated during the Nigeria Civil war between 1967 and 1970.
Dr. Mbonu was trained at University College, Ibadan, Nigeria, University of London and University of Liverpool, England and the University of Ottawa, Canada. He had all it takes to relocate to any other country for better pay but out of his passion and patriotism to help develop a functional Department of Surgery at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital where he resumed work after his academics, he decided to stay in Nigeria to work for his country.
As a leader in his own field, the late Professor Mbonu has changed the narrative in the field of surgery. He took personal responsibility and worked with others to build a great team to realize a common vision at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, after his stint of the UNTH, Enugu.
In recognition of his excellent work, Professor Mbonu received numerous awards and recognitions from local, national and international professional bodies, following his prowess in the field of surgery, urology, leadership and administration. Some of them include awards from the Royal College of Surgeons, West African College of Surgeons, Medical College of Surgeons, the International Surgical Society, the National Productivity Order of Merit, NPOM, award, among others. He was a member of thirteen academic and professional bodies where he also presided over at different times including as Chairman, Committee of Chief Executives of Federal Teaching and Specialist Hospitals.
Professor Mbonu also had two text books, thirteen scholarly publications, thirty-seven journal articles and delivered thirty public lectures at local, national and international conferences.
This man of vision also made other gargantuan contributions to the public, at the state and national levels. He was Foundation Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi; and member, National Committee that reviewed the Edict on private medical practice.
The late Professor Mbonu had several postgraduates’ training and experience in Nigeria and overseas in various hospitals and Universities. He also attended many medical courses in Edinburgh, Bristol and London, UNILAG, Vienna, Australia, as well as Senior Management Course at ASCON, Badagry, Lagos.
During his leisure, the late Professor Mbonu played table tennis, squash, and enjoyed reading. He had three children out of his happy marriage – Ngozi, Okey and Obumneme. He was married to Veronica Chibuogwu.
A befitting funeral programme as planned by his family of Umudioka village, Awka began yesterday, Wednesday, 7th February, 2024 where his body lied in state at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi for a commendation service. It was followed by service of songs by the Knights and Ladies of the Council of Knights, Awka Diocese, at his residence at No 239 Zik Avenue, Awka.
Today, Thursday, 8th February, 2024, a service of songs facilitated by the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka holds at his compound by 5pm. Tomorrow, Friday, 9th February, 2024, his remains will lie in state at his compound, No 239 Zik Avenue, Awka by 11am with a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, followed by interment immediately at his compound. A reception will be held at the International Conference Centre, Awka. On Saturday, 10th February, 2024, condolence visits continue at his compound while an outing service will be held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, on Sunday, 11th February, 2024, by 4pm.
Although, the Late Professor Okechukwu Obiora Mbonu has gone the way of all flesh, his legacies will live on for many years to come. His children, family, friends, and students will attest to the fact that he was a perfect and complete gentleman. While mourning the medical legend, they will be comforted by the fact that he lived a selfless life without blemish.
Chinemeze Awka, Otochalu Ajaghija Umudioka Obunese, Ozorandu Mbaukwu, May your gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.
Written by ABUCHI NWOZOR
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