Chief Elias Ogbonnia Okonkwo (Otuogbajie) was born in September 1951 at Obiuno village Igboukwu in Aguata LGA. He was the last son but the fifth child of late Mr. Okonkwo Ibeh and Late Mrs. Magarette Ibeh. Elias attended Obiuno Primary School, Igboukwu.

He dropped out of school because of the Nigerian Civil war. During the civil war, he engaged in palm wine tapping and hunting. He also embarked on loading of goods and transportation of goods with native truck, Ugbonku, to neighboring towns and cities for business people. He was a great hunter. This gave him the nickname, “OTUOGBAJIE”.

After the war in 1970, young Elias was unable to continue his education because of lack of funds. So he accompanied Mr. Geoffrey Ezeokoli, now late as a mechanic apprentice in his workshop. Then, Otuogbajie lived with his uncle, Francis Okeke, now late at Onitsha.

At the end of his apprentice-ship, Elias Okonkwo jointly established a mechanic workshop with two of his friends, Robinson Umejieje and Umeibe Christopher in 1976. Elias specialized in repairing Mercedes Benz 911 truck engines. This made him very popular as people from far north send their trucks for repairs.

His skill in motor mechanic made him to establish contact with Chief Martin Ikeh, who was then an auto electrician at Odoakpu Onitsha. In 1979, Otuogbajie partnered with Chief Ikeh in the business of foam production, which both of them established.

They established a business empire known as Marta Industries Limited until 1990 when they peacefully separated. Thereafter, Otuogbajie established Climax Industries Limited. After some years, he introduced his elder brother, Emmanuel Okonkwo, now late, into foam production business, Emic Foam And Allied Industries Limited at Odume Obosi.

In 1983, Otuogbajie wedded his lovely wife, then Eucharia Ifeyinwa Okeke Ezemba from Oraeri in Aguata at Christ The King’s Parish, Onitsha. The union produced two females and four males, to the glory of God Almighty.

Otuogbajie was a husband, father, friend and playmate to his family. He was Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Climax Industries Limited, makers of Ely Foam and Ely Star Foam; Chief Executive Officer, Omeogo Foot-Print Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, Jacy Grace International School, Okpuno and Chief Executive Officer, Climax Industries Limited (Quarry Section) Ntezi, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He was also Patron, Foam Manufacturers Association, Onitsha Branch and Member, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

Chief Elias (Otuogbajie) was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. He donated huge amount of money for the work of God to different churches, irrespective of denomination. Elias Ogbonnia Okonkwo was member and patron of many organizations too numerous to mention.

Otuogbajie built about six houses for the less privileged. Some marriages were in pains and about to collapse because they had no child, but he assisted them financially to adopt children. Otuogbajie sponsored many indigent people in secondary school and university. He helped many people to go abroad in pursuit of education and business. Otuogbajie equally started business for many people who did not have anybody to help them, sponsored their marriages, gave them accommodation and finally established the family.

Before his death on Saturday, May 29, 2021, Elias Ogbonnia Okonkwo (Otuogbajie) instructed his wife that his customers who were involved in fire disaster at Menax Odoakpu Onitsha should be given goods to continue their businesses. What a wonderful love!

Elias Okonkwo lived a fulfilled life. He achieved his goals through hard work and honesty. To God be the glory in Jesus name. He is survived by Mrs Eucharia Ifeyinwa Okonkwo –Wife; Mrs Adaobi Okpara and Mrs Onyinye Anyichie – Daughters; Paschal Okonkwo; Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo; Kosisochukwu Okonkwo and Eberechukwu Okonkwo – Sons. Others are: Hope Okonkwo; Cynthia Okonkwo – daughters-in-law; Cecilia Umemuo – sister; many grandchildren and other numerous relations.

Vigil Mass holds today at his compound, Obiuno village, Igboukwu. There will be burial mass tomorrow at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Igboukwu, thereafter interment in his compound, followed by other funeral rites. Sunday, August 15, 2021 is outing mass at Saint Patrick’s Igboukwu.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

WRITTEN BY PASCHAL OKONKWO

No related posts.