Born to the family of Obigwe Anakwe of Iruagu kindred, Umuatuolu clan, Ivite Umueri on June 4, 1934, Chief Frank Obigwe was the only surviving son. His mother was Agatha Udevi Obigwe (Nee Anadumaka) of Eziama, Igboezulu, Aguleri in Anambra East.
Frank lost his Father in the early stage of his life. He grew up with his Uncles (Udoo and Lawrence Anakwe) and Aunty (Nwaosi Nee Anakwe). He started schooling in 1942 at Saint Paul’s Catholic school at Mkpu Akwuobi Nwakwudo. When it was difficult to train Frank, they took him to his mother’s relation to live with.
There, Frank continued his education at Saint Joseph’s Primary school, Aguleri. In 1949, he was among the five that got distinction in catholic doctrine and that qualified them for teaching appointment. He was posted to Saint Mark’s Nneyi in 1950.
While he was teaching, he served Father Cyprian Iwene Tansi well. In 1951, Frank gained admission to Teachers Training College, Ihiala, after which he was posted to Sacred Heart School, Nteje. Father Sweeney requested for his transfer back to Umueri, though there was objection to that. He was posted to Saint Mark’s, Nneyi in 1955.
In 1957, Chief Frank Obigwe entered Saint Charles’ Teachers Training College, Onitsha. That made him the first Umuerian to gain admission to the College. In 1958, he spear headed the organization of the first Umueri teachers and students union and was made its first President.
In 1959, he was posted to Father Joseph’s Memorial School but the Parish Priest then, Fr. Sweeney decided to send him to Saint Mary’s Umudora Anam to workup the school to standard six, which he did and succeeded within a year as the headmaster.
In February 1961, he rushed his sick mother to Adazi Nnukwu hospital for medical attention. In the hospital, Francis had discussion with the medical officer in charge on the possibility of having such hospital as theirs, in Omambala area as there was none. They went to Enugu where Frank filled a form and the reply for the approval arrived within three months for the building of Umueri Cottage hospital.
Umueri Youth Association (UYA) rallied around and raised money for the construction of the maternity blocks between 1961 and 1972. Obigwe Francis and his team raised a lot of funds for the project. All these were achieved easily because the then Minister of Health, Dr. Okoya was school mate of Francis Obigwe. The status of the hospital was later changed to General Hospital after the war.
In 1963, Francis Obigwe got married to Lolo Pauline Onuegbuna Obigwe. The marriage was blessed with eight children. Also, in 1963, he became the first Chairman of Okanna age grade. In 1964 he was posted to Saint Joan’s Catholic Church Primary school, Nando.
In 1972, after the Biafran war, he was posted to Christ the King Catholic Church Primary school, Omor. While in Omor, He became the first Chairman of NUT between 1972 and 1974. From 1974 to 1987 he was the chairman of Ivite Umueri Development Union.
In 1977 he was at University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained his Associateship Certificate in Education (Ac.E)
Chief Frank Obidigwe retired as a senior supervisor of schools in 1984. After retirement, he was called back to be engaged but he refused, believing it was God’s will for him to be retire at that point.
He was also instrumental to the establishment of Community Secondary School, Umueri. Chief Frank Obigwe was a serious member of Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was appointed as a member/commissioner Civil Service Commission in1993.
Chief Frank Anakputali Obigwe remained an active leader within Umueri and its environs till death on July 18, 2021. Requiem mass holds today at Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, Nneyi Umueri, thereafter interment and condolence visits. May his soul rest in peace, Amen!
WRITTEN BY HILARRY OBIGWE
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