Ichie Innocent Chukwunyelu Ilozumba was born in 1946 to the family of Chief (Sir) Benjamin Ubadike Ilozumba (Okwuluoha Obeledu na Anaocha) and Lady Martina Ilozumba, all late, of Umuezeani Kindred, Umudibunam Obeledu, Anaocha L.G.A. He was the 4th child and 3rd son of his parents.

Ichie Innocent attended St Paul’s (now Central) School, Obeledu, All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha and Christ the King College, Onitsha for the Cambridge University Higher School Certificate course (H S C).

Ichie Innocent enlisted in the Biafra Airforce, and achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Armed with excellent results, he secured Direct Entry admission to University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study Plant Soil Science. He finished top of his class in Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

Thus, Ichie Innocent Ilozumba was employed in his parent department as a Junior Research Fellow. He was subsequently sponsored to University of Wisconsin for graduate studies by UNN. He obtained M.Sc in Soil Science and was about beginning the Doctoral programme, but dropped as a result of cash squeeze. Ichie enrolled in the same university and obtained MBA in Finance and Marketing.

Thereafter, he moved from academics to pursue a career in banking. Ichie joined Citibank of New York, USA, and later moved over to Chase Manhattan Bank. He was later deployed to Continental Merchant Bank, the Nigerian Subsidiary of Chase Manhattan Bank. Ichie served as Managing Director of Citizen Investment and Securities Ltd. Thereafter, he founded his private companies, Index Investment & Management Services Ltd, and Litmus Pax Consultancy Ltd.

Ichie was behind the establishment of Obeledu Microfinance Bank. He was a Consultant to Abia and Anambra State Governments on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He was very often called upon to assist in the rescue of troubled Microfinance banks nationwide.

Ichie wedded former Miss Ifeoma Emenike of Enugwu, Nanka on January 24, 1987. The union was blessed with two children namely, Dr Ukwuoma Ilozumba, presently an Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, UK and Chukwujekwu Ilozumba.

Apart from being a talented sportsman, Ichie was the pioneer Chairman of Obeledu Mandatory Post Primary Education scheme (OMAPPE), which requires every child born to Obeledu parents to be educated to a minimum of UBE level before venturing into apprenticeship, or getting married. Ichie was the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Chairman of OPU Finance and Investment Committee and a member of Igwe-in-Council.

Ichie’s services to the Catholic Church in Awka diocese and his diaspora parish in Lagos are numerous. He was Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Support Fund Management Committee at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Lagos. He helped in setting up the welfare scheme for the CMO of the Parish. His two Alma Maters, CKC Onitsha and All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association also felt his pulse.

In his native community of Obeledu, Ichie was very visible and active. He was one of the sponsors of the move for a second Catholic parish in Obeledu which resulted in the establishment of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Ichie’s services to his people and humanity were recognized and appreciated. The OUS honoured him with Award of Excellence; the Staff and Management of Austica Memorial College, Nanka, gave him Great Donors Award, and Meritorious Award; The Actors Guild of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, installed him a Grand Patron among many others.

Ichie Innocent Chukwunyelu Ilozumba was a product of sound parenting and good education. These factors moulded him into a pleasant integral personality. He lived for others. Like a lit candle, he burnt himself out that others may see and then returned to his Maker.

Ichie Innocent Ilozumba is survived by Mrs Ifeoma Ilozumba (wife), Dr Ukwuoma Ilozumba (Daughter) and Chukwujekwu Ilozumba (Son). Others are Christian Ilozumba, Associate Prof Philip Ilozumba, Sir Callistus Ilozumba, Lady Margaret Ezeh (siblings) and numerous other relations.

Vigil mass holds today at his residence, Umudibunam, Obeledu, to be celebrated by Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Diocese, while funeral mass will take place tomorrow at  the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obeledu, to be celebrated by Most Reverend Peter Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese. Thereafter, condolence visits till Sunday, December 12, 2021 when there will be thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obeledu

May our Good Lord receive him and assign him a befitting mansion in His Kingdom. Amen.

WRITTEN BY SIR PHILIP ILOZUMBA

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