Today June 8, 2022 is two years since a quintessential business executive, philanthropist per excellence, and community leader, Dr Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, OON, Onowu Neni, departed this world.
Dr Enukeme, died on Monday, June 8, 2020 around 10pm while he was praying the Rosary with his wife, Lady Mary, an indication that he died a true, committed and dedicated Christian.
Ezeani Akuvom! Anya Anaocha, the Managing Director of Tonimas Nigeria limited, was born on January 21, 1944 to Chief and Mrs Eyisi Anyabolu Enukeme of Obiuno Umudioka Village, Neni, both of blessed memory.
Before establishing his company, the late Dr Enukeme served as an apprentice to his community member and owner of Okacha Filing Station, Chief Udeze. He also worked at Total PLC as a pump attendant.
Ezeani Akuvom who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration and a Masters Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy both from Abia State University, Uturu, founded Tonimas Nigeria Limited in 1981 and incorporated it as a limited liability company in 1982.
Following its maintenance of high standards and keeping to international best practices, Tonimas brands of lubricants have been certified by the Nigerian Industrial Standards NIS, and awarded the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme, MANCAP, by the Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, and also received certifications from Society of Automobile Engineers, SAE and the American Petroleum Institute, API.
Dr Enukaeme was a worthy President of Knights of Saint John International, Commandery, 445, Aba, Second Vice President, Owerri Grand Commandery and later became the Grand Commander of the Commandery. He is a recipient of Papal Knight of Saint Gregory The Great KSG. He was a committed Christian, who built, furnished, and handed over a befitting church at Saint James’ to the Catholic Diocese of Awka at his hometown, Neni, with the father’s house, church hall, grotto and other facilities.
He also did the same at Saint Agatha Catholic Church, Umuarakpa for the Diocese of Aba where he also built a chapel, hall and a father’s house. He additionally bought one hundred plots of land for the diocesan pastoral centre and also made some donations for the smooth take off of Peter University, Achina, Anambra State.
The late Dr Enukeme was the founding President of Anambra State Council of Traditional Prime Ministers, in 2007, serving as the president of the council until he passed on in 2020. Since the formation of Anambra State Council of Traditional Prime Ministers, Dr Enukeme took it upon himself to sponsor their monthly meetings. He donated the Sandra Hall at White Castle Hotel, Neni, for their meetings. He also introduced the donation of food items and cash to the less privileged by the association.
As a result of his love for the association, Dr Enukeme donated his land near the Tonimas service station at Amawbia to Ndị Onowu, Anambra State for the construction of their corporate office and hall.
A one-time President of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture ABACCIMA, Dr Enukeme used his company to offer employment to over six thousand youths across the country thus assisting the government to reduce unemployment.
Dr Anthony Enukeme, during his life time awarded secondary and university scholarships to youths in addition to providing water and medicare to his people through the Tonimas Foundation. He constructed and maintained feeder and link roads in his country home, Neni.
The late Dr Enukeme received was a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. He was also the President of Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria, LUPAN and patron to many associations including National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG
He served as Treasurer, Neni Community 1988 to 1994, President, Neni Community, 1994 to 1995, Vice Chairman, Parish Council, Saint John’s Catholic Church, Neni and First Vice Chairman of Awka Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Council.
An award recipient on business productivity by the Institute of Corporate Chairmen of Nigeria, Community Service Award by the Rotary Club, a recipient of Paul Harris Fellow PHF of the Rotary International, Distinguished Persons and Community Service Award by the Anambra Broadcasting Service and recipient of Enyi Abia by the Abia State Government, among numerous recognitions. Dr Enukaeme was a colossus.
As we remember Dr Enukeme, OON who died at the age of 76, our prayer is that the Almighty God will continue to give him eternal rest. Continue to rest in peace, mentor, father, father figure and friend to many.
Rest on Onowu Neni.
ABUCHI NWOZOR
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