It was a sunset at noon when the news of the death of the immediate-past President General of Awka Development Union, ADUN, Nigeria, Chief Anthony Anene Okechukwu filtered the air. Chief Okechukwu who died in London at the age of sixty eight was a quintessential leader and an epitome of community development.
During his tenure as the President General of Awka Development Union Nigeria, Chief Okechukwu made series of sacrifices to ensure that there was peace in Awka Community. A lot of successes were also recorded during the time as he worked with the traditional ruler, Obi Gibson Nwosu, Ezeuzu the Second and branch leaders of Awka Development Union Nigeria both at home and in the diaspora to ensure even development and peaceful coexistence in the community.
He was born on March 13, 1954 to the family of Ozo and Ojiefi Anthony Okechukwu of Umuzocha Village, Awka, after his parents waited patiently for many years for a child.
The circumstances surrounding his birth, made his parents to name him Anene, as they solely looked unto God to preserve, guide and keep him. His other name Anthony was in honor of his father, but his friends and associates preferred to call him “Tony”.
Tony attended Saint Paul’s Primary School, Unyanga, Calabar and Saint Bridget’s Primary School, Asata, Enugu where he completed his primary education. He also attended Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka and Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia. Afterwards he left for Lagos to work and save money for his tertiary education.
It was while he was in Lagos that he applied and won the prestigious Udorji Scholarship. The scholarship and the money he saved while working in Lagos, aided his study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, second class upper division.
Upon graduation from the University and completion of his mandatory National Youth Service Corps Programme, Chief Okechukwu was employed by Agbim and Partners as a resident structural engineer covering Benin, Warri and Ughelli offices.
He later joined Paulosa Nigeria Limited as a Project Engineer where he rose and became the Manager for various projects. He was posted to Abuja, and later transferred to Kaduna, where he performed excellently to become the best project manager of the company.
Following his wonderful performance in the company, he was offered a huge financial bonus and for his quest to further his education, he pleaded with the company to use the money to sponsor his studies abroad.
With that sponsorship, he left for Birmingham University, United Kingdom where he studied and obtained a master’s degree in water resources technology. On graduation, he earned a spot at a top water resources firm in the United Kingdom, until he returned to Nigeria in 1988 and established his company, Tycol Engineering which implemented key projects including road construction, reconstruction of dams, and execution of some oil and gas projects.
Tycol Engineering received recognition from foreign countries including Japan, Germany and Italy. It equally received many awards and recognitions from corporate bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
Chief Okechukwu was the Chairman, Board of Directors of Graziano Engineering Limited, Aicol Petro Gas Company Limited, Citilink Services Company Limited. He was a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Institute of Water Engineers and Management.
In the religious circle, Chief Okechukwu was Chairman of the Laity Council of Saint John’s Catholic Church, Tafawa Balewa, Kaduna; Chairman, Parish Council of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka; Grand Patron, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria and Catholic Men Organization in Abuja and Patron, Saint Anthony of Padua and Laity Council of Nigeria, Awka Catholic Diocese.
A member of Knight of Saint John International, Chief Sir Okechukwu was the first trustee of the supreme subordinate Commandery of Knight of Saint John International Nigeria. He was worthy President Emeritus Grand Commandery, 463
Kaduna, First Vice Grand President, Jos Grand Commandery, among other positions.
A philanthropist per excellence, he offered so many scholarships to indigent students. His acts of philanthropy in developing Awka Community and instituting a scheme for the widows earned him the Rotary honour of Paul Harris Fellow, PHF.
The late Anthony Okechukwu married his hearthrob, Barrister Ego who is also an Engineer and the marriage is blessed with children.
Vigil mass will take place on Thursday, July 21 by 4pm at his family compound near Saint John of God Secondary School, Awka. It will be presided over by Cardinal nominee and Catholic Archbishop of Ekwulobia, the Most Reverend Peter Okpalaeke, while burial mass will take place the next day Friday, July 22 at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka by 10am to be followed by interment.
Rest on the great lion of our time.
Written by ABUCHI NWOZOR
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