Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Nkporo

Nkporo - A Legacy of Strength and Unity

Experience the Spirit of Nkporo

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REMINISCENCE OF THE PRICELESS GEM LATE HON. BARRISTER UKA OLU AGWU (1926-2000)

REMINISCENCE OF THE PRICELESS GEM LATE HON. BARRISTER UKA OLU AGWU (1926-2000)

“I have found that success is measured. not so much about the position attained in life. as he obstacles which hase heen overcome in attaining that position”. Booker T. Washington: The triumph of perseverance is constantly evident in the life of every great man. Our beacon light. Late Hon. Barrister Uka Olu Agwu has left an indelible mark in the sands of time, out of sheer hard work and devotion

Thereby conquering the rather difficult situation that surrounded his humble parentage. It all began in the cool and quiet evening of March 6. 1926. When he was born into the family of Late Chief Olu Agwu from the Egela family of Ndi Ojinta compound, Amafor Etitiama Nkporo in Ohalia I..G.A. His mother was Late Eze Nwanyi Amumma of the great and worthy OKPUMA family. At a very tender age. He began to show signs of exceptional brilliance and an unusual interest in Western Education, which attracted the attention of his Uncle Late Elder Pa James Agbai, a pioneer Christian member of the Presbyterian Church in Nkporo. His Uncle, who remained his guardian afterwards enrolled him at Etitiama Central School in 1932. Having completed standard four. he transferred to Abiriba Central School in 1940. where he obtained his First School Leaving Certilicate. with distinctions. He was posted to Nkporo in 1941 as a probationary teacher (P.Y.T.). In this capacity. he organized a sanitary inspection team. popularly known as " Ndi Oleali. Ile further initiated the formation of Nkporo Scholars Union which eventually metamorphosed into Nkporo development Union over time. The lofty achievements of the Union endeared him to the hearts of his people thereby bringing him instant fame and respect hence the prefix SIR which effectively substituted for his name his There's no hiding for a gold dish. they say. In the year 1943. he was recommended by the headmasters in Ohatia distriet schools. for the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Instititute Calabar. At Hope Waddell. he gallantly carved a niche for himself by wining the VICTOR LUDORUM the highest honour reserved only for the rare few who stand out as all-round sportsmen. In academies too he maintained very excellent grades even as the general head-boy in his final year. Driven by an insatiable scholarly zeal. he hegan a tuition course in Latin and English from Woosley Hall Oxford England - a feat only few geniuses dare. He came out in flying colours both in the London matriculation and the teachers grade Il examination. in 1947. after which he voluntarily resigned from the services of the church of Scotland missions.

 

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As fate would have it. he was offered a teaching appoiniment at Aggrey memorial College Arochukwu in 1950. His dynamism and charisma soon cieney him the favours of the proprictor- The Late Dr. Alvan Ikoku in the scholarship of late Dr. Alvan Ikoku he proceeded to Fourah Bay College Sierra. Incidentally. he transferred to University of Achimota Ghana where he obtained an intermediate B.A. before his scholarship was withdrawn.
However, the erudite and optimistic young man jealously guarded his dream for an honours certilicates, even in the face of frustrating financial situations like the proverbial moving train he was indeed unstoppable. Soon some village chiefs from Etitiama Nkporo assisted and raised 1.000 Pounds for his assistance. In 1954, he set sail to Britain where he enrolled in Princeton Street College of law. Holbourn, University of london. He obtained his LLB. B.L and (inter) B.A in law and was called to the English BAR at middle temple. On his return to Nigeria in 1963. he immediately enrolled in the Nigerian law school. Lagos and was subsequently called to the Nigerian BAR in 1964. emerging as the first Lawyer in Nkporo. As a solicitor and advocate of the supreme court of Nigeria the legal luminary distinguished himself as a mentor and sage to many of his colleagues who fondly called him “Lord Agwu”, "Great Agwu." while his numerous clients saw in him a humane and dependable advocate. His courtroom philosophy was justice and fairly to all men. He began his legal practice in Lagos in 1964. but was forced to relocate to Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Civil War. He returned to Lagos immediately after the war and continued his private Legal practice from his famous Oluoma Chambers. before venturing into politics. His adventure into the political terrain. was exclusively by the popular demands of Nkporo people. He therefore represented and won a ticket to the defunct Imo house of assembly. on the platform of NPP.- a feat he achieved twice between 1979 and 1983. This marked a turning point in his life though he seldom saw it as such lie was neither by any rating a mean politician nor was he an underdog among his colleagues. Most noteworthy. were his position as chairman, judiciary Committee. Imo House of Assembly and his initiation and sponsorship of the famous traditional rulers and autonomous community Law in 1981. 

 

 

 

Today, Communal autonomy has become a most sought -after status in Abia State and far beyond. As a true patriot, he did not spare a penny in his efforts to actualise the dream of the Abia State movement, Which began as a socio-cultural group. "Onye aghala nwanne ya" of which he was a pioneer and active member. Though he embarked on several primary infrastructural projects. he was only able to complete the portable water project in Nkporo before the military struck in 1983. Nevertheless, his unprecedented benevolence still remains a proud land mark in the hearts of well over 500 beneficiaries of his scholarship facilities cutting across all levels and fields of learning. Perhaps he was inspired by the Socratic dictum "Knowledge is virtue. Being a keen sportsman himself, he donated several competitive trophies for various sporting events. at the secondary school level. in Nkporo. He therefore. went the extra mile to ignite and nurture the desire for formal education in the hearts of Nkporo youths. Today. that fire is burning the fiercest. He was the Chairman, Board of Governors Nkporo comprehensive secondary school, Chairman Board of Governors Etitiama Girls High school, Chairman Board of Governors Amurie secondary technical school. The late Hon. Barrister Agwu was a devout Christian. of the Presbyterian denomination. He never ceased to appreciate the grace of God upon his life. neither was the gospel of salvation and peace. ever scarce in his mouth. He remained a fanatic tidier. even to the very end. He was married to the Late Mrs Nnenna Agwu (nec Imo). A dear and loving wife to whom he devoted his affection until death came to part them. Eventually. he remarried Mrs. Jessie Ogbeyalu Agwu (nee Kalu Obasi) She is a most faithful and virtuous woman whose heartfelt love and care for her husband easily explains the secret behind his ability to survive for so long though, bedridden. She remained a loving and dedicated wife and mother. until the early hours of Friday. 22" September 2000. when the heavenly bells tolled. He is survived by his most adorable wife. Mrs. Jessie Ogbeyalu Agwu and five children. He was extremely altruistic. A man of amiable countenance and great stature of mind. A brave-hearted gentleman who guarded his pride with an excellent sense of humour He never compromised neat and sparkling surroundings yet. he had a rare flair for cute and smart outfits.
Dear papa, you lived and died a hero like a guardian angel, you were there for us, all the way. Even in the miry clay of protracted illness. you fought a good fight of faith hoiding on for so many years. Now you have gracefully transcended all bodily pains. We give God almighty our gratitude. Just one thing - We cannot ignore your purposefulness and consistency neither can we overlook vour brazen refusal to be dented by corruptible influences. Your transparence and optimistic stance. remains some of your ideal legacies we must uphold. Adieu! Till we meet to part no more, on the other side of gloryland.
Signed:
Emeka Agwu
On behalf of the family

 

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