I met Chike Philip Ofozoba in the year 1995, our entrance year into the prestigious Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. We were both drafted into the most competitive class of our time. At first, Chike wasn’t a force to reckon with, but his results as we advanced were like a bolt out of the blue.
Nicknamed OFOZY, Chike was competition itself, Challenging and Inspiring. Highly intelligent, and well schooled. A great historian at young. Although we were mates, Chike was what we called a DOOPER back then, his physique and deep voice was much of an elder to most of us. And he played that elderly role quite well, especially to those of us very close to him.
Coincidentally, Chike and I were both Indigenous to the Ancient Nri Kingdom. We spent most of our times in class discussing Odinani Nri. A young Nri patriot who forced me into research on Nri Kingdom and hegemony, he told the stories with great knowledge as if he was there. I would go home after every encounter with Chike to ask questions, until one day my curious mother queried; WHO IS TELLING YOU ALL THESE? She was astonished to know that my mate in junior class already knew that much. Thereafter, she brought some published material on Ancient Nri Kingdom, just so I could be able to challenge Chike anytime, but Chike was on another level. Chike was an Urban Warrior of the Great Ancient Nri Kingdom. A true believer, defender and projector of our cultural heritage. He personally made me understand that Nri Progress Union(NPU) is not just an elders’ forum, but a ‘Nwata kwocha aka, osoro Okenye nrie nri’ thing. He got me registered with NPU-Lag, and made sure I followed up with the activities.
Chike was an incurable DENGRAMITE, a great philosopher and scholar, erudite and ingenious, yet underrated. Prolific and glamorous in writing. He could make one love to read. Sir Chike, a knight of DOBA ‘01, an honor in recognition of his ingenuity. His usual words during arguments; “learn to unlearn and relearn”. Quite progressive and eager to learn new things at any given time. Humble, dedicated and strong willed. I was anxiously waiting for his book to launch and hit the stores straight up, he promised a lot, I trusted him on that!
Chike was a political analyst, a social crusader, a marketer, current affairs analyst, a social critic and most importantly, a life saver, who has overtime expressed his love for humanity and the downtrodden through several successful life saving campaigns and fund raising. He has a way of appealing to people’s consciousness to donate generously. It was just unfortunate we didn’t get an opportunity to rewards him for his wonderful services to humanity.
Indeed, Chike has left so much on the sands of time and it’s most unfortunate his life was short lived, but it’s more comforting to know that he lived the very good life dedicated to services to God and humanity. May the good Lord bless his soul and grant him eternal rest.
My earnest prayers for peace and comfort to his entire family, and succour to the rest of us at DOBA ‘01, Nri Ekunie Age Grade, NYA and NPU!
Lux Fiat, a worthy Dengramite
Lux Perpetua, Sir Chike Ofozoba!
Rest In Power, dear brother and mate!
Jee ije gi nke oma, Ochinanwata na Nri!
Kenny Onyebuchi Okeke(Snob)