MY JOURNEY IN LIFE WITH THE VERY REV’D BARR. CHIKE NWIZU: MY PRIEST AND MY PRIDE
I consider this the most difficult task for me to handle in a time like this. Honestly, the sad news of your demise on 31st March, 2021 came to me like a big blow. I felt as if my world has ended. Since then, words have continued to fail me in my numerous attempts to express the memories of my journey in life with you, and the wonderful times we spent together.
Ezigbo Nna m, the Almighty God specially designed and brought you on my path in the year, 2003, precisely through my cousin; Chiamaka Egwuatu and my mentor; Hon. Ik. Samben Nwosu both of St. Christopher’s Anglican Church Ndiakwu-Otolo, Nnewi when I was seeking for admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. As soon as I disclosed my interest to you, you made frantic effort to facilitate my admission. Eventually, through the wonderful assistance and consideration of your dear friend and the former Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN, the admission was secured to the glory of God. But when it was very difficult for me to accept Igbo studies as my course of study, you intervened promptly, related my feelings and reactions to the VC, who strongly promised you that if I made First Class honours upon my graduation, that the University would retain me as a Graduate Assistant.
Immediately you whispered this to me, I did not hesitate to accept the course and of course, the admission. I became more encouraged to study the course because of that promise and my interest in teaching as a profession. Throughout my stay in the University, you and your beloved wife, Mummy Chiemeka Nwizu did not only keep in touch with me, you mentored me and monitored my academic progress. The care and love you showered on me motivated and contributed to the actualization of my dream and my successful graduation in 2007 with First Class Honours. To God alone be all the glory. Amen.
The journey did not end there. You did what was very amazing to me before I left for my National Youth Service. You boldly utilized a very great opportunity the Almighty God provided for us in 2008, specifically at the elevation ceremony of Rev’d Canon Prof. Israel ‘Kelue Okoye as a Venerable in the Anglican Communion, at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, to express your excitement to the Vice Chancellor and gladly informed him and the University Management with him that I eventually graduated with First Class Honours. You equally ceased that opportunity to remind him of his promise and passionately pleaded for my job. That passionate plea you made to the VC and the University Management was well received. Consequently, in 2009, I was offered an appointment in UNIZIK. You were that good and perfect gift Apostle James describes in James 1:17. May the Almighty God continue to bless the day I found you. Amen.
Ezigbo Nna m, you were my pillar and pride. You really made an outstanding contribution in my life. You embraced and adopted me as your daughter. This explains why I refer to you as my destiny helper. You were the light God placed on my path to illuminate my darkest path. You were a special gift to me and my generation. It would be a grievous mistake to write the story of my academic success and progress without mentioning you because God placed you at the centre of my life to change and transform my life positively and greatly. Your moral support encouraged me to complete my Masters and PhD progammes in record time. I remain grateful to God.
My beloved Nnabude, you were endowed with heavenly virtues and values. You were very humble and humane. You had a heart of gold. This made you to care immensely for the poor and rich as well as the young and old that came in contact with you. Your attributes and principles which are care, confidence, faith, honesty, love, among others, have really impacted positively on me and kept spurring me to soar higher in the academic environment.
Ezigbo Nna m, the last time I spent with you was quite memorable, precisely on your last birthday, at your 87th Surprise Birthday Party organized by your beloved daughter, Aunty Nneka, together with your wonderful son-in-law, Uncle Amechi Onowu, Uncle Uche, Ven. Timothy Agbo, and your wonderful friends and well-wishers on 31st October, 2020. You were full of life. My children and I truly shared wonderful time with you. Even though you did something symbolic during my stay with you, after the birthday celebration, precisely on 2nd November, 2020, I never knew that that would be the last time we shall ever see and stay closely with you. After the usual family morning prayer, you called back your grandchildren present and the caregivers. You recounted the very cordial relationship that has existed between me and your family so far. You also reminded them that I have really made you proud in my career. On that note, you gave me a special name, Adaugo, in the presence of Mummy Chiemeka, your grandchildren, my children and the caregivers. I humbly received that name with mixed feelings because the manner and the atmosphere at which you pronounced the name made me feel it was a parting gift. But I could not think aloud…
My beloved Nnabude, I love and cherish you dearly. You were my precious gift from God. In describing my relationship with you and your lovely wife, I usually say that, “The Very Rev’d Chike na nwunye ya, Chiemeka Nwizu bụrụ azụ, mụ na mmadụ agaghị eji ha tọ”. Meaning that you are very precious to me and I am “jealous” about you. But you passed on the time I needed you most. In my last visit, we fervently prayed and trusted God for your 90th birthday celebration and 60th wedding anniversary with Mummy Chiemeka. I reminded you that you would be present at my Inaugural lecture in the university when I must have risen to the rank of professor. Alas! These dreams and good wishes could not come through because of your sudden death.
Ezigbo Nna m, your demise has kept me cold because you left me without a word and I had no time to say good bye. My heart bleeds whenever I remember that you have passed on. However, Ecclesiastes 3:1-6 has remained my consolation. Besides, I am consoled by the very good and fulfilled life you lived. You died a lovely and fulfilled family man. Above all, your legacies, principles and immeasurable impacts you made in the life of many people are really speaking volumes about you.
My beloved Nnabude, as I mourn you, I wish to let you know that you are forever in my heart!
Continue to live on my beloved Nnabude!
Rest on Ikeotuonye!!
Go in peace, Nna Adaugo!!! Until that resurrection morning, when we will meet to part no more.
Your lovely daughter,
Dr. Nkoli Nnyigide (Nee Awugosi).
Adaugo