Nigeria’s eastern state of Imo came alive as
dignitaries from all works of life converged at Oka Autonomous Community in Isiala
– Mbano L.G.A, Imo State for the final burial arrangements and celebration of
life of Late Pa Josiah Onyeogaridinma Chukwuji, father of COSON’s General
Manager, Mr. Chinedu Angus Chukwuji.
The burial arrangements began with a Service of Songs
at his residence on Thursday, October 20, 2016 and continued on Friday, October
21, 2016 with a well attended Funeral Service at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church,
Oka, Isiala Mbano L. G. A.
This was followed by his internment at his
residence, Chukwuji Compound, Ndi – Owerre, Oka, Isiala Mbano.
Among the dignitaries present were Chairman, Copyright
Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji; General Manager, AVRS, Mr. Victor
Nwokocha; National President, MUPMAN, Engr. Sharon Essco Wilson; COSON
Directors, Hon. And Mrs. John Udegbunam, Mrs Azeezat Allen; COSON staffs,
amongst many others.
An outing service was also held to celebrate the life
and times of Late Pa Josiah Chukwuji at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church,
Isiala Mbano L.G.A on Sunday, October 23, 2016.
Late Pa Josiah Onyeogaridinma Chukwuji was born to the
family of Chukwuji and Martha Okparaegede of Oka Autonomous Community in the present
day Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
He started his primary education at Enitonia Primary
School, Ibeme, Mbano, Okigwe, Imo State and later went to Ibeme Community
School, Mbano, Okigwe, Imo State where he later completed his Standard Six.
In search of better opportunities, he left the village
on April 15, 1957 for Lagos. On arrival, he lived with his older brother, Late
Pa Johnson Chukwuji. After seven months of searching for a job, was employed by
a Building and Civil Engineering Contractor; Cappa & D’Albeto, one of
Nigeria’s oldest organisations in the Nigerian Construction Industry today.
In 1960, when the Federal Palace Hotel opened its gate
to the public, Pa Chukwuji joined the national hotel as a pioneer staff.
While in employment of Federal Palace Hotel, he
decided to settle down with his heartthrob, Janet Ukachi Oguike in February
1966. Their marriage was blessed with children and they lived together for
fifty years.
Pa Josiah’s relationship with Federal Palace Hotel was
however abruptly interrupted as a result of the Nigerian civil war of between
1967 – 1970.
After the civil war, Pa Chukwuji instead of returning
to the service of Federal Palace Hotel decided to join the Federal Ministry of
Works & Housing where he rose to a senior position before he retired.
Pa Josiah Chukwuji is survived by his wife of five
decades, three gentlemen and a beautiful woman who are all doing well in their
chosen fields. He is also survived by many grandchildren.
May the soul of Pa Josiah Onyeogaridinma Chukwuji
continue to rest in peace. Amen.
