The Rotary International family across the world and Nigeria mourns the demise of one of their leaders, a Past District Governor, Rotarian Dr. Benson Udealo Chizoba Aghazu; set to be laid to rest in his home town, Nnewi on Friday, April 23, 2021.

Until his death, Dr Benson Aghazu, popularly called Ben, was Chairman of Niger Farms (Nigeria) Limited and of several other companies in Nigeria, which engage in integrated poultry farming, management consulting, engineering services and information technology.

Rotarian Dr. Ben Aghazu joined Rotary Club of Enugu in 1980 and later Rotary Club of Nnewi Central after the creation of new Anambra state. He served in many capacities at club, District, Regional and International levels. He was District Governor of defunct District 9140, which covered eleven states of South East and South South Geo-political zones.

As then District Governor, Rotarian Ben Aghazu ensured the setting up of Education Endowment Fund and awarded scholarships to indigent students in the local communities, among other initiatives. To help close up funding gap and inspire support for Global polio eradication, Ben in district conference in Accra, Ghana, pulled off his shirts and auctioned it for ten thousand dollars to ensure eradication of polio in the world

Dr Aghazu’s commitment to Rotary Service was legendary. He lived and professed Four Way of Rotary of “Is it the Truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it bring Goodwill and Friendship. Therefore, integrity was his trademark and he devoted his talents, resources and time to Rotary work and programs. In his words – “I have received so much from society and I feel obligated to give something back. I have discovered a goal which is worth more than life.” Such were his motivation to doing good in the world.

He held several top Rotary appointments and served as Rotary International President’s Representative to District Conferences; member, African Affairs; Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator and Member, Barcelona Convention Task Force.

Dr. Ben Aghazu was also member, Nigeria Polio Plus Summit (Presidential conference committee); member, Presidential Conference on Peace and Development in Africa and Member, Sub-sahara Africa Polio Eradication Fundraising committee. He participated in several Foundation grants projects; was Training Leader for Governor Elects and Chairman, Districts Finance Committee for 5 years, from 2015 to 2020.

For his dedication and commitment to Service, Rotary International recognized and honoured Dr Ben Aghazu with numerous awards. He was bestowed with two Rotary highest Awards in the same year (2000) – SERVICE ABOVE SELF and the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD.

Also were the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Services, Clubs And District Gold Service Awards for outstanding services to Rotary and local communities. His Community also honoured him with the title of Kpakpando Nnewi. Indeed, he was a Star, in whom his people were proud of.

Born on February 13, 1946, Dr Ben Aghazu was an outstanding academic throughout his educational journey and achievements in Nigeria, England and the United States of America from where he earned B.sc (First Class);  M.Sc, D.Sc in Engineering & Chemical Engineering. He also earned an MBA from the North Eastern University, Boston, USA.

He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, a body he also served as Vice President. Dr. Ben Aghazu was also an Adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State. In 2014, Dr Aghazu was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees of the then proposed Pentecost University, owned by the Diocese of Nnewi, Anglican Communion. Rotary International, Nnewi community, Anambra State and Nigeria will miss this committed advocate for peace, integrity and development.

Dr. Ben Aghazu left behind, wife and children, siblings as well as his many Rotary friends across the world. Adieu – Great Rotarian par Excellence; Adieu – Kpakpando Nnewi.

WRITTEN BY ROTR. SAM UKO

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