The Late Sir Obed Chukwuemeka Obi was born on March 17, 1961 into the family of the late Mr. Enoch Nwankwo Obi and the Late Mrs. Priscilla Nwoyibo Obi. Obed was born and raised in Anambra state before moving to Lagos state, where he resided until his demise.
He began his basic education at Central School, Awgbu where he passed his First School Leaving Certificate with excellent grades before proceeding to Boys Secondary School Adazi-Enu and later moved to Community Secondary School, Awgbu. He then decided to learn a trade as an apprentice under the Late Christopher Uba of Isuofia. He was freed in 1985 after serving his master meritoriously in his Onitsha and Lagos branches.
Obed was a very disciplined man who through sheer will, diligence and providence became a successful businessman. He first traded in spare parts, then textiles before finally settling on baby products and accessories. He went ahead to establish Graceland, a brand that represents quality and integrity. Through his support and advice, many indigenes of Awgbu were also able to establish their trade in and around the area.
Obed was a family man who valued his wife and children beyond words. He got married to his beloved wife, Philomena Chinwe Nwankwo Ezeuchu and the couple wedded at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos State in 1994. The marriage was blessed with five amazing children: Chidilim, Uchechi, Kamsiyonna, Somtochukwu and Guzoronna.
He believed strongly in the importance of education and the principle of “teach a man to fish”. This made him to invest so much that his children, members of his extended family and several acquaintances received quality education.
Obed was committed to the development of Awgbu culminating in his election as the President General of the Awgbu Progress Union (APU) where he served between 2010 and 2013. Under his guidance, Awgbu community experienced a period of peace. Even years after his tenure, he continued to push for the growth and development of the community. He was a selfless leader who fought tirelessly and fearlessly for the good of others. His goal was always for the collective gain of the people.
A devoted man of service. He was also deeply involved in the activities of the church not only in Lagos but also in his hometown. At Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral , Ikeja, he was a dedicated member of the Good Shepherd society. At Immanuel Anglican Church, Awgbu he also participated in the maintenance and growth of the church. On, April 11, 2009, he was knighted by His Grace, Most Reverend Christian Efobi, at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Ekwulobia.
Obed had many hobbies. One of them, Tennis, led him to become a member of the Police College Lawn Tennis Club in 1991 and Lagos Country Club in 2008. There he played many a friendly matches and brought home many trophies. He also enjoyed playing board games, especially Scrabble with his children.
To his wife and children, he was a fortress of strength, a fount of wisdom, a shield of comfort and a never ending wellspring of love. To his friends and acquaintances, he was an honest man of principle, high moral standing and integrity.
To his wife and children, he was a fortress of strength, a fount of wisdom, a shield of comfort and a never ending wellspring of love. To his friends and acquaintances, he was an honest man of principle, high moral standing and integrity.
The rites to bid a befitting goodbye to the Late Sir Obed Chukwuemeka Obi began on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Awgbu Progress Union Hall, Amuwo Odofin Lagos with a wake keep. On Friday September 22, 2023, a service of songs was held in his honour at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja Lagos. Then today, Wednesday September 27, 2023 by 5pm, a wake keep will be held at his compound in Ugwu Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 28, 2023, His body will leave Apex Mortuary Awka by 7am. By 8am, His body will lie in state at Abanato Community Hall, Awgbu where the people of the will pay their last respects before another quick lying in state for his compound by 9am before leaving for Immanuel Anglican Church, Awgbu, where a church service will be held in his honour. Service starts at 10am. Interment, condolences visits will follow immediately after the service. Condolences visits will also continue on Friday September 29, 2023 while outing service will hold on Sunday October 1, 2023 at Immanuel Anglican Church, Awgbu.
Onyekwute, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!
Written by CHIDILIM OBI
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