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Godfrey Uchenna Okagu (1971-2018): Rare gem

Uchenna Godfrey Okagu, who died recently after a protracted illness was born in Aku on May 22, 1971 to the family of Ozo Sylvester Okagu and Late Ezinne Roseline Okagu of Amauwelu Obie Aku in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. He began his academic pursuit at Central School Aku, from where he…

Uchenna Godfrey Okagu, who died recently after a protracted illness was born in Aku on May 22, 1971 to the family of Ozo Sylvester Okagu and Late Ezinne Roseline Okagu of Amauwelu Obie Aku in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He began his academic pursuit at Central School Aku, from where he moved to Sacred Heart Seminary School, Nsude in 1984.

Because of his never-waning zeal for the work of the Lord, in 1987, Uchenna moved to St. John Cross Seminary School, Nsukka.

On account of his excellent result in Senior Secondary School Certificate in 1990 and in further pursuit of his vocation to the priesthood, he was admitted into the Claretian Postulate as a Postulant Enugu in 1992.

After six months of his postulancy, he was recommended to proceed for his missionary formation as a novice at the Heart of Mary Noviciate in Utonkon, Benue State.

On completion of novitiate formation, he was admitted into the Claretian Missionaries after taking his first profession as a Religious Missionary.

After his first profession at Utonkon, he was admitted to the Claretian Institute of Philosophy (C.I.P) Maryland, Nekede.

On his journey to the priesthood, he nurtured many sterling and enviable human qualities.

He was quite exceptional in academics, music and sports. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he left his cherished vocation out of personal volition.

He bagged Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy with first class honour at Imo State University, Owerri.

He studied Cultural Anthropology and Metaphysics at Pontificia University, Rome.

He did M & E of Health Programs at Public Health Foundation of India-LLPH.

He also had PGD, Health Economics, Management & Policy at College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

He later obtained Master of Science in Development Studies at University of Nigeria Nsukka.

He also had Certificate Course in Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes, Public Health Foundation in India (PHF) in partnership with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hills, Certificate Course of Proficiency in Climate Change Science and Negotiations by Sustainable Development Solution Network Colombia University New York, USA.

Uchenna began his working career at ABC Transport PLC Owerri where he rose to head Corporate Services and Marketing.

He later worked with Millennium Development Goals (MDG) as a programme officer in Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani and Igboeze South council areas of Enugu.

He also served as a consultant in the office of the special assistant to the President on MDG.

He was former Business Development Specialist at Proximus Limited and Program Manager at CARITAS, a post he held until his death.

He occupied many positions in his life time which include President, Post Graduate Students Union Government University of Nigeria, 2013-2016, Charter member, Rotary Club of Ikenegbu, Owerri District 9140.

He was 4th Degree member (Chevalier), Knights of Saint John International.

He was married to Lady Anayo Euphemia Okagu (Nee Odom) and they are blessed with twins.

He will be buried on Saturday July 28.

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