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Remembering James Mordi, one year after

By Mrs Rose Mordi
15 October 2016   |   1:06 am
Mr. James Ekene Mordi, who has died one year ago, was born on Sunday January 10, 1937 in Ogbenti Obi Issele uku, Delta State. He was the youngest child of Nwuegbuzie and Aishiedu (nee Nwabueze).
Mordi

Mordi

Mr. James Ekene Mordi, who has died one year ago, was born on Sunday January 10, 1937 in Ogbenti Obi Issele uku, Delta State. He was the youngest child of Nwuegbuzie and Aishiedu (nee Nwabueze). He was one of two surviving children in the family. He was fondly called Sunday by his brother and other close relatives.

His maternal family from Ogboli, was predominantly of the Catholic faith, while his paternal family was of the Baptist faith. He didn’t know his father well as the father died when he was just a toddler and he grew up among his maternal relatives and was baptised in the Catholic Church.

Remembering her husband in a tribute, Rose Mordi said: “James attended St. Paul Catholic primary and secondary modern schools Issele Uku and on completion of his education his maternal uncle invited him to Lagos, where he got a job at Patterson Zochoms Company known as (PZ) as a filing clerk. His quest for further education made him travel to Sierra Leone, where he gained admission into the Fourah Bay College in Freetown.

“He was barely two years there when his elder brother who had earlier left for England invited him to come over. He gained admission into South London Polytechnic to study marketing. On completion of his education, he was offered a job at the Nigeria High Commission, Fleet Street, London as an administrative officer and was later transferred to the education department of the High commission at Great Portland street as a Student Affairs Officer – a post he held for many years until his decision to return to Nigeria in the late 70s when he was offered a job by the then Bendel State-owned Bendel Insurance as a Marketing Manager in charge of the company’s northwest zone.

“He resigned from Bendel insurance company to join the Nigerian Telecommunications as a Traffic Commercial manager. He later resigned to set up his own company – Nu world Nigeria limited. He retired from active service in 2004.

She continued: “A man of integrity, disciplined, highly principled, humble, with strong Christian and family values James Ekene Mordi was a well-respected role model and an inspiration to many.

“A patriarch whose life was worthy of emulation; remembering his life and times with the family, the vacuum he left behind has been so difficult to fill, but through the Grace of God the family he left behind has been overcoming the pains of his demise gradually.

“Words can never express our deep felt gratitude for your labour of love and sacrifice for us. We would rather have you here with us than celebrating you when we remember each milestone or challenges you shared with us. You have always been our greatest cheer leader; we trust God knows the best and we fully trust in His decision.

“Not one day goes by without a thought, a word, a smile, and laughter. You were a rare gem James; your sudden and unexpected exit to the world beyond is still like a bad dream; you did not say good bye; too many questions and no logical answer to any of them. I am still bewildered and confused, but I have found strength in the word of God.

“You lived an exemplary family life that demonstrated your profound love for your wife, children and grandchildren. One year on, you are sorely missed, but your long, fulfilling and exemplary life, touching the lives of many, has continued to be an inspiration.”

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