By Ingram Osigwe
July 1st 2017, is a date that will remain engraved on the minds of friends, family members and well-wishers of Chief Ubaka Henry Onyejegbu.As they gathered at the Golden Cross Hospital, Festac Town, Lagos, praying and hoping that their dear Henry would suddenly spring from his hospital bed and embraced them, intermittent droplets of tears cascaded the cheeks of many who had become emotion struck.
And when the worst happened and Chief Onyejegbu was pronounced death, eerie gloom and silence enveloped vicinity of the hospital. Beneath sullen faces of those, including many distinguished Igbo businessmen, industrialists and professionals like Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo OFR (Chairman Ekulo Group), Chief Vincent Obianodo (Chairman Young Shall Grow), Chief Sam Okonkwo(Chairman Fair point Limited), Chief Joseph Momah, Chief Nnana Nsofor among others who were not openly weeping was deep hurt and unspeakable grief.
Indeed if death could be spoken to, or if it could be wrestled to ground, many who Ubaka’s death left heartbroken and crestfallen would have first persuaded it to leave him alone. And if it had refused, a legion of them have would fight to wrestle death to ground and prevent it from snatching away their amiable Henry. Such was the goodwill, charm and loyalty Chief Onyejegbu commanded while alive.
Loyalty to friends and resourcefulness are some of the fine attributes of Henry which he will be remembered for, and which his friends, especially the likes of Chief Vincent Obianodo, will sorely miss. Ubaka demonstrated such loyalty and resourcefulness early this year when Chief Obianodo lost his wife, Evelyn. He stood behind his friend all through those moments of grief, at every juncture consoling and cheering him up.
However, little did everyone, including the widower himself, who acknowledged his role in ensuring that the Young Shall Grow boss overcomes the pains and grief of losing his dear wife, know that less than a year later, Henry himself will also be a subject of intense mourning and grief.
Born on Tuesday, April 1, 1952, last of three boys and one female to Chief Godfrey Igweike Onyejegbu and Mrs. Joy Onyejegbu (nee Ikokwu of Isu-Ebi, Oba) of Umuezabu Village in Ichi, Ekwusigo Local Govt. of Anambra State, as a child, Henry showed early signs of obedience, resourcefulness, love and kindness. No wonder, his paternal Aunty-Mrs. Pricilla Taylor was eager to take him to Onitsha for his upbringing.
At Onitsha, the young lad started his early academic pursuit at Christ Church School, Onitsha and later concluded it at St. Christopher Church School, also in Onitsha where he successfully completed and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate. He showed conscientiousness and gained admission into Washington Memorial Grammar School. He was a serious and promising student there before, just like many other students of the defunct Eastern Region extraction of that era, the Nigeria-Biafra interrupted his academic pursuit.
Fired by patriotic and nationalistic zeal, young Henry was to join the fighting Biafran forces. He Fought in many sectors of the war until the end of the war in 1970.
Upon cessation of hostilities, he enrolled at Merchants of Light School, Oba, Anambra state, where he completed his Secondary School education in 1973.
An ambitious young man, at the completion of his secondary education, Henry had no doubts that it was time to build a business career. He thus headed to Lagos to join his mentor and brother in law, Chief Josiah Chukwuneke, in his Shoe manufacturing and marketing factory. He confronted the opportunity and challenges of apprenticeship with hard work, total dedication and honesty. After a couple of years, he gained his independence and was ready to plunge headlong into the world of business.
Ubaka explored the opportunities in those early years after the war, developed various partnerships including one with his immediate elder brother, Chief Orakwue Onyejegbu. Importation of cosmetics for sales in Lagos and then East Central state took him to manufacturers in Asia and America. During this period, he mentored other young men who were venturing into business, assisting with capital, products and counsel. Remarkably, these grateful ones today refer to him as “The Chairman”.
At the right time, given market volatility, Ezekwesili was to move from cosmetics to importation and marketing of luxury automobiles. As MD/CEO of Nekky Motors Ltd, he earned a reputation for quality, reliability and class in his dealings. After many years, the economic situation in the country necessitated a change to Furnishing and Interior Decorating. This and entrepreneurial pursuits engaged his time and focus until he was called to join the saints.
Ubaka was quintessential gentleman- clean in mind and body, all the time. He was deeply committed to God, having been raised in a Christian home and schools. Whether it was at the Anglican Church of the Pentecost, Festac, Lagos, where he and the family worshipped for decades or St. Michael Anglican Church, Ichi, his home town, his commitment to the things of God was unwavering as he gave his time and resources to the service of God and humanity.
Chief Ubaka Henry Onyejegbu was a selfless and hardworking great man of the people, illustrious son of Ichi, dependable brother, loving and shield of a husband, great father of four great children, adoring grandfather, valued in- law, beloved Nwa di Ani, fatherly uncle, worthy friend and devout Christian.
Behind Ubaka’s success in business was his jewel of inestimable value, Mrs Nkechi Onyejegbu (Nee Nwokike) who he met, fell in love and married 36 years ago. This exemplary marriage is blessed with four men of distinction and a lady, the apple of his father’s eye. (Emeka, Ugo, Chuka, Tobenna and Nneka)
All the children have graduated from higher institutions in various disciplines and are pursuing their individual life’s objectives with excellence. God also blessed Ezekwesili with four grandchildren.
In his tribute, Emma Bishop Okonkwo lamented Henry’s demise, saying Ichi in particular and Anambra in general will miss Henry’s kind and large heart. His words: “Ichi town has lost a perfect gentleman, a loyal and trusted brother, a peace maker and a soldier for Christ.Henry’s life was lived showing compassion for the less privileged and doing good. We lost rare gem”
Ubaka was a noble, a devoted family man, loyal and true friend. As he is committed to mother earth today, his friends, family and well wishers are hurt and stream of tears, grief and anguish overwhelm them but they are also consoled by the fact that the man of peace and is at peace with his creator as he rests peacefully in His bosom. Ubaka Onyejegbu will be buried on Friday July 28th 2017 after a requiem mass at St. James Anglican Church, Ichi, Ekwusigo L.G.A, Anambra State.
Adieu! Ezekwesili Ichi