CHIEF PATRICK ONWOCHEI CHUKWUELOE OZIEH “POCO” O.O.N., J.P., November 17, 1928 – July 21, 2011).

THE OLIKEZE OF OGWASHI-UKWU – AN EPTIOME OF A FAITHFUL STATESMAN

Late Chief Patricjk Onwochei Chukwueloe Ozieh O.O.N, J.P.

Chief Patrick O.C. Ozieh had an enviable upbringing as the first child in the family of late Mr. & Mrs. F.J.O. Ozieh.  He had outstanding academic performances at Government College Umuahia from  1945-1950. In 1955, he graduated from National University, Cork, in Northern Ireland with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics. He later completed a post-graduate certificate in Education from Oxford University in 1956. All these academic environments shaped his sterling philosophical perspective. His experience as a tutor, St. Johns College, Kaduna, 1950-1952, his exposure as a chemist and petroleum technologist for British Petroleum, Nigeria for decades before he became the Chairman of the “POCO” Group of Companies enhanced his leadership capabilities.

The Olikeze was at various times the National President of several Associations. He was a founding member and the premier National President of the Beacon Club and he was my mentor when I also became a member in 1986. Until his death, he was the National President of IzuAnioma; the umbrella Organization of all Anioma indigenes which continues to struggle for the creation of Anioma State.

His presence and active participation at the National Conventions of Ogwashi-ukwu Association in the U.S.A. Inc., in Maryland in 2007 and in Atlanta in 2009 facilitated the successful drafting of the Associations National constitution. Simple, yet a colossus, the Olikeze’s noble character was disarming.

My inescapable conclusion after reviewing the Chief’s inspiring accomplishments is that he left behind his footprints on the sands of time.  His “better half” the renowned educationalist, his faithful wife, who stood beside the “IROKO” for more than five decades, Dr. (Mrs.) Juliana Nkechi Ozieh (Nee Ebube); the couples six talented children and loving twelve grandchildren and great grandchild will forever be grateful to God for the moral compass of the Olikeze, which has shown the world how we can use God’s given talents and opportunities to serve God and humanity. Chief Ozieh was indeed a personification of an inspirational statesman.

Whenever I interacted with Chief Olikeze and requested to know the secrets behind his accomplishments, and why he was always prayerful, calm and ageless, his usual response was “Chris, my life is in God’s hands.  I do what I do, by the grace of God.  You may recall that the name of my junior sister is “Grace”.  Bear in mind therefore that the grace of God has always been the cornerstone of Ozieh family”.

Adieu, my uncle, my mentor and my friend.

The Olikeze,Bikonaliekenem, “Odoziani”.

DR CHRIS N. AGBOLI

The Diokpa of Ogwashi-ukwu indigenes in the United States of America