By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
The climax” He came, he saw, he conquered, aptly captures the life and times of Late Pa Deacon Reuben Nwogu. His success in life was rather a dint of hardwork, he hadn’t success thrusted on him like some of his contemporaries had.Pa Nwogu, during his life time wholly imbibed the wisdom of Swami Sivananda that”Life is a pilgrimage. The wise man does not rest by the roadside inns. He marches direct to the illimitable domain of eternal bliss, his ultimate destination”.
Born to Chief and Lolo Joshua Nwogu Elelachi of Obete-ukwu, Ibeme Kingdom, Obingwa L.G.A., Abia state, he had his primary education at Qua Iboe Mission School, Obete-ukwu (1939-1945). After which he proceede to Wilcox Memorial School, Ogbor-hill Aba.(1946-1949) where he attained his Standard six education.
Pa Nwogu was not deterred by any circumstances and his quest for knowledge was second to none. After his Standard six education, he proceeded to Teachers Training College, Ihie (1953-1957) where he ontained his Teachers Grade 2(TC 11). He had his Advance Teachers Certificate(ATC) at Advance Teachers College, Owerri(1963-1966)
Late Pa Nwogu had a robust teaching career that spanned between 1957-1993. He was Foundation Education Teacher in more than 15 schools. He rose to the rank of Headmaster Special Class before retirement in 31st December, 1993.
He was married to Late Mrs Rhoda Nwukwa Nwogu (Nee Nwadiuko) 1960. He was an ardent christian and Church officer, United Evangelical Church faith (founded as Qua Iboe Church).
It will not be out of place to describe Late Pa Nwogu as an all rounder as he dedicated the substantial part of his life to community service. Be held the following positions between 1957-2023:1.Chairman, Obete-ukwu Dinma Circle.2.Secretary, Ibeme Youths Movement. 3 Present, Agalaba Farmers Club.4.Secretary, Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), Agalaba state constituency.5.Secretary to His Royal Majesty, Eze A.D. Onwukwe (Omepuru Onyeoduru 11 of Ibeme Kingdom).6. Village Head, Obete-ukwu.7. Member, Ibeme Consultative Forum.8.Grand adviser, Ezumezu Ibeme.9.President, Ibeme Elders Assembly.10. Publicity Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Obingwa chapter.11. Treasurer, Obete-ukwu Development Association.
He is survived by 4 children, grand children and great grand children,among whom are Mrs Patricia Uzoma Nwogu-Sokwa, a technocrat with Local Government and Chieftains Affairs ,Abia State;Hon Theo Nwogu.Elected councillor from 1999-2002.Academic staff, Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Abia State University;Mrs Uche Nwogu, who works with the Presidency.Mr. Chibuzo Nwogu, Immediate Past secretary Enyimba Football Club & Executive Director, Center For Public Enlightenment and Civic Education Nigeria, and a part-time academic staff with the Department of Public Administration, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.
Pa Nwogu, as you set out on your journey to eternity ,we collectively bid you farewell. ” Warm summer sun, shine kindly here; Warm Southern wind, blow softly here, Green sod above, lie light…Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.(Olivia Susan Clemens(1866-1890).
