THE Nzekwu family of Umuohule quarters, Umuidinisagba Village, Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, has formally announced the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and elder statesman Diokpa Fidelis Nduka Nzekwu, aged, 101.
Diokpa Nzekwu was born on 14 April 1924 in Makurdi, Benue State, to the family of late Diokpa Jacob Odogwu Nzekwu of Umuidinisagba Quarters, and Elizabeth Nzekwu, nee Okocha of Umuodogwu quarters, Ogboli, Ibusa, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
He was raised by his step mum following the early demise of his mother. He began his primary education at St. Michael’s Catholic School, Minna, Niger State, where he bagged the Standard 6 Certificate.
After his primary education, he proceeded to St. John’s College, Kaduna for his post-primary education. His time in St. John’s College was short-lived as a result of his restlessness and and active participation in many sports – football, athletics, handball, basketball, boxing, among others. As an amateur boxer, he was lightweight Champion in Jos, Plateau State.
Diopka Nzekwu taught in Burutu and in 1945, he was admitted to the Police Depot (Nigeria Police Training School). Upon his graduation, he was employed as Police Instructor. He had a stellar career in the Force and rose through the ranks to become Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in 1967.
He had firmly established himself as a consummate officer and sportsman. He was part of the Nigerian peacekeeping contingent to the Congo in 1963. He, however, spent the three years of the Nigerian civil war in Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos State as a prisoner of war.
After the Nigerian civil war, he was unceremoniously and prematurely retired in 1971.
Pa Nzekwu facilitated the enlistment of some Ibusa sons into the Nigerian Police Force. He was former chairman, Northern Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
Post retirement, he actively engaged in sports administration, as Welfare Manager of the dreaded Vipers Football Club of Benin which won the Challenge Cup in 1972; and then as Team Manager of the iconic Bendel Insurance Football Club which also won the Challenge Cup in 1978. He was an avid tennis player.
He returned to Ibusa in 1985 and immersed himself in diligent service to his community and the Catholic Church, mainly as the Choir Master at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church Ibusa. In his earlier years he had taught catechism in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Minna. He was a devote member of the Sacred Heart Society and a staunch member of the Catholic Men Organisation, CMO which elected him as CMON President of the Issele-Uku Diocese.
As a result of his commitment and selfless service to God, the Catholic Church and humanity, the St. Michael’s Society Idinisagba Ibusa, made him its patron in 2017.
As the Diokpa of Umuohule village, Umuidinisagba Quarters and the second oldest man in Igbuzo at the time of his death, Diokpa Nzekwu endeared himself to the community for his steadfastness and fairness in handling all traditional and cultural matters.
Pa Nzekwu is survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Theresa Omebe Nzekwu, a foremost broadcaster and former Diocesan and National President of the Catholic Women Organisation, CWO, their children: Henry, Stella, Delia, Isioma and Vivian, Daughter-In-law, Mrs. Eyamba Theresa Nzekwu, nee Henshaw, Sons-In-law: Mr. Ike Ufere and Mr. Martins Parkinson, grandson-In-law Mr. Somto Nwobi, grandchildren: Richard, David, Shanice, Tyrell, Adaoha, Nneka, and Ndidi, a great grandchild Chideziri, as well as his sisters, brother and numerous nieces and nephews.
May the Almighty grant him peace.
