It was fun fare carnival cum funeral ceremony of one of the Osina, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State finest gentlemen and business mogul, Late Sir Dr. Godson Nwosu Iheaku (Omenkeahurunanya) as dignitaries from all works of life joined the family to bid farewell to him.
Director, British Spring College, Awka, Lady Mrs. Uju Iheaku Dike in company of her friends, colleagues and staff also joined the mammoth crowd at Osina, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State to pay their last respect to her late father.
Late Sir Iheaku who was laid to rest on Friday, after a burial service at St. John’s Anglican Church, Osina was born on 10th Sept, 1936 as the first son of the family of Nze Iheakuabiara Agwunobi Nwaebube and Mrs. Akuoma Iheaku both of blessed memory in Akpaka-na-Ezeala village, Idima autonomous community (now Osina) in Ideato North Local Government area of Imo state.
His mother having departed at his 7th years old, he toed the path of single parent under his father. Having excelled in academics and in furtherance to his dream, he was breached by his father’s views to be mentored into trading as the zenith of human occupation. Late Chief Godson was handed over his father’s ally, Chief Abel Onuchukwu, (late) as his master/mentor.
After five years of apprenticeship, he got settled as a trader capable of steering his own business venture in conformity with the norms of businesses in Igboland.
Committed with his struggle in the business world and social life, he metamorphosed into a world class mogul, undertook the risky expedition of travelling out of Biafra during the civil war in search for and purchase of some items needed and he succeeded in bringing in large quantities of salt, and stock fish through the Portuguese in 1969.
Omenkeahurunanya as was fondly called by community members lived a selfless service by occupying positions ranging from the Secretary, Osina Town Union (OTU) in Onitsha branch for 12 years, to chairmanship roles both at Onitsha and then his community in general while attracting developmental projects.
Notwithstanding, late G. N Iheaku, was equally found worthy of the Knight of St Christopher by the Anglican Communion in 1989 as one of the pillars of St. John Osina and St Andrew’s Onitsha.
His family life was an exemplary one, married to Miss Esther Ugbondu Aghajiuba from Ikpa Urualla in 1962, the marriage was blessed with nine children and thirty four grandchildren.
No wonder her sixth child, the founder, British Spring College, Awka, Lady Obianuju Linda Iheaku, Dike has in her own measures expressed her life while growing up with her dad, Omenkeahurunanya.
As she succinctly put “Growing up, you were too protective of me because of my quiet and shy nature. You held me tightly, you didn’t want me to fall into wrong hands. You made sure I was kept busy every school holiday either working at your office or in a bank. I kept wondering as a small girl why you were so hard on me, little did I know you were preparing me for the woman/person that I am today”.
Daddy m, I am just full of appreciation for all you did for me, for making me woman/person that I am today, for all the words of advice you gave me which is what’s sustaining me today and for all the love you showed me. For understanding me as a person and letting me know always that I am special”.
International Consultant of the world-class school, who flew in Nigerian from Great Britain to grace the burial, Mr. Shola Animashaun and the innovative Principal, Mr. Joseph Ozioko led the school community, including the medical, environmental, pastoral, water lab and other units of the school, to pay the condolence visit.
In his condolence message, Mr. Animashaun said the school management have come to commiserate with the family of Sir Dr. Godson Iheaku and most especially ‘our madam’ while praying that God Almighty will continue to give him eternal rest.
His children are Njideka, Chinaeme, Izunna, Uju, Onyedinachi, Mmaobika and Ekeoma, including three daughters’ in-law, six sons in-law, friends and relatives all lighted up the funeral and it was a blaze of glory.
Condolences from different associations, groups, parastatals, agencies and individuals equally graced the event.
Among notable ones were, Hon. Justice Veronica Umeh, Hon. Justice Madu, Commander Base 9 of Nigerian Police Force, CSP, Igwe Gabriel Amechi, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Stockfish International Market, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Imo state People’s Democratic Party, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Parktonia hotels, Osina Town Union, Eze Sir, Uriah Okoli Umeh, Air Sea Freighters Limited, among others.
The historic ceremony featured highlife music from popular artists like the Obiligbo, cultural dance groups, Ijele of Africa amongst prominent personalities from far and wide.
