Sir Aaron Akabike ‘Obodoeze’ - 1932 to 2017
Chief Sir Aaron Ibegbuna Akabike (Obodoeze) was born in 1932 by the late Onweli Akabike and late Nwabunwanne Akabike. Before he was born, just like the case of Our Lord Jesus Christ, there was a prophesy that a great chief would be born to the family of the Akabikes. And he turned out to be even bigger than that. Sir Akabike started school in Kano as far back as 1942 and finished his standard six in Saint James School Awkuzu Anambra State. From there, he proceeded to Africa College (Now Our Lady’s High School) Onitsha in 1949. In 1952, after he graduated, he went back to Kano to become a Produce Inspector. He left for United Kingdom in 1960 where he studied Economics in London University and passed with good Honors degree.
While he was pursuing his Masters degree he was recruited by Barclay’s Bank International. After securing his AIB and Advanced Studies in Financial Management at the City of London Polytechnic, he was trained for two years by Barclay’s Bank. Shortly before the Civil War, he was posted to Nigeria as the Local Officer and Head of East Central State. During the war he was the Local Controller for Barclay’s Bank till the end of the war in 1970. When Barclays Bank was changed to Union Bank Plc he was promoted area manager and served in many offices until he resigned to start his own business. He was a successful businessman, a great entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a devoted Christian, and effective community leader.
He was President General of Awkuzu Progressive Union Awkuzu from 1970-1982. He led in the development of Awkuzu by building the post office, civic center, Saint James Church Awkuzu, Boys Secondary school, and attraction of pipe borne water to the town. He also supervised the building of Iruogbo hall and pioneered a lot of other development projects in Awkuzu. A man of the people, both the young and the old, his life motto was- My family first, Awkuzu second. Indeed he lived for Awkuzu. Even in his last days Awkuzu never left his mind. In the leadership of the town, he always made an impact and had an input both financially and otherwise. A knight of Saint Christopher, he lived an exemplary Christian life and touched so many lives in the town and beyond. His legacies will forever live on in both his children and monuments he left behind.
He was survived by his wife, Lady Rose, many children and grand children
A service of songs will be held in his honour at his Independence Layout Enugu Residence on Monday 25th September, 2017, Commendation Service at Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd Enugu on Wednesday 27th September, while his remains will be laid to rest on Thursday 28th September after Funeral Service at St. James Anglican Church Awkuzu.
Rest in peace Obodoeze, the pioneer banker, the great community leader and a Christian worthy of note. May your noble soul rest in peace. Amen.