A Tribute to Engineer Chidi K.C. Izuwah (Mr. Infrastructure, Mr. Nigeria and Beyond)

the blunt truth!

He was at the time Acting Director General ( Acting DG) of ICRC. Yes, I congratulated him for his eloquent delivery but my mind worried a bit about how Nigeria was going to deviate from her traditional past to confirm such a truthteller in a sensitive national post. I told him I wished him well but I had to hide my fear that Nigeria wouldn’t normally value people with his brilliant qualities!

Well, I was pleasantly surprised when he got the confirmation: Chidi Izuwah DG ICRC, meaning Nigeria had won and had put a round peg in a round hole!

I have attended several other meetings where he was present, listened to him make presentations on engineering and PPP topics, listened to his advice on a number of issues. What struck me was that we have an all-rounder here. I will never forget his composure and calm demeanor, even in the face of adversity!

His performance all round, especially in terms of leadership, human relationships, reach in society, stamina and sheer abilities all stood him out clearly ahead of the pack.

So when you hear words like “colossus”, “enigmatic”, “intelligent”, “impactful” and “focused leader”, please take it from me that these words aren’t enough to describe Engr. Chidi Izuwah.

Finally, the past tense does not fit certain people and certain events. I dare say that I, even as a Doctor privileged to see him in his final moments on earth, have not yet come to terms with referring to him in the past tense. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west; the stars shine and then dim, only to shine again. My wish is that this colossus of a man stays in all our memories and national consciousness forever and ever. Amen.

Rest In Peace, favored more in the hereafter than you were in the short life on earth. Amen.

Dr Ibrahim Wada OON