By Martin Opara
The remains of High Chief (Engr) Daniel Uche Ejiogu-Life, a renowned graduate of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, who died on Tuesday 26th October 2017, was on Friday, 10th November 2017, laid to rest in his compound, in Umudurugwumba, Umuduruzo, Umueze/Abazu, Ogwa, in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State, amidst but with tears fond memories of an active and vibrant life, spent in the service of God and humanity. He is survived by his wife, children, brothers, sisters, uncles, inlaws and a host of other relations.
The deceased, an acclaimed oil and gas expert, who received extensive professional training from within and outside the country, worked in several blue chip oil and gas companies, nationally and internationally where he occupied executive positions, performed creditably and made Imo State and Nigeria proud.
Oputa Obie as he was fondly called was indeed an illustrious son, who distinguished himself in various fields and was honoured with several traditional, professional, and meritorious awards of excellence, including “Oputa Obie” 1 of Umueze, Abazu Ogwa autonomous community, in Mbaitoli LGA, of Imo State conferred on him by Eze Stanley Chukwuemeka Akuneto (Udo 1 of Umueze/Abazu, Ogwa. Certificate of honour by Mbaitoli Council of Ndi Eze, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Igbo cultural heritage and development of the communities in Mbaitoli, certificate of commendation by NYSC as the Corps Liaison Officer (Sept. 1989) and the best youth corper award in Rivers State.
The distinguished, illustrious and patriotic son of Igbo land who played key roles in FUTO student Union government, was until his death, a member, Board of Trustees of FUTO alumni association and one time president of Umueze Patriotic Union, (UPU), whose leadership brought giant developmental strides to the community.
The member representing Mbaitoli state constituency in the Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnataraonye, described his death as a loss to the society, but thanked God that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation in the Christendom, community and society at large. He prayed God to give his family and community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere in his condolence message, described the deceased as “an outstanding young man, whose wit, candour, savy, effervescence and dexterity, were bewitchingly infectious. His death is not only a loss to his immediate family but to Imo State and our great party”.
FUTO alumni association in a condolence message, signed by Engr. Dr. Laz Uzoechi and Comrade Fred Nwaozor, chairman and secretary respectively described their late colleague’s death as an indelible nightmare, whose departure has created a vacuum.
In a funeral mass at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, Umueze, Ogwa, the presiding priest advised Christians to be conscious of the life they live and the legacy they leave behind, and urged them to emulate late Engr. Daniel Uche Ejiogu-Life, who short but eventful life impacted positively on all who made contact with him during his earthly sojourn.
Many dignitaries, including friends, colleagues, associates, the clergy, traditional rulers and management of the Federal University of Technology were present at the burial to pay their final respect.
