*THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE MR. INNOCENT ANIEZI EZE”
*EARLY LIFE*
Mr. Innocent Aniezi Eze was born in 1959 into the distinguished family of Nnajieze Ekinyi, a prominent lineage within Umuga family – one of the principal branches of the larger Umugigbo kindred. He was baptized at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Emene, Enugu on 21st February , 1967 by Rev Fr Tim Buckley of the blessed memory(the then parish priest).
*EARLY EDUCATION*
In 1965, he began his education at Community Primary School, Eziama Amechi Idodo, as soon as his right hand could cross over his head—a traditional test of readiness.
In 1967, the Nigeria-Biafra civil war took the centre stage and academic activities was grounded for three years. Upon resumption in 1971, He was promoted to the next class after a welcome back exam showed that papa did not lose a bit of his intelligence. He was extremely brilliant throughout his academic journey; he consistently emerged first in his class, earning the admiration of both teachers and peers. He has a soft spot for mathematics, English language/linguistics, Astronomy, physics, government and history.
In 1974, he sat for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination at Practicing School, Emene, where he distinguished himself as the best-graduating student. His closest academic rival and dear friend at that time was late Engr. Patrick Amushi. Their class also included notable individuals such as CSP Casmir Awamba (Rtd), late Mr William Obisi, late Mr Lawrence Ogbodo, late Mr Thomas Egbo Onovo, late Mr Lazarus Obisi, and late Mr Richard Ede, among others.
Although he completed Elementary 1 through 6 at Community Primary School, Eziama Amechi Idodo his dreams of pursuing higher education were cut short because his father passed on when he was still a child and there was no capable hand to train him. Despite this setback, his intellectual prowess endured—he remained an eloquent writer, a meticulous record keeper, and a historian throughout his lifetime.
*MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE*
In February, 1988, he wedded Miss Blessing Ngozi Eze (née Nome Nwede) of Umuatu kindred. Their wedding ceremony took place at St. John’s Catholic Church, Eziama Amechi Idodo, officiated by the then Rev Father Callistus Onaga, now the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. Their union is blessed with seven children—three sons and four daughters: Chukwuebuka, Odinakachukwu, Sopuruchukwu, Chinecherem, Chidera, Chidimma, and Chijiuba. Among them are professionals in various fields, including accountancy, surveying and geo-informatics, engineering, ICT and Teaching. He is also blessed with three grandchildren.
*CAREER AND WORK EXPERIENCE*
When further education became impossible, Papa ventured into carpentry and cabinet making. He undertook an apprenticeship and later established his own workshop at Eke Obinagu Nike. Renowned for his craftsmanship, he became a master of cabinet design and construction, with clients from far and near.
He later expanded his skills into general carpentry and building construction, working across locations such as Abakpa, Eke Obinagu-Nike, Emene, and even beyond Enugu State. Throughout his career, he served in multiple capacities—including site engineer, foreman, and supervisor—with notable construction firms such as IPCO, Segin, and Marlum.
*COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP*
Late Mr Innocent Eze was a tireless advocate for truth, unity, and community development. He served in numerous leadership roles, including:
1. Pioneer Secretary, Udokamma Age Grade
2. Secretary, Umuga Family Meeting
3. Interim Chairman, Umugigbo Family Meeting
4. Vice Chairman, Umugigbo family meeting.
5. General Secretary, Emene and Ekeobinagu-Nike Mobile Workers Association
6. Chairman, Emene and Ekeobinagu-Nike Mobile Workers Association
7. Chairman, Obinagu-Nike Vigilante Group
8. President, Ndegwu Uga Welfare Association
9. Chairman, Ndegwu-uga, Youth Association
10. Chairman, ANPP Mbulujodo West Ward
11. Chairman, Umuga General Assembly (a role he held until his death)
As a community leader, he was firm, disciplined, and fair, always advocating for the welfare of his people.
*PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY*
A man of principles, papa believed deeply in the value of education, hard work, and strategic planning. He was a realist who believes in prioritizing action and was always impartial in his pursuit of truth, no matter who was involved. His belief in unity and peaceful coexistence was unmatched, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all—both his admirers and critics.
*FONDLY REMEMBERED BY:*
*His Wife:*
Blessing Ngozi Eze
*Sisters:*
Christiana Uloko Ngene Nwani
Ukamaka Nnaji
*Children:*
Chukwuebuka Eze (Son)
Sopuruchukwu Eze (Son)
Chijiuba Eze (Son)
Odinakachukwu Maluze (Daughter)
Chinecherem Eze (Daughter)
Chidera Eze (Daughter)
Chidimma Eze (Daughter)
*Son-in-law:*
Engr. Ozoemena Maluze
*Grandchildren:*
Chibuike Maluze
Kenechukwu Maluze
Oluomachukwu Maluze