LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE CHIEF LIVINUS OGBUNWOCHU NNAMANI (OGWUAZU)
Chief Livinus Ogbunwochu Nnamani popularly known as Ogwuazu was born into the family of Ojiabo Nnamani of the enlarge Umunnamani Nwevu family in 1948. He was named after his maternal grand-father, Ogbunwochu of Umuogbuokom in Obunegu Village. Papa was the last male Child of Ojiabo Nnamani. His father married two wives Nodo Nnamani and Nechi Nnamani. His mother Nodo Nnamani gave birth to 5 children of two male and three female children. Papa grew up under the tutelage of Nori Nnamani, his eldest Sister because his mother was separated from his father in marriage then.
Chief Livinus Nnamani had a rough time going to school because his father did not accept his going to school at that time as he preferred female children education rather than male children. Papa could not accept that and struggled his way into school utilizing proceeds from fowl keeping. He did standard 1 to 3 at Eziama Community School and when he was to finish the remaining part of the school at Uzam Community school, things had become tough financially as he could not cope with the demand. He ended up at standard 4.
Chief Nnamani got married to Mrs Roseline Nworie Evunwede of Uhuaba Kindred in 1980. The marriage is blessed with 8 children of 4 boys and 4 girls. The children are Ekene, Abel, Ndubuisi, Oluchukwu, Ngozi, Chinagorom, Chinasa and Chinenye. Papa’s wife, Roseline is still very strong and still provide hope for the village women.
Papa attempted several trades which includes, Bicycle repairs and Tinker before he finally settled in masonry. Masonry became his saving grace as he mastered the process and was hired by the rich to building houses, churches, culvert etc. Pa Nnamani spent most of his Masonry career at Awka Etiti and Neni constructing churches and big houses for the rich. He later got hired by a construction company who took him to Ondo state. He returned and settled at Emene to be closer home working for Royal Construction Company (RCC). He rose to become a Foreman at RCC and was instrumental to some of his people gaining employment in RCC then. Papa was the hand behind all the culvert along Orie market to Eke Oruku during Jim Nwobodo administration.
Papa provided support to enable some youths in his community acquire education at Commercial Schools and St Patrick Secondary School Emene in those days
On his return to the village in 1990 after the demise of his elder brother Amushi Nnamani, he started off with Yam farming, Rice farming, Palm Plantation and then Palm Wine tapping and other businesses. He was a farmer to be reckoned with in the entire village. He maintained his palm plantation very jealously and did make bountiful harvest every season. At his late age, he re-established his provision store at Onokoro Nduvu to provide development and closer market to his people. Today, Onokoro has become a business activity area as other shops are springing up gradually. Papa has registered so many farmers cooperative in our community all in a bid to give our people access to funding for their farming.
Papa was a pioneer member of the Amechi Idodo Development Union and Eziama Amechi Idodo Development Union. He was Secretary to Eziama Community Primary School PTA for years in late 80s and 90s. He was part of Ogbo Ise that protected the village from any aggression and thieves. Papa took leadership of Nduvu when it seamed vacuum was created. He held Nduvu together ensuring that they remain united in all fronts and even supported their application for autonomy last year.
When the entire Eziama Amechi Idodo was in big crisis during Igweship Tussle, Papa refused staying back in the city for protection. He returned home in the midst of crisis and gathered some elders to establish leadership.
As the leader of the Ode and and Odabara dance groups, Pa Nnamani played a significant role in organizing performances, coordinating rehearsals, and ensuring that the group’s musical presentations were engaging and well-executed. Papa was a massive force to contend with in Omaba Nduvu cultural heritage.
Papa was Secretary to Palm wine Association under his Father In-Law, Evu Nwede and later became the Chairman and Patron. He treated the association as if his life was dependent on it. He ensured that bad wines were not allowed at the market. He went to Court to challenge the division of the palm wine market at Ukwu akpu.
Papa became the Chairman of Umugigbo and Vice Chairman of Umuonovo and held these positions till death. His leadership ensured Umuonovo has bank account and started reconstruction of their building at Orie Nvu after survey and plan was registered. He stood firm in defense of his kinsmen at every level. Chief Nnamani He also ensured that every dispute was settled amicably without escalation.
As an Ozo title holder, Papa remained the Secretary of Ozor Umuinyinya title holders for decades. He was named “Ozor Ochinanwata”. He has the recordings of umuinyinya and provided processes for everyone who want to be initiated into the Ozorship.
At the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, Papa was the Chairman of Amechi Idodo/Oruku ward under APP. He worn all elections under his leadership. His doggedness in pollical campaign ensured that APP worn the Chairman of Nkanu East LG by Late Hon. Lazarus Nnaji and Fred Ajaegbu as the succeeding Councilor of Amechi Idodo/Oruku ward. Papa was a Stakeholder in Nkanu East Local Government for many years due to this role.
Papa will be dearly missed by those who love him and those who hate him. His advocacy for unity and co-existence was unequaled.