From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Friday, June 9, all roads led to Ndiakwu Otolo Nnewi industrial community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State to pay last respect to an erudite Professor, Sir Johnson Nnabuife Chidube Maduewesi who passed on to glory at the age of 87.
Maduewesi, a Professor of Botany, Plant Pathology and Applied Biology was a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) where he occupied a position of eminence as a teacher, widely acclaimed by his colleagues and students generally.
The late erudite scholar was said to be a devout Christian, a member of St Christopher’s Anglican Church, Ndiakwu Otolo. According to the family source, throughout his career at the UNN, he played an active role at the Christ Church Chapel, serving as Chairman of its council for several years, with his late wife functioning as the Sunday School superintendent of the Chapel.
“By the grace of God, their services to the Church received a glowing commendation, and they were admitted into the noble order of Knight of St. Christopher by the Diocese on the Niger, their home Diocese
at the time in 1990.
“He was the first professor from Otolo, Nnewi. Consolidating his efforts with those of his late wife, Prof. Lady Ebele, Maduewesi constituted a potential force that propelled the advancement of education in Nigeria. By the grace of God, many Nigerian professionals and graduates can attest to the couple’s impact in their lives, “the family source said.
Professor Maduewesi retired from the UNN in 2001 which he joined in 1964 after his return from overseas studies.
For many years, late Prof. Maduewesi was said to be an active member of many learned societies including the American Phytopathological Society; the Mycological Society of America; the International Society of Tropical Root Crops; the Science Association of Nigeria; the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, and the Botanical Society of Nigeria.
He was on the Governing Boards or Councils of several governement institutions and parastatals.
In what he termed incisive preaching at the burial of the late Prof., a priest from the Diocese of Aguata, Ven. Dr Kamtoochukwu Obi described the deceased as a man who impacted positively in the lives of many with Jesus Christ at the center of his actions and human relations.
He cited his personal experience with the late Prof. Maduewesi, a relation of his, who he said made his admission to the university painless and his academic pursuit as a medical doctor easy.
“Prof. Maduewesi led his family to Christ early in life which foundation the family has not departed from. That is well recommended and very paramount in everybody’s life.
“Prof. Maduewesi loved his family very well and never missed any event that concerned his family. When people rise in society, their closeness to God starts diminishing. But Prof. Maduewesi wasn’t like that. He led his children to Christ and they live exemplary life.
“We prepare so well to become one thing or the other, to have good position in life, but no time to prepare for where we will have eternal rest, Heaven. If God weighs you today, will He find you worthy or wanting, ” the priest queried.
In her emotion-ladden tribute, Prof. Maduewesi’s first child and first daughter, Dr Lady Amaka Kamanu said her father’s death was unthinkable and unimaginable to her.
She described her father as one who possessed strong and admirable spirit, saying that his inner being and prevailing tendency gave light and hope to every situation.
“Indeed, the shock is somewhat overwhelming. The reality of losing my last parent, a father turned friend and confidant story teller and ‘gist partner’ is exceptionally devastating.
” I will not forget in a hurry the great love, deep affection and sacrifices you made concerning mum’s ill health, without seeking pity. You nursed, soothed and safeguarded her devotedly with all your might, strength and resources. You gave her your best and encouraged everyone around you to do the same. For that faithful and unwavering love, we will continue to honour you, ” she said in part.
The second daughter, Dr Lady Ona Nwosu expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to have had a loving earthly father like her father. She counted herself very fortunate.
She said: “I was able to spend time with you, Dad, these past few years for which I am extremely grateful. I am thankful for that. My dearest Daddy, I know that you are now resting peacefully in the Lord’s presence, but your loving and kind memory lives on here.”
The third daughter, Mrs Nneoma Obiefuna who late Prof. Maduewesi fondly called Nne Daddy described her father as a good and responsible man who was disciplined and predictable. She said her father gave himself wholly to his family, his faith and his work.
For Chibueze, late Prof. Maduewesi’s son, he prayed so hard for God to keep his father for him when he became sick.
“God knows why He took you away to Heaven on January 2, 2023. I know that you are in a better place, resting with the Almighty. I don’t know who will love me again as you loved me. Dad, you loved me with all your heart. Who will be like you, Dad? Who will be laughing and cracking jokes with me again?
” I pray God to guide and protect me, lead me through the right paths and also help me conquer my challenges without you. Adieu Daddy, may your soul and Mummy’s soul rest in peace. Amen, ” he prayed.
Series of tributes also came from relations friends and well-wishers.
The Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt Rev Ndubisi Obi who principally officiated the burial thanked the homily preacher, Ven Dr Obi whose preaching he confirmed to be incisive.
He also thanked those who came by air from Abuja to be part of the burial.
Other personalities at the ceremony were the Nnewi Crown Prince, Obi Orizu; former Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North, Hon Chukwudi Orizu; the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Rt Rev Kingsley Obuh; members of the Denis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Old Boys Association who were led by their President General, Dr Sir Eric Anazodo; Knights of St Christopher; the Anglican clergy in their numbers; captains of industry; the academia; in-laws; friends and well-wishers from all walks of life.