As Onwa Ogidi, Sam Mendu, returns to earth

When a great man dies, says Henry W. Longfellow, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men. These words summarize the life and times of High Chief Sam Mendu, more popular as Onwa Ogidi. He was a man who blazed the trail in business and philanthropy, leaving the landscape of Ogidi kingdom in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra state, and beyond, with imprints of his good-heartedness. He was a good man. I am bold in making this moral judgment about him because he, indeed, was a good man who expressed himself in the lives of others.

Not many people outside the Ogidi kingdom experienced Onwa. And, not many knew him. But the eulogical lyrics expressed by highlife musical maestro, Emeka Morocco Maduka, in the album titled ‘Eze Udene 97’, captured the life of High Chief Mendu (Onwa Na Etili Ora Na Ogidi). In that song, Morocco spelt out what made Chief Mendu what he became… he was a man who rose from a very humble family background, to become the great man that he was.

He impacted lives and put smiles on the faces of several different people. I enjoyed the song without exactly knowing Chief Menu until I became connected to Ogidi kingdom through the great family of Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, where I met him in person. It was then that I got to know why he bore the title, Onwa. Onwa translates to the moon. And when the moon rises at night, it shines to brighten the path for the big and the small, for the haves and the deprived. The moon does not discriminate, not on any grounds.

Naturally, the moon tears through the darkness helping those who walk, or run, in the dark to see and find their paths. It radiates joy and beauty. It brings about a new energy. It reinvigorates the life of villages and brings families together to share the evening under the moonlight.

Metaphorically, that was Onwa Ogidi. As Otto John Kralovec III wrote in ‘The Essence of the Moon’, he said “The moon begins her ascent from the horizon in a graceful, majestic arc—soft luminous light flooding the landscape below.

As she rises in the heavens, pulsing beams of radiant moonlight waken and transform the world far below her. Light and energy streaming from her toward earth intensify as she approaches the zenith of her nightly journey. Within this matrix of light-energy, a form begins to coalesce, slowly and indistinctly at first, then quickly gaining focus and definition.” There is no better way of describing Chief Mendu in his true essence.

As I got to know, he delved into business, grew in it and eventually created Slam Ester Group of Companies, a business empire that created opportunities for countless individuals and families and left a lasting impact on Ogidi. Through this, Onwa created wealth and impacted numerous lives. He made money. But his money was not for him. He made others wealthy instead. He ensured that everyone who approached him for assistance did not leave empty-handed. He lived for the poor around him and uplifted everyone he could. He dedicated his life to the good of Ogidi land and lived for its beauty.

My initial contact with him left me in awe. I had asked friends around if he was the Onwa that Morocco eulogised in his song. I asked because I met a man who was so free with the people, high and low, and even strangers like me. He had no air around him. He mixed freely with the people. He wined and dined with them.

He exuded the joy and confidence of one who was at peace with his people, his neighbours and his maker. And, he indeed was. Sadly, he passed leaving humanity with good memories of his selfless nature. On September 12, 2024, his mortal remains will be laid to rest eternally at his home in Ogidi. That will be the eclipse of a journey whose essence needs to be studied and transmitted for generations to come.

Onwa’s life of impact leaves a horde of beneficiaries who carry with them, the imprimatur of his benevolence as a generous giver who always sought for ways to uplift and empower others. His contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives improved the lives of countless individuals and communities.

These include those he saw through the different stages of education, those who found their bearing in life by enjoying pupillage under him and those he saw through tutelage under other businessmen from other parts of Anambra state.

Onwa has moved on to a higher plane. But the essence of his journey on earth is the message of hope he leaves for the downtrodden. Somehow, he says, with his life, that God will always raise men and women whose lives will become more meaningful in the lives of others.

This is the challenge that Chief Mendu made with his life of impact. This is also, why he is not dead; because those who live in the lives of others do not die. They live eternally. As it is said, to live in the heart of those who love you is not to die.

Ogidi land is in mourning, however. But the people would prefer to celebrate the legacy of a remarkable man whose memories they share with their traditional ruler, Igwe Ezechuamgha, Pharm. Alex Onyido, for the indelible marks that he left. Onwa will be remembered as a titan of industry and a trailblazer who defied conventions and pushed boundaries. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and leadership inspired a generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Beyond business and philanthropy, Onwa was a devoted family man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his rock, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He instilled in them the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion, which they will carry on for generations to come.

Not many will quickly forget his infectious smile, his boundless energy, and his unwavering optimism. He had a unique ability to light up a room and make everyone feel welcome. His laughter was contagious, and his presence was a gift to all.

Chief Mendu’s legacy teaches valuable lessons for the living. He showed that success is not just about achieving greatness but also about lifting others. He demonstrated that leadership is not just about authority but also about serving others. He reminds us that life is precious, and every moment should be cherished.

As Ogidiland, and humanity, bids eternal goodbye to this remarkable man, the people remain consoled with the memories of his goodness. I also do. We will remember his wisdom, his guidance, and his unwavering support.

Ogidiland will miss him dearly, but his legacies will live. And together we pray that the memories of Onwa’s love, laughter, and kindness bring comfort and strength to his immediate family in the days ahead.