Celebrating Chidi at 40 (2)!

Written by his sister, Amarachi

The innovative part of Chidi was not new at all. There is nothing he could not repair. He earned the title “Mr. fix it”. He would come back to Lagos from school and without resting for a second, he would begin to repair one thing or the other all night as he sneezed away in his usual fashion. Auntie Ugochi and Auntie Chinyere Stella Alaribe-Ogu would always make us feel jealous every time as they usually chorused in their usual, “If not for Chidi, my fridge will not be working” or “if Chidi was around, this and that would not happen”, as they taunted us ceaselessly.

His enterprise part of him made him incorporate K&C Computers during his NYSC with his good friend then of blessed memory. They became a household name in the supply of computers in Bauchi then. He refused to rest on his oars as he was always displaying the entrepreneurial part of him even in NYSC camp. As an ex corper, he sold cold drinks and water, which was a welcome development to the youth corpers in camp that year.

Chidi has always had a large heart. His love for family is second to none. He has made numerous sacrifices to ensure that he does not miss out on any major family occasion.

Some people travel maybe once in three or five years, but he always made it a point of duty to visit at least once a year though he would have used the funds for other personal use, which may have been more beneficial to him. I had almost zeroed my mind that he would not attend my wedding in April after he came back for my brother KC’s wedding in December of the previous year, but he showed up to our utmost delight.

The twins’ dedication was the most surprising. Some may wonder why “ordinary dedication” is what will make his journey down to attend, but he was surprised as to why we thought he would not come.

He is very loyal to his friends. He is one person that can keep a friend for donkey years. He is in close contact with all the friends we have always known him to have. No matter what you say or complain about a particular friend, it will never affect his relationship with him or her. I am sure he may still be in contact with “Babangida”, our childhood neighbour in ‘Hamed Jimoh’. Lol!

Chidi loves to reach out. Since he resumed work in UBA, Bauchi, he made it a point of duty to always be a blessing to widows or those in need. Even if his purse is lean or at the expense of a personal need, he will never hesitate to be a point of blessing.

It is not a surprise to us how the grace of God has always been abundant throughout his life. Maybe he was the one to be named “Amarachi” because we can never forget the story of the miraculous preservation of his life during the infamous fire that engulfed the NET building when mummy was on the 25th floor which featured him as the “miracle baby” in the dailies.

Was it when he had a bad fall on his way to write the federal Common Entrance Exams that gave him tribal marks or how God prevented the surgery he was scheduled for, even after being admitted? He is the only one out of the four of us, who has not gone under the knife. Did I state at the beginning that he has always been different?

This same grace made him never struggle for things as he gained admission into FUTO, immediately after secondary school. He got a job in UBA immediately after NYSC. I was not shaking at all when he had to relocate abroad with all the worrisome tales of how difficult it is over there for most Nigerians and how many are forced to make a living by engaging in all manner of jobs. The stories were discouraging but I just said to myself “Leave Chidi and his God o”. It was therefore not surprising when God favoured him in ways too numerous to mention.

Hmm! All the ladies who are deceived for six, seven or eight years involved in a relationship with a guy who has a good source of income and who continually says, “I’m not ready yet” should better wake up to reality. Most guys know if they want to get married to a girl after three months or even less of being friends.

It has been a long time coming and I am glad that Chidindu Timothy Ogbonna, Anyalechi aka Pastor, Nature, Papa K-boys or simply known as Chidi has turned 40!

Chidi, we bless God for you! Happy, happy birthday! We are proud to have you as a husband, father, son, brother and I know that God is just starting with you. You will fulfil all the prophecies that have gone ahead of you. All the sacrifices and seeds sown will yield unending returns both physically and in every respect.

As mummy always said from day one, “You will always suck the breasts of kings.” You will continually remain a source of joy to your family, both nuclear and extended. The grace of God will never elude you and at the end of the day, you will make heaven and as usual… WE CARRY YOU UP!!!

For further comment, Please contact: Osondu Anyalechi:  0909 041 9057; [email protected]