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By Henry Umahi
Osuji George Onu Obasi was a man among men. He was a jack of many endeavours and master of all. He had a Midas touch, anything he touched turned to gold.
Pa Obasi was a wealth creator. He continued his business after the Nigeria-Biafra war and prospered exceedingly. He recognised opportunities even when they were far away. His ingenuity in business also brought some recognition as he headed Uburu Traders’ Union for several years.
Pa Obasi was a remarkable person, an incurable optimist and a community leader with undying devotion to making his environment better. He was nicknamed Mr. Integrity because he lived a transparent life.
Pa Obasi believed in doing what was right and also shared the view that truth crushed to earth shall rise again. As someone said, he believed that “conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal.”
So, when he passed on, like all mortals, tears flowed like a river. But his family, friends, associates and admirers were consoled by the fact that he lived a good life, a life worthy of emulation. He was born on May 20, 1945, and he joined the saints on June 22, 2022. He will be celebrated on January 6 and 7, 2023, in his hometown, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
His son, Ambassador Akachi George Obasi, popularly known as Double Double, said: “My father was special in many ways. He wore integrity like a badge. He was a man of his word. In fact, his word was his bond. He was a man you could trust with all your heart and you would not be disappointed at the end of the day.
“He taught us the virtues of hard work and dignity in labour. He taught us that there was no alternative to education. He taught us to be at peace with all men. He taught us to stand for the truth at all times. He was a man of the people.”
Osuji Obasi got married in 1967 to his amiable wife, the late Madam Esther George Obasi (nee Okoro), and they had many children. He later married a second wife, Madam Angela George Obasi, and had more children.
He was a quintessential family man. Having assumed the role of father to his younger siblings, he ensured that almost all of them attended secondary school in those days.
He believed so much in education and hoped to build a family that was highly literate and informed. God granted his wish as all but one of his many children are university graduates today, same applies to all his younger siblings. He was a great provider and a consummate philanthropist, humane and an emphatic person.
Pa Obasi was a very active politician from 1979 till he died. He was a founding member of the PDP and remained in the party till death. He never failed to vote in any election. He was also a great community leader. He was president of Umuanum Family Meeting for several years and remained active until he died. He was a pillar of support to Umuobasi kindred meeting and remained the patron until he died.
Pa Obasi’s last moments were memorable as well. He enjoyed political discussions and kept himself updated on political events locally, nationally and even internationally. He made sure that he kept his family, which he loved so much, together and united until he died.
He died a happy man who came, saw problems on his way and gallantly surmounted all the problems, including health challenges. In 2018, following an accident that left him with a broken femur, he successfully underwent a major operation from which his recovery was nothing short of a miracle as there were serious complications from medications that badly affected his vital organs.
But he went ahead to make a full recovery. He never stopped showing his appreciation, first to God for all his blessings and then to the wonderful family that God blessed him with.
His son, Engr. Obasi George Obasi, said: “Papa died a fulfilled man, and his legacies are worthy of emulation.” He added that the flame of love in the family shall continue to glow despite Osuji’s transition to higher glory.
