• His life exemplified purpose, enduring legacy. I will miss his infectious laughter – Adobi Nwapa, first daughter, executive director, Zenith Bank
By Enyeribe Ejiogu
When you put in abundant love, care, effort and resources, to parent your children and teach them to have reverence for God Almighty and honour Him just like the Lord testified about Abraham, saying, “I know that Abraham will direct his descendants to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just (Genesis 18:19, NIV),” and you also serve humanity diligently with your knowledge, wisdom, treasure and empathy, then you can just sit back, relax and enjoy old age.
Having fulfilled your years and fought the good fight of faith, when the angels come to escort you into eternity, you get up with a smile on your face and simply fly away with them. No pain, no struggles, but pure joy that your earthly sojourn has ended. So did it happen for Sir Christopher Ijoma Nwapa (Jnr) on September 30, 2024, at 91 years.
Sir Christopher was born on January 9, 1933, to the late Sir Christopher Ijoma Nwapa (Snr) of Umuiyasara Eyiche Kindred, in Abatu Village, Oguta, and the late Lady Martha Nwapa (née Onumonu) of Umutogwuma Village, Oguta, Imo State, both of whom were of the first generation of literate and Western-educated Oguta people, a people known for their delicious and nutritious Azu Oguta (Oguta fish), taken out of the rich Oguta Lake, an aquatic splendor featured in Efuru, the thematic novel by his beloved sister, Flora Nwapa, one of Africa’s most distinguished first generation novelists. She was the first Nigerian female novelist to be published. Her literary works entertained, enraptured and inspired a generation that exhibited a strong reading culture, which, unfortunately, is fast disappearing into the vortex of Tiktok and other social media apps.
Coming from a solid intellectual background, Sir Christopher, fondly known to close friends and family by the nickname CFine, ran through a formative process that enabled him become a distinguished educator, devoted Christian, esteemed community leader, author and loving father who led a life of simplicity, honesty, transparency, humility, wisdom and selfless service to his family, community and country. He was greatly inspired in his early life by his larger-than-life father, Sir Christopher Ijoma Nwapa (Snr), fondly known as Erime Agwu Agwu (wealth that will never finish), who was an astute businessman and former staff of the then UAC Nigeria Limited and one of the architects of modern Oguta. CFine’s late uncle, A.C. Nwapa, whom he lived with at a point, was Nigeria’s first Minister of Trade and Commerce. The pictures of A.C. Nwapa still adorn the library of Cambridge University, Britain. CFine was very charismatic and had the incredible ability to make people laugh in any situation and douse tension. He was a very peaceful, unassuming man with a golden heart and loved by many.
From a young age, Sir Christopher exhibited a deep thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. His educational journey began in 1935 at St. Mary’s Magdalene School (C.M.S.) in Oguta, followed by St. Peter’s Primary School in Coal Camp, Enugu, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1946. He then attended Okirika Grammar School in Rivers State, where he obtained his Cambridge Certificate in 1951. In line with the family tradition of university education and driven by his own desire for knowledge and academic excellence, he enrolled at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, (1952-1953) and subsequent got admission to the prestigious University College, Ibadan. There, he earned a bachelor of science degree awarded by Cambridge University, London, in 1959, showcasing his academic prowess.
In his personal life, Sir Christopher was a devoted husband and father. He was married to the Lady Obiageli Evelyn Nwapa, daughter of the prominent Arondizuogu businessman, Sir F.O. Mbadiwe, the first Eastern millionaire. Incidentally, the father of CFine was very friendly with the Mbadiwes, especially F.O. Mbadiwe, K.O. Mbadiwe and Green Mbadiwe. His marriage to his wife, who died in 2016, was orchestrated by both families and they were blessed with five children, namely, Adobi (top banker), Efuru (lawyer), Njideka (professor), Nkechi (HR professional) and Obiora, the only son, who is also a lawyer.
Life strewn with legacies
Reflecting on the life and times of her father, who built a legacy of societal impact through service, the first daughter, executive director at Zenith Bank, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa (who is married to Ogbuagu Ernest Nwapa) recalled the memorable experience of growing up and the things she learnt from him and influenced her career growth.
Her words: “Watching my father transition seamlessly from an illustrious civil service career to becoming a visionary agricultural entrepreneur was nothing short of transformative for me as a student. His journey into agriculture wasn’t just about managing a farm. It was a testament to resilience, adaptability and forward thinking, qualities that profoundly shaped my approach to banking and advising customers. I witnessed his ability to navigate the complexities of running a large-scale enterprise from supply chain logistics to market unpredictability, while remaining deeply committed to his community.
“He turned our family farm into a big one, not merely as a profit-driven venture, but as a beacon of employment and progress for Oguta. I watched him face challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices even during the days of import duties and the need for reliable infrastructure. Access to financing, you know, taught me the importance of strategic planning and innovation in business. As a student, I was particularly inspired by his unwavering patience and optimism, even in the face of adversity. And I think this mindset has become a guiding principle for me in banking.
“When advising customers, especially entrepreneurs, I draw from those lessons emphasizing the importance of resilience and long-term vision. He balanced ambition with ethics, ensuring that his ventures uplifted not only our family but also the people around him. In fact, it’s a philosophy I carry into every interaction with customers, striving to guide them towards sustainable success that transcends mere financial gains and creates enduring legacies much like my father’s. His greatest joy came from serving others, whether it was sharing stories that captivated hearts, mentoring young minds, or enjoying a simple Heineken with friends. He lived a life that exemplified grace, purpose and enduring legacy. I will miss his laughter. That laughter was infectious.”
At the University of Ibadan, he was elected the President of the Students’ Union, which made him extremely popular country-wide. He formed lifelong friendships with notable Nigerians, including the late Sir Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Professor Chike Obi with whom he formed the Dynamic Party, Professor Sylvanus Cookey, former Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt with whom he formed the University Embassy Club at U.C.I, Professor Chinua Achebe, late Ajie Ukpabi Asika, former Administrator of the old East Central State, Dr Eddie Anakwenze, late Professor Joe Irukwu, late Chief Ben Ukpabi, late Engr Austin Osawetor, Ogbuagu Philip Anozia, Chief Hope Harriman, Chief Shyngle Wigwe, late Chief Innocent Nwoga, Dr Abel Guobadia, Justice Adimora, Sir Christopher Ifekandu, Justice Ikeazor, Chief Umeadi, Dr Azike, Chief Osita Okeke and many other distinguished Nigerians who became family to him. He also had a lifelong friendship with the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Career and business interests
“My father had a razor-sharp mind which saw him through a hugely successful professional career as an educator that spanned several decades, during which he made an indelible mark on generations of students,” said Prof Njideka (Kelley) Nwapa-Ibuaka, his third daughter, an author, lecturer in Texas, USA, chief executive of New Generation Consulting Resources and Services and the arrowhead of the African Diaspora Trade Organisation, which is committed to promoting non-oil exports from the motherland.
“His teaching career began in 1959 at Zixton Grammar School, Ozubulu, as a Senior Science Teacher. He later taught at Modebe Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, and returned to Dennis Memorial Grammar School later in 1972 until leaving for Enugu. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom; he worked as the Science Editor for Cambridge University Press between 1970 and mid 1972 but soon returned to the government school system with an appointment as principal, of National Secondary School Nike, Enugu, in 1973. He joined the Imo State Civil Service after the state was created in 1976. In 1981, he was promoted to Principal Special Grade (the highest any teacher could reach at the time) and posted to the Imo State Education Board as the Chief Superintendent of schools. That same year, he led a team of science graduate teachers from the Imo State system to Phywe in Gottengen Germany for a conference and exhibition. During his term as Chief Superintendent, he helped scores of candidates to secure admission into various schools.
After retiring from the civil service, he took up the headship of the sprawling agricultural enterprise, Erime Agwu Agwu Farms, established by his late father in 1939 and was reputed to be the biggest poultry farm in the then Eastern Nigeria, supplying Oguta and environs livestock and employed a significant number of Oguta natives. “His role as the chairman of Erime Agwu Agwu Agriculture and Construction Limited (now EAA Agriculture and Construction Ltd) took him to Tanzania in 2012. Today, EAA farms Oguta boasts of high-grade palm oil, pigs, cassava and plantains and continues to be an employer of labour in Oguta. His contributions to agriculture were acknowledged in shaping agricultural policy in the region and he was appointed by the Imo State Government as a board member of the Agricultural Credit Loans Board while the oil companies, notably Shell and AGIP, awarded him several certificates of merit on agriculture-related programmes and as head of the cooperative societies of farmers in the area,” Njideka said.
Sir Christopher was passionate about Nigeria’s political leadership, transformation and good governance. During his teaching days at Onitsha, he was elected a Councillor to the Oguta Local Government and Oguta Divisional Councils. He formed the Dynamic Party with Professor Chike Obi and ventured into the Imo State gubernatorial primaries of the then National Party of Nigeria, determined to make a difference. Although his political ambitions did not materialize, he collated his experiences and ideas in his book ‘’ Political Leadership in Nigeria’’ first published in 2017. Sadly, he did not live to launch the updated 2024 edition as he planned. Like his friend Professor Chinua Achebe, he believed that the ‘’Trouble’’ with Nigeria was one of leadership and advocated a restructured Nigeria.
Christian service and community contributions
A devout Christian, Sir Christopher’s faith was central to his life was invested by the Archbishop of Owerri, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Rev. Benjamin C. Nwankiti as a Knight of St. Christopher and served faithfully on the Council of Knights until he died. He was a respected traditional leader and held several titles. He was a proud member of the Igbu-Society of Oguta and the Oriri-Nzere Oba (Privy Council) of the Eze Igwe of Oguta. As the 19th Okpara of Abatu Village, he was honored as the oldest man in the village, a title he carried with dignity and grace until his demise. He is known to have brought transformational and accountable leadership into the office of the Okpara and restored peace which had eluded Abatu Village for many years as all Abatu people have testified. His death is a big blow to Abatu.
Sir Christopher had a great love for sports, particularly lawn tennis. He represented Nigeria in the 1955-1956 Inter-University Games, where he was crowned Singles champion. During this time, he continued to play active tennis well into his late 80s. He was an active member of every tennis club in Nigeria and the Patron of the Oguta Recreation Club until his death.