The executive board of ODA-USA has received information regarding the passing of Chief Athanasius Awuja.
Let's simply say that Chief Athan Awuja was one of the greatest men Okpofe
community has ever produced.
He was a pioneer Educationist and the proprietor of one of the first
Commercial schools in Mbaise. Rather than drop out of school, he granted
free education to indigenous students of low means. Many of those who
benefited from his benevolence are today, senior employees of Government
institutions, banks and other financial and commercial institutions in
Nigeria and around the world.
Chief Athan Awuja was also a pioneer healthcare provider and the proprietor
of one of the first maternity/health centers in Mbaise. If you were born in
the 70s and 80s, chances are, you were born at Ulo Ogwu Athani.
In line with his humanitarian nature, he extended free treatment to Okpofe
people who could not afford to pay their medical bills.
If for some strange reason you are still wondering, maybe it would help to
mention that he owned one of the first Peugeot 404 cars that traversed
Okpofe roads. Who would easily forget the Lagos license plate number of his
car popularly known as LAGOS JEWE?
People like these (not too many of them) are the icons of our community, and
should be immortalized.
Please find time to say a prayer for the repose of his kind, gentle and
generous soul.