As the burial of Late Elder Chief O. O. Awa (OON), DCG NCS, approaches, it is imperative that Ndi Ebe Abam, in its entirety, recognizes this as a national event and accords him the befitting honour he truly deserves. Every Ndi Ebe Abam son and daughter should put aside all engagements to pay their last respects.
I say this with absolute conviction and on solid grounds. Growing up, I knew him as the Okaa-Omea 1 of Ndi Ebe Abam—a man whose presence brought joy to the community. Whenever he was in town and the elders-in-council met, they always returned home in high spirits.
He was a trailblazer—the first in many ways. Every family in Ndi Ebe Abam has, in one way or another, benefited from his generousity. Whether older or younger, our fathers felt his impact. His Age Grade, Obimba Age Grade, greatly benefited from him as well. According to my mother, he contributed over 70% of the funds used to build Obimba Hall—a facility that has served 90% of us for meetings, celebrations, and gatherings. Even when it deteriorated, it still served as a shelter for those in need.
Late Chief Awa was the first of the first of the distinguished Igbo men to attain the rank of Deputy Director (now known as Deputy Comptroller General, DCG) in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). His diligence and expertise were instrumental in shaping the HS Codes and Tariff policies still in use today. Though not in the Personnel Department, he leveraged his influence to secure employment for many Ndi Ebe Abam sons and daughters in the NCS. These individuals have built homes where some of us now reside, drive cars that some of us enjoy, and extend goodwill that we continue to benefit from—all thanks to his benevolence.
His contributions to the community extended beyond employment. In 1984, when the Ndi Ebe Bridge collapsed, he was the only Ndi Ebe indigene—alongside Okwara Ezikpe—who ensured its swift reconstruction within a week, a structure that stood strong until 2014. He also single-handedly provided the first electricity transformer that powered Ndi Ebe Abam from 2004 until the second transformer was installed in 2014.
Late Chief Awa was a proud custodian of Ndi Ebe Abam’s culture and traditions. He upheld the reverence of Ekpe Aka masquerade, ensuring its continuity and even hosting dignitaries to witness the grand display. As the first modern National Union Chairman of Ndi Ebe Abam Development Union, he played a pivotal role in drafting the community’s first constitution. In 2007, he demonstrated his deep respect for tradition by crowning Late Eze Ogo Thomas Uba, acting as Onowu when the need arose. His words carried weight, yet he remained humble, always committed to doing good.
Beyond the community, he was a pillar of the Presbyterian Church. His service earned him the esteemed positions of Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade and Patron of Paul house, Lagos Presbyterian Church. It is only fitting that the Presbyterian Church Lagos, takes the lead in laying him to rest as they have said they would.
His impact so resonated within the Nigeria Customs Service, that as a testament to his legacy the National title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) was bestowed on him by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At the burial dignitaries from the NCS will be in Ndi Ebe Abam to honour him.
With representatives from both the Church and the NCS, his burial will be a grand occasion, worthy of a leader of his stature.
Ndi Ebe Abam! Arise to this moment and ensure that Late Elder Chief O. O. Awa (OON), DC-G NCS, is given the state burial he so richly deserves.
*St.Kingsley Iroegbu Uzoaru*
NEADU National PRO
Writes from Lagos.
