THE death has been announced of Sir Chukwuemeka Samuel Nwelue, described as “one of the cognoscenti, politician, and lover of books, who played a key role in forming government policy on peace in rural areas and environment in Imo State.”
Born in Ezeoke Nsu, on January 27, 1945, Sir Nwelue, son of Thompson Nnadum Nwelue and Esther Nwanyianyanwu Nwelue, died at age 77 on August 14, 2022.
He attended St. Paul’s School (Ezeoke Central School), graduating from Okigwe National Grammar School, Umuna, in Arithmetics and Social Sciences, amongst other subjects, including French.
As a young student, he was a versatile athlete, and a formidable striker, midfielder, and defender. He played for almost all the schools in Okigwe.
He moved to Jos, Plateau State in the early 70s, where he worked at George Wimpey & Co Nigeria Limited, a construction company as Cashier/Wages Supervisor. Living in Pankshinarea of Plateau State, he worked for PWD company as a cashier; while also serving as captain of a football club owned by one Mr. Cunningham.
Sir Nwelue met his wife, the social scientist, Catherine Ona in Jos. Ona was raised in an aristocratic family. They got married in 1980.
Also, an astute businessman, while in Jos, he ran a record shop/business until he decided to return home after the death of his first child.
Back home in Ezeoke, he ventured into the hospitality business, setting up Nsu Motel which became widely known in its heydays. This enabled him to set up The Nwelue Trust.
A renowned politician, he served locally, from his town to the local government level. He became a two-time chairman of the Umunwelue Community during which time, amongst other achievements, he spearheaded the construction of the community’s modern town hall from a mudhouse.
He served on the five-member committee of Oyibo Development Centre led by Barrister Jerry Egemba.
Twice, he held the office of Councillor in Ehime Mbano Local Government during the Military regime of Governor Tanko Zubairo.
He also served as Executive of Ward/PDP Chairman in Imo State. Served as Treasurer of the St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Ezeoke Nsu, before he was honoured as a Knight of St. Christopher.
Sir Nwelue was bestowed with the Chieftaincy title of Ezechinyere 1 of Ehume/Umunachi by His Royal Highness Eze R.E Adindu, made possible by the nomination and sponsorship of Chief Chidebem Nwaebube (Ogbuhurouzo 1).
In the early 80s, he began to travel the world, visiting Rome in Italy, to India, the United States and was on his way to the United Kingdom, to visit his third son, Professor Onyeka Nwelue, who is a professor at the University of Oxford, before he transitioned calmly to the great beyond, on August 14, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, six children, Mr. Chijioke Nwelue, Mr. Odinaka Nwelue, Dr. Onyeka Nwelue, Ms Nkechi Nwelue-Munonye, Mr. Ebere Nwelue and Mr. Ifeanyi Nwelue.
He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Onyeka, Nkechi and Chinedu.
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