The Christian Bible allocates a 70-year lifespan to humans. When a person defies this allocation and tops it up with two decades, it usually calls for joyous celebration and an all-out carnival with drum roll.
This is exactly what played out as Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi – the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia – and his siblings laid their father to rest Thursday, Oct. 27.
Sir (Chief) Micah E. Onyebuchi, KJW – fondly called Dee Micah – who died in July aged 90 – was vastly eulogised by friends and well-wishers from far and wide.
The funeral service, which was officiated by the Prelate of the Methodist Church – His Eminence, Dr. S.C.K. Uche – held at Amuzukwu (Ibeku) Girls Secondary School, Umuahia.
Dee Micah’s exceptional performance as a teacher was meticulously x-rayed.
Also highlighted were his meritorious public service, which included his tenure as the Director-General of the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Commissioner in the Abia State Civil Service Commission and Chairman of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) – where he served for 7 years, making him the longest-serving person in that capacity.
According to the former Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Senator T. A. Orji, who was in attendance with his wife, Her Excellency Odochi Orji, Dee Micah left a legacy that speaks for him till date.
Also speaking at the service, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Senator John Danboyi, noted that Dee Micah was a God-fearing man who raised his children in the fear of God. He attested that the deceased’s son, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, flies his father’s flag high in distinguishing himself through his exceptional performance as the CMD of the FMC, Umuahia.
In his sermon, the Methodist Prelate urged the audience to emulate the life of Dee Micah who was a pious man in character and in deeds.
The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD – who was in attendance with his deputy, His Excellency Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, PhD – said Dee Micah was a great man who touched several lives positively.
The Governor pronounced that the ASUBEB building in Umuahia would be renamed Pa Micah Onyebuchi House in honour of the long-serving, transformational leader of the Board.
Responding to the accolades and goodwill, Prof. Onyebuchi – who is the eldest child of Dee Micah – gushed with gratitude, assuring those in attendance of his commitment to honouring his father’s memory by emulating his good character and excellence in service.
Other dignitaries who attended the high-profile ceremony include Rt. Hon Sam Onuigbo and Rt. Hon Anayo Edwin – members of the Federal House of Representatives; Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff; Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji, Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly; Barr. Chris Ezem, Secretary to the Abia State Government; Chief Mascot Uzor Orji, Dr. Alex Ọtti, Prof. Uche Ikonne and High Chief Ikechi Emenike – gubernatorial flag-bearers in next year’s general election in Nigeria.
The service ended on a high note with lots of music, dancing and special performances.
Guests were hosted to a robust reception immediately after the service.
Dee Micah was survived by his wife, Lolo Ihekerenma Felicia Onyebuchi, five children and 16 grandchildren.
