Registered Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Anambra Central People’s Forum(made up of well-meaning Professionals of various calling, Traditional Leaders, the Clergies, Presidents-General, Youths and Captains of industries), has mourned the death of Chief Sir Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika, MNI, KSM, KSS(1935-2024).
In a condolence message made available to journalists in Awka, yesterday, and signed by its Chairman, Achebe Chris, Esq., the reputable Igbo Group commiserated with the Ogbatue Family Foundation on the demise of its esteem Patron, describing it as a “colossal loss”.
The Group Chairman in a Press statement, said the late Chief Sir Gordian Chukwuemeka Oranika was a transformative leader whose tenure as Director-General in the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, ushered in fundamental developments and facilitated the meteoric rise of the capital city from stubble to a skyscraper, added that these infrastructural and structural transformation during his tenure is still dramatic in FCT till today.
On his part, the Most Revd. Prof. Godwin Okpala (JP, OON), Emeritus Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi (Anglican Communion), extolled the remarkable virtues of the late quintessential patriot and trail blazer with many outstanding achievements to his credit.
This is as Okpala described him as a purveyor of superior morals, an amiable personality, a leader of honourable reckoning, a caring Father, Grand Father and Great Grand Father who was blessed with ennobling attitude, and was reputed for his honesty and highly respected for standing for justice.
Okpala noted that it’s because of passion, compassion and the service of God and humanity that the late Oranika was awarded the Patron of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Also speaking, the erstwhile President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter and former Assistant National Vice-President at various times, High Chief (Engr.) Prof. Philip Nwabueze Atanmo, stated that late Chief G. C. Oranika was an admirable role model who contributed immensely to the social advancement of humanity, and had left an unblemished footprints in the public sector.
While eulogizing the late icon, Atanmo described Oranika as a classy man of truth and principles, who stood up for the Igbo people and Nigerians, added that Nigerians, not just the Igbo people, have lost a rare gem!
Anambra Central People’s Forum mourns his glorious transition to the great beyond, and prayed to God to grant High Chief Nathaniel Obiorah Ogbatue (Owelle Abatete, Ikemba Abagana), and his supportive spouse, Iyom Agnes Chinwe Oranika-Ogbatue (Odueze Abatete, Ugoeze Abagana), as well as other members of the Ogbatue Family Foundation, the courage and fortitude to bear the colossal loss.
The Igbo socio-cultural organization consoles the immediate family of the deceased, the good people of Abatete Community, Government at all levels, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Traditional institutions, Religious institutions and the Ogbatue Family Foundation, in particular for this irreparable loss while earnestly praying for the peaceful and eternal repose of the soul of the departed.
