Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Chiaghanam was an exceptional icon. His name stood out among promoters of the common good for all. In every capacity God has privileged him to serve, he had always humbly contributed to the well-being and advancement of the people, sometimes at his own discomfort.
Afulukwe Nawgu as Chief Chiaghanam was
traditionally recognised, remained so passionate about the purpose of advancing
the cause of humanity, often he had been misunderstood, maligned, and fought
against in a glaring effort that will usher in desired change by those opposed
to his straightforward approach to issues, other times, his influence or
charisma too enormous for some people to stomach. Nevertheless, he strived to
bequeath legacies that will make his constituency celebrate the essence of
life.
Chief Chiaghanam was born on Sunday, February 22 1942 in Nawgu to Chief Onnokusie Ngene Chiaghanam and Madam Mgboye Chiaghanam of Isiagu kindred, Akamanator Village, Nawgu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State.
In an era where Western education was
uncommon, his father sensing his desire for education, enrolled him at St.
Michael's Primary School, Nawgu, now known
as Community Primary School, in 1954. He finished his primary education at St.
Raphael's Primary School, Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, obtaining his
First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1959.
His thirst for further education took him to St. Augustine's Secondary School, Onitsha in 1960. Young Emma Chiaghanam was active in the school’s Drama and Literature Club, often taking up roles in Shakespeare's presentations. He joined Nigeria Police after his secondary school education in 1964. After his training at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, Lagos and was posted to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He was with the Nigeria Police when the Nigerian Civil War broke out in July 1967.
After the war in 1970, he was transferred to
Ilorin, Kwara State, and later to Kanji, in present-day Niger State in 1971.
Convinced beyond any doubt of a great future outside the force, he voluntarily
retired from the Nigeria Police in 1977.
On retirement, he ventured into business establishing his own company named Trinity Construction Company Nigeria Limited. He settled in Jebba, Kwara State and majored in building construction and supplies. He had his breakthrough during the construction of the Jebba Hydroelectric Dam, where he undertook some projects.
His contributions to the welfare of Ndi Igbo
in Jebba didn't go unnoticed as he was elected Chairman, Igbo Community in
1980. His selfless service endeared him to the people that in 1984, they
crowned him Eze Ndi Igbo, Jebba until 1993 when he relocated to Anambra
State.
A man with a genuine heart to serve, he was
elected the President-General, Nawgu Development Union (NDU) from 1993-1997.
The Nawgu electrification project started during his tenure, removing the reproach
of the town not having an electricity supply.
His efforts led to the town obtaining three
33kv electric transformers for the town in 1996. He was instrumental in
obtaining electrical poles and erecting them from Ezi-Nkwo Awkuzu through
Ukwulu Town to Nawgu, which was erected in all the villages of the town in
1996.
Still, under his tenure, the town's Postal
Agency was elevated to Sub-Post Office and later upgraded to a full-fledged
Post Office in 1997. As the town's PG, his leadership acumen was instrumental
in Nawgu having two political wards in 1997.
Even in his capacity as President-General, Chief
Chiaghanam was elected Councillor of Nawgu Ward. As an elected councillor, he
was made the Supervisory Councillor for Works and Housing, Lands, and Surveying
in the old Njikoka Local Government Area in 1996.
In 1997, under the National Consensus Party
(NCP), he was elected the First Executive Vice Chairman of Dunukofia Local
Government Area. He was in that capacity until 1998 when that political process
was truncated.
Chief Chiaghanam was the President of Rural
Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd, Anambra State in 2008. He was
the Chairman of Nawgu FADAMA Users Group.
In Dunukofia, he served as the Vice Chairman
for Dunukofia LGA in Omabala Union and also the Treasurer, Old Njikoka People’s
Assembly Anambra State until his departure to glory.
He also served as Vice Chairman, Ohaneze Ndi
Igbo, Dunukofia LGA. Until his death, he was a representative of Nawgu Town in
the LGA's Traditional/Cultural Council. He also served as a member of the
Dunukofia LGA Leaders of Thought.
Before he was elected Nawgu's
President-General in 1993, he guided the affairs of Akamanator Village as its
Chairman from 1972-1997.
While in the Nigeria Police, he was the
Secretary-General, Igbo Community Kainji, from 1971 until his retirement.
Always sought after for his peaceful
disposition towards issues, he served as Secretary in the Reconciliation
Committee set up by the NDU in July 2007, when the community was engulfed in
crises and was amicably settled.
He also served as Chairman Peace Committee
set up by the community when the town boiled with religious crises in December
2007.
In December 2008, Nawgu Community appointed
Chief Chiaghanam as Chairman of the Peace Committee to resolve the town's union
election crises. The election couldn't be held because of two court cases. The
committee resolved the issue and an election was held.
In 2019, he was appointed Chairman, Peace
Committee to resolve the election crises that rocked the NDU. A Caretaker
Committee was set up by the Anambra State Government in the interim. The Peace
Committee settled the matter amicably and an election was held. Chief
Chiaghanam was till death on Monday 20 June 2022, the chairman Stakeholders
Forum, Nawgu.
The Nawgu Development Union (NDU) on December
31, 2021, during 2021 Nawgu Day honoured Chief Chiaghanam with a Certificate of
Recognition for his selfless service to Nawgu’s development as
President-General.
Chief Chiaghanam was happily married to Mrs Nmaegbunam Chiaghanam with children.
Post a Comment