Edited By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Ichie Isaac Uzowuru Durueke was born on March 7th, 1937 to Late Mr. Lazarus Chikwem, and Late Mrs. Serena Esurudie Durueke of Umuenwerem in Umuokwara-Orji, Umuduru autonomous community, of Isiala-Mbano LGA, in Imo State.
He was the first child and also the first son, of nine siblings – four men and five women – born to their parents, named above.
Education & Early Life: Papa started his educational pursuit at the legendary Central School Umuduru, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. After that he proceeded to Lagos, and attended the prestigious Yaba Collage, now Yaba Collage of Technology.
After his education Papa got a job with Shell BP in Port Harcourt, and worked there till the Civil War of 1967 broke out. But, immediately after the war Papa was recruited in to the Nigerian Custom and Exercise, where he worked and retired in the year 1998, as a Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC).
Later Life:
In 1964 Papa got married to Late Mrs Rosa Chinyere Durueke (Nee) Okehie. Their union was blessed with children – six boys and two girls. Sadly, three were dead even before their own demise.
Social Life:
Papa was a man of the people! He associated with every carde inrespective of status, affiliation or creed. Frankly speaking Papa prefers to associate with the people he will be of help to, rather than the people that will help him. He was a man who does not like toxicity, and always wanted to see everybody as a friend or brother; but some misconstrued this as an act of cowardice – far from it.
Political Life:
Politically, Papa could not be in active politics because of the nature of his job, and as a public servant. Instead he gave his wife the platform to join political parties of her choice, In local politics Papa was the Chairman of Orji (Ama-Anö) Development Union, and during his tenure, he did everything within his powers to see that there is peace and unity in all of Orji and Umuduru at large. Many standing here today can testify to this fact. Papa being upright and truthful when it comes to material things was elected the Treasure of Umuokwara Development Union, a post he held in trust till his demise.
Religious life: Papa was a devout Christian, one of the founding fathers of First Baptist Church Orji-Umuduru; and he did all he could by the special grace of God to see that this ministry came into existence. He was very supportive to the ministers in this Church, and other churches in Orji as a whole.
Papa was a man that has respect for the men of God around him, irrespective of their age, he will always address them by their title, and always sacrificed his last to make sure they are a bit more comfortable, and happy around him.
Above all Papa hated injustice of any sort. No wonder he was so helpful to the people, especially the weak and less privileged. For the want of time, we cannot go into the details, but there is a long list of people in orji he supported in marriages, establishment of businesses, and upkeep of their family during his lifetime.
In Okigwe/Orlu Association, the late Ichie Isaac Uzowuru Durueke was an Asst. Moderator under the administration of Jerry paul. In a period where there was no Resident Pastor in Baptist Church Orji, Papa assumed Pastoral responsibilities for six months.
Papa’s health started deteriorating when he lost the 3rd of his three late children; – his first daughter (Ada) Nkechinyere and the last two boys, Chidi and Obinna in a space of two years.
The worst blow, was no doubt the death of his wife our mother, who was to him, a friend, mother, wife, sister, true friend and beacon of hope. This was when Papa’s life changed entirely and it eventually led to his death, at a ripe age of 86 years; and as the Patriarch of Umuokwara-Orji.
Papa, truly your night has come and sleep has illed your eyes, it is pleasant and restful sleep, and we cannot stop you from closing your eyes to this beautiful sleep. Goodnight Papa, Papa Nkechi, Papa Nkenta, Officer, Ichie; till we meet at the foot of Christ Jesus to part no more. Adieu!
Golden Iyke Durueke; eldest son for the family!
