Life Rooted in Determination and Discipline

At the end of the Nigerian/Biafra war the young family had to move to Aba in search of survival. We were living in two rooms face me I face you at 13 Ibenji Street, directly opposite cemetery road. Our mother was as always involved in petty trading while my eldest brother had secured employment as an accounts clerk with Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited now Unilever Plc. The entire family continued to grow.

My eldest brother ever determined to acquire education started what we know today as the Open University system of acquiring knowledge. He registered with the RAPID RESULTS COLLEGE, London. The college was always sending booklets in accounting and other related subjects. My brother would read, attempt the questions and post back the answers to London. There were no fax machines, no social media. It was physical posting that obtained. Do you know what, Dedem was determined to acquire knowledge, through this correspondence college, he passed his A ‘level papers which enabled him to register with the Association of International Accountants London as a student member. He later wrote their professional examinations.

He again used his A ’level results to apply for Admission into The Polytechnic Calabar. Any time he comes back from work, he is either reading his books or reading newspapers which he regularly subscribed to. Dedem, showed exemplary determination in pursuit of education. After acquiring his OND from The Polytechnic Calabar, he came back to Lever Brothers Nig. Ltd for his one year Industrial Training. At this time I was working in lever Brothers as a training clerk.

Due to his diligence on duty he was excitedly received for IT. He further proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology for his Higher National Diploma in Accountancy. Dedem rejected an offer from the Ministry of External Affairs after his NYSC. He also holds MBA from Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri and a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria ANAN. Later worked with many other entities, the last of which was NYSC from where he retired a couple of years ago.

I can describe Dedem as an embodiment of determination and discipline. He showed exemplary behavior throughout, his sojourn on earth. He showed his younger siblings character routed in values, virtue and discipline. My eldest brother’s death came to me and the entire family as rude shock. He just attended the burial of my elder sister’s husband in Nnobi Anambra State and my Chieftaincy coronation on April 6th 2026. That was his last family outing.

Dede, the entire Onyeukwu family will miss you. Rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. Goodbye.

Your youngest brother

High Chief Sir. Temple Ogueri Onyeukwu FCA.