PROFILE OF LATE MAZI LAZARUS OGBONNAYA OKEREKE
The late Mazi Lazarus Ogbonnaya Okereke was born in 1902 in Ugbene, Nsukka to the late Mazi Okereke Ijeukwu and Late Madam Oye Okereke of Okro-Avigbo family. He lived with his parents in Mbala Isochi where he had his early education.
He subsequently left for Zaria at an early age in search of greener pastures where he came in contact with the Portuguese merchants that dealt on cotton wool. He grew in the business and later became a cotton magnate and a successful businessman.
When the Mmaku / Amuvi squabbles were at its peak, he came in to intervene and singlehandedly initiated a success peace pact between the two communities. He was credited to have sacrificed his only house in Amuvi which later became the Head Office of Eastern Nigeria Development Company (ENDC) then.
Mazi was a lover of all and with a few of his friends engaged in the crusade to bring home Amuvi citizens scattered in several parts of Igboland and beyond.
Mazi is survived by 11 children who are all doing well in their respective vocations. Mazi joined his ancestors on 31st December 1986 and is remembered today for his generosity by his family in particular and Amuvi in general.