PROFILE OF LATE MAZI EMMANUEL KC OKEREKE.
Ochi Udo
Late Mazi Emmanuel K C Okereke (Idi High) was born on July 15, 1934 at Aro Mbala to Late Joseph Okoronkwo Okereke and and Late Ori-Ihe Margaret Akubueziokwu Okereke(Nee, Okoronkwo Akuogbu), both descendants of Okoro-Avigbor family in Eziukwu compound, Amuvi Village, Arochukwu, Abia Sate.
He had his elementary education at the Methodist Central School, Nkwoagu Isuochi, after which he joined CFAO Aba branch, as an Accounts Clerk. Later, one Mr S S Smith, an ASP in chcarge of Aba District, encouraged him to join the Nigeria Police, insisting that his handsomeness, well-built body, intelligence, honesty and hard work, would be better appreciated in the force. Though neglected by those in authority initially, but when the ‘road’ for promotions opened, due to his excellent performance and commendations, promotions came in chains. Emmanuel’s brilliancy was obvious by the fact that he always took first position in any examination while in the police college and throughout his time in the force. He was loved by everyone who knew him, including the Police Administration, as he loved police work and quickly attained the rank of Police Inspector.
It was at the peak of his brilliant career in the force that he met and married another brilliant, young and beautiful Okoro-Avigbor daughter, Mrs. Patience Iheanyinwa Okereke (Nee Ochor), who usually tied in first position with him in Police National Examinations and the union was blessed with four lovely children, Mrs Margaret Ogada, Late Joseph, Late Lewechi and Mazi Sam Okereke.
In 1972, youthful, handsome and disciplined Emmanuel ventured into private business and inspite of domestic challenges and setbacks, carved a niche for himself, being courageous, skilled, honest, and hardworking and; these with his amiable personality, endeared him to the heart of many and made him popular.
He built for himself an over flowing public image and goodwill that was second to none. Those that were associated with him in the bakery business were always full of praises for forthrightness, consequently he became the financial secretary of Enugu Bakery Association of Nigeria until death.
His love and total commitment to his native land was evident in his membership of Nzuko Aro Enugu branch. Until his death on March 6, 1986 at the National Othorpaedic Hospital, Enugu, he was the President-General, Amuvi Welfare Union, national and diaspora, a position he was voted in absentia, recording the largest gathering of the village since history; the Chairman, Amuvi Welfare Union Enugu branch, the Financial Secretary of Okoro-Avigbor Family Union, Enugu branch and the initiator and motivaor of Ndi Akuma Family Union. Emmanuel KC Okererke was a devout Christian, an active and committed member of the Trinity Methodist Church, Ogui, Enugu.
On behalf of the family and the entire admirers of late Mazi Emmanuel Okereke who saw a sense of purpose in his administration of the community for which he is being honored today, we wish to thank the EXCO, AWU, in particular, and Amuvi Uda, in general, for this sense of mission driven by merit. This particular action clearly demonstrates that he did not die in vain and that the legacies he built are still alive. We pray the Almighty to sustain and direct our beloved community aright and to greater attainments for the benefit of current and future generations.