NZE PATRICK ONWUGBORUBA ILECHUKWU (NZE CHIDERA)

His Grandchildren:

• Chikamso Uchechukwu Michael Ilechukwu

• Emmanuel Okechukwu Oforeze

• Anthony Ifeanyi Iloh

• Daniel Ogochukwu Oforeze

• Annastesia Chidinma Iloh

• David Kelechukwu Oforeze

• Emmanuel Onyekachukwu Iloh

• Chisom Ujunwa Oforeze

• Onyedikachukwu Divine Elijah

• Oluebube Augustina Iloh

• Chidera Bartholomew Patrick

This article stands as part of that legacy.

Brothers and Sister

Brothers:

• Mr. Bernard Ilechukwu

• Late Mr. Benjamin Ilechukwu

Sister:

• Rev. Sister Mary Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Onuguluchi

Leadership, Titles, and Traditional Service

My grandfather served in many capacities within his community. He was an executive member and secretary of the Umuokpu Association, and later held the positions of secretary and treasurer until his death.

In 2007, after consultation, prayer, and persistent pressure from the community, he accepted traditional leadership responsibilities. He was crowned and became known as Nze Chidera, a title he carried with dignity, humility, and open acknowledgment of his Christian faith, which he declared as the cornerstone of his reign.

As a member of the Igwe’s Cabinet, he initiated development programs, strengthened town union performance, and worked tirelessly for the welfare of the entire community. Even after his passing, the foundations he laid continued to guide progress.

Service to Humanity

He rendered selfless service to humanity. He invested his energy, time, and resources into the social and economic development of his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria at large. His death was not felt as a private loss alone; it was as though a great Iroko tree had fallen, leaving a silence where shade once stood.

Final Reflection by His First Grandson

I write this as Michael Chikamso Uchechukwu Ilechukwu, not merely to remember my grandfather, but to enshrine his life in permanence. He was a man of structure, truth, labor, foresight, and moral courage. His life teaches that greatness does not shout; it works, serves, corrects, and endures.

This biography is my voice, my responsibility, and my tribute. As long as my name is spoken, the name Patrick Onwugboruba Ilechukwu (Nze Chidera) will not fade.

May history remember him correctly. May generations learn from him truthfully. And may this record stand as a clear testimony of who he was—written by the one who stood first among his grandchildren, and who will continue to carry his legacy forward.

A BIOGRAPHY AND TRIBUTE TO
MR. NZE PATRICK ONWUGBORUBA ILECHUKWU (NZE CHIDERA)

Written and authored by his first grandson,
Michael Chikamso Uchechukwu Ilechukwu Founder and CEO of GOA CS-VM

There are men whose lives are measured by years, and there are men whose lives are measured by impact. My grandfather, Mr. nze Patrick Onwugboruba Ilechukwu, belonged firmly to the latter. He was not merely a man who lived from 1942 until his passing; he was a pillar who carried generations, a voice that shaped conscience, and a presence that ordered community life with discipline, wisdom, and uncommon integrity. I write this not as a distant observer, but as his first grandson, one who carries his name, his blood, and the responsibility of preserving his story with truth and honor.

Origins and Family Lineage

Mr. Patrick Onwugboruba Ilechukwu was born in 1942, into the respected family of Late Moses Ilechukwu Ikekwetara of Ihe Enugu Agu Achi and Late Mrs. Egebe-Erijuafor Ezeokpube of Abor Umuori, Enugu Agu Achi, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. He was the fourth child of his parents, raised within the values, customs, and disciplined traditions of the Achi people.

From childhood, he was deeply rooted in culture, history, and communal philosophy. He did not merely know the story of his people; he embodied it. Among elders and youths alike, he was known as a living encyclopedia of the history, customs, and moral foundations of Ihe Enugu Agu Achi and Achi land as a whole.

Early Years and Formation of Character

As a young boy, Patrick Ilechukwu was loved and carefully nurtured by his parents. His early education began informally at home, where tradition, discipline, and moral instruction were taught with seriousness. This foundation shaped the man he would later become.

He attended various elementary schools between Achi and Awgu, distinguishing himself as a conscious, meticulous, and hardworking young man. Even at an early age, he demonstrated rare organizational ability. He learned to read, write, and keep accurate accounts of money and events—skills that later made him indispensable in every group and association he joined.

Throughout his life, he served repeatedly as secretary and treasurer in organizations, not by ambition, but by trust. People placed responsibility in his hands because they knew he would not betray it.

Career, Work Ethic, and Economic Life

By profession, my grandfather was a mason, but to describe him only as a mason would be to diminish his depth. He was a true businessman, a man who understood labor, value, timing, and growth. His work took him across Benin, Delta, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Nsukka (Nsukka/Nsogha axis), and Udi in Enugu State, where his hands helped build both structures and reputations.

At a decisive point in his life, he combined his masonry profession with agriculture and trade. He became a consistent farmer and a major palm nut and palm oil merchant. He bought palm nuts, processed them, sold palm oil, and reinvested with remarkable foresight.

In 1980, the success of his local palm oil processing business enabled him to purchase modern mechanized palm oil processing machines, including palm kernel cracking machines. This was not driven by luxury, but by wisdom. He understood aging, sustainability, and the dignity of reduced manual labor. By 1990, he had acquired additional modern machines and installed them in our village, transforming local economic life.

On Oye days, people knocked on his door as early as 4:00–5:00 a.m., waiting patiently for him to process their oil. On Afor days, the Aguike people came with palm kernels of their own. On Nkwo market days, he sold gallons of palm oil and reinvested immediately, preparing for the next cycle. My grandfather was, in every sense, as busy as an ant, yet as joyful as a child.

Social Life and Moral Authority

Mr. Patrick Ilechukwu was a social dynamic, a free mixer, and a philanthropist to the core. He associated with both rich and poor, young and old, strong and weak, without discrimination. He was an apostle of peace, a mobilizer for community development, and a man who believed deeply in order and discipline.

He was jovial, cheerful, and approachable, yet unyielding toward disobedience and moral decay. He fought for virtue even when others misunderstood him. He spoke truth without fear, corrected without favoritism, and offered guidance without expecting reward. Those who loved truth loved him; those who hated truth avoided him.

Marriage and Children

My grandfather was a monogamist, married in 1970 to Mrs. Augustina Ogoadu Ilechukwu of Umuome Inyi, Oji River L.G.A., Enugu State. Their union was blessed with seven surviving children—four sons and three daughters—who today stand as living testimonies of his discipline, sacrifice, and guidance.

His Children:

• Mrs. Annastetasia Obiageli Oforeze – 1st Daughter

• Late Mr. Peter Onyemaechi Ilechukwu – 1st Son

• Mrs. Agatha Ukamaka Emuagafe – 2nd Daughter

• Mrs. Cecilia Ifeyinwa Ilo – 3rd Daughter

• Mr. Paul Ekenedilichukwu Ilechukwu – 2nd Son

• Mr. Augustine Anayochukwu Ilechukwu – 3rd Son

• Mr. John Ugochukwu Ilechukwu – 4th Son

Grandchildren and Legacy Bearers

Among his grandchildren, I stand first—Michael Chikamso Uchechukwu Ilechukwu, his first grandson, the one who bears both his name and the duty of preserving his memory in words and truth.