He was a towering giant whose gentleness, cautious lifestyle and soft mien belied his greatness
By Benard Akoma
Activities marking the burial of Alfred Ugochukwu Nwosu, a communication and advertising expert, September, 3, 2024 at Otolo Nnewi revealed just one thing, which is that relevance more than famousness has an enduring legacy. Though not holding any public position before he died, August 7, 2024, his burial in his home town, Obiuno, Otolo Nnewi attracted the cream of the Igbo society cutting across political boundaries.
The presence of the likes of Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general election, Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the Igbo icon, Odumegwu Ojukwu and former Nigeria ambassador to Spain among others confirmed that the likes of Alfred could carve enviable niches for themselves without occupying any public position. A source close to the family told legislator magazine that Umeh, Bianca and Obi, just like a host of others took the death of Alfred as personal losses because of how close he was to them. The source maintained that while Obi saw Alfred as a school mate, Bianca continues the relationship which Alfred had cultivated with her late husband.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the national Assembly, says that much when he joined friends and sympathizers in paying last respect to Alfred Ugochukwu Nwosu, in his home town, Obiuno, Otolo Nnewi. Recall that Alfred served as a member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, when Umeh was its national chairman. According to Senator Umeh, “Late Alfred Nwosu was a good man who lived a peaceful and generous life.” Umeh stated that Alfred exhibited qualities while alive that endeared him to many people, “urging the family to uphold his good legacies and exemplary lifestyle.”
The Senator and his wife, Lady Prisca Umeh in condoling with the bereaved family, enjoined them to “imbibe the faith and courage of their father who was a strong Christian, saying, “he was courageous even in his last days in the sick bed, admonishing that death is inevitable, irrespective of age or social status.”
Senator Umeh views were expressed not only by him as he affirmed, “I shared this moment with the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, HE. Mr Peter Obi; erstwhile Minster of Health, Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu; former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke; former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; the C.E.O of Roban Stores, Sir Robert Anwatu; the C.E.O of Master Holdings Ltd. Chief Kanayo Nwandu; former governorship Candidate in Anambra, Chief Valentine Ozigbo; Chief Barth Nwibe, and Chief Gorge Muoghalu among numerous others.”
A brief biography in his burial website describes him as a “towering figure whose gentleness, cautious lifestyle and soft mien belied his greatness ” The statement further noted that he was a highly principled person, considerate of others and honest in his interactions with all. It emphasized that Alfred treated everyone alike with respect and kindness, regardless of their positions in life, concluding, it says, “Alfred made friends for life.”
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