Tribute from Chief Innocent and Lolo Mercy Uwakwe

My wife and I are sad to hear of the exit of Sir Gordian Oranika. Gordian and I grew up in Port Harcourt as great and bossom friends after school. We lived on the same street – no. 1 & 3 Crowther. He was a gentle and sincere friend. We were employed by the United Africa Company (UAC) where he was a most efficient worker whose analysis was relied on. We eventually went to Britain for further studies, Gordian to St. Andrew’s Scotland where he read Classics, and me to Mancheser where I studied Economics. While in the UK Gordian often vacationed with us in Manchester. On Gordian’s return to Nigeria he joined the Federal Civil Service and made significant contributions to the building of the Federal Capital Territory and Abuja. He continued to be a good friend. When he was at NIPSS in Kuru he would often visit me and my family in Jos as I would visit him in Abuja. Gordian was an ardent Christian and because of it he went out of his way to help others. He was knighted by the Pope in recognition of his commitment to Christ. He was one of my longest standing friends and will be greatly missed. Adieu good Sir! Chief Innocent and Lolo Mercy Uwakwe