A TRIBUTE TO LATE CHIEF(SIR) GORDIAN CHUKWUEMEKA ORANIKA

Eternal rest grant him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. In the words of Albert Einstein, a famous scientist, “The life of an individual has meaning only in so far as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful”. Chief G.C. Oranika, OCHENDO, the mighty Umbrella, our very illustrious Old Boy was both an Inspiration and an Institution. He was also a Role Model in every positive way. It was Erma Bombeck, a famed American Journalist, Author and Humorist, who said that “when I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent and could say “I used everything you gave me”. Chief Oranika excelled as a young student in our College and completed his secondary school education, passing out in flying colours, after four years instead of the standard five years in his time there. He went on to receive good quality University education and grooming. He had a stellar Public Service Career which was jeweled by several landmark accomplishments in the service of God and humankind. As a Pioneer Director General and later renamed Permanent Secretary (1989– 1992) of the Federal Capital Territory, he oversaw the development and provision of Engineering Infrastructure in the Maitama, Asokoro, Garki II and Wuse 2 Districts which accelerated the development of these modern human settlements. He was also at various times in his career, the Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme and Land Allocation Committee in the Federal Capital Territory. During his service as the Director General FCT, many government residential buildings, Schools, Churches, Mosques and recreational arenas were built in Abuja. At the private and informal levels, he assisted numerous persons across a broad spectrum with job opportunities, which were take off points in their various careers and enriched their lives. We remember with pride and gratitude that Chief G.C. Oranika, championed and worked tirelessly for the establishment of Christ The King College, Gwagwalada, Abuja. It was an idea that was conceived by His Eminence late Dominic Cardinal Ekandem, who was a very revered Old Boy of our College. Chief Oranika’s efforts were instrumental to the successful raising of funds for the School project. The Abuja Branch of the CKC Onitsha, Old Boys Association, came into existence in 1990, due largely to his visionary leadership. He went as far as providing the Old Boys a permanent Meeting Venue, pro bono in one of his hospitality facilities. He was indeed a huge pillar of strength and support for our College and Old Boys Association both in Abuja and Nationally. Chief G.C. Oranika, embodied the finest attributes of being well born, well bred and well educated. He lived out the Motto of our College i.e. Bonitas Disciplina Scientia which translates as Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge. He had the common touch, listening ears, a communal spirit and an uncommon generosity. His outlook on life and living was most admirable. He was the ideal Family Head, who led and nurtured by his shining talents and examples. He was a thorough going adherent to the Catholic Faith and a KNIGHT of the Church. For his dedicated and compassionate services to his community and larger society, Chief Oranika was honoured severally. Of particular significance is the Chieftaincy Title of OCHENDO bestowed on him by an appreciative Abatete Community, his hometown. After retiring from the Public Service where he served meritoriously, Chief Oranika proved to be a very enterprising and successful Entrepreneur. Integrity and honour were his trademark in business. It was Pericles, the great Athenian Military General, Politician, Statesman and Aristocrat, who said that “what you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but is woven into the lives of others”. As Chief G.C. Oranika journeys into the ages, our prayer is that the angels of God, will welcome and lead him into Paradise and the eternal rest, which he richly deserves after his remarkable Odyssey here on Earth. Adieu Distinguished Old Boy of CKC Onitsha. We are proud of your enduring and positively impactful legacy. Fare thee well Ochendo. May Almighty God comfort, console and heal your dear family and all those, who you have now left behind. Amen. Ezennia (Engr.) Ike Iwenofu President, Christ The king College Onitsha, Old Boys Association, Abuja Branch.