Lay Reader Donald Ifeanyi Ubakamma was born on March 15, 1948 into the of late Mr. Godfrey Ubakamma Udoh and Mrs Victoria Nwefi Ubakamma (Nee Anene) of Anugwo Ikenga Ogidi. He was the first male and fifth child of his parent’s seven children. His father died when he was 4 years old. Thus, his family relocated from Atta, in the present Imo state to Ogidi.
He attended St. Philip’s C.M.S Central School (Now Akpakaogwe Central School), Ogidi. He later accompanied an uncle, Mr. H.B.O Udoh (of blessed memory), to Achi and enrolled at Holy Trinity Primary school, Akwu-Achi, where he passed his Standard Six (FSLC) Examination in 1962.
Later, he proceeded to the prestigious Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha. An in-law, Mr. Augustine Odinye (of blessed memory) sponsored him, culminating in obtaining West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1971.
Thereafter, he got employment as Clerical Officer in the East Central State Government. To further his studies, he gained admission into the Institute Of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, where he obtained Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration and Management in 1988. In 2004, he got the professional certificate of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA)
Ifeanyi retired as Director of Accounts in 2007. He distinguished himself in Accounting Profession. For him, positive innovative transformation of the system through honesty, transparency dedication, diligence, prudence and exemplary leadership was both a mission and passion. He saw transfers as opportunity to break new grounds and impact more lives. Accordingly, he worked in many ministries, departments and agencies.
Ifeanyi married former Miss Fidelia Ego Okeke. The marriage was blessed with three children (one female and two males). Ifeanyi was an excellent family man who provided sufficiently for his immediate family, close and distant dependent relatives.
Ifeanyi was a sociable gentleman who was dearly loved by friends, relatives, colleagues, and associates. Being serious minded and principled, he never compromised good Christian tenets; neither did he yield to influence that might bring disrepute to his long earned and highly esteemed pedigree.
He was vocal and always made his views and positions known on any matter. His words were his bonds. His outstanding show of philanthropy and benevolence knew no bounds. He drove to hospitals or medical centres and financed the medical bills of indigent and vulnerable relatives.
An efficient community leader, he was the chairman of his kindred (Umuonunwa Family meeting) for nine consecutive years. The era was characterized by peace, unity, social and economic breakthrough and resounding progress. He served as Auditor for his age grade, Udoka Age Grade, Ikenga Ogidi and served the community in various other capacities.
Ifeanyi was a devout Christian of the Anglican faith, who loved and served God fervently. He showed deep sense of commitment and generosity to the church and other Christian faith-based organizations. He also served the church in various capacities, both in his abroad base, Ekwulobia and Ogidi.
Accordingly, to mark the 2006 Father’s Day, Saint Philip’s Church Ogidi conferred on him the title NNA OKWUKWE. Further, in 2010, Saint Philip’s Church, Ogidi Women (Home and Abroad) honoured him with the investiture AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST.
It is worthy of note that above presentation were only some of Lay Reader Ifeanyi Ubakamma’s numerous attainments, service to the church, community, society at large and philanthropic gestures. He quietly passed on during the early hours of January 8, 2022.
Lay Reader Donald Ifeanyi Ubakamma is survived by Fidelia Ubakamma: Wife; Mrs Amala Obidike – Daughter; Chinecherem Ubakamma and Chidubem Ubakamma – Sons. Others are Ezinne C. C. Odinye; Lady A. N. Mbonu and Mrs C. I. Igwenazor – Sisters; Mr E. E. Ubakamma Brother; Most Rev’d C. O. Efobi: Brother In-law and numerous relatives.
Service of songs holds today at his compound, while funeral service will take place at Saint Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi tomorrow. Interment follows thereafter. On Sunday, February 13, 2022, there will be outing service at Saint Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi. Adieu, great soldier of Christ.
WRITTEN BY EMMANUEL UBAKAMMA