FAREWELL TO OUR DEPARTED COMRADES
NP EJIOFOR OBIMGBA
1963 – 2024
NP UCHE ARINZE
1955-2023
Some Noble Patricians at Uche Arinze’s wake keeping in Atlanta
NP ALEX OKOLO
1954 – 2023
Noble Patricians at Alex Okolo’s wake keeping in Dallas TX
NP Peter Kemaona Okolo
OCTOBER 8, 1966 – FEBRUARY 28, 2023
NP Michael Amiemenoghena Ogunu, Jr.
1973 – 2019
Michael Amiemenoghena Ogunu, Jr. was born on February 5, 1973. He hailed from Udochi in Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State Nigeria. He spent his early years in East Lansing, attending St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School, Michigan while his parents attended Michigan State University. The Ogunu family relocated to Nigeria while Michael was still young.
Michael had his secondary education at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba and studied briefly at the Edo State University, Ekpoma and the University of Benin where he was enrolled to study Medicine. In the late 1990s, Michael moved to North America and eventually settled in Michigan in 1997. He continued his education in Michigan and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, Dearborn. Thereafter, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Wayne State University, and he was working on completing his Ph.D. program in Information Systems and Security at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Michael Ogunu was united in holy matrimony to his lovely wife, Titilope Taiwo Ogunu (nee Falabi), in July 2011 and they are blessed with two beautiful daughters, Adrielle and Teresa. Mike was a committed family man who loved his family very dearly.
On the career side, Michael Ogunu was a U.S based international businessman who successfully launched several companies and executed many contracts and projects in Nigeria and Africa at large. His business ventures created jobs for many and made a difference in the lives of so many people living in Africa within the last 18 years. As an entrepreneur, he was the Founder and CEO of MicoStar Group of Companies, alongside lots of subsidiaries. He led his company MicoStar Informatics Group in designing and implementing several healthcare applications, EMR applications, and solutions for healthcare organizations in United States such as Harvard Medical and 22 other healthcare facilities in the US including Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
In 1999, Michael launched Micostar Motors, a major auto and auto parts supplier servicing individuals, corporate organizations as well as government agencies in Africa. In 2003, he established MicoStar Tech, the IT division of MicoStar Group and became very successful in supplying IT hardware infrastructure from the US to Nigeria. Furthering partnerships and creating cross border linkages was a passion for Michael and this led to the establishment of MicoStar Mall in 2010 through which he partnered with several leading US stores and companies to provide an efficient and cost-effective platform for customers in Africa to shop from US stores. He was one of the pioneers of e-commerce in Nigeria and thus earned an award for his achievement in the growth of e-commerce in Nigeria and for helping to improve the image of Africa on the international business scene.
Mike was a benevolent and kind-spirited person, who truly went to great lengths to care for others, mostly at great personal costs and sacrifice. He was a patient listener who was willing to share ideas, encourage others by proffering his perspectives on issues to reach positive outcomes while also retaining his ability to keep his focus on his other varied interests. He was a devout Catholic, kept faith in the Lord and always believed in appreciating and celebrating life, taking it as he often put it, “…one day at a time.”
Michael is survived by his lovely wife, Mrs. Titilope Ogunu, his two daughters, Adrielle and Teresa, his aged parents, Prof. and Mrs. Michael Ogunu, his parents-in-law, Col.(Rtd) and Mrs. Falabi, his sister, Mrs. Mary Ibhawoh, his uncles, aunties, cousins, nephews, niece, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, his former classmates, his friends and other relations. Michael will be sorely missed.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
NP UCHE KESHI
1961-2019
NP Richard C George-Chukwuemeka
1962 – 2017
Obituary for Mr. Richard C George-Chukwuemeka of Streamwood
Richard George-Chukwuemeka , 54, former banker and entrepreneur, devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, passed away in his Streamwood home on May 20, 2017. In his youth, Richard was a student at the Nigerian Defense Academy and eventually Lagos State University. He went on to establish his own business: Georgefield Ventures, which distinguished itself through successful enterprises in Land, Housing and Entertainment. One of the highlights of his Entertainment projects culminated into the first televised Beauty Pageant in Port Harcourt.
During a visit to Calabar, Nigeria, he met his beautiful wife, Chioma, at a wedding reception. He was struck by her vivacious personality and, after being introduced, they did not leave each other’s side the whole evening. It marked the beginning of what would be a life together that spanned 2 continents and 27 years. They moved to Lagos, Nigeria where Richard travelled professionally and Chioma became a rising News Anchor at Channels Television. While pursuing successful careers, they also expanded their family with the birth of two beautiful girls, Chantel, now 24 and Kimberlee, now 20. Richard and Chioma eventually relocated to the United States, and Richard was able to apply his business acumen to the financial Industry. Richard excelled in the banking world and received many awards including Most Valuable Regional Executive. Still an entrepreneur at heart, he went on to certify as an Independent Consultant in Insurance, Annuities, Financial Planning and Auditing.
Richard was an active Patrician with his Alumni of St. Patricks College, Asaba Old Boys. He was also a member of Ado Erika, Inc. a Chicago-based organization whose objective is to preserve the heritage and culture of the Onitsha tribe in the United States. Ado Erika also focuses on the medical and educational needs of those in Nigeria. Richard was well-known for his grilling skills and paired the serving of his delicacies with his extensive collection of music, from jazz to highlife to ol’ school rap. He enjoyed travel and often went on vacations around the world with his family. He is survived by Chioma, and their 2 daughters: Chantel and Kimberlee. Richard will live forever in our hearts.
Wake-Keeping: June 30th, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. – Midnight at St. Eulalia Church Hall, 1851 South 9th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153
Viewing Saturday, July 01, 2017 from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass 11:00 A.M. at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL. Repass to follow internment Saturday, July 01, 2017 at Schaumburg Christian Church, 927 North Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173.
NP JOHNNY AWODU.
1955 – 2015
Everyone that knows him or has had an encounter with him knows that he was a fun guy to hang around. A people lover and a community leader. The pioneer of Anioma movement in Georgia. My brother and my friend, rest in peace. Your name will be immortalized in the history of the Anioma fighters movement. You will always be loved by many and cherished in our hearts forever. I will always love you and smile each time I think of you.
Chief Johnny Awodu died this morning after several years of battle with cancer. He is from Asaba.
Now, you can rest in peace and suffer no more.
Michael Brian Odiakosa
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