The ever-lively town of Ichi Nnewi stood still as many travelled far and near to give Chief Josiah Onwupeluonye, a befitting burial. The event took place on the 11th and 12th of January, 2022 and a Thanksgiving was held on the 18th Sunday, 2022 to wrap up the well-attended burial ceremony.
Chief Josiah Chikelue Onwupelumye was born on the 5th of April 1947 to the family of Chief Onwupelumye and Madam Roseline Onwupeluonye of Iruanaogu, Eziana Kindred, in Umuezeabu Village Ichi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He attended Enu Ogwugwu Primary School, Ojota a neighbouring town. He later lost his father in the year 1959 and stayed back home to help his mother.
His mother thereafter sent him to late Chief Ezenwa to serve him, he was later settled as a good servant and he went to Okene to establish a business where he hustled and by the grace of God achieved his goals in life. He got married to his beautiful wife Ngozi Christy, God blessed their marriage with seven children and as a good father, he made sure all his children had their First degree before going for a while collar job or starting their own personal business. He also encouraged them by sending four of these children abroad to further their education, and today they are all successful in their different endeavours.
His four sons are currently abroad while, his first daughter Chinwe Oba is one of the most sought after skin therapists in Lagos, with her head office located in Lekki, Lagos.
The second daughter, Chinasa Anitube runs one of the popular boutiques in Lekki where lots of celebrities on the Island shop.
The last daughter, Ify Palmer is also a successful banker who works with Zenith Bank and is very good at her job.
Chief Josiah, during his lifetime, trained numerous boys in business and many are successful today. He was a Godfearing, ever cheerful and peaceful man, however, he was never afraid to speak his mind on any issue irrespective of who was involved and this made many tag him a disciplinarian.
He was healthy until 2009 when he had challenges with one of his legs but God healed him. He later went to America for a medical treatment which was successful.
He returned to Nigeria in 2012 and moved to Asaba in December 2021, he fell sick and died on 17th November 2021 and he is survived by his pretty wife, children, sisters, and grandchildren. He died at 74 years old.
Despite being a very successful man, he was very close to God during his lifetime. He also died a fulfilled man with 7 very successful children and 18 grandchildren.
The burial which took place in his compound in Ichi town was officiated by Ven. Ekene Iroanusi, Ven. Dr. R.I. Aniekwe, Canon Barri Hillary Okoloma, Canon J.O.N. Okeke, Rev’d, James Anigbata and Evang. Inno Ogbonna.
Two different Aso-Ebi were on display at the burial, as all the children and grandchildren looked good in white native. Amazing Grace Events took charge of the decor and planning as guests had so much to eat and drink and even take home.
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