By Patrick Ochei
The retired Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei, has raised the awareness on the need to immortalize the late Omu of Okpanam and Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu in recognition of her generational impact on Anioma cultural heritage and leadership exploits for Anioma Nation, Nigeria and the world at large.
He made this assertion at his country home in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State, when the Omu’s son and lecturer at the University of Benin, Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor paid him a courtesy visit to appreciate him for all his support to his mother both in life and death.
Ochei who warmly appreciated the visit, recalled how Omu Dunkwu’s motherly guidance and role modelling inspiration impacted his life and career journey.
The Two Star General who acquired two Ph.Ds as a serving General in the Nigerian Army and was the only serving General to achieve such feat in the whole of West Africa, affirmed that Anioma, Delta, Nigeria and Africa lost a rare gem when the Queen of Culture suddenly departed this world.
In his emotional account of his relationship with Omu Martha Dunkwu, General Ochei said, “Our mother, Omu Martha Dunkwu galvanized everybody through her inspirational commentaries and brought the Anioma culture to international limelight.
She loved Anioma Nation, she fought for Anioma and advanced her cultural heritage through her self sponsored programmes, speeches and media promotions.
“It was unfortunate that death struck at a time we least expected it, but she indeed lived well. The times are still speaking for her legacy. I will say that for us, we are happy for a life well lived and the impact made on others.
“For You Dr. Afam, I am happy you strived to finish up your Ph.D programme; that was our mother’s dream for you. You may be her only biological son, but we are many. Especially, I must commend Comrade Patrick Ochei who has always been there and regarded as a son.
This young man is truly a son, for only a son like him can remain steadfast, even when his adopted mother was no more. Thank you for keeping faith, guiding and working closely with Afam to sustain the legacy of our dear Omu Dunkwu.
“It’s my intention to immortalize Omu Dunkwu in my mini museum which I am putting up in the second phase of my house. At the appropriate time, I will begin to gather materials (artefacts) about Omu Martha Dunkwu for memorials at the museum.
And I must appreciate it if you sustain her legacy. Keep the palace always in good shape and tidy it up constantly – it’s a place of cultural attraction and sacred for tourism and ancient memorials”, Ochei insisted.
Earlier before Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor knelt in appreciation to General Ochei, Comrade Patrick Ochei who was regarded as the visible son, had eulogized the General for not abandoning what Omu Dunkwu stood for as her dream for Anioma Nation.
He appreciated him for coming through for the family on that D-Day. He said that General Ochei flew in almost immediately from Abuja to Okpanam to confirm the news.
He added that not stopping there, General Ochei handsomely supported the befitting burial that was accorded the woman who brought cultural visibility to the ancient Omu institution for the people of Anioma.
Comrade Ochei recalled that since after the burial, the palace had continued to be busy with functions ranging from posthumous birthdays, death and burial remembrances and more.
And for all these functions, General Ochei had always supported in order to keep the memory and legacy of the NNEOHA – ‘mother to all and mother without borders’ alive.
