AKUNYILI, ILOEJE, REMAIN FAITHFUL CIC OLD BOYS, EVEN IN DEATH – OGBU-NWOBODO, CHAIRMAN, CICOBA, ENUGU BRANCH

Enugu: College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu Branch celebrated her Annual Reunion on Sunday at the MPB Hall, CIC, Enugu with the shadow of the association’s late patron, Dr Chike Akunyili, looming large.

Still reeling from the shock of his demise, the 2021 event was held on a low key with a low attendance since preparations actually started after Akunyili’s burial, about a forth night ago.

In his opening remark, the Chairman, College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Old Boys Association (CICOBA), Enugu Branch, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Esq noted that Dr Akunyili was a committed old boy, who remained faithful to CICOBA, even in death.

“The founding fathers of CIC were very visionary in choosing the motto “Semper Fidelis” meaning always faithful, which incidentally is also the motto of the US Marine, the strongest fighting force in the world.

“Our late patron, Dr Chike Akunyili was an embodiment of the Semper Fidelis philosophy as he remained a faithful old boy to the end and even in death.

“For instance, before his death, he had pledged to provide the item that would be presented by the old boys for offertory during the Reunion Mass.

“Surprisingly, his family who he had informed of the pledge contacted the old boys and redeemed it.

“That is the CIC spirit. What of Igwe N. P. Iloeje, who despite being a traditional ruler had to be buried in his CIC blazers instead of his chieftaincy regalia?

“He also named CICOBA as a beneficiary of his will”

A minute’s silence was observed in honour of the late iconic old boy, Dr Chike Akunyili.

In his own speech, AIG Alloy Okorie, Rtd, a traditional ruler who belongs to the Class of 1971 stated that no old boy in the right frame of mind could deny the fact that CIC had a huge impact on his life.

“No old boy in the right frame of mind can deny the fact that CIC had a huge impact on his life.

“I remember when I was in service. I always proudly identified myself as an old boy of CIC unlike those who attended obscure secondary schools”

The occasion ended with feasting and dancing by the old boys and their families.