Nonagenarian Advises Youths To Embrace Igbo Apprenticeship

… As Anosike Is Buried

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

A non-agenarian, Chief Gabriel Onwugbenu has advised Nigerian youths to reverse from the syndrome of getting rich quickly and embracing the Igbo apprenticeship scheme (igba boi) if they want to be self-reliant and prosper.

Chief Onwugbenu who gave this advice to the youths during the burial ceremony of the Late Chief Michael Anosike, father to Ambassador Tricia Amogu(new Anosike) of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN at Nnewi Anambra State also tasked them to enroll in one youth, two skills which the state government initiated.

Hear him, “I was the master trader to the late Anosike, he was my apprentice trader in those good days. Then we were dealing in motor bearings and accessories and
Anosike diligently learned the trade and prospered. Became an employer of labour and scores of apprentice traders passed through him.

“I am proud of him and pray that his children will sustain the legacies of their father. The advantage of learning a trade is that on graduation you become an employer of labour aside from being self-reliant and making the money therein,” he stated.

In his tribute, Chief Louis Onwugbenu, chairman/CEO, of Louis Carter Group, stated, “The news of the Denise of Anosike was a rude shock to us because we were trying to come to terms with the death of his younger brother, Paul.

Onwugbenu recalled that the late Anosike donated on 31 December 2023 to the Louis Carter Foundation as it marked its 10th anniversary.

” Your donation and support is a typical gesture of your personality and in your character, I will miss you,” he said.⁹

Ogbuefi Joseph Ikeh, Chairman, of Jossy Ikenna company, said that Anosike was his boss and cousin whom he served for nine years as an apprentice trader.

Ike said that his years of apprenticeship with Anosike were full of wisdom and pursuit of excellence as he taught them how not to accept no, for an answer.
He was a gallant soldier.

Also in her tribute, Ambassador Tricia Michael Amogu, daughter to the deceased who works with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, stated that her late father was their superhero, not just a father.

“Lest I forget, your influence and impacts on the lives of countless family members, relatives near, and extended friends, your immense contributions to the community, society, church, and humanity at large, a man of the people with a heart of good for the people.

“You were an epitome of strength for many, you brought back smiles on many faces and hope where there was none left. Knowing a man like you didn’t just make me see life from a broader, clear, perceptive dad, it changed everything about me, allowing me to grow and soar with a positive and winning mindset,” she recalled.

In the tribute of the husband to Ambassador Tricia, Dr. Amogu Kalu, he recalled that he normally addressed the late Anosike as daddy, disclosing that he was a man who burnt the night oil while great men were asleep.

“This made him successful and exceptionally good in whatever he laid his hand to do which turned to gold like the Greek king Midas Busy Schedule, did not take him away from his dear family,” he disclosed further.

Among those who paid tribute also included, Chief Sir Louis Onwugbenu, Okpata ozu ora.
Chief Osita Onyejianya, friends, associates in business, parishioners, people from Lagos, our lady of Lourdes Lokoja, Abuja, and Kaduna.

Others were the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev, Dr Jonas Benson Okoye, The superior of sSpirititanCongregation, and very Rev Fr Augustine Nwosu. Very Rev fr Peter Uzochukwu, The Knights of St John International, Ladies Auxiliary of knights of St John, Anosike family, and relations.

Born 81 years ago, the late Chief Michael Anosike was born great but without silver in his mouth, into the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Julius Anosike from Umuogeli-Okpunoezi, Abubor, Nnewichi Nnewi, Anambra state.

After obtaining his basic education at St Peters Cleavers Catholic School, Nnewichi, and Catholic Central School, Okwuana, served his master, Chief Dr. G.A. Onwugbenu, Iju Nnewi, in the motor spare parts business, and on graduating as an apprentice trader, (Igba Boi), started on his own.