Nonagenarian stresses need for Igbo apprenticeship scheme ...as Anosike is buried

Nonagenarian stresses need for  Igbo apprenticeship scheme ...as Anosike is buried

By Chinwe Nwacha Onitsha 

Irked by the get rich syndrome currently being associated with Nigerian youths, a 91 year old man, Chief Gabriel Onwugbenu, advised the youths to enrol in Igbo apprenticeship scheme, (Igba Boi), which the state government through one youth, two skills initiative, has prospered scores of Igbo youths, if they want to be self reliant and get rich.

He handed down the advice while fielding questions from newsmen during the burial ceremony of Chief Michael Anosike, father to Ambassador Tricia Amogu, (nee Anosike), of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at Nnewi, Anambra State.

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 bearing and accessories and 

Anosike diligently learned the trade and prospered. Became employer of labour and scores of apprentice traders passed through him.

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

In his tribute, Chief Louis Onwugbenu, chairman/CEO, Louis Carter Group, stated that, "The news of the demise 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 late Anosike made donation on 31 December 2023 to 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, Jossy Ikenna company, said that Anosike was his boss and cousin who he served for nine years as an apprentice trader.

Ike said that his years of apprenticeship with Anosike was 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 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 broader, clear, perceptive dad, it changed everything about me, giving me an opportunity 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 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 literally 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 Loaruds Lokoja, Abuja and Kaduna.

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

Born 81 years ego, late Chief Michael Anosike, was born great but without a silver in his mouth, into the family of 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 motor spare parts business, and on graduation as apprentice trader, (Igba Boi), started on his own.