By Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo
The CMD of NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, and his dynamic management team organized a lecture for the CMD emeritus, Prof O.O. Mbonu, who died suddenly on November 14, 2023. The sudden death caught friends and family flat-footed.
HRH Igwe Mbaukwu
Upon hearing the news, Professor Ugboaja began an elaborate scheme to give the fallen colossus a funeral that befits Prof Mbonu’s larger-than-life personality.
The public lecture organized for Prof Okechukwu Obiora Mbonu obviously will mark the beginning of a tradition at NAUTH.
The massive turnout of key personalities at Gilbert Metuh Uzodike Auditorium, NAUTH, Nnewi, and many more who joined via online platforms was a testament to the degree of work the Planning Committee did in making the public lecture a success. Amongst the guests present at the auditorium were the revered traditional ruler, Igwe Mbakwu, and the two immediate past Chief Medical Directors, Professor Ofiaeli and Professor Igwegbe.
The Chairman for Prof Mbonu’s public lecture was Prof Gershom C. Ejeckam who piloted the event smoothly with the distinguished assistance of the compere, Prof JKC Emejulu.
In welcoming the guests to the lecture, Professor Ugboaja informed them that they were there to mourn Professor Mbonu, but he could not escape touching on the greatness of the Chief Medical Director emeritus.
Prof Ugboaja acknowledged Prof OO Mbonu as “a man known for peace, progress and uncommon humility.”
He said “For as long as he knows, Professor OO never stopped supporting the hospital which he treated as part of his family. In fact, OO was my special supporter who encouraged and advised him in his present role.”
The CMD used the opportunity of the day’s event to give special recognition to the great men and women who helped develop the hospital but have retired.
Prof Ugboaja said that if the University was using the emeritus principle to retain the services of the retirees, he did not see why the same principle would not be applied in the hospital.
He announced, “As part of my leadership principle, those retirees who wish to continue giving services to the hospital must be accommodated.”
“As far as I am concerned it is the way my administration will act on it. I am guided by my leadership philosophy, my successor may wish to adopt his style,” Ugboaja declared.
Prof Ugboaja extended a special appreciation to Professor Nwofo, the NAUTH CMAC, and DA to ensure that OO received a befitting burial rite and public lecture. Meanwhile, he reminded everyone that activities marking the burial continue with full engagement of the hospital.
Prof PIS Okafor received the honored privilege of delivering the public lecture on behalf of Prof OO Mbonu, and he did not disappoint.
It was a lecture well crafted to elicit substance and humor. Prof Okafor was helped by the fact that he had both professional and personal relationships with Prof OO.
The lecture portrayed the late Professor Mbonu as an extraordinary person. Professor OO lived for humanity and eschewed any form of corruption. Prof Mbonu was a patriot who sacrificed his comfort and safety to serve the sick and wounded during the Nigeria-Biafara civil war.
PIS Okafor took the audience through the amazing life of OO Mbonu who was a quintessential teacher and mentor, who would do anything to assist students and colleagues.
“He brought a lot of innovation to medical delivery and administration at UNTH Enugu, where he served as Chairman Medical Advisory Council (CMAC).
Prof OO was the pioneer CMD at NAUTH who upgraded the then general hospital to the standard teaching hospital by inviting rich Nnewi people to endow buildings to the hospital.
The ultimate character of the late Professor OO Mbonu was the fact that he eschewed materialism and corruption. Professor OO’s strongest devotion was to his family, friends, and humanity.
Prof Okafor concluded that Prof Mbonu did not die, that he merely transited, but he lives in the great legacy he left behind.
The individual tributes by selected few at the lecture dwelt around his energy, devotion to academic excellence, an unquenchable urge to do good, and constant mentoring. A few of the personalities that eulogized Mbonu were Prof Udigwe, Provost College of Medicine, Prof Egbonu, Prof JC Orakwue, Prof SNC Anyanwu, Prof Ele, Prof MC Nwosu, Prof Nwofo, Prof Igwegbe, National Secretary NMA, Dr Jide Onyekwelu, who represented the President of NMA, Prof Ezechukwu, and many others.
The second son of Prof Mbonu, Mr Chinenye Mbonu spoke on behalf of the Mbonu family. OO’s sisters, children, and other relatives were in attendance. They were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for the demised Professor OO.
There was a final rendition performed to send Prof OO Mbonu to his maker with a traditional Igbo flute performed by one of the best in the business.