Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo (PhD)
On the eve of your departure to the United States, he called me around 8 pm. After the pleasantries, he said that he needed me to coordinate the reception for Chief Oseloka Osuigwe (SAN). I recalled informing him that there was a reception being organized for him by friends. Oziuzo Nnewi retorted in his distinct characteristic manner that the reception by friends will in no way impact the plans we will make towards hosting Chief Osuigwe in March 2024 because he was the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of Nnewi extraction.
I did not waste time to remind him that Nnewi indigenes have produced numerous SAN. “Well, that is true, but there had never been an SAN of Nnewi extraction produced from an Nnewi-based legal practitioner.” That was typical Oziuzo Nnewi, who would always analyze events and show a version even a discerning mind would typically overlook. I could imagine the wry smile on his face at that point.
Besides being a great businessman, Ajulu was very comfortable as an intellectual who thrived on discussing complex issues.
Ajulu understudied great men before him. He was very generous with his deferential attitude towards HRH, Igwe Nnewi, the Obis of the three quarters of Nnewi, the great men of Nnewi such as late Chief LNE Nsoedo, etc.
Engineer Ajulu Uzodike was not a flamboyant achiever, but a studious teacher ready to impact a paved-way of solution that others will use to climb the ladder of success in whichever endeavor of life that one wishes to pursue.
Oziuzo Nnewi was a great player in promoting Nnewi institutions, especially the nurturing of the Body of Titled Chiefs of Nnewi. He was not just a sports enthusiast and an avid tennis player he was one of the architects of innovators that impacted the modernization of the Nnewi Sports club.
Ajulu Uzodike was a great supporter of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University through various endowments. He was one of the major promoters of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).
The most remarkable attribute of Chief Dr Ajulu Uzodike was his humble dispostion, despite being an all-around achiever. He supported his faith with tremendous material resources without any form of exhibitionism.
One of the greatest assets Ajulu possessed that so many would miss was his knack for mentoring people. He was always there to teach and share without any fanfare. Ajulu was such a disciplined force that one kowtows reflexively around him.
Oziuzo Nnewi possessed one of the charmest sense of humor that amazed those who became close to him.
Oziuzo Nnewi may be gone, but his legacy lives on because he was such a great force of nature that left numerous marks on the sands of life.
