Mr. Christopher Onyejife Aniwigbo has passed on. A gem and a perfect gentleman in the eyes of many, he was the foundation upon which many successes were built. In his not-so-short but deeply impactful life, he touched many lives in profound ways. The legacy of his influence will endure for generations.

Born on February 4, 1940, to Mr. Fredrick Nwokoro Aniwigbo and Ezinne Mercillina Izukanachi Aniwigbo (Nnedioramma) of Obuagu, Egede village, Ogwofia-Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria, Christopher was the first of four surviving children—two males and two females. He was known from a young age as a bright, helpful, and dependable child.

Raised in a God-fearing home, Christopher gave his life to Christ early and was baptized into the Catholic faith shortly after birth. He received his First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation at a young age. His life was a living testament to the love and grace of Jesus Christ—one marked by humility, purpose, and unwavering faith.

Christopher began his primary education at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Imezi Owa, where he received his First School Leaving Certificate in 1956. A keen footballer and lover of music, he was selected to join the Bana Boys during his junior primary years, showcasing talents that were quickly recognized and nurtured.

He began his professional journey as a class teacher at St. Patrick’s School, Ogwofia Owa, under the headmastership of Late Mr. D.I. Eloike; when the school block was not completed. The doors and windows shutters were not completed, and the floor was not cemented. There were four classes overall, three “Infant I” classes, and one “Infant II” class. Each morning, the class whose turn was to sweep the classrooms had to draw water from Late Chief Iloene Anyaka’s Reservoir (Nkolo), and water the classrooms thoroughly.

It was Mr. Christopher and his only male colleague Mr. Osmond Ngwu from Umulumgbe, Udi Local Govt. Area who cleared the bush, uprooted the trees, demolished the tombs that littered the whole area, levelled it and got what you have now as the Nwankwo football field. The children who had been very anxious about the playground did wonderfully well and voluntarily work extra hours on Fridays each week. One man from Agbani who enjoyed watching the children at work, said they were the example of the ANT’s Community (IBU ANYIDANDA). It was a situation where the teachers had to fold their trousers and helped to pull out the stubborn tree roots.

When in 1953, the British District Officer decreed that, on Empire Day, all schools that had attained Standard 6 statues were to meet at St. Thomas School field Udi to salute the British Flag; Our Lady of Lourdes School Band and their team were there. They were welcomed and given a stand inscribed, OWA RCM BAND. Our Lady of Lourdes belonged to St. Paul Eke and on the feast of St. Paul day, it was the Owa Imezi School Band that often gave the arena the required festive mood. He was part of a vibrant musical tradition that included performances and compositions that resonated throughout the region.

In 1954, the new Board Master Mr. Thomas Agu procured a dozen of English Flutes for the school, and the Local bamboo ones were shared to learners. The band had many compositions. It was the “Osadebe” of those years “Omalicha”, “Ogacha”, “Nkem”, Kokoma” are among there beats and of course “Hairly Chest” ladies make aggressive wives. With only fifteen shilling paid to school authorities, the band is yours for the day provided you cooperate with the band boys. The band first contract outside Imezi Owa was at Umana Evazu Amube after mass at St. Peter’s Obeleagu Umana, and some of his compatriots were Late Joseph Adinde – J. Dum, Late J.C Ugwu, Late Aniebo Okechi, Late Emma Aniagu, and Mr. Gilbert Ume.

In 1959, Mr Christopher sought for admission, and was admitted into Prince Commercial Institute Onitsha, now Prince Memorial High School Onitsha, where he graduated and secured both his London School Commercial Certificate and Royal Society of Arts Certificate (R.S.A. London) in 1963.  Christopher never joked with education. Being himself a collector of books, newspapers, and magazines, he had a personal library where he stocked popular novels written by popular authors during his days.

In 1964, Mr Christopher was employed as a Clerical Assistant under the Board of Internal Revenue Calabar where he worked briefly and moved down to Lagos for a greener pasture. There at Lagos, AMASCO Enterprises Limited employed him as their Accounts Clerk where he remained until the onset of the Biafran / Nigeria Civil War.

After the war, he returned to Onitsha and, with his entrepreneurial expertise and drive, he established “The Crystal Store”, a thriving commercial business along Zik Avenue, Fegge, Onitsha. It quickly grew into a mini market known for its excellent reputation and customer loyalty. Shortly after, a restaurant wing was added and gained popularity as Obioma Restaurant, named by delighted traders and motorcycle riders (Okada).

In November 1976, Christopher married his beautiful wife, Mrs. Susanna Ekedimma Tagbo, from Upata Ezema, Imezi Owa. Together, they built a home rooted in love, prayer, and strong Christian values. Their union was blessed with eight children, of whom seven survived, six sons and one daughter—as well as thirteen grandchildren.

As a father, Christopher was a man of great wisdom who nurtured and led his children by example. His unwavering support, fervent prayers, and words of encouragement have left an enduring legacy. Christopher was the perfect gentleman, and God truly blessed him with a loving, kind-hearted wife who was his backbone, his peace, and a steadfast source of support throughout his life.

Christopher was an active and devout member of St. Michael Catholic Church Parish, Fegge, Onitsha, where he served in the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), contributed to community causes, and participated in cultural groups like Igba Ozioma St. Paul. He also served as Treasurer of Zone B4, Zik Avenue, Fegge, Onitsha. Later, he continued his spiritual and communal engagements at St. Jude Catholic Church Parish, Anioma Layout, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, and St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish, Ogwofia Owa.

Mr. Christopher Onyejife Aniwigbo will be remembered for his peaceful and gentle spirit, unwavering faith, love, and commitment to family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humility, generosity, and grace.

On April 23, 2025, at the age of 85, Christopher peacefully went to be with the Lord.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

— John 11:25

Dear Christopher, you were a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, in law, and friend to many, before death plucked you from our midst. Though we grieve your demise, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life. We know that you now rest in the bosom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Goodbye, Daddy.

Your memory lives on in all who knew and loved you.