October 31, 2024 is an indelible date in Ufodike’s family of Okpuno-egbu Umudim, Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
That was the day one of the illustrious sons of the industrial community, Nnewi, Col. Leonard Ginikaezindu Ufodike (rtd) was committed to Mother Earth. The military officer died at the age of 82 years.
Col. Ufodike who was accorded full military respect at the burial is survived by his wife, children and many grandchildren among whom are professionals in diverse areas of human endeavors.
The late Ufodike who was given the title, Onuo-Onaa in his community because of his gallantry in the Army received his funeral rite at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Okpuno-egbu Umudim, Nnewi.
That’s where the clergymen in their various categories including Archbishop Godwin Okpala, the Bishop Emeritus of Diocese of Nnewi Anglican Communion conducted solemn Church service for the late Army officer.
The burial attracted, apart from high and low-ranking military personnel, people from all walks of life to bid him farewell.
At the interment in his compound, the soldiers demonstrated their tradition to accord their colleague the last respect he deserved.
After the citation on late Ufodike’s life journey and his career in the military, his gasket was by the graveside and military kits on its top, the kits were later handed over to the son of the deceased in accordance with the military tradition.
Thereafter, gun salutes followed which rented the air before the body was lowered to the grave.
Archbishop Okpala again ministered at the graveside to finally commit the soul of the deceased to the hands of his Creator.
In her tribute, the wife of the late Col. Ufodike, Ebere said her husband lived an exemplary life.
“You were a darling husband, and a friend to everyone, irrespective of tribe or nationality.
“You cracked jokes and helped people no matter how large their problem was.
“You were a role model to our children, grandchildren, and those around you.
“You lived an exemplary life. I never failed to remind our grandchildren how industrious you were.
“During winter, you would clear the snow from the walkway and didn’t have to wait for anybody to assist you with the task.
“Our safety and provision were your priority. I will miss you, my darling, and I pray that the Almighty God will grant your soul eternal peace, “she said.
In his own tribute, his immediate younger brother, Prof E.B.C Ufodike said when he was phoned around midday of June 9, 2024 to break the sad news of Leo’s ( as he fondly called him) passing that there was total eclipse in his eyes for a couple of minutes.
“Being my immediate elder sibling, giving me 4 years and 4 months, I was a copy cat of his. I joined him in same secondary school, Boy’s High School, Oron, joined him in same university, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and in same Zoology Department.
“My not equally joining the Nigerian Army is probably because he kept his plans to join a secret from me.
“LG (as I usually called him) was very energetic and a sportsman. I remember some 10 years ago when at a motor workshop one of the mechanics in his earlier twenties jovially challenged him due to his age.
“They agreed to press up and while the boy collapsed by 12th rounds, LG went beyond 40 and still counting.
“The next challenge was sprinting. While the young man was halfway through, LG had got to the end and was walking back.
“So, my question then is, why should he with good exercise, good food (Ebere his darling is a very good cook) and hygiene have stroke at 81 and pass on at 82.
“We cannot question God. Odera, odego.
“LG, Nnanna, Ginikaezindu, Leonard rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord, till we meet to part no more. Adieu, Adieu, “he concluded.
Indeed there were series of tributes from the children, grandchildren and other relations, so numerous and touchy.
Col. Ufodike retired honourably from the Nigerian Army as one of the highest-ranking Igbo officers at the date of his retirement on July 17, 1996, and one of a few to attain the rank of full colonel.
He served his nation meritoriously in various cities, including Maiduguri, Kaduna, Jos, Ilorin and Lagos.
