Raymond "Nnanyelugo" Nwobodo Okenwa

Raymond Nwobodo Okenwa was born on April 18, 1949, into the Royal Family of Igwe Ogbuzulu Okenwa Nwadenyi, Igwenezoruoha I, of the Umuokenwa Nwedenwachi Clan in Umuchiani, Oruku, Nkanu-East Local Government Area (LGA) and Madam Mary Nebiem Okenwa, from Umuchinwoko in Akpugo, Nkanu-West LGA. Both parents came from esteemed lineages in Nkanu land in Enugu State, Nigeria.  

At 30, he married Catherine, fondly called “Obunanma” (meaning “one who dwells in beauty”) in September 1979. They were blessed with four beautiful children, many grandchildren, and numerous foster children.

Raymond completed his primary and secondary education at St. Patrick’s School, Amọji-Nike and College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, respectively, before earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1976. He also studied at the International Institute of Public Administration, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., in 1982 and at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1999.

During his National Youth Service Corps in 1976, he worked with Ekwueme Associates in Jos and joined Structeng Associates as a Branch Engineer. He later moved on to Unipetrol Nigeria Limited, where he served as a District Engineer in Jos and Enugu from 1978 to 1981.

Raymond transitioned to public service in 1981, becoming the youngest Permanent Secretary in the old Anambra State Civil Service from 1981 - 1984. His career in public service was notable for his steady rise through the ranks due to his unwavering honesty, exceptional track record, and unblemished integrity. He served in various roles across multiple government ministries, departments, and agencies, including:-

Sole Administrator of Awka Local Government (1984 - 1986): He resolved a long-standing dispute between Awka and Amawbia communities, earning him a commendation from the Anambra State Government. He also established the site for Awka Stadium.

- Sole Administrator of Nkanu Local Government (1986 - 1988): He completed significant projects, including the electrification of Agbani, the commissioning of the Agbani water borehole, and the extension of water pipelines to the Local Government Secretariat.

- Sole Administrator & Chairman of Onitsha Local Government (1989 - 1991): He successfully launched a multi-million Naira road development fund in Onitsha, facilitating urbanisation of the administrative region.

- Sole Administrator of Enugu South Local Government (1991): He spearheaded the setup of the new local government, including building and equipping its headquarters.

While serving as the Chief Executive of the Enugu State Rural Development Authority (1991 - 1996), Secretary of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission (1996 - 1997), and Director-General of Enugu State Government (1997 - 1998), Raymond oversaw the successful completion of several rural roads and water projects, led government initiatives in rural development policy and implementation, and earned a reputation for strengthening public policies within the state.

From 1997 to 2001, he served as Permanent Secretary of several ministries in the Enugu State Government. He was then appointed Head of Civil Service in Enugu State from 2001 to 2004. After that, he moved to the federal level, where he served as a Director in the Federal Civil Service from 2004 to 2005, and Federal Permanent Secretary from 2005 to 2009.

As a Federal Permanent Secretary, Raymond represented Nigeria at various international conventions, including serving as Nigeria's Commissioner to the Development 8 (D-8) Organisation from 2007-2009, representing the country among seven other member nations: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

He notably served as Nigeria's Chief de-mission to the International Junior Science Olympiad and led delegations to major international events. In 2008, he represented Nigeria at the UN Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in Vienna and stood in for President Musa Yar'adua at the UN Sub-committee on Disarmament in New York.

In 2009, Raymond was awarded the national distinction of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and received the Meritorious National Public Service Award for his outstanding service. He retired in the same year, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and impeccable integrity.

At home, Ray, as he's fondly called, was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. His deep love for his wife, Kate (a retired Permanent Secretary in the Enugu State Civil Service), children, grandchildren, and immense pride in his family was evident. He was admired for his optimistic attitude, generosity, and cheerful demeanour. There was never a dull moment with him; watching soccer or Nollywood movies with him was always filled with fun and laughter.

Ray was a prominent and well-respected social figure known for his inclusive nature and passionate support for justice and peace. He held the chieftaincy titles "Nnanyelugo," meaning "father has bestowed honour upon me," and "Mmiri N'Anyu Egbe," which means "water that quenches gunfire," symbolising his excellence and protective nature toward the people of Oruku. He was a respected member of the Oruku Social Club of Nigeria and actively participated in his family union, Umuokenwa Nwede Nwachi.

Ray was a cheerful gentleman with a kind heart who really enjoyed meeting people and was always ready to listen and offer help. He loved music and reading and was passionate about education and sports, especially tennis and soccer. His dedication to sports and belief in supporting young talent was very remarkable. As the Sole Administrator of Awka LG, he sponsored an Under-17 soccer team that won the state championship in 1985. In 1987, as the Sole Administrator of Nkanu LG, he sponsored another Under-17 soccer team that won the inaugural edition of the Governor's Cup. In 1990, as the Sole Administrator of Onitsha LG, he sponsored the Under-17 soccer team that won the Governor's Cup and the national championship, enabling them to represent Nigeria in the international youth soccer championship in Atlanta, U.S.A., in 1991. 

Ray lived a simple and selfless life. His honesty and contentment serve as inspiration to those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, peace, and enduring memories that will forever be cherished and missed by all.

He was, is, and forever will be loved and remembered.

We miss you so much!