By Ononye VC
The news of the sudden death,during the week,of renounwned Estate Surveyor and lawyer, of the Okolo-Okolo Estate Surveyors fame,Barr Sir Damian Okolo mni, has sent shock waves across the church,business community,Anambra state and beyond.
His demise has also thrown family members,friends and well-wishers into mourning as many still do not believe the sad story.
The late Barrister Sir Damian Okolo hails from Nnewi and was famous across the South East and beyond as a leading name in Estate Survey, development and management.He bestrode the Estate Management business like a colossus and raised many other individuals who passed through his tutelage.
Sir Damian Okolo was one of the biggest benefactors of the Archdiocese of Onitsha and indeed the entire Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province.
He devoted his time,talent and resources towards development of the church and made an indelible mark as a local and Papal Knight of the church.
He was a Grand Knight of the knights of St Mulumba,Onitsha Subordinate Council and was elevated as the Onitsha Metropolitan Grand Knight.
As the Metropolitan Grand Knight,he initiated and facilitated a secondary school sponsored by the KSM Onitsha Metro at Ogbede in Enugu State and ensured it’s smooth take off and progress.
The late Okolo served as the chairman,board of directors of Oluchukwu Microfinance Bank,Onitsha and also chaired various committees towards development of the church.
In the political terrain,Sir Damian at various times indicated interest in Anambra governorship race but withdrew at his own volition to give peace a chance.
In his native town Nnewi,he was a member of the traditional ruling council and Igwe Orizu inner cabinet member with the title,Igiligi Nnewi.
Sir Damian was elevated to a Papal Knight by the Pope in recognition of his sterling contributions to the church.
Presently,there is a great feeling of loss pervading the entire Archdiocese with the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke,priests,the religious and Basilica parishioners mourning the great loss.
At his GRA residence in Onitsha,mourners have been trooping in from all directions to commiserate with the wife and family members.
A condolence register and picture were placed on a table at the entrance where dozens of sympathisers have been signing the register.
Among early callers sighted on the register are members of the clergy from the Archdiocesan Secretariat which included the Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications and Onitsha Metropolitan Chaplain of the KSM,Rev Fr Dr George Adimike,Engr Ikem Osanakpo,CWO Director,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike,Sir Azubike Okafor and Sir T O Chiegboka.
Others are,Sir John Odike,Barr Obi Ulasi (SAN),Barr Hon Obi Anizoba,Sir Okey Agbasimelo and Dr Sir Ralph Omaliko.
Sir and lady J I Ukeji,lady Prof Constance Okoli and Sir Jude Mbaegbu among many others made the list.
Meanwhile, activities at the famous Onitsha Sports Club were completely put on hold Wednesday when the sad news filtered into the club.It said that the president of the club directed that the club close shop for the day as a mark of respect for one of their own who held sway for so many years in the club as a big financier,a dedicated and loyal member.
May his soul rest in peace.
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