I sincerely can't tell how terrible l feel now having confirmed the unfortunate demise of this very fine gentleman, Dr Chris Chigoziri Asoluka, unarguably one of Imo's finest and best.
A highly cerebral financial and human capital development expert.
As an undergraduate in the school of Economics/Banking and Finance in Imo State University, Owerri between 1993/1997, most especially during the period I served as the President of my Departmental Association, I visited this fine gentleman who was then serving as Commissioner for Finance in the military administration we had in our state then to invite him to come and serve as guest speaker in our Departmental Association week.
I still remember that he came in that instance, and the second time when we invited him as Guest Speaker this time under the auspices of my club,the Rotaract Club, he couldn't come in person,but rather delegated Mr Calistus Ekenze whom I understood then was the PRO of the ministry. Mr Ekenze later rose to become a permanent secretary and later Head of Service of Imo State.
Right from those days in the University after I came in contact with this very fine and intelligent man,Chris Asoluka, I became his admirer, though from afar.
When I got the chance later in my life to serve as Commissioner for Finance, I reached out to him, and within a couple of weeks he obliged me a visit to my office, the same office he served as Finance Commissioner, the difference being that the State Secretariat had moved from Okigwe road where his office was then to the Porthacourt road where it is today.
I still remember what he said when I reminded him who I was and how I invited him as guest lecturer to our school programmes, he went.
"..Oh this is exciting, I feel very proud and fulfilled sitting not just before the Commissioner for Finance of my state,but before a young man who as an undergraduate when I served in this office looked up to me, and I can't be more proud that my once admirer and sort of mentee is today occupying the same office from where I inspired and mentored him..."
Chief Dr Chris Asoluka was and would remain an inspiration and a mentor.
I'll certainly reach out to his immediate family.
Oh how much I'll love to be a part of the plans and arrangements for the celebration of the life and times of this icon.
Our dear Imo State have lost yet another great and cerebral mind,
May the Soul of Chief Chris Chigoziri Asoluka rest in peace...
Amen,
Deacon Chike John Okafor, Ph.D
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