The life and legacy of Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose, popularly known as “Odogwu Na Awgu” and “Ichaka Odogwu,” have been celebrated by family members, friends and well-wishers, who described him as a kind-hearted, peaceful, cheerful and generous man who touched many lives.

Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose, who died at the age of 76, was laid to rest on Friday, August 28, 2026, following a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Igwebuike, Obeagu, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Born around 1950 in Obeagu, Awgu, Late Chief Ambrose was the fourth child in a family of six children. He began his early education at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Obeagu, where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete and football player.

After completing his primary education, he left the village for Onitsha in 1972, where he trained as a fashion designer for two years. Upon completing his training in 1974, he established his fashion business, known as “Two Brothers,” at New Market Road, Onitsha.

Through his tailoring business, he made clothes and uniforms for several schools and specialised in safari suits and other men’s clothing.

Late Chief Ambrose got married to Mrs. Nneka Igwe in 1985 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Obeagu, and their union was blessed with five children.

After several years in the fashion business, he later ventured into the crayfish business at Ose-Okwodu in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he continued his business activities until his death.

Speaking on the life and personality of his father, the first son of the family, Ifeanyi Victor Igwe Brown, described the late Chief as a very good man, a cheerful personality and someone who loved associating with young people.

According to him, his father was a man who always wanted to be happy and see those around him happy, often putting the needs of others before his own.

“He was a very good man and a jolly good fellow. I have hardly ever seen him angry. He always liked to be happy, and if he had to put aside his own problems to solve another person’s problem and make that person happy, he could do it.”

Ifeanyi Victor Igwe Brown also described his father as a man who stood firmly for truth and taught his children the importance of honesty.

“He always liked to say the truth. He preferred the truth, and whatever would happen, he believed it should happen. That is something I always wanted to learn from him—that truth should always come first. He is someone to be proud of.”

He thanked everyone who attended the funeral and prayed for God’s protection as they returned to their various destinations.

The fourth-born of the family, Igwe Tochukwu Henry, described the loss of his father as a painful and emotional experience, noting that it had not been easy for him to bear the pain.

However, he expressed faith that God would give him and the rest of the family the strength to overcome the difficult period.

He said one of his greatest desires was to fulfil the prayers and wishes his father had for the family while he was alive.

He prayed for God to bless their mother with long life, good health and strength, while also asking God to keep the entire family united.

According to him, his father was a great man, and he believed that wherever he was, he would be proud of his children.

The late Chief’s second daughter, Nkemdirim Ugbesia, also described her father as a kind, playful and peace-loving man who enjoyed the company of young people.

According to her, her father was always cheerful and wanted everyone around him to be happy.

“My dad was a kind man. He was a playful person and a friend of the youth. He loved peace and always liked to be happy. He also wanted the people around him to be happy.”

Nkemdirim further described her father as someone who loved giving advice and genuinely cared about the welfare of his family and those around him.

She said one of the qualities that stood him out was his ability to warmly welcome and accept people, regardless of their background or relationship with him.

“Even if you were not related to him, he could take you as his own. He could meet somebody he didn’t know and simply accept the person like a son. That was the kind of person my dad was.”

She added that her father bore no evil thoughts towards others and would always be remembered for his generosity, peaceful nature and large heart.

“My dad was a good and kind man. May his soul rest in perfect peace. May God accept his soul. He was a nice man, and I believe that wherever he is now, he will be happy.”

Also paying tribute to her grandfather, Chimamanda Mitchell described Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose as a caring and loving grandfather who always showed affection to his grandchildren.

She recalled how he regularly visited them and ensured that they were well taken care of.

“My grandfather was a very good and caring man. He would come to visit me most of the time, and whenever he came, he always made sure to bring something for us. He took very good care of us and would often give us money and other little things that made us happy.”

Chimamanda said those beautiful memories were among the many reasons she would always remember and love her grandfather.

“He was truly a great man and a good grandfather. Even though he is no longer with us, I pray that God will have mercy on him and grant him eternal rest.”

She also appreciated everyone who came to support the family during the funeral and prayed for God’s protection and safe journey for all the guests.

Following his burial, family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered to offer their condolences to the bereaved family and pay their final respects to the late Chief.

The atmosphere was filled with emotions as sympathisers consoled the wife, children, grandchildren and other members of the family, praying for God to grant them the strength and comfort to bear the loss.

A reception was subsequently held at the Igwebuike Primary School Field, Obeagu, where guests were received and entertained by the family.

The reception provided an opportunity for family members, friends and associates to come together and celebrate the life and legacy of a man they described as cheerful, peaceful, generous and deeply caring.

As tributes continued to pour in, Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose was remembered not only for his achievements as a businessman but also for his love for humanity, his friendship with young people and his willingness to make those around him happy.

Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose is survived by his wife, Mrs. Nneka Igwe, his children, grandchildren and other family members.

Though he has departed, the family believes that the values he stood for, the lessons he taught and the lives he touched will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Late Chief Igwe Ifeanyi Ambrose may be gone, but his kindness, peaceful nature, generosity and legacy will never be forgotten. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace