Thursday 17 October 2024
Remembering Godfrey Ogbonna Obiaga, Nigerian-Canadian community leader
Godfrey Ogbonna Obiaga, 90, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024. Born on December 20, 1934, Godfrey was a devoted husband, father, and esteemed community leader whose extraordinary life touched many worldwide.
He shared his life with Ifeoma Anadu, his steadfast wife and the love of his life. Together, they raised four children (Uzonna Aruna, Ifedinma Nwigwe, Nkilinwa Obiaga, and Nnanna Obiaga), imparting the values of love, integrity, and mutual respect that became the foundation of their family. Godfrey was known for his commitment to cleanliness and his efforts to teach younger generations the importance of integrity, hard work, and punctuality.
Godfrey’s academic brilliance was evident early in life, earning him a scholarship to study at the University of Manchester, England, from 1964 to 1967. Sponsored by the Eastern Nigeria Government and the British Council, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in July 1967. His pursuit of excellence continued at the Ontario College of Pharmacists in Toronto, Canada, where he earned his Pharmaceutical Chemist Certificate in July 1969.
In his professional life, Godfrey was a pioneer. He owned and managed Vanguard Pharmacy in West Toronto, Ontario, successfully running a community pharmacy focused on Clinical Pharmacy Practice. Upon returning to Nigeria, he served as Chief Pharmacist and Head of the Pharmacy Department at the Institute of Health, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria from 1978 to 1994. His dedication to the field also led him to contribute as a part-time lecturer in Pharmacy Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1980 to 1986. Later, he served as Chief Pharmacist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Anambra, from 1996 to 1999, and as Head of the Pharmacy Department at National Hospital, Abuja, from 1999 to 2000. In all these places, he established and operated the Drug Revolving Fund and the Unit Dose Dispensing System.
He has consulted for organizations like the World Health Organization, and been an honorary member of the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Evaluation. He also consulted for the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), as well as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. He was appointed as a key contact for Health Action International, Europe, and was also elected (twice) Vice President for Africa for the Section of Hospital Pharmacists of the Federation of International Pharmacy (FIP).
Godfrey’s work experience has made his mark as a prolific writer in his field. In 1979, he established and was the Editor of “Pharmacy Bulletin”, a publication of the Pharmacy Department of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria, where he published over 80 articles. This bulletin had a wide circulation, and copies were sent to subscribers all over Nigeria. It was also circulated to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Italy, to name a few. He has also published a book, “The Essential Drugs Concept and Its Ramifications, published in November 2000.
Godfrey’s passions extended beyond his professional and academic achievements. He was an avid photographer with an artistic eye, capturing the beauty around him. His love for gardening turned his home into a blooming sanctuary, reflecting his patient and nurturing spirit. Fishing brought him relaxation and joy, while his lifelong love for music led him to form the group “Highlife W’Africa,” where he performed as a vocalist alongside his brother Tim, who played the drums. Music was one of Godfrey’s greatest joys, and he served as the choirmaster at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church in Zaria for many years, leaving a lasting legacy within the community.
During his time at Government College Umuahia, Godfrey also excelled in athletics, serving as the captain of Athletics and participating in high and long jump events, soccer, hockey, pole vault, hop-step jump and cricket. He won the Victor Ludorum (winner of the games) Trophy while in the college.
Godfrey’s travels to various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa and Israel, broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of the world.
Godfrey Ogbonna Obiaga will be remembered for his significant contributions to pharmacy, his inspirational leadership in church and education, and his unwavering love for his family and community. His legacy of dedication, passion, and grace will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Please join us to pay a last tribute
Funeral Service – Thursday, October 17, 10:00 AM.
Thanksgiving – Sunday, October 20, 10:00 AM.
Location
St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, Off Okigwe Road, Otolo, Nnewi , Anambra, Nigeria