BIOGRAPHY
Today, a huge crowd assembled here to celebrate the call to gory of our
beloved and worthy father, Chief (Sir) John Chisaokwu Maduike .
Life has been a walk in a garden of dead flowers, moths and as we
begin to ride aimlessly around, we hear a countdown, everything
changed. His passing on is an occasion for us to testify to the life this
legend, fearless and intelligent man lived on earth. Death as we all
known is a necessary end. But Papa was a great man. In this regard, we
need not grief so much because Papa lived a fulfilled life.
BRITH, EARLY LIFE/ EDUCATION
Chief (Sir) John Chisaokwu Maduike was born into the family of Peter
Maduike Nwaokwu Duruegbusuo of Umuduruotiti Ubachima, Awo-
omamma. He was born after the death of seven (7) consecutive
brothers and sister. He embraced Christianity early in life because his
father was among the early Christian in the community .
He had his early education with high expectation. His parents
understood the significance of education and the power it has in
changing the world. His only playground was the mission and school.
Through the efforts of his father and himself, he attended school alone
from Ubachima to central (St. Patrick’s) where he obtained his grades 11
certificate. Having obtained this, he taught in many schools including St.
Patricks Awo-Omamma Mgbele, Nnebukwu and Ejemekwuru.
Determined to become the best possible teacher and having the
prospect of becoming a priest, Dee John (as he is fondly called ) left
teaching for Christ the king College Onitsha Seminary. Although he
didn’t become one, the system helped him form his spiritual and moral
life.
MARRIAGE LIFE
As is always said the success of a man, there is always a woman. Sir
John Chisaokwu Maduike was Married To Our Beloved Mother Ezinne
Cecilia Umujuru Maduke (Nee Nzeribe) . They had a happy and lovely
married life which translated to the love they had for their children,
grand children and other family members. They were the paddles that
navigated the Maduike Famly and the community at large. The love they
showered entrenched into the entire family which has continued up to
date. What a peaceful and caring parents they were. Their union
produces the following children.
Late Mary Theresa Obiaha (Daughter)
Clara Iheoma Kela –Eke (Daughter)
Jude Chukwudi Maduike (Son)
Ijeoma Nwenebu (Daughter)
Chioma Ughanze (Daughter)
Chinyere Paul (Daughter)
Obinna Theddeus Maduike (Son)
CHRISTAIN LIFE
Sir John (Knight Of St. Mulumba) was a devoted Christian of the catholic
faith and belonged to many Christian organization and various society in
the church. And his exemplary lifestyle earned him the title of Nnaoma
Diebube By Bishop Ochiagha, In The Catholic Diocese Of Orlu. Grand
Patron St Theresa Region (22/10/2016) Pillar Of The Church CKC
Awo-Omumma Parish 21/4/2014. Parish Chairman Laity Council
St.Paul’s parish Awkunanaw Enugu, President Pioneer total
Abstinence Society, President Purgatorian Society And Nnaokwukwe
In Orlu Diocese By His Lordship Bishop Augustine .T. Ukuoma On 11th
December 2021.
He was a man of prayer. Through the spell – bounding power of the
gospel John Maduike lived out every day he was able to help so many in
his wake. He was an icon of modern holiness capturing and intriguing
that hearts and minds of people from all over the world. Dedicated to a
life of simplicity, he gave himself to society by always seeking the heart
and needs of others. His love for people was tangible. You could see it.
You could feel it. You honestly could reach out and touch it. It was real
and living. Each moment, he looked for the next opportunity to love. For
him, every individual matters. Every person – to person encounter was
an encounter with Christ and (John Maduike) made sure each one
mattered. He made every person feel that they were the only one in the
room. Contrasted against the unbridled materialism of the modern
world, Chief Maduike had an attraction that seemed impossible to
explain. The contrast between the spirit of the world and the spirit of
Chief Maduike was breathtaking. Like a magnetic field he attracted all
walks of life. The weak and the powerful, the rich and the poor,
irrespective of race or greed. He helped anyone and everyone that he
could, considered by many a living saint, he did not allow all the
attention of his surroundings distract him and remained a soul wholly
dedicated to a life of service.
He was a steadfast voice of love and faith, and yet his power did not
come from the words used or any recognition he received and he never
forced his beliefs on anyone. His power to love, his strength to endure
and his gift to inspire the masses were all born out of his consistency in
praying to the Lord. He placed Jesus at the center of his life. In the
depths of his heart, he knew that action without prayer is worth nothing.
Doing good and service for others is John Maduike invitation to the
world to do something beautiful for God.
CIVIL SERVICE LIFE
This is a man who was straight forward, direct and clear as to his
position on a wide range of issues both in business transactions and
civill service work life. He will do anything for you without gratification.
He hated corrupt practices. Sir John Maduike joined ministry of works of
defunct eastern Nigeria.
He worked in the treasury headquarters, Kaduna, subtreasury Zaria
ministry of works, lands and survey (payroll section) Enugu. The
creation of Imo State brought him back to owerri where he was in
charge of the pay roll section of ministry of works, lands and survey. He
voluntarily retired from government work and joined Palm Beach
Insurance Company Enugu in the Accounts department, serving also as
internal auditor northern branches.
SOCIAL LIFE
The life of a man is not measured by the vastness of his material
possession or numerous titles but by the strength of his character, his
Integrity and Legacy. You taught by example and lived an exemplary life
to the very end. Neither wavering to the right nor to the left but,
remained constant in the side of truth and all that is positive and
progressive. To demonstrate these noble qualities, Papa related with
everyone irrespective of age, tribe and faith. His sterling qualities
elevated his personality both in the community and workplace. He was a
quiet man who didn’t push himself or anyone, but he would quietly
watch and mentally ‘figure’ out whether that person was a good person
or not. And then the did the most incredible thing……… he kept his
feelings to himself and would let new comers into family to fit in. Papa
was a very strong advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts, always
negotiating for peace to reign over sentiments
He was hardworking man orderly, gentle who could give anybody the
shirt off his back if they asked. He was such a kind hearted man driven
by Christian virtue and the love for his kinsmen progress and the
development of his community
COMMUNITY LEADER
He was very upright, hardworking and astute peacemaker, a bridge
builder, a disciplinarian, God fearing and above all quite contented in
life. With Papa’s death we are at a loss as to how the entire family and
Umuduruotiti community would be without him. He was a rallying point
for the community. His presence and mere mentioning of his name
intimidates our neighboring communities. He beloved that as human
begins, there is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best
of us. It is only when we discover this that we are less prone to hate our
enemies, he never ceased to remind us that he who is devoid of the
power to forgive is devoid of the power to love and that all men are
independent and love is the only force capable of transforming an
enemy into a friend. He preaches peace, unties families and settles
disputes. Umunnad, Umunwanyi and Umuduruotiti will greatly miss you.
The world is truly a stage where man comes, plays his own part and
departs. He was an irreplaceable community leader.
