BIOGRAPHY OF ENGR. EMMANUEL CELESTINE CHUKWUBUNNA OKOYE

Born on Sunday, 17th May 1970, Celestine was the second child of Sir Barnabas Nnabuike Chidolue (B.N.C.) Okoye, KSJI and Mrs. Theresa Ngozi Okoye of Ihuowelle, Ngo, Igbo-Ukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. His baptismal godfather/sponsor was Late Msgr. Raphael Chukwubunna Anasiudu, a bosom friend and classmate of his father, Sir B.N.C. Okoye.

ECCO Skinner was his pet name among his contemporaries at Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha in the late 1980s, a charming young man, full of promises – mmadu oha (he was friendly to all and was fondly loved by many people). He was always playful. He had a way of helping people feel and be at ease in very tense and serious situations. He had a special name for almost every one of his family and friends – a unique characteristic that endeared him to lots of people. In his secondary school days, he was beloved and respected by his classmates as well as juniors. He was a very responsible and energetic person that he was made prefect of three distinct arears at the same time in his senior class; House Captain of Ekandem House, Agriculture Prefect and Choir Prefect. He always won prizes for Ekandem House in Javelin during the Inter-House Sports Competitions.

​

After his secondary education at CKC, before proceeding to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Skinner joined his father’s business for two good years at 40 Old Mercedes Parts Avenue, Nkpor-Agu, in Anambra State, where he displayed remarkable acumen for business and dexterity in cultivating friends and maintaining excellent human relations. He had a charming smile and a unique way of helping people to see and accept the truth in any given situation without a residual shame, or sense of loss or defeat. He was loyal to his friends and always sought to give a helping hand in every way he could. He was literally a hands-on person. He expressed his view as clearly as he can, but he was also a good listener. He says what he knows to be true no matter who is involved, which made some people to call him Eziokwubundu which means, Truth is life. He was generous in many way – yes, he was generous with his money, and more so with his ideas, his skills and capabilities, and of most importance, with his presence, “being there” for his family and friends and other people that he noticed needed his attention or assistance.

Bunna, as he was fondly called by family and friends, was the favorite of his siblings, cousins, other relatives, and acquaintances. When he was unable to help someone, he would usually make a promise to do something in the future, by the grace of God. Celestine always made himself available for public service and always joined efforts with others to achieve common purposes. It was no surprise that his kindred, the Umunna Obieze of Ihuowelle in Igbo-Ukwu, his hometown, chose him during their annual general meeting in December 2023 to be their chairman. Prior to that election, he served as Vice Chairman. He was also the secretary of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union (IDU), Awka branch. In his university days, he was an active member of Ngo Students Union.

Celestine loved singing and belonged to the parish choir of most places that he lived such as St. Patrick Parish, Ichi and St. Gabriel Parish, Okpuno (as Patron). He was a bona fide member of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of St. Michael’s Parish Ngo, Igbo-Ukwu. He was also an active member of the Harvest and Bazaar Committees of both the ‘home and abroad’ parishes.

He was a very hardworking person. He owned a video and photography outfit which he started in his university days; he was the Production Manager at Louis Carter Industries Ltd, Nnewi, and later resigned to man his businesses at Nnewi and Onitsha for several years until his death. Thus, in all phases of life he traversed he left trails of valuable contributions to note. A man of many parts. His deeds in his stint on Earth are quite beyond his age. He died in young active age, in active service and work of charity. A great facilitator, indeed.

Skinner approached his work with a visionary mindset, always looking beyond the horizon. His achievements and works were not just for personal gain but were contributions that advanced his family and society at large. Yet, despite his professional successes, Engr. Celestine remained humble, always recognizing the collaborative efforts of his family and the support of his peers. He believed deeply in doing what was right, not what was easy. He stood firm in his beliefs, even in the face of adversity, and his moral fortitude was a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him. He was a man who pursued his dreams and passions with relentless vigor, and always with a deep sense of responsibility to fellow human beings.

Celestine died at the age of 54 on Sunday, 14th January 2024 in a motor accident at Agulu in Anambra State while on his way to visit a sick uncle who was on admission at a hospital. He was happily married and was blessed with four beautiful children. He was a dependable person in every sense. He was an optimist. He will be greatly missed!
 

May Engr. Emmanuel Celestine Chukwubunna Okoye (a.k.a. ECCO Skinner, Bunna, Cele, Eziokwubundu) rest in the perfect peace and everlasting joy of the Risen Christ. Amen.