By Odita Sunday
Gwarimpa, Abuja’s largest estate was agog yesterday as sons and daughters of Onicha-Ugbo living in FCT came out in their numbers to mourn one of their own, an illustrious son of the land and 2-Star General, Late Air Vice Marshal Collins Chiazor Rtd.
The event was marked with ‘Ukpukpe’ dance of the Onicha-Ugbo people, with beautiful ‘Okanga’ display and melodious Ukpukpe songs.
The event was led by the Abuja Area Council Chairman, Mr Clem Anizor and Patrick Chiemeke, who is the Chairman of Abuja Central Branch, where AVM Chiazor was a member before his demise.
Chairman of OPU Nyanya/Mararaba branch, Mr Afamefune Atugbokoh and Kubwa branch, Mr Stephen Nwaoboli were also present at the event.
Women wing of the OPU also participated colourfully as many of them were seen in their ‘Osiba’ attire.
Before the event commenced, prayers were said using Kolanut and Gin by the diokpa of the day, it was immediately followed by tribute by members to the late General.
Eminent Onicha-Ugbo sons and daughters were also present to pay their last respect to a man they described as a ‘ serial icon’.
The Late General was a commited community man who never missed any event organized by the OPU in Abuja.His sense of humour is equally unmatched.
AVM CIA Chiazor died in his home in Gwarimpa.
The family of AVM CIA Chiazor confirmed the death of their Patriach. According to the son, Mr Collins, the Elder Statesman died in his sleep at home in Gwarimpa, Abuja only to be discovered early morning of Thursday, February 24. The body was deposited at NAF Hospital, Abuja. He would be laid to rest at his country home in Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
The Senior Officer, a member of NDA 11th Regular Combatant Course studied Medicine and became a Medical Doctor with specialization in Gynaecology.
That was after being commissioned. He held several Command and staff appointments including Commander of Hospitals and Director of Medical Services. He retired in 2006 as the DMS HQ NAF.
Having lost his darling wife 12 years after retirement in 2018, AVM Chiazor is survived by their 4 children; 3 daughters Vivian, 39, Maryem, 37 and Jacklyn, 35) and one son Collins, 31, a lawyer.
Vivian and Jaclyn are in Canada and USA respectively while Maryem and Collins are both in Abuja, Nigeria.
