Writing the Life and Times of My Father – Late Special Senior Apostle Sylvester Anele Njoku

By Dr. Sarah Chidiebere Joe

My father, Late Special Senior Apostle Sylvester Anele Njoku went to be with the Lord on the 29^th of November, 2020. Although he had been ill for a while, the news of his death was still a surprise. For our family and many other friends, acquaintances and a host of extended relatives, Papa was an enigma and a force of nature. Therefore, somewhere in all our minds, we never quite imagined that one day, we will get the news of his final departure to be with the Lord.

Watch the funeral trailer/video here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYrRMzQpucE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

After putting into consideration a wide range of factors, we reached the conclusion that we needed at least one year to prepare for his funeral. At the time, most persons frowned at the idea but we knew the challenges before us and stood our ground. Many meetings were held, some went well, others quite chaotic – a type of chaos that every polygamous family knows and understands too well.

During one of the meetings, the new head of the family said: “Dr, Sarah, I need you to take on the responsibility of writing Papa’s biography.” Although I don’t quite understand why my siblings address me as Dr Sarah, I simply said Okay. But later that day, I began to question whether I could effectively capture Papa’s essence into words especially in ways that people could truly resonate with. I stayed awake for a few nights thinking about how to approach the task because for me, it was really important I got it right.

The inspiration to write Papa’s biography came after I spent an entire day reminiscing on my time with my father. The most significant that came to mind was a four-day journey I made with Papa to Funtua, Katsina State where I, at age 10, had secured an admission to study at Federal Government Girls’ College, Bakori, Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Our four-day rail trip was special in many respects. For the very first time, I had the rare opportunity of listening to the story of my father and by so doing began to construct a vision of life for myself. As I listened to him, I garnered an all-important lesson – All Things Are Possible If You Believe. Papa battled many challenges and, in the end, won each time.  He had very limited opportunities but always made the most of them. Even though our journey was fraught with many upheavals, he remained optimistic that that we would get to our destination safely and on time. And, yes, we did.

Lastly, during this journey, I understood why my father loved education and was willing to trade off anything to ensure that all fifteen of his children acquired the best. Knowing this, I resolved in my spirit to make Papa proud by obtaining the highest degrees in education. Today, I am proud I have done it and this is only the beginning!

Slide left to see more photos ????????

By the end of the day, I had remembered enough to start drafting Papa’s biography. I also drew up a list of persons to interview, to help me fill in any blanks. Chief on that list was my mother and Papa’s first wife, the lovely Mother-In-Israel Anna Njoku – I call her Lady Anne. Of course, Mama had a lot to say especially regarding their she and Papa’s “love” – a type of love that I have over the years found really hard to understand.

In three days, I had written the first draft and sent it off to some key members of the family for their comments. They were happy with the outcome and approved it for printing and publishing.

Biographies are essentially written to give us a brief insight into people’s lives, their challenges, failures and successes. They are also designed to inspire and encourage us to be better.  Today, I invite you to take a journey with me through the life and times of the man I described as “Ogba aka ari ngara” – One who makes something out of nothing.  I have also laced this piece with images from Papa’s three-day funeral. Please enjoy!

The BIOGRAPHY of LATE SPECIAL SENIOR APOSTLE SYLVESTER ANELE NJOKU

Ancestry

Late Special Senior Apostle Sylvester Anele Njoku is an epitome of success borne of a rare combination of Tenacity, Hard work, and Love for God and Family. Papa, as he was called by his children, was born into the great Umuagunanna Family of Egbelubi Ndashi in Etche Local Government Area of River State on the 7^th of July 1942.  His father and Mother were successful farmers and were thus, revered and honoured by members of the Etche community.

Early Life & Career

Sylva, as he was fondly called by his relatives and friends loved to study. Although he lost his father to the cold hands of death at the very tender age of two (2), he did everything possible including taking on menial jobs in order to successfully complete his Primary education. Upon completion of Standard Six, he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. While he was not able to further his education, he worked tirelessly over the years to ensure all his children received quality education. This, for him, was a prime objective. Papa lived to see all fifteen of his children, whom he loved so dearly, graduate from top tertiary institutions in Nigeria and beyond.

Upon completion of his Primary education, Sylva travelled to Owerri, the Imo State capital to serve as a Cook to Reverend Fathers of the Roman Catholic faith. During his time there, he gained an exquisite culinary skill, one which endeared him to his wives and children. His children describe his Okro soup as second to none!

After successfully serving Catholic Priests, on the advice of his family, he journeyed to Enugu, where he worked with the Nigerian Railway Service. While in Enugu, Sylva joined the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim. A church he was completely devoted to and served in many capacities, including as the Provincial Chairman of Etche Province.

Sylva returned to Rivers State just before the Nigerian Civil war broke out.  Post-civil war, he relocated to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where he secured a job with the Rivers State Government as a Radio Operator in the state’s Radio Room.

He retired early from Civil Service to venture into the world of Business. He established SACO Nigeria Limited and from this platform, he served as a Rivers State Government contractor. He secured and executed many school-building contracts. He was also tasked with supplying food and beverages to many schools including Government Girls’ Secondary School, Ndashi, Etche. Sylva also served as a contractor to Shell Petroleum Development Company, Risonpalm Limited and many firms in Rivers State.

Politics and Community Service

Papa saw politics as an instrument for positive social change. As a man with strong leadership qualities, he decided to not only actively participate in politics, but to also vie for political office as Councillor under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His outspokenness and bravery made him a very distinguished, respected and loved member of his immediate family and community. It was commonplace to find Papa speaking up for the less privileged, widows, and the marginally displaced. His home was a place of refuge for family members, friends and strangers.

Final Moments

Papa fell ill in 2012 and was soon after, flown out of the country to the United Kingdom for medical treatment by his most precious daughter, Late Mrs. Nenne Ordu. Papa had another battle with his health in 2020. He finally went to be with the Lord on the 29^th of November 2020, while hospitalised at the Rivers State University Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.