From Rubber Tapper To Gospel Pioneer: Triumph And Faith Of Rev Christopher Ogwu

From Rubber Tapper to Gospel Pioneer: The Triumph and Faith of Rev. Christopher Ogwu

By Seun Miracle 

Hundreds of mourners, church leaders, educators, and community members gathered in the quiet farming village of Obi Obeti, Akoku Kingdom, to celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Christopher Ukomeh Ogwu, who was laid to rest at the age of 86.

The funeral service for the retired educator, minister, and community leader transformed from a solemn farewell into a vibrant celebration of purpose, faith, and public service. Community members from across Ukwuani Local Government Area joined family and dignitaries to honor a man whose influence spanned decades as both a classroom teacher and a pioneer church planter.

Delivering the funeral sermon titled "Live Before You Die," Reverend Chuck Obiazikwo of the Christ Chosen Church of God urged attendees to consider their spiritual legacy and live intentional lives grounded in service to God and humanity.

"Live before you die because it is a privilege to have life," Rev. Obiazikwo declared, referencing Ecclesiastes 3 and Hebrews 9:27. "There is a time to be born and a time to die. When you die, you go and face judgment. 

“The only hope we have as Christians after death is Christ Jesus. We should emulate the life of Rev. Ogwu - let people know you for good, kindness, and godliness."

Born on January 1, 1938, in Obi Obeti, Rev. Ogwu’s early life was defined by severe hardship. Following the death of his father when Ogwu was just 17 years old, he was forced to take on heavy family responsibilities at a young age. 

To support his family and finance his early education, he took a job laboring as a rubber tapper at the Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation.

Refusing to let poverty restrict his ambitions, Ogwu pursued higher education diligently over the next several decades. He earned his Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1976, followed by a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the University of Benin’s Institute of Education in 1982. 

He later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a specialization in English at Delta State University, Abraka, in 1993.

During this period, Ogwu served as a classroom teacher and administrator across several schools in the former Bendel State and later Delta State. 

Colleagues and former students remembered him as a disciplined educator who held high academic standards while offering dedicated support to young people. 

He retired honorably from the Delta State Civil Service in November 2008 after decades of public service.

Parallel to his educational career was a deep commitment to religious ministry. Following his conversion through the Christ Chosen Church of God in the early 1970s, Ogwu became a pioneer minister, introducing the denomination to his hometown of Obi Obeti and establishing local congregations.

Upon retiring from public teaching, he formally enrolled in the Christ Chosen Seminary in 2009 to deepen his ministerial training. 

He subsequently served in active ministry across Edo State, Benin City, and various church stations until his second retirement from active pastoral duties in 2021.

Throughout his life, Rev. Ogwu was widely recognized for his intense devotional routine and personal philosophy on prayer, often telling congregants and family members: "There is nothing God cannot do. If you pray and do not see results, add fasting, and heaven will surely respond."

During the service’s tribute segment, family members and former students shared personal accounts reflecting his impact as a mentor, father, and community leader.

His son, Rev. Chukwunede Ukomeh, described his father as an "unwavering pillar of faith" whose daily life reflected the principles he preached from the pulpit. 

Another son, Chukwuka Ukome, recalled childhood memories of night vigils, noting how his father’s stamina and discipline in prayer served as an enduring lesson in faith.

His eldest daughter, Mrs. Christiana Okpo, highlighted his financial generosity toward church planting and charitable causes, adding that he continued to offer prayers for his family and community up until his final moments. 

Daughter Rebecca recalled his deathbed advice to the family, which she summarized as a simple directive: "Hold God well."

His-daughter-in-law, Mrs Kelechi Ukomeh, appreciated how Revd Ogwu accepted her into the family like his blood daughter. 

“My Kelechi, that's what he calls call me. I really wished God granted him the 120 years he always asked for because I and my Special had plans for him. 

I remember I had to learn how to cook Okpa because he said that's what they said will help him recover after he was hit by stroke. 

The late minister’s impact also extended into the broader academic and civic community. 

A cousin to the deceased, Chief Maurice Peter Izu, described Rev Ogwu as his confidant. 

“When the news of your demise came, discomfort and vacuum manifested. You played the role of a loving Father in my life. You are a helper, encourager and a lover of all that towed the line of truth. 

“Because of your Love for God you brought Christ Chosen Church of God to Obi Obeti from Urhonigbe Branch and Led many people to Christ including my humble self. I have learnt from your exemplary prayer life.”

Former student Ogwezi Anthony noted that Rev. Ogwu’s guidance went far beyond standard English instruction, teaching students integrity and perseverance. 

"He taught me that a comma can save a life and a metaphor can heal a heart," Anthony shared in a written tribute. "His red pen never felt like judgment, but hope."

Rev. Ogwu was preceded in death by his wife, the late Mrs. Roseline Ndidi Ogwu. He is survived by eight children, numerous grandchildren, extended family members, and a wide network of former students and congregants across Nigeria.