Thumb Up For Uche Nworah As He Turned Social Capital To Advantage During His Mother’s Burial -By Isaac Asabor

It is no more news that Enugwu-Ukwu, an ancient Igbo kingdom with one of the richest cultures and traditions in Nigeria, with traditional institution and sophisticated political leadership system has been agog with VIPs trooping in and outsince March 2024 to commiserate with Chief Uche Nworah, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS),over the death of his mother, late Ezinne Mrs. Gloria Ukamaka Nworah.

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is not an exaggeration to opine that since the matriarch was called to glory by the LORD on Good Friday, 29th March, 2024, that Enugwu-Ukwu has remained a host to not a few Very Important Peoples (VIPs), specifically to pay condolence visit to Ezeudo, as Chief Uche Nworah is admirably and popularly called, and other members of Nworah’s family, namely: George, Uchenna, Peter, Charles, Chinyere, Ifeyinwa and several grandchildren.

Without a doubt, right from when the preparation for the burial commenced and until Friday, June 21, 2024, when she was committed to mother earth, Enugwu-Ukwu has  been on the first page of Nigeria’s social diary more than ever before as Ezeudo continue tohost sympathizers from far and wideby each passing day.

As observed, the air was heavy with grief as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pay their last respects at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umuakwu Village, Enugwu-Ukwu.  To not a few sympathizers that graced the burial event, Mrs. Nworah was more than just a mother; she was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and kindness. Her journey from a humble background to raising a successful son in the media industry exemplified resilience, hard work, and compassion. Her unwavering faith and commitment to community development left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Without sounding exaggerative in this context, prominent figures unarguably paid their respects to the matriarch.  This is as the funeral drew them from the media industry, governments, and communities. For instance, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, paid his last respects to the matriarch, while Senator Dr. Victor Umeh extended heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. In a similar vein, Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Hon TonycollinsNwabunwanneand COOU Governing Council Member Chief Christopher NdubuisiIkengaUmuawulu also joined in commiseration among other important dignitaries.

Sympathizers from the traditional sector were not left out as the family of late Igwe Osita Agwuna, Eze Enugwu-UkwunaIgwe Umunri, led by Chukwudinigbo Nkpume Agwuna (MkpumeAza Oku) and Ituludiegwe, also paid Ezeudo condolence visit during the matriarch’s burial ceremony.

In a similar vein, he also received commiserations from Emeka Ezenwanne and Bob Manuel Udokwu.

Given the successes recorded in the burial in all its ramifications, it will not be a misnomer in this context to opine that Ezeudo’s predilection for investing into other peoples’ lives made a huge impact.

For the sake of clarity, it is germane to opine that Ezeudo’s predilection for investing in people’s lives is called Social Capital in the realm of social science as a body of knowledge. It is not an everyday catchword, and even if it is, not a few people may really know what it means.  In fact, it is expedient to say that it is a concept in social science that involves the potential of individuals to secure benefits and invent solutions to problems through membership in social networks. Social capital revolves around three dimensions: interconnected networks of relationships between individuals and groups (social ties or social participation), levels of trust that characterize these ties, and resources or benefits that are both gained and transferred by virtue of social ties and social participation.

Against the foregoing backdrop, there is no denying the fact that Ezeudo deserves a thumb up for honoring his mother’s legacy. In fact, his mother will no doubt in the spirit world be smiling over the befitting burial she was accorded as she exited from the land of the living.

At this juncture, it is expedient to reiteratively explain that social capital is a valuable concept that extends beyond financial wealth or material possessions. It encompasses the networks, relationships, and trust we build with others, and the ways to apply it in our lives cut across community engagement which involves actively participating in the community by attending local events, volunteering, and collaborating with neighbors. By doing so, it enhances anyone’s contribution to the social fabric and strengthen connections.

In a similar vein, it is expedient to be networking by cultivating relationships with diverse individuals, colleagues, friends, mentors, and acquaintances. These connections can provide opportunities, emotional support, and knowledge sharing.

Also, it is noteworthy to opine that social capital is about reciprocity as it requires the virtues of generosity and helping others without expecting immediate returns. It is simple! When you help others, it creates a positive cycle of goodwill. Remember, social capital grows when you give freely.

It also involves trust-building. This is as trust is the currency of social capital. It requires you to be reliable, keep promises, and maintain integrity. Without a doubt, trust fosters deeper connections and opens doors to collaboration.

In a similar vein, it entails the use of social platforms wisely as well as engaging positively, sharing knowledge, and building a supportive online community. However, there is a caveat as toxic interactions need to be avoided as it erodes the values of social capital.

Most importantly, there is an expedient need to strengthen family bonds when in the course of building social capital by investing time in nurturing relationships with parents, siblings, and extended family. These connections provide emotional support and stability.

Also in a similar vein is the need to deepen and sustain membership in both communal social, and professional associations. This is as these networks enhance support when facing emotional need, particularly in times of bereavement and celebrations. To explain this, it is expedient to recall in this context that Ezeudo has no doubt invested enough social capital in his extended family as can be seen in one of his post on Facebook prior to the burial of his mother. He wrote, “Conviviality shared this morning with my kindred as we gathered to perform the traditional ‘imamkpụkpụ’ in honour of our matriarch, Late Princess Gloria UkamakaNwora. Traditionally, a stand is constructed with palm leaves where mourners will pay their last respects and for condolence visitations”. As can be deciphered from the foregoing, anyone that is not close to his kindreds may likely not get support from them, despite been affiliated to the same ancestry.

Again, remember, social capital is not about quantity; it is about quality. Invest in meaningful relationships, and you will reap the benefits in various aspects of life.

In fact, unarguably testifying to the benefits that are inherent in investing into peoples’ lives,Ezeudo posted on his Facebook profile thus: “Always surround yourself with good friends and allies who will form part of your cartel and brotherhood. E get why!”

In a similar post on the same platform, he wrote, “Thanks to my NiMet colleagues for coming all the way to be with us”. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to note that Chief UcheNworah is currently the Special Adviser, General Duties to the DG/CEO at Nigerian Meteorological Agency-NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike.

Also, he appreciated sympathizers that supported the family in the areas of catering and logistics as he wrote, “Appreciating the Real MVPs That Powered Iruezigbo’s Burial Ceremony” as the caption to the video he posted on his social media platform.

In fact, as sympathizers keep trooping to EnugwuUkwu, even after the interment of the matriarch on Friday, June 21, 2024, Chief Chinedu Glamour Nwoye (OmenkaIfunanya) was seen displaying his ogene music steps at the late matriarch’s funeral.

On the other hand, one of his friends, ostensibly buttressing the fact that social capital pays, and who identified himself as NnannaNzewi (Otabili-Onyenwanneya) wrote on his Facebook profile, “EnugwuUkwu for UcheNworah, Alor London for EmekaUmeasalugo covered.

“Dr.UcheNworah (EzeudoEnugwuUkwunaUmunri), immediate past MD/CEO of Anambra State Broadcasting Service, ABS, and convener, ‘ Anambra First,’ buried his beloved mum today at his home town,  EnugwuUkwu in Njikoka local government area of Anambra.

“While @EmekaUmeasalugo, my friend and younger brother way back in Awada in the 90s, also buried his mum at their family compound, Alor in Idemili South local government area, Anambra State

“Then I met the loaded, Hon MC Zanzino Wisdom, whom we all grew up together. Nwokenaemeofuma!

“I attended both burial ceremonies, and may God grant the souls of Ma Nworah and Lady Umeasalugo eternalrest, Amen.

“Ndonụ, Umunne’m”.

Unarguably elated, and readily disposed to support Ezeudo during the burial, another friend of his wrote on his Facebook page thus, “Was in EnugwuUkwu today to cheer up my boss and good friend Chief UcheNworah as he bid his late Mum Goodbye. And Oku Ji called and I answered”.

Highly elated to impress it on his friends that he was at the burial ceremony, he posted a picture on the social media platform, and captioned it thus, “In Pics with me is my Man, The Mega Abattoir, the biggest name in Meat and Chicken Grills and Fries”.

Without a doubt, the kernel at the heart of the message that social capital is profitable literarily germinates and ripens in one of Uche Nworah’s Posts on Facebook. The video post which depicts a big cow, was disseminated with a message during the preparations for the burial. He wrote, “I try to teach through my social media videos and posts. My former driver who also doubles as my Personal Assistant, NdubuisiOlinya, sent this big cow today to support the burial preparations of my mother. He is also supporting in other ways. I worked with Ndubuisi for several years and we worked well together. I treated him well the way I could. I never looked down on him, never abused or insulted him.

“I also never made him to feel subservient to me. Always gave him what was due to him and more. My whole family, including my late mother embraced him like a member of the family. Today, Ndubuisi lives in the United Kingdom and is doing well. No one knows tomorrow. Be nice and kind to people working with you and people around you, thank you”.

Given the foregoing, there is no denying the fact Uche Nworah deserves a thumb up as he turned social capital to advantage during his mother’s burial.