The Commissioner for Environment, Abia State, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, has lost his foster-father, Elder Emmanuel Iroanya Asonye.
The late Asonye took over the responsibility of giving the Environment Commissioner good education after the death of their father. He was a well known personality in Owaza Community, Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Asonye, who was an Area Presiding Elder of the Apostolic Christian Church, Mission, ACCM., was born into the family of Late Mr. Benson Oñiña Asonye and his wife, Mrs Fanny Nwangwa Benson of Umueleleukwu, Owaza-Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on August 24, 1948. He was the first son of his mother and the second son of his father, late Mr. Benson Oñiña Asonye.
Late Elder Emmanuel Iroanya Asonye was a very good financial manager, who turned things around him very easily to generate wealth. He was a good business man, and very enterprising from his childhood.
He got married to late Deaconess Helen Ngozi Silas Ogbuji of Umuebom, Obibor in Obuzor, Asa, Ukwa West LGA in the mid seventies. Their marriage was blessed with 10 children, but eight are alive to bid him fare well.
He was a true definition of fatherhood to his children and Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna. He was a very caring and hardworking father, and made sure things went well in his family..
Late Elder Emmanuel Iroanya Asonye was born into the Apostolic Christian Church Mission, ACCM, Owaza and died as an Area Presiding Elder in the same church.
He was a member of the Igwebuike Age Grade, a very popular group in Owaza. As a pioneer and strong member of Igwebuike Age Grade, he contributed significantly in the building of Owaza Secondary School, Owaza Postal Agency and OwaA Town Hall.