Arc Boniface Agu; The Passage of An Iconic Old Boy

The year started on a sombre note with the obituary announcement of the transition of the immediate past president of STOBA PORT HARCOURT BRANCH, Architect Boniface Okonkwo Agu who died in the US at the age of 79. He was a member of the class that graduated from STC in 1962. He was an affable personality and had a great sense of humor. He was a role model for a lot of young old boys in the virtues of humility, gentility, integrity and professionalism. He was a peaceful and unassuming family man who lived a quiet life despite his superlative achievements in life.

The funeral rites started with a vigil mass celebrated at his country home in Obinagu Udi LGA of Enugu State on Friday, 18th March 2022, followed by a requiem high mass on Saturday 19th March, officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, The Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga, assisted by the parish priest of St Paul's Catholic Church, Obinagu Udi. Also present in the requiem mass was the current principal of St Teresa's College Nsukka, Very Rev Fr Dr Mellitus Ezikeanyi and other priests.

The event marked a watershed in the annals of history of St Teresa's College Old Boys Association as old boys of STC from across the length and breath of the country graced the occasion to pay last respect to the deceased distinguished old boy.

The highpoint of the occasion was that solemn moment when the old boys filed out and encircled the casket for the singing of the farewell school anthem; the rendition of the STOBA Anthem in the burial events of old boys has now become a tradition that is observed in honor of departed old boys at their burial.

Port Harcourt Branch members, ably led the branch president Engr Tony Offor, attended en masse with well over 30 old boys visibly present and resplendent in their customized outfit of white shirt on white pants, and green jacket (with the STC badge beautifully crested at the left side of the chest). (photos below). Also in attendance were old boys from National Executive Officers of STOBA and Nsukka branch members led by STOBA National President in the person of the most distinguished Chief JBC Okonkwo, flanked by Hon Barr Tony Ugwu and a host of other friends and well wishers.

Indeed, the mammoth crowd that attended the event coupled with the deluge of emotive thoughts expressed by the attendees at the event bore eloquent testimonies of the life and times of a man who left memorable footprints in the sands of time. No doubt, Arc Agu will be sorely missed by his family, associates, friends and fellow old boys. Good men die but their names live on. May the soul of Arc Boni Agu and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace, Amen!

Pictures From Funeral Picture Gallery


Scripted by:

Godfrey Agbo,
Secretary, STOBA PH.