By Augustine U. Alozie
Dr. Reginald Chidi Alozie was born on 16th January 1956 to the Royal Family of Late Eze Rapheal O. Alozie and his wife, Mrs Roseline Nwasini Alozie all of blessed memory, at Umu Ukwuola Family in Umuibe, Apu Ukwu Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South LGA Abia State. He was the 1st of Eight children of Late Eze R.O Alozie and his late wife.
Dr. Reginald Chidi was an uncommon child, a brilliant and an exceptionally intelligent boy.
He started his primary school soon at the Age of three, and enjoyed the company of our Late father Eze R.O Alozie who served as the then Secretary of Ovungwu County Council between 1952 to 1970. His father’s Office as a Colonial Local Council Secretary was located opposite St Francis Catholic School, and his father enjoyed riding with him on his White Horse Raleigh bicycle on his way to his office at the Council.
This daily movement to the office and opposite the Primary School facilitated his early registration in Nursery /Primary School.
He was quickly registered in school and his first Teacher Mr. Erondu was quick to identify this exceptionally brilliant boy as a child of destiny that will go places.
Throughout his Primary Education his scores in examinations were never below 96% and in most cases 100% and he maintained 1st position at each examination. Despite the disruptions of the Biafran Civil War which made him to lose some years, by 1970 he wrote and obtained his First School Living Certificate with Distinction; and the only one in his class, and within the Community that achieved this feat.
His teachers Mr. S.O Nwauzo , Late Mr. A.E Alozie , Mr Erondu , Late Chief I.U Nwokocha etc. were very proud of him. It is on record that all his teachers had usually visited our home to be familiar with the Parents of the Brillant Child – Dr. Reginald Chidi
Late Dr. Reginald Chidi Alozie unknown to his calling and during his earlier years, had written Dr. Chidi Alozie in most of the books my father bought for him while in Primary School.
To further his education, Dede as we called him, wrote and passed the entrance to Government College Umuahia, St Ephraims College Owerrinta, and Ihie High School.
His best choice was Government College Umuahia. However, during the selection interview, the Principal asked who his father was and what he does. He responded correctly, but was denied admission because the panel considered his parents not wealthy enough to sponsor his education at Government College Umuahia. This development weighed him down for several days.
However, when the Principal of Invosi High School heard about his result and with the assistant of the then Senior Prefect of the College Mr. Santure Ufomba, he was offered admission in 1971 at Nvosi High School- Umuikpeyi.
His brilliance and intelligence was even greater as he maintained the lead in his class from Class 1 to 5. This also culminated to his making Grade 1 and the best graduating student in his class in 1975 when the WAEC result was released.
Based on the Policy of Ministry of Education which encouraged offering automatic employment to brilliant students after School Certificate, Dede was immediately offered auxiliary teaching appointment and posted to Emmanuel College Owerri- where he taught Integrated Science, Biology and Chemistry.
To further actualize his destiny, in 1978 Dede gained admission to study Micro Biology at the University of Lagos. While studying Micro-Biology, he quickly changed his mind to study his more desired professional course, this led him to write Jamb the second time in 1979 and scored 345 which helped him to gain admission to study Medicine and Surgery at University of Nigeria Nsuka.
Dr. Reginald Chidi loved Surgery, Gynecology and Community Medicine and made the best result in these subjects during his final year in medicine. He graduated in 1985 and was posted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital now Federal Medical Centre –Umuahia for his house-manship. The Hospital’s Management identified his potentials, love, strength and care for patients, and used him in various Departments.
He was always available at the Accident and Emergency Unit and was very exposed in handling emergency cases, surgeries etc. His exposures and commitment at this hospital significantly paid off and boosted his private practice in later years.
Before their passing out, the Nigerian Medical Association organized competition for all medical officers serving at Umuahia that year. That Competition required participants to prepare a medical case and present in a Clinical Conference. Dr. Chidi Alozie was awarded the 1st and Best Presenter, and was decorated by the then NMA Chairman Dr. Anagha Ezeikpe with a Medical Insigna . This award excited my beloved brother so much.
Upon completion of his hosuemanship, Dr Chidi was posted to Anambra State for his NYSC in 1986 , and thereafter sent to the prestigious St-Charles Boromeo Catholic Hospital Onitsha . His stay at this hospital was very memorable because he saw one of his lecturers at University of Nigeria – Dr Agbasimelo who supported him and gave him the best exposure in medical practice.
Seeing how brilliant and dedicated he was, the Hospital Management quickly posted him to manage the Hospital’s Annex at Umudioka – Idemili LGA. This Hospital though managed by Rev Sisters became the center of activities as the young hard working Dr. Chidi Alozie was posted to manage it.
The news spread like wild fire because the activities of the hospital were variously stepped up and several surgeries and deliveries were successfully carried out by the young Dr. Chidi Alozie.
During that year (1986) the Bishop of Onitsha was informed of Dr. Alozie’s contributions and efforts at Umudioka Hospital; and to appreciate him, the Bishop quickly approved a Loan of ₦10,000 to compensate him for his excellent contributions. That money was used to buy his first Car – Peugeot 505 Saloon Car in 1986.
Late Dr. Alozie, determined to succeed in Life, set up in 1988 the Ronald Hospital and Maternity Umunachi.
His care and passion for his patients quickly earned him the Name “Ozo Igbo Ndu” meaning the one God is using to save life. The benefits accruable from his medical practice and the need to reach out to his people eventually compelled him to set up a similar hospital at Omoba.
His medical practice at Omoba grew by the day and also spread to Umuekaa where the hospital operates presently
MARRIAGE LIFE:
Dr. Reginald Chidi Alozie was married; and his first marriage was blessed by God with four children and his Second marriage was blessed with five children. Four of His Children are graduates in various disciplines such as Medicine and Surgery, Optometry, Law and Computer Engineering.
The other children are in school pursuing various academic disciplines.
SOCIAL / POLITICAL LIFE:
DR. Alozie, as he is popularly called was a highly sociable person. He was a social mobilizer and his friendliness, love for people and ability to mix freely with people of all ranks was very infectious.
He was a great philanthropist and would easily give to support ugly situations. “Dede was Ohuru-Obia, Agba-Nkwa”. He supported several university students from our place; and his house at Umuahia and Umunachi was a converging point for all and sundry. Many of his friends and relatives encourage their children to read Medicine and Surgery because of their association with Dr. Alozie
POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP:
Our brother Dr. Chidi invested heavily into politics several times and in various capacities but without a commensurate success. This is because politics in Nigeria and especially in Abia State in most cases is not for decent and diligent people.
He was resolute in his decisions and did not waiver. His Yes was his Yes; and his No was his No.
He served as the transition Chiairman of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government in 2012 and made several positive impacts during his tenure.
He also served as the Chairman of Abia State Health Management Board between 2016 to 2018 and contributed to the development and upliftment of health Service and delivery Structures and Systems in Abia State during his time
CHRISTAIN LIFE:
Dr. Reginald Chidi Alozie was a firm believer in Christ. Our God used him severally to perform outstanding medical treatments in the life of patients.
He loved and worshipped God. He never abandoned saying his ROSARY each day because he derived strength, power and protection from God through constant prayers.
He gave to support the work of God, and participated in various Church activities and Development Projects. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Church Building Committee of St Francis Catholic Church Umuibe/Umuakpor.
God was faithful in his life and saved him from many accidents and personal attacks on his life by wicked people.
HIS MANY 1ST POSITIONS:
He was the first born and son of HRH Eze R.O Alozie and his Late wife Mrs Roseline Alozie
The first to make Grade One in School Certificate in our family
He was the first to be admitted into the University in our family
The first to be admitted into the School of Medical Services in our family
The first Medical Doctor in our family and in Umuibe Clan
The 1st and best graduating student in his set 1975 – Nvosi High School
The first and best graduating Scholar/Pupil in his First School Living Certificate with Distinction in 1970
The first and best medical officer – 1985 set at Queen Elizabeth Hospital – Umuahia
The first and best Medical Officer Award for Youth Corpers – St Charles Boromea Hospital- Onitsha.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:
His unrelenting selfless service to humanity earned him the following Awards.
Gold Medalist, Nigeria Medical Association Imo State 1986
Merit Award for Vocational Excellence and Community Development ( Rotary Club International Onitsha)
Merit Award for Vocational Excellence and Development of Ngwa Land ( Four consecutive years )
Ezinna Award by St Francis Catholic Parish Umuapu Umuakpor
Meritorious Award of Honor by Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South 27th March 2022
St Monica’s (CWO) Stella Maris Catholic Abayi Aba Award of Pillar 26th Feb 2023
Catholic Diocese of Aba St Peter & Pauls Vicarate Mbutis Ngwa Isiala Ngwa South Pillar of Love Award
National Youth Corp Award of Honor Isiala Ngwa South ( C.D.S) 5th February , 2014
Federation of Ngwa Students Aba State Chapter Award of Excellence
Meritorious Award as worthy patron by Ovugwu Youth Progressive Association of Nigeria ( Home & Abroad) 27th December 2021
Holder of Chieftancy Titles e.g Ozo-igbo-ndu, Ogbuebula
Dede was exceptionally intelligent, brilliant and wise. Those who know him would attest to this fact.
This Bundle of Love and Charisma has gone, but the legacies he left behind will continue to resonate.
OUR ASSURANCES:
Dede, we your Brothers do promise you that we would not let you down; we will keep flying the already hoisted flag, and it will fly at the highest altitude. We promise to restore, unite and sustain peace and love in our families
We remain grateful to you for your efforts at training and contributing to our well-being and our present positions in life till date.
Survived by:
Barr. (Mrs.) Uju Alozie – Wife
Dr. Ronald Chidi Alozie – Son
Dr. (Mrs) Ifunnaya Azoro – Daughter
Barr. Chinaza Alozie – Daughter
Engr. Chisom Alozie – Daughter
Kosisichukwu Alozie – Son
Ekenedilichukwu Alozie – Son
Munachimso Chidi Alozie – Son
Chidubem Alozie – Son
Diamond Alozie – Daughter
BROTHERS
Mr. Augustine Uzodinma and Mrs Uche Alozie
Engr. Cyprain Otutubuike and Mrs Florence Alozie
Dr. Bartholomew Eze and Engr. Kelechi Alozie
Mr. Uchenna Donatus Alozie
Mr. Ugochukwu Okezie and Engr. Toyin Alozie
Mr. Blessing and Mrs Ifesinachi Alozie
Many Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and other releatives too numerous to mention.
Continue to rest well in the bosom of God your creator.
Augustine U. Alozie, FCA, FCTI
For the Alozie Family
