Osakwe in celestial

“Security is extant when basic necessities of life and fundamental rights are achievable. It includes good governance, rule of law, social justice, education, gainful employment and human development” – CCC Osakwe

This is indeed the end of an era of brilliance, intellectual curiosity and investigations. Prof. CCC Osakwe has transmuted to the celestial realm leaving many heartbroken and confused. He came, saw and conquered in all spheres of life, leaving indelible marks and vacuum of unimaginable proportion.

I am dazed. My eyes are heavy, and words can’t possibly explain how and why it happened and at such a critical time of our existence as a country when his services are needed most.

To think that all the knowledge and resourcefulness is now mute is the more baffling. His candle lit many without fear of extinction. His grasps of issues in military history were legendary. He was one that kept you on your toes and brought the intellect in you to life in an effortless manner and with a smile on his face. You would do yourself a great disservice when you are in his presence without a writing pad. With his eyes closed, he dissects issues. This is one loss too many.

I am not writing, but I am reminiscing on all that Prof Osakwe represents and stood for. He turned average students to scholars. He is excited when you get his drift, and he is even more patient when you are not catching up. It was never a dull moment with him in class, office and at home. Nobody was inferior to him. He had his way of making you excitingly realize your worth.

Prof. Osakwe was not just a mentor, but a friend who would drop his academic weight to throw banters with all his students and protégées. The Osakwe boys, as some of us are known indeed, were in that privileged position to share from his bowel of wisdom. He was also rigorous and playful at the same time. He was that academic titan that redefined scholarly engagement with students and protégées.

Emotions betrayed me when the sad news filtered in. As customary, my phone beeps whenever he visits. And on saying hello, his husky voice replies “my eminent historian” and I would reply, “My Prof, why have thou forsaken me?” the rest would be banters and issues to be discussed.

He influenced my foray in Military History. “Ocheja, you want to do this I know, but let’s see how it goes because you would have me to contend with.” And that resulted in intellectual grilling and refinement. When you make your arguments, he listens. He would agree with you even when you are making no point. But in his characteristic manner, he would make points from your position, and give you insights into making your position valid.

He loved originality. And for him, any position can be canvassed and expatiated in scholarly work. He doesn’t impress his opinion on you. Instead, he helps you build yours to make your academic pursuit an exciting journey. That was the journey with Prof Osakwe.

Prof Osakwe was one in a million. As the HOD, Department of History and War Studies of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was an epitome of excellence. He was highly resourceful and contributed immensely to the security discourse in Nigeria. He was well sought after, and he always delivered. He was also Head of Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations.

Prof Osakwe was well rounded with a B.A. in History and Archaeology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), M.A. History, Hunter College, City University of New York, and PhD Military History, Graduate Center, City University of New York.

I am overwhelmed that Nigeria has indeed lost one of its best. Who would have thought that Prof Osakwe would leave us so soon when he had lots to offer? It remains unbelievable. I had a chanced meeting with him in Abuja sometime last month. As usual, we talked extensively on issues in the security sector, and all his engagements in NDA and around the country. I recall advising that he should get some rest in between the tedious engagements. And he said to me “Ocheja, this project is beyond me. It is about Nigeria and who am I to decline.”

He was passionate about Nigeria. He was highly detribalized. He saw strength in our diversity, and this much he preached till he transmuted to the celestial. We are heartbroken, but consoled that it was indeed an eventful life. And how do we immortalize him?

That is what we should preoccupy our mind with now. Two things are essential; making contributions towards addressing the security challenges in the country because that was what he strived—and imparting knowledge at every given opportunity because that was what he did.

Dear Prof Osakwe, you took this journey in haste, and you left many unanswered questions for the family you left behind and us. But we can’t ask questions. And we won’t ask questions. But we promise to keep the light shining brighter and brighter in your celestial memory.

Continue to smile and rest. Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did. Adieu, the eminent and the world’s most incredible!

Ocheja, a military historian is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy