By Nnabugwu Chizoba
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| Work of Augustine Okpu Eze (copied) |
He is Nwanneukwu and forever he is Nwanneukwu,
His name remains and will always remain,
His name is Augustine Okpu Eze,
He now lives with the dead, and therefore, is Late,
Nwanneukwe is attached to his name,
He was of the land of the Nwanneukwes,
Nwanneukwu Augustine Okpu Eze was a reputed and very remarkable achiever, an inspiring, active and competent leader, very skillful, vast in knowledge and in-depth in his practice. He was a unique pathfinder and celebrated sculptor and painter, who died in active service, in October 1, 1995, while serving as the President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).
Nwanneukwu, Augustine Okpu Eze, was a man of firsts, and is today, October 1, 2025 remembered and celebrated by our dear Platform SCOREline, for his enviable art works, leadership acumen and massive contributions to the growth and development of the Culture and Creative Industry in Nigeria.
Late Augustine Okpu Eze, a son from the land of Nwanneukwu, offered his services and made his contributions, to the creative industry in Nigeria with devotion, unwavering commitment and with the unquenchable "Can do" Spirit. He did these, at a time when such services were very much in short supply, indeed when it was purely a "thankless" service"
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| Another work of Agustine Okpu Eze (copied) |
Nwanneukwu, Augustine Okpu Eze, as you already know, by reason of information provided in the paragraph above, was a man of "Firsts". His record with regard to his activities during his brief stay, as earth sojourner, before departing from this earth and migrating quietly unto a lonely path, on a cheerless journey, he embarked on luggage free, without any form of appeal to join him from Nwanneukwus or any other person for that matter. The LCM of this somehow uncharitable, unreasonable but funny enough, understandable action by a segment of the society is this, Nwanneukwu embarked on his journey uninterruptedly, and for 30 years today, we still can forget him. We instead are remembering him and celebrating him
A peep into his massive activities and records reveals an encouraging frequency in the area of "Firsts", a heartwarming performance, no doubt.
The former President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Late Augustine Okpu Eze, who we remember and celebrate today, died October 1, 1995 during his tenure of office as the President, Society of Nigerian Artists.
He was the first recipient of the prestigious Mbanefo trophy for Arts.
Late Nwanneukwu, Augustine Okpu Eze as records reveal, arrived this earth on a first, and coincidentally, left on a first equally.
On the day of his birth, Augustine Okpu Eze came to this earth on the 1st of November,
Similarly, on the day he departed from this earth and headed to the great beyond he did so on a 1st as well. He died on the 1st of October.
As a man committed to the growth and development of the people and his environment, Nwanneukwu, Augustine Okpu Eze, was very much aware that the knowledge, experience and exposure that he acquired over the years he lived were not meant for him alone. During his life time, in the 60s especially, he wrote the cult of Convention published in 1962 for the Nigerian Magazine.
His sculptural works and paintings are scattered all over the Globe. While he lived, he massively showcased through many art exhibitions in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, his art works. He was well travelled and educated too.
Umuobiala, a part of the land of “Nwanneukwu”, in Isuikwuato, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia state is his place of origin.
Click the link below for some of his works
https://www.belfordscorelines.com/2025/10/sculpture-and-painting-beautiful-works.html?m=1
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