CHIEF SIR SAMUEL ONYEMAECHI OBAJI A SHORT PROFILE

Chief Sir Samuel Onyemaechi Obaji was born in Kaduna State. His Father David Ofoegbu Obaji Started his early life as a church Teacher/Agent who helped the early Missionaries to plant Churches and Mission schools in many parts of the Country including Imo, Rivers and Kaduna States.

The Senior Obaji later joined the Nigerian Railways as Traffic Officer.

Sam Obaji had his early education in Kaduna State He migrated to the United States after the Nigeria Civil War in 1970 in pursuit of Higher Education. He studied at City College – City University of New York (CUNY) and St. John’s University Business School in Downtown New York City Campus.

He worked for various United States Insurance and Finance Houses as Risk Manager and Finance Analyst. He holds other professional designations in the State of New York.

Sam Obaji later ventured into private enterprise with purchase of Bojangle Chicken Franchise for Bronx New York with 87 employees.

His business includes Oil and Gas, Aviation and Real Estate. He is a Knight of St. Paul and loves to sing and promote church music.

PROF LADY CHINWE NORA OBAJI (Abridged Profile)

Prof. Lady Chinwe Nora Obaji was born in Imo State to a family of educationists. Her father Mr. John Paul Ohaeri was a pioneer of the prestigious DMGS (class of 1925) and Awka Teachers College who taught Church Music in schools.

The mother an alumni of St. Monica’s College Ogbunike was a Headmistress. Chinwe Obaji studied Animal Science and Animal Nutrition at both University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Federal University of Technology Owerri and taught at various Institutions both in Nigeria and United States.

She was appointed the First Female Minister for Education in Nigeria in 2005. Upon leaving the Ministry as Minister she began an extensive research work on Human Trafficking within ECOWAS sub region and beyond and was appointed consultant to (ICMPD) an European Union Sponsored project on Trafficking In Persons.

She is a resource person and an expert on Trafficking in Persons Issues and currently a visiting Professor to some Local and International Institutions. She is a lady Knight of St. Paul.

OGUOMA, PATIENCE UCHENWA PH.D.

Lady Dr. Patience Oguoma, PhD, is a distinguished Nigerian academic, musicologist, and community leader. Born on October 13, 1950, in Enugu State, Nigeria, she has dedicated her life to the advancement of music education, research, and community service both locally and internationally.

A proud alumna of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, she earned a B.A. (Hons) in Music and a Master’s degree in African Music. Her passion for traditional and cultural music led her to pursue a Doctorate (PhD) in Ethnomusicology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Dr. Oguoma is a prolific scholar, having published over 30 journal articles and presented at 27 local and international conferences. Her contribution to academic discourse and cultural preservation through music has been widely recognized. She is an active member of several professional bodies, both within and outside Nigeria, where she continues to influence music research and education.

In addition to her academic achievements, she is an accomplished composer and arranger. Her portfolio includes 11 notable musical works, among which is the historic anthem of the Knights of St. Christopher – a testament to her creative ingenuity and spiritual depth.

Lady Dr. Patience Oguoma’s commitment to music transcends academia. Her exceptional musical community service has made significant impacts, earning her admiration and respect from peers and community members alike.

She is married to Hon. Sir M.A.N. Oguoma, and together they reside in Owerri. They are blessed with seven children. Her life reflects a harmonious blend of scholarship, creativity, faith, and family values.

Achinihu, Samuel Nnamdi

Achinihu, Samuel Nnamdi: B. A. in Music with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). University of Nigeria, Nsukka; M. A. (Music Pedagogy). Nnamdi Azikiwe University, /Awka: Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Imo State University, Owerri: Knight of St. Christopher (KSM): Member of Anglican Christian Fathers' Fellowship (ACFF); etc. Retiree as a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Music, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, was born in Abia State of Nigeria.

Sir Achinihu has participated in many musical events/performances variously. He Pianist, Organist, Violinist, Trombonist, Choral Conductor, Orchestral Conductor, etc. He featured very prominently as the Organist in the early 1980's early Sunday Morning 5:30-6:00am Organ Music recorded and produced by Imo Broadcasting Corporation.

He is an accomplished versatile Musicologist, naturally endowed with amazing musical intelligence and skill to create/compose and perform music. He has many musical compositions and arrangements of some sort to his credit. His passion for sustenance of quality/good music via musical creativity, performance, and appreciation in absolute compliance with globally accepted rules, principles and standards is un-quantifiable.

Presently, he is an employee of Sam-Chinwe Obaji Diocesan Music Academy (SCODMA), Owerri, where with his ingenuity, he is not only passionately but also diligently iaparting 'real' musical knowledge with understanding to students of SCODMA in various aspects of musical knowledge-Rudiments of Music, Composition, Conducting, keyboard studies, Trumpet, Saxophone, Orchestral instrument studies, etc.

Mr. Erekaha Moses

Erekaha Moses is a seasoned professional with a strong background in music education and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Music from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he deepened his knowledge in music theory, performance, and pedagogy.

His academic journey in music began with an NCE in Music from Alvan Ikoku College of Education, laying a solid foundation in both music and teaching methodology. Additionally, he broadened his academic horizon by attending the School of Produce Technology in Abia State, where he gained practical skills and knowledge related to agricultural produce and processing.

Erekaha Moses devoted much of his career to public service. He served in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where he rose to the rank of Grade Level 14 before retiring honorably. His years in civil service were marked by dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to national development through commerce and industrial support.

Today, Erekaha Moses is respected for his dual expertise in music education and public administration, and continues to inspire many through his life of service and learning.

Mr. OGUNDU NWOSU

With over 26 years of hands-on experience as an organist, Ogundu has built a strong reputation for his skill and dedication to music. His journey spans decades of performing at various events and venues both locally and Nationally, nurturing a profound understanding of musical expression.

As a mentor, Ogundu is passionate about passing on knowledge to the next generation of musicians, offering guidance, technique, and a love for the organ that only comes with years of dedication and practice. He is currently an Organ/Keyboard instructor at SCODMA and also the Chief Organist at St Andrews Church Aladinma Owerri and St Luke's Church Akwakuma Owerri.

Miss OLUCHI NNEOMA DAVID

Oluchi Nneoma David is a multifaceted individual serving as Secretary/Treasurer at SCODMA. By profession, she's a certified and licensed Mathematics and Science teacher, leveraging her expertise to inspire students. Having studied Mathematics, Education, and Music, Oluchi's academic foundation is diverse and robust.

She dedicates her time to training children in Music, Mathematics, and Sciences, nurturing young minds and talents, and meticulously prepares students for both internal and external examinations. As a skilled soloist, she has showcased her musical talents, winning awards for her classical solo performances.

Beyond education and music, Oluchi is the Founder, Owner, and CEO of Washmore Liquid Soap, driving innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship. As an innovative leader, she continues to explore new opportunities, driven by progress and excellence."