It is in human nature and more the African culture to talk good of and show positive emotions about someone when we miss him especially through death, but Augustine was a man talked good of when he was alive. He was a good man he was a man of peace.
My first encounter with Augustine Duru was in the 80s at the Pontifical university in Rome. He was specially endeared and loved by most of the fresh students from Africa because he was always there to give you that brotherly, smile, look, and advise which were and are still the most valuable things to anyone arriving Europe from Africa; things that no amount of money can buy. He was trusted by the younger ones and he never for once disappointed nor deceived anyone. Everyone in our university then would attest to this. He was a brilliant student and a man of the people : He was a good man.
In around 1983 he wedded his beautiful wife Felicia in the city of Marino and most of us in the faculty were very proud (showing love) to attend the wedding of this our great brother who was forming a family.
He was an Igboman to the core: silently working very hard to take great care of his family. A peaceful family that was blessed with two children. In the community he was one of the elders that almost every president of Nigerian associations and Igbo community must have availed themselves with his good guidance and advise during great decisions. During my double tenure as the President of the Igbo Community in Rome/Lazio he didn’t attend all the sessions but there was no great decision that he was not consulted before they were made. He was one of the Igbo community ‘backbones’ and reflecting on those years I reckon that his advise to me then during difficult times were always ,for reconciliation, peace, and non-punitive dictions in most cases he mediated. I trusted him and his counsels . The Igbo community will miss Augustine Duru greatly.
We separated due to work and distance but never forgot each other however our mutual respect continued within us, a respect that was confessed when my brother in-law C.J told me he saw an Igbo girl to marry. When he mentioned her name (AdaezeDuru) I told him he had my blessings , before I could place a phone call to Augustine to ask for the hand of his only daughter he already blessed the marriage on hearing my name and relationship with the suitor. We both probably were secretly looking of a way to continue the good relationship that started in the University and these young people made it for us. I was physically present in his Village home to do all the Igbo traditional marriage rites. He was magnanimous, gentle and all the people who came from Enugu state and Ebonyi to marry Adaeze loved him and the wonderful welcome he gave to us. He gave me Adaeze and I will always respect and protect his princess as I promised him that rainy day in his village. Dear Augustine , As you continue the journey I want to reassure you that Adaeze has continued to represent you and your family well as an authentic Adaeze in our family and your wife Felicia has been a true queen. We shall never disappoint you and your expectations.
As you continue the journey we shall all miss you in the Igbo /Nigerian communities, your wife , children (Angelo and Adaeze) , your grand children, Aaron,Ifeoma, and Ashley will miss you. Nenwe, Enugu and Ebonyi people will miss your smiles. The great Owerri community will miss you , but we are all consoled that one day all good men will meet again.
May your gentle soul rest in peace with God, Amen.
From your Friend and Inlaw
Chief Charles Okey. Chukwubike
(Anyanecheoha)
Rome Italy
02/05/2019
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