Amadi Guy Ikwechegh lived a life that was shaped by unyielding ideals of honor, integrity, a strong sense of identity and an abiding concern for the welfare of others. It was also a life defined by strong Catholic beliefs and an exemplary work ethic that took him to the pinnacle of service to God and country. In all, he served his country as a naval officer for 33 years, I month and 27 days.

He was born, the second son, of Obediah and Grace Ucha Ikwechegh of Ndi Ntuta, Amakpo, Igbere in Bende LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. A comprehensively educated and cerebral man, he attended Township School in Aba and the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. He went on to the Nigerian Defence Academy (10th Regular Course), Kaduna and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1974. He then went to Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, England. He further studied at the Royal Hydrographic School, Australia and the Naval School of Oceanography, USA. He attended the Armed Forces Command & Staff College, Jaji, where he won the Best Graduating Award in 1986. He also earned a masters degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and further attended Havard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Leadership Series in Global Strategic Studies.

As a naval officer, he served in various capacities and rose to the rank of Commodore. He was, at various times, Military Port Commandant of Lagos Port, Hydrographer of the Navy, Director of Naval Intelligence and holds the unique record of commanding three of the Navy’s operational Bases in Nigeria: NNS Okemini (as it then was), NNS Anansa and NNS Olokun (as it then was). He also commanded NNS Lana, the naval survey ship and was Commander of NNS Iriomi as Naval Task Force Commander, ECOMOG Forces, Liberia. He was a member of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society and the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors.

In 1987, after serving as ADC to then Military Governor of Niger State, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, he was appointed Military Governor of Imo State and served admirably in that capacity until 1990 when he returned to the Navy. Over that period, he was a member of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), the highest ruling body at the time, and was the point person for the negotiation of Nigeria’s maritime boundary issues.

A dedicated and avid golfer and lover of classical music, he is survived by his wife, Barrister Frances N. Ikwechegh and two children, Theodora and Nnanna, and a large extended family.

It was a good life. To God be the Glory.