BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE: NZE SIMEON SOLUDO’S LIFE AND TIMES, AN EYEWITNESS TO WAR (PART 4)
By Christian ABURIME
When war arises, no one can predict what happens next. When war happens, it can make a soldier out of anybody, trained or untrained; it can make a victim of anyone, prepared or not.
Amidst the tumult of the Nigerian Civil War, Simeon’s life took a dramatic turn. With the closure of the cement company due to the conflict that erupted between the Federal Troops and the then Government of Eastern Nigeria in 1966, he found himself conscripted into the ranks of the Biafran Army.
Engulfed in the harrowing turmoil of this brutal civil strife, where the toll reached a staggering two million lives lost, either in battle or due to starvation, Simeon bore witness to the horrors of war firsthand. Scarred by the ferocity of conflict, he sustained a grievous wound that served as a lasting reminder.
A bullet pierced through his hip, traversing bone and flesh, narrowly escaping a fatal outcome. Despite the trauma, his life was mercifully spared. Amidst the war chaos, his family continued to grow, welcoming his fourth and fifth sons, Kenneth and Eugene, in the heart of the conflict in 1968 and 1970, respectively.
The war reached its grim conclusion in 1970. Post-war, the resumption of operations at the cement factory marked Simeon’s return to his duties as a dumper operator within the Civil Engineering Department. His commitment persisted until 1981, when the company faced closure due to internal strife exacerbated by government interference during Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo’s tenure.
During this tumultuous period from 1970 to 1981, Simeon’s family expanded further, blessed with three more sons: Ifeanyi in 1973, Celestine in 1975, and Ikenna in 1980.
Between 1982 and 1983, he sought employment with Feugerolle Nigeria Limited, a construction firm engaged in pivotal federal road projects. Securing this position through the aid of Engr. Patrick Obidike from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, this job sustained his family during trying times until Nigercem reopened its doors in 1983.
Returning to Nigercem, Simeon remained steadfast in his duties until his voluntary retirement at the age of 58 in 1989. During this period, his youngest son, Obumneme, entered the world on December 5, 1984, culminating in a total of nine sons.
Post-retirement, Simeon redirected his efforts toward community service. From 1989 to 1990, he assumed the role of Supervisor in charge of security under the Community Vigilante Service Scheme. His commitment to service continued as he transitioned to the Security Department of Isuofia Community Bank, where he dedicated six years of his life, leaving an indelible mark through his contributions to the community’s welfare.
…to be continued.
Credits: Materials and pictures support by Pastor (Dr) Ogochukwu Soludo.