In the annals of Nigeria’s electrification history, one name stands out as the architect of the nation’s power infrastructure – Engr. Clement Chukwukadibia Onyemelukwe. Often hailed as the “Father of Nigerian Electricity,” his legacy is one of pioneering engineering and dedication to progress.
Born on April 1, 1933, in Nanka, Anambra state, Clement Onyemelukwe’s journey towards becoming a transformative figure in Nigeria’s power sector began with his education. He attended the prestigious Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha, followed by two years at the University College Ibadan. His academic prowess led to a scholarship that took him to the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, where he earned his B.Sc. in Engineering in 1956. Additionally, he pursued a second degree in Economics from London University.
The Path to Pioneering Nigeria’s Electricity Grid
In the early ’60s, as Nigeria was gaining independence from British colonial rule, Clement Onyemelukwe received a call to serve his homeland. The Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) recruited him to fill key roles in the nation’s power sector. In 1961, he became the deputy chief, and by 1962, he had risen to the position of Chief Electrical Engineer. It was under his leadership that the groundwork for what would later become the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), formerly ECN and NEPA, was formulated.
Onyemelukwe’s vision and expertise initiated the planning and development of the 330 KV electricity grid still in use in Nigeria today. His dedication to the progress of the power sector didn’t go unnoticed.
Onyemelukwe Urge Ndi-Anambra To Exercise Their Political Rights
A Marriage That Made Headlines
Clement Onyemelukwe’s story took a remarkable turn in 1964 when he made international headlines. In a time when interracial marriage was illegal in some places, he married Catherine Zastrow, a white Peace Corps volunteer. Their union garnered attention and, at times, controversy. Despite facing hate calls and criticism, they remained resilient, and their story was featured in Life Magazine and Ebony Magazine, illustrating the power of love transcending boundaries.
A Commitment to Biafra and Beyond
During the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, Onyemelukwe left ECN to take on leadership roles in Biafra, managing the Coal Corporation and electricity utility. His contributions extended to chairing the Panel on Post-War Reconstruction. After the war, he returned to Lagos and the Electricity Corporation in January 1970. His unwavering commitment to the nation’s growth was evident in his work.
Entrepreneurship and Legacy
Clement Onyemelukwe’s journey extended beyond the electricity industry. In 1973, he founded Freeman Engineering in Lagos. Later, in 1976, he established Colechurch International Ltd, a project management and promotion company in the United Kingdom. Under his leadership, Colechurch expanded to become a global entity, with assets valued at approximately $750 million and an annual turnover of $400 million. The company operates in 32 countries and maintains offices in London and the U.S.
Beyond his impressive business acumen, Clement Onyemelukwe was an author, with several books to his name. His writing spanned subjects like economic development, management, and the power industry, making him a recognized expert in his field.
On January 18, 2020, Engr. Clement Onyemelukwe passed away at the age of 86. His contributions to the power sector, entrepreneurship, and his impactful marriage with Catherine Zastrow will always be remembered.
In April 2020, he was laid to rest in his ancestral village of Nanka in Anambra state, where he joined his parents in eternal rest.
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