Punch News
A retired cleric of the Anglican Communion, Rev Canon Christian Odocha, whose photo with his twin brother, Iheanyichukwu, trended on social media when they clocked 80, speaks to ALEXANDER OKERE about his childhood and family
A photo of you and your twin brother went viral when you turned 80 recently. How does that make you feel?
It is fantastic. I am from Obor Ovoro in Abor Mbaise in Imo State. When I was growing up, many people desired old age but no one knew when or whether they would attain it. I think my twin brother and I are blessed to have attained this age and I pray that God will give us more time to glorify his name.
Do you sometimes marvel that you and your twin brother are octogenarians?
Yes, because it is not of our making but by the grace of God.
Since you were both born in the 1940s, were your dates of birth documented by your parents?
Yes. My father was a missionary and on the verge of our birth at Isiopko, in Rivers State, it was a taboo for a woman to give birth to twins, so he made a scene and told them he was a missionary and twins were a blessing from God and that he would keep us. That was how we survived up till today.
What was the implication of having twins in your community at that time?
We were told that only animals, like goats, had multiple births. By implication, twins were killed because they believed they should not exist.
Are you the only twins in your family?
Yes. My parents had eight children – four boys and four girls – and they are all alive to the glory of God.
What kind of parents did you have? Were they educated or traders?
My father was educated. He obtained a certificate from London in 1934. My mother was sent to St. Monica’s College, Ogbunike (in Anambra State) for training to become a missionary.
As a Nigerian who was already an adult when the country gained independence, can you remember what life in the country looked like then?
At that time, no one cared about security. People slept with their doors open at night in those days but today, robbers come during the day and even inform you before coming. Life was sweet then. When I grew up in Rivers, it didn’t matter whether I am originally from Imo or not. In Jos, I lived with the Hausa and made friends there. We treated everyone as human beings.
What do you think is responsible for the falling standard of living in the country?
Bad leadership. It is becoming obvious that the amalgamation of Nigeria was not what God wanted for us. It was man-made for the British and their trade. However, God is still in control.
Do you think Nigeria would have been better if each region was allowed to develop at its pace as it was before independence?
It is very obvious. We saw the groundnut pyramids in the North. In the East, we saw palm produce. Every region strived to make sure it had something it was known for. But now, everything has changed. What a shame!
You were 25 years old when the Civil War began in 1967. What did you do to survive the war?
I was posted to the Elele area, so while the war was on, I was producing crude until the Federal Government overran the Biafran army.
Were you captured?
No. I helped the villages to move to safer areas. As a young man, I defended Biafra. The Biafran army saw that I was resourceful, so I joined them.
Did you use arms?
No, I didn’t. I was more of an administrator…
