Onikara (Chief) Christopher Idam Agha, a luminary in his own right, was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Agha Idam on 16th July 1926. His birthplace, Ezi Aghabi compound in Amangballa village, Afikpo town, situated in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, cradled his early years. The era of his upbringing was one where the first sons were traditionally expected to take up farm work. However, the untimely demise of his father during his early teens reshaped his destiny. His mother then took on the mantle of his upbringing, nurturing him through these formative years.
Despite the prevailing norms, Christopher’s zeal for education was unquenchable. This passion led him to defy the odds by enrolling in St. Mary Primary School in Afikpo, now known as Ngodo/Amachi Primary School. His academic journey there was marked by brilliance, culminating in his graduation with a first-grade certificate in 1948. This academic feat did not go unnoticed, earning him a scholarship to further his education at a higher college in Ogoja, Cross River State.
1959 marked a significant turn in Christopher’s life when he embarked on a career with the Nigeria Police Force. His enlistment on 1st December that year was the beginning of an illustrious journey in law enforcement. His commitment to national service was further exemplified in 1960 when he became part of the Nigerian contingent sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This deployment, part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), responded to the crisis that followed Congo’s independence from Belgium. His service during this tumultuous period earned him the prestigious United Nations Medal in 1964, a testament to his dedication and bravery.
Christopher’s personal life was equally fulfilling. He found his life partner in Mrs Florence Ogeri Idam Agha, and together, they were blessed with a family of six children. The unfortunate demise of their first daughter in 2001 was a sad chapter in their lives. Christopher’s belief in the power of education was unwavering, and he championed this cause within his family and community. He propounded education as the key to unlocking human potential and achievement.
His love for Music paralleled his dedication to service. Christopher pursued this passion by obtaining a certificate in Music from the Trinity School of Music, London, through a correspondence course. His musical prowess was a personal achievement and a contribution to his country. He played a vital role in the Police Band, the musical arm of the police force, which took him to various parts of Nigeria, including Enugu, Lagos, Sokoto, Jos, Aba, Calabar etc. His performances during significant national events, such as the 1980 African Cup of Nations hosted in Lagos, underscored his diverse talents and commitment to national pride.
After a 35-year career, CIA, as he was fondly called, retired from the Police Force as a Chief Inspector in 1994. He then retreated to a quieter life in his hometown. However, retirement did not dampen his spirit of service. He continued to invest in the future of young minds by supporting the education of disadvantaged students in his community, often using his pension stipends to pay their school fees. His advocacy for education remained a cornerstone of his legacy until his passing on 3rd January 2014.
In honour of Christopher’s lifelong commitment to education and community service, his children and beneficiaries established the CIA Foundation. The foundation, a living tribute to their father’s vision, supports children’s education, especially those in need. The CIA Foundation has been instrumental in paying examination fees and school fees, providing educational materials and lessons to students, and laying a solid foundation for their educational advancement. The foundation operates under the inspiring motto, “Educatio clavis est ad omnem humanam consecutionem,” which encapsulates Christopher’s belief that education is the key to all human achievement.