The life story of Nze Simeon Soludo, a testament to resilience and determination, unfolds through the chapters of his extraordinary journey, encapsulating hardship, perseverance, and moments of newfound hope.
In 1939, at a tender age of eight, Simeon embarked on a life-altering expedition, leaving his home to venture into Onitsha. Guided by his kinsman, Mr. Joseph Anyaonu, he entered the world of trade, where he spent seven pivotal years honing his skills amidst hardship, a period that sculpted his resilience in the face of adversity.
In 1943, at the age of 12, a significant turning point emerged in his life. Seeking solace and direction, he found refuge within the Boy Scouts Movement at the Holy Ghost Catholic Parish in Onitsha. This became a sanctuary where he imbibed Spartan discipline, partaking in rigorous drills and benevolent endeavors, acquiring essential survival skills that fortified his spirit for the trials ahead.
Returning to his village in 1946, he embarked on the journey of marriage. But destiny had more in store for him. At a mere 16, lacking formal education or skills, he found employment as an office assistant at the Shell Petroleum Development Company in Port Harcourt, a job acquired through sheer determination.
Venturing further in 1948, he worked as a sawyer in Siroko, Ondo State, facing the harsh realities of life’s toil and the devastating loss of his father, Soludo, in the same year. This loss, though heavy, found solace in the support of his step-mother, Obele, and the unwavering guidance of Akuano.
Continuing his journey, Simeon joined the Sawyers Association in 1949, determined to carve a path of self-sufficiency. In 1950, amidst his nomadic journey, he received the news of his son’s birth, Ikechukwu, and mourned the passing of Akuano, leaving a profound void in his life.
The subsequent years witnessed Simeon’s ventures across different professions, from being a sawyer in Omanenu to exploring the hospitality industry with a restaurant in 1956, an endeavor that faced adversity and collapsed in 1959.
Hope dawned anew with the birth of his second son, Charles Chukwuma, in July 1960. Concurrently, an opportunity arose at the Nigerian Cement Company, Nigercem Nkalagu, drawing on his past associations and expertise. Despite an invite to France, he declined, tethered by familial duties.
Joining the Civil Engineering Department in 1960, confirmed in June 1965, and welcoming his third surviving son, Ogochukwu, in 1964, marked pivotal moments in his continuing saga of resilience and determination.
To be continued…