It is with deep sorrow that we announce the
sudden passing of Engineer Emmanuel
Chimanpam Nwagbara, affectionately known
as Colman. Born on June 14, 1965, in Lagos,
Nigeria, Emmanuel was the beloved son of
the late Engineer Samuel and Ezinne
Victoria Nwagbara.
Emmanuel's early years were marked by a
curiosity and passion for mechanics and
aviation, fostered by his exposure to the
world of tarmacs and airports through his
father's work. He completed his primary
education in Imo State and his secondary
education in Lagos State after the Nigerian
Civil War.
In 1983, Emmanuel pursued his dreams by
enrolling in Yaba College of Education to
prepare for admission into the Mechanical
Engineering program at Mubi Polytechnic,
Adamawa State. His love for aviation and
mechanical systems led him to eventually
secure a place in the Mechanical
Engineering program at Federal Polytechnic
Mubi in 1984. He successfully completed his
studies, before serving at the Aviation
School in Zaria for a year.
Emmanuel's career in aviation began when
he joined Nigerian Airways, working as a
mechanic on the presidential fleet under the
Babangida administration. His dedication
and expertise led him to work for several
airlines, including Zenith Airlines, Triax
Airlines, and Executive Airline Services (EAS),
where he was selected for an opportunity to
study piloting in the United States.

In America, Emmanuel earned his Private
Pilot License (PPL) from Santa Rosa College
of Aviation and furthered his training in
Dutch and electric gliders at Air Transport
Communication Place (ATP). His passion for
aviation led him to pass the prestigious FAA
exams, opening the doors for him to work
with Alaska Airlines as an Aviation System
Engineer, specializing in Aircraft Air Systems,
Flight Control Pneumatics, Air Conditioning,
Hydraulic Systems, and more.
Emmanuel's career took him across the
globe, performing duties for airlines such as
Air Max, Atlas, Abelo, World Cargo, Delta, Air
Peace, and Boeing. He worked in countries
including Kinshasa, Singapore, Gabon,
Senegal, Mexico, Congo, and many
others—often on sensitive military and
government aviation projects.
Beyond his impressive professional
accomplishments, Emmanuel was known for
his kindness, sociability, and generosity. He
was deeply committed to his faith as an
Anglican, actively involved in various
churches in the U.S., including:
● Revival Christian Center, Hesperia,
California
● RCCG Miracle Christian Center,
Victorville, California
● RCCG House of Praise, Las Vegas,
Nevada
● RCCG King's Assembly, San
Bernardino, California
● Victory Christian Fellowship
Church, Oakland, California
He was also a strong supporter of his home
community in Avu, contributing to the local
vigilante group and always standing for
safety and progress.
Emmanuel was a man of strength, optimism,
and principle. He lived with a fighter's
mindset and a survivor's heart. Though his
passing is a painful loss to all who knew him,
we are comforted by the impact he made
and the life he lived fully, faithfully, and
purposefully.
He is survived by:
● Mrs. Esther O. Nwagbara – Wife
● Tobechukwu Nwagbara – Son
● Emmanuel Akachi Nwagbara – Son
● Daniel Nwagbara Colman – Son
● Joy Nwagbara Colman – Daughter
● Grace Nwagbara Colman –
Daughter
● Kenzo Nwagbara – Grandson
● Mrs. Roseline Njoku – Sister
Adieu, Emmanuel, you will be greatly
missed! May your soul rest in perfect
peace. You will always be fondly
remembered.