Oliver Chukudi Ezenwugo

Oliver Chukudi Ezenwugo was born on September 6, 1959, in Inewe Village, Umuabi Town, Udi Local Government, Nigeria. From an early age, he displayed a deep sense of curiosity and ambition, qualities that would shape his journey through life.

In pursuit of higher education, Oliver immigrated to the United States on August 29, 1981. His transition to a new country was made smoother by the close bond he shared with family friends, who played a pivotal role in helping him settle in Fresno, California. He attended Fresno Pacific College before transferring to California State University, Fresno, where he continued his studies.

Beyond academics, Oliver had a passion for soccer. He played for the Fresno Pacific University soccer team from 1981 to 1982 and later joined Club Afrique, a soccer team registered through Fresno State. The team brought together players from across Africa, including Botswana, Ghana, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe. As team captain, Oliver led Club Afrique to victory, winning the Championship Cup in 1992 and 1993. Even while dedicating time to soccer, he worked part-time, earning $3.25 an hour, and purchased his first car, a Toyota Celica.

In 1985, Oliver met Tochi Ezenwugo while she was visiting Fresno from Wisconsin. Their connection was immediate, and they married on April 22, 1995. Together, they built a family and raised four sons: Brian, Sidney, Sean, and Brandy. Family was at the center of Oliver’s life, and he worked tirelessly to provide for and uplift those around him.

His professional journey led him to become the manager of Universal Health Network and Systems, where he dedicated himself to providing behavioral health education and counseling. Never one to stop learning, he earned his PhD in Psychology in 2018, with a specialization in General Psychology, further solidifying his commitment to understanding and helping others.

Oliver was known for his generosity and deep sense of responsibility toward his community. He served as past president of the Igbo Association of Central California and was an active member of Ndi Igbo Worldwide and Igbo Men of Fresno. Each year, he and his wife hosted a Christmas celebration in honor of the grandmothers in the Nigerian community, a testament to his belief in giving back and honoring elders. His dedication to philanthropy was recognized in 2015 when he received the Philanthropist of the Year Award from the FGH Center for African Arts and Culture.

Oliver’s interests extended beyond his professional and community work. He was an avid collector of vinyl records and had an enduring love for rock & roll and reggae music. His friends affectionately called him “Jah Child” due to his deep appreciation for reggae. He also loved watching basketball and tennis.

Oliver was a man of unwavering integrity and principle. Friends and family often spoke of his strong moral compass, noting that he judged people not by their status but by their character, integrity, and merit. He was deeply resilient, ambitious, and kind—a man who would always put the needs of others before his own.

After a lifetime of dedication to his family and community, Oliver Ezenwugo passed away on February 21, 2025, at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Tochi; his children, Brian, Sidney, Sean, and Brandy; his mother, Nora; his siblings, Lloyd, Chuma, Eloka, Okwy, and Chioma; and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and kindness.

Oliver Ezenwugo lived a life of purpose, love, and generosity. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.