In loving memory
Arc.
Christopher
Ritzy
Ukanwa
Odom
24 September 1941 — 11 July 2026
A life shaped by learning, design, courage, service and an enduring devotion to family and community.
Architect
Design, technical skill & enterprise
Community Leader
Service in Lagos and Onicha Amairi
Family Man
Husband, father, grandfather, brother & uncle
His journey joined intellectual curiosity with practical mastery — a life equally at home with ideas, craft, leadership and service.
A remarkable journey
From Umuawada to a life in architecture and service.
Christopher Ritzy Ukanwa Odom was born on 24 September 1941 to Ezeji Ignatius Nmuonaka and Ezenwanyi Ede Lucy Odom of Umuawada, Onicha. His education carried him from his village to Onitsha, seminary studies, teaching, correspondence study and ultimately university training in architecture.
In 1968, he married Bernadette Adaocha, née Osueke. Together they had five children—four daughters and a son: Ifeyinwa, Chinasa, Onyema, Anayo, and late Obinna Ibeawuchi Odom.
After his studies at Ahmadu Bello University were interrupted by the Civil War, he transferred to the University of Nigeria and graduated with a B.Arch. in 1973. He later built professional experience in Lagos before establishing CODO Design Consult.
The legacy he leaves
A life remembered in many dimensions.
01
Scholarship & Perseverance
From advanced-level study by correspondence to federal scholarships and architectural education, his life reflected determination and intellectual range.
02
Architecture & Enterprise
After early professional experience in Lagos, he founded CODO Design Consult and built a reputation through technical and managerial skill.
03
Leadership & Community
Across several decades he served in student and town-union leadership, earning respect in Onicha Amairi and beyond.