Chief Sidney Amadi, who died earlier this year, was a Master Baker from Nigeria who had been a BSB member since 1985. He attended our 1987 conference with his sons Gus and Bert and his wife Lola Patience Amadi. They were warmly welcomed to the conference by BSB Chairman Albert Waterfield and their photograph was included in the 1987 autumn conference Proceedings. Since it is unusual for us to have a member from Nigeria, I asked his sons Gus and Bert to send some biographical information on Chief Amadi and this tribute to him is based on what they sent.
Chief Amadi was born on the 17th July 1941 to HH Eze Augustine Amadi and Justina Amadi, during the time his father was serving his Pharmacy dispensary internship. Under the tutelage of his cousin, a respected teacher, he was able to attain his schooling before he headed off to Lagos to stay with his uncles, Chief Eleazar Amadi & Chief Donald Amadi. While in Lagos he started to cut his teeth in business and trading and made a success of this until his stay in Lagos was cut short with the call to join the Army in the East.
MILITARY SERVICE 1966 – 1970 He attained the position of Senior Army Captain. Stationed initially at Abagana, he was then transferred to Calabar with his commando unit, where he sustained a life-threatening injury, from which he fortunately recovered. The next appointment was being stationed at the commando headquarters in Oka-Etiti before being moved to Madona. On the 27th Dec 1969 he married nurse Patience Ukoha and they were blessed with 6 children.
Some bakery business History
- Established the Azunna Industry Bakery in 1971, fondly known as Azunna Bread, (with 2 Mud ovens).
- Working with HH Eze Ovike of Ovike Bakery, he mechanised the factory in 1974. replacing all the equipment with electrical powered models.
- Successfully produced and presented ‘cassava’ based bread to the Imo State Government in the early 80s.
- Chief Sidney Amadi Azunna was a “true” Master Baker, who had his own special style and recipes. His passion for the bread industry gave him the additional zest to overcome the various obstacles that have beset the Nigerian bread industry in the last 35 years.
Some memberships/accomplishments/recognitions
- Former Chairman and founder of Azunna Farms.
- Former owner of Ezinwa Football Club
- Former Chairman of A.B.I. Ltd Motors
- Former Chairman of Imo State Master Bakers
- Patron of Imo State Master Bakers
- Membership of the British Society of Baking, which he treasured, and we were honoured to have him as a member.
Jim Brown,
Honorary Member and Treasurer,
British Society of Baking
Having cut back on his BSB work from 1994, he agreed to become BSB Treasurer in 2007, due sadly to the terminal illness with cancer of the then Treasurer Mike Byrd, who is sorely missed. From his previous BSB experience, Jim soon became active in other areas of the BSB, becoming conference coordinator, editor of the conference proceedings, updater of the BSB website and conference photographer.
of the Executive Committee in 2000. He was BSB Chairman from 2004 – 2006, including the 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee Conference, which he organised exceptionally well with the Conference Chairman Jean Grieves and the then Executive Committee. It was a memorable occasion for all who attended. Neil has supported our conferences, the Executive committee and our activities over many years. He only stepped down from the Executive committee 4 years ago but still attends BSB conferences. Neil celebrated his 80th birthday this year but unfortunately he could not attend the autumn conference due to an important hospital appointment.