Onyekwelu Ikenna Mbanefo was a loving husband to his wife Nwira and a devoted father to their two sons Chukwuemeka and Chukwudubem. Onyekwelu lived in Port Harcourt, Nigeria after he obtained a degree in Pharmacy at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. It is in PH that he met his beautiful and adoring wife Nwira in December of 2003 at the annual Onitsha indigienes end of year party. Love had come to stay and so it was no surprise when on 4th of June 2005, they invited everyone from far and near to be witnesses at their wedding.

Onyekwelu is survived also by his elder brother Uzodimma, younger sister Ifeoma and his dad Nwakibie Victor Chieka Mbanefo. His mum passed on in 1993.

The phrase "full of life and an abundance of energy" so vividly describes Onyekwelu. Never a dull moment around him. His sense of humor was out of this world. And his wit, was sure to disarm and endear any foe. He was brilliant but never arrogant. Respectful and respectable member of his community and beyond. A proud Ibo man. A true ambasssdor from the East we used to call him. But he was never tribalistic, never ethnic, never sentimental! He was blessed with the gift of speech! A serial peace keeper, problem solver and negotiator. No matter how complex a situation or event, Onyekwelu had a way to decompose and breakdown issues without goring anyone's ox; if need be, he'd offer up his own ox!

As an active member of several professional, social, religious and cultural associations, Onyekwelu was also a community builder and peoples resource manager with versatile interpersonal skills that richly benefit everyone around him.

Sleep on, my friend and brother. Take your place among the stars and continue to watch over us. Be rest assured all of your dreams will be fulfilled in the family you left behind, especially in your sons . . . 

To all of us who knew him directly and indirectly, he will be missed, forever!

Daniel . . .