How my heart saddened each moment I realized that you were no more is beyond human comprehension. But I know HEROES live forever, ergo, you will forever live in my heart. No wonder you chose to leave us on that special day, (30th May) the departed heroes were honored, and the church celebrated Christ Ascension. Indeed you were a great man, so respected and admired by many. A rare gem is no more, an emiratus professor is gone! Your sound academic knowledge is beyond comparison, a large vacuum has been created that cannot be filled, a hole has been dug that can't be covered, a wound has been opened that can hardly heal, the Iroko tree has fallen! He was a father, mentor, an educationist...
As his student, he usually told us (his students) about his Manchester story, that was why he was popularly referred to as the Manchester man; again he would always tell us 'you guys problem is...ENGLISH! You don't understand English,' (and the class will be filled with laughter). Hmmm, what a father, he taught me how to respect people and be fearless; if I should complain how tough a situation is with me, Doc will always tell me 'just hang in there, do your best and leave the rest to God' each time I remembered your encouraging words, my strength doubled and I will boldly face that situation. What I have become today, I owe to you. You were more than a father. Wished you would have lived longer than this, but I believe God knows the best because you fought to stay with us, even when your ill-health was weighing you down. I could recall a day I was so sobered and said I don't know what else to do, so that you could be strong again. You looked at me and said 'Onyii, you have done more than enough.' I know, no amount of tears will bring you back, else I would have done that. Because I remembered vividly a particular day I saw how down you were, I couldn't hold my tears and you told me to stop crying that it will worsen your situation and I had to hold myself and buried everything deep inside me. You were a special man to many and for me words alone cannot describe your exceptional qualities. You will be greatly missed by many. May the Lord grant you eternal rest in His bosom and let the perpetual light shine upon you (Amen). We shall meet on the resurrection morning when and where there will be no more sickness and pain.
Adieu Doc!
From Onyii
