Daddy!!! You will be forever loved and missed

You have and will always be, the foremost important person I am grateful to have in my life. Anyone who has met me, knows you mean a lot to me. Honestly, the resilience to remain strong since you passed on to be with the Lord has been from God Almighty and will continually be.

For the exemplary life you lived, I will continually celebrate you. I thank God for the gift of you, your union with my mum and the gift of the home you both built and raised me in along with my siblings who I am also grateful for.

I celebrate your life on earth and even in your last moments, the grace and faith with which you transitioned to be with our Lord Jesus Christ indeed hold true, that the quality of a man’s life is not in the length of days a man lives, but how well he lived his life while he had the chance to do so. 

In all humility and gratitude to God, from my assessment, you have achieved by God’s grace and your sheer willingness to make of yourself a meaningful life on earth, a lot more than what an individual who is opportune to live 70 or 80 years and beyond would not have achieved. I celebrate repeatedly your 67 years on earth. You were and with each passing day still the best father.

I, mum and my siblings would have loved to have you longer with us on earth but you did teach us early in life “there is time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)”. From the early years of teaching us to attend mass daily, praying the rosary and studying the bible as a family, I am reminded that God’s will prevails over all things.

Like Jesus who died in his 33rd year, you must have lived out your purpose and I trust God knows it is time for you to rest from the cares of this world. I am also confident in my faith that God in His infinite mercy knows that those of us you have left behind will be fine and we will achieve all that you would have loved us to be in Jesus name, amen.

Daddy, to know you is to love, admire and respect you. How do I even begin to put into words the depth of love, affection, appreciation, admiration, honour and respect I have towards you as my father. My peace and comfort through Jesus Christ is that you gave us the opportunity to care for you when you needed us most, which was not always.

I am grateful to God you got the chance to experience how far God has brought me thus far and my hope is in God that myself and my siblings continue to succeed in the years to come as a continued honour and legacy of the foundation you and mum worked so hard to establish for me and my siblings.

I miss you every day particularly seeing you smile or hearing your reassuring peaceful laughter that lightens and spreads peace.

Daddy, I am glad to hear and read the similar truths shared by all those who were opportune to meet and know you. Your final moment was a beautiful experience I don’t intend to forget in a hurry. It was indeed grace and faith-filled having everyone you love be with you during your last moment on earth while praying and signing as you transitioned to be with the Lord. Even then, your last words to us were “calm down” while you slowly submitted to God’s will.

Indeed, my lot in life is good because of the gift of you as my earthly father, a role you played so well and set a standard of who a Godly man, husband, father, mentor and role model should be.

Thank you, daddy, for everything- where or how do I begin to recount all you have done for mum, me, or my siblings. I will also miss disturbing you and hearing you call me “Chika” rather than “Chikam” or is it the hugs I spontaneously give you where you smile so broadly and tell me “you have come again, what is it now”?

I am so thankful, I learnt early to be there for you and mum in any way possible, learning to be patient with you as you grew older and while I ascertained my own identity and strength as an individual while living with you.

By the grace of God, I will always love and hold you dearly in my heart daddy!!!
It is my continued heartfelt prayer, that God grants you the gift of being with Him in heaven because, by the evidence of how well you lived your 67 years on earth considering life’s ups and downs, you are deserving of God’s eternal and peaceful rest.

I pray you enjoy God’s perfect rest and peace daddy…

Daddy, you are forever loved and deeply missed!!!

Adieu, daddy!!!- Chikam Ekeh (First child and first daughter)

I met Mr. Anthony Chinenyeze Ekeh through the words of his son Jude. Jude spoke about his father with such respect and admiration that made me so proud of the man he was becoming. From his words, I knew that Jude loved his father so much and I am happy to have imagined what an amazing mentor Mr Ekeh must have been. Thank you for the opportunity of knowing your father. I pray that the God of comfort continues to comfort Mr Ekeh’s family through this difficult time.
May his wise words and actions never leave his family. I hope that the words of Acts 24:15 and Revelation 21:4 comforts you all and fill you with hope. Sending all my love to Mr Ekeh’s family who were blessed with such an honorable man as a father, husband and more. 

Life is like a candle in the wind.
I have known daddy to be calm and reserve.
I hardly see him or hear his voice when ever I visited. But anytime I did he will always leave your presence with a calm word or advice.
Oooh! How death has snatched away an angel on earth . But I believe it is for good. We love you daddy. Its hard to say goodbye . INIOBONG

Thanks so much Dee Antho for a life well spent, though short but very very meaningful & worthy of emulation. Thanks so much for been a role model to some of us. It was from you i learnt that with hard work, perseverance & prayers one can achieve his or her goals, attain greater heights. Thanks for having an open arms irrespective of ones status. Thanks for the simplicity of life, humility devotion to your catholic faith. Although time & circumstances couldn't allow us spend more time together but i thank God almighty for the little opportunity. We are not mourning you sir because we know you are in a better place, we are only missing you, mourning you will mean we are ungrateful to your Maker who doesn't need a visa to visit. We are very very grateful to God almighty for the gift of you sir. Thanks so much for everything and please always intercede for us as you rest in the bosom of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Requiescat in Pace good man.

A Tribute To Our Beloved Brother, and Uncle, TONY C. EKEH.

Dede Antho, since that your last day on this earth, my children, Ako, Aso, Ezy, and I, Assum as you fundly called us miss you like crazy.
We deeply think about you, we talk about you still. You have never been forgotten and will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
  We hold you close within our hearts. And there God the father, Jesus Christ His Son, The Holy Spirit, and you will remain, to talk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again. We loved and will continue to do until we meet again.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
   Your junior sister Assumpta and children.

I have known the family for the past 5 years. I was a neighbour & friend to the children, I moved in as a young lady in her 20’s , Mr Ekeh & his lovely wife became somewhat of a Forster parents to me & my brothers, they showed genuine concern over our wellbeing, education, health and family.

We are Catholics so we & the Ekehs attended the same Catholic Church in Maitama. I can’t recall any Sunday & evenings I didn’t see Mr Ekeh on his way to church with his lovely wife beside him.

Life can be very unfair and it’s really unfortunate that we have to bear the loss of a rare Gem as Mr Ekeh, he was a family man, who loved God/the church, he was a man of faith, a man who loved his wife, he was a man of principle. In many ways he remained me of my father as I often told Jude.

I pray that our lord Jesus Christ guides, protect, uplift and supports the family. May his Grace, Favor and Mercy rain on the family, May he give the entire family the Strength and Love they need right now. May the soul of Mr Ekeh find rest and peace. Amen!.

Farewell to an astute Visionary, an amazing husband and a loving father to my friends.

You were always warm and welcoming all the times I visited your home and its a pleasure to have met the great man behind my awesome friend Chisom. You are sorely missed.

Your love for family, especially your wife and kids is very unique and is one distinct and alluring Legacy you left behind which I have learnt from... You had an examplary road map for their future and you gave your all to see them become the best in everything they do.

I must say that you raised outstanding leaders and world changers in every one of your kids and without a doubt, God is pleased with you for being a wonderful custodian of the family He blessed you with.

The Lord grant divine peace and comfort to the family you left behind and also grant your loving and precious soul eternal rest in Jesus name, Amen.

Isaiah 57:1&2...
_The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death_

Hi Francis

I saw your status and I said to myself...I'd reply tomorrow because I have a test I'm prepping for...I am currently reading and I was thinking about my mum and she is actually the LOML...and I know how close you were with your dad and how you use to call Him "Daddy", especially when you needed something ...yes I still remember and I told myself, I bet it feels terrible to loose a loved especially when that person is your parent...Francis I know you are going through though times and I know how well you ponder about things when they don't go your way...I never knew your dad personally, but I liked Him because you liked Him....you are literally the baby of the house and I'm sure its pains you more than anyone because you wanted to Him to see you graduate and that never happened...death took that away from you. However let's just accept the will of God and trust that your dad is in a better place...As for your mum, I am deeply sorry she just lost her husband...that's terrible and even more terrible when it dawns on you that your mum is a widow.....it is well...I miss you francis, I love you Francis and I pray that God continues to illuminate the pathway for your family to have an okay grieving time...it is well with you and your family

The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous runneth into it and they are saved.


The Ekeh family is saved.

It’s an honor to pay my tribute, to the father of one of my closest friends, even though I never really met him personally or directly, I definitely met him in so many other ways through the actions of his sons, he indirectly touched my life, and I am 100% certain, he lived a very good, fulfilled and accomplished life that would go on the record as him being a great man.
He has definitely left a legacy that would be carried forever.

Losing someone so dear is a painful experience, but through death life sprouts.

Late Anthony Chinenyeze Ekeh has been a great man, I've known since my secondary school forays. This is because his son, Tochukwu Jude Ekeh, was one of my best friends. Doing visiting days when, everyone was outside looking for their parents, and some who knew their parents or guardian wouldn't come, would be hopeful they can at least join their friends in the whole pomp of visiting day. On that faithful day when I and Jude was searching and waiting for our parents, there came Jude's dad, Chinenyeze Ekeh, as I met him, we greeted and he asked me to join them to eat something, while I wait for my parents. This was a kind gesture, which shone the generosity of Chinenyeze Ekeh.

Anthony Chinenyeze Ekeh was a man who didn't have the heart to see people suffer. He continued to exemplify that generous trait till death. He never thought of himself during distress, even in pains he constantly supported his children and wife. He chose to make the pains he felt, not to extend to other people, because he was a man that had the quality of sharing goodwill. He shared his wisdom, his money, his time. He gave it all to his children, wife, and random people like me.

It was a blessing to know Late Chinenyeze Ekeh. It was a blessing indeed. He had an earnestness with the relationship he had with the church. He love God so much. He never waivered in his dedication to the church. He saw the church as a place where he got his comfort and direction. He didn't relent in sponsoring programmes, activities and construction that happened in the church. Again, he never missed his evening masses. I'm sure the Rev Father will testify to that, but Chinenyeze Ekeh is a highly quiet and humble man, may go unnoticed. All this left a strong impression on me, because I knew at that time, that it's only with a dedicated life to God, that one can find our success and solace.

Chinenyeze Ekeh humility was something I found surprising. Why surprising? In Nigeria its rare to see someone who has achieved as much, not even close, to late Chineyeze Ekeh achievements, and still ride a modest car, keep a modest house and raise beautiful and down-to-earth children. Late Chineyeze Ekeh's humility was a trait that showed itself where ever he went. This humility was a shown in his infectious smile. His smile that reflected a man that never burdens himself with the things of the world.

My heart goes to the family of the Late Chinenyeze Ekeh. To the mummy of the house, please accept my condolences. To the children, it is rather too early to live your life without a dad, but be rest assured that he trusts you guys to move the family further, with the direction of God.

Chinenyeze Ekeh will continue to live in hearts. May his soul rest in peace. Adieu Anthony Chinenyeze Ekeh.

FARE THEE WELL UNCLE TONY

Dee Tony,

You were not just a cousin to me. You were a friend, adviser, role model and helper. You were there for me at some very important moments in my life.

I was looking forward and waiting for the day I would say a proper thank to you. Little did I know that life had other plans.

You were a perfect gentleman. The age gap between you and I didn’t make much of a difference. Your ever cool and calm disposition rubbed off on me positively. You may not have known that I learnt a thing or two from you. But I am sure you know now.

Your passing came to Uju and myself as a rude shock but also taught us a thing or two about life.

We would have wished and were always looking forward to a longer relationship with you but the good Lord said He needed you early. We have no right to question God, so we have accepted His divine will.

Uju, Andre, Bryan, Kayla and myself will surely miss you but the fond memories we have of you will remain evergreen.

We hope in the resurrection power of God and in the fullness of time, we shall meet to part no more.

Adieu Uncle Tony.

Uche Diala

A genuinely kind hearted and encouraging man. Thank you for teaching us to be kind, and treating us as part of your family. I am happy to have known him during his time here. Though we'll not see him here on earth, we will meet him in Heaven. 

He is surely resting with the Angels

Rest in Peace, Mr Anthony Ekeh

Thank you for being a Wonderful Father and Role Model to my Friend Tochukwu Jude Ekeh and to all your Children and a Perfect Husband to your Wife. I Met you a few times mostly when you came to visit Jude back then in Secondary School and also a few times at your home. The first day i saw you and i greeted you and u responded i could tell you were a Man of Principle and Discipline and Sir am Proud to say your son Jude has all this attributes for he has shown it countless times. Thank you Sir for setting a good example for my friend and raising him to be a man of Principles and Discipline and most of all raising him to be a man with kind Heart

Thank You so much Sir for all your Hard Work it will never be Forgotten Rest in Peace

Rest In Peace sir, and let perpetual light shine upon your beautiful soul sir. Thank you for being a great father to my friend

To a Loving Father,

It is truly sad to lose such a great and down to earth man. I stayed briefly with Mr. Ekeh and his family, and I saw firsthand how caring and thoughtful he was, always asked about my wellbeing, and supported in whatever way he could, in his words, wise advice and in kind as well. I thank God I learnt what I could from watching and listening to you.
I pray, may your soul rest in perfect peace. We will all make you proud sir.

This is for being the best Dad you are to my friend.
The death of a father is indeed a huge loss to bear
Thank you for being a very good example
And today I pray that your beautiful soul rests in God's perfect peace
May God comfort and strengthen everyone who bears this loss.
You'll never be forgotten , Rest well ❤

Knowing Francis for a while, I’ve known the respect and admiration he’s had for his Dad. He goshed a lot about how his Dad made efforts for him and his siblings.

A memory I have of Mr. Ekeh is that of a time that I went to Francis’ house in Abuja (early in our secondary school days), Mr. Ekeh was out of the house but when he returned and met me, he said, “oh is this the smart Ebube that Francis always mentions”. He added, “remember to keep doing well in your studies as your efforts will be what will take you to greater heights”.

Those words stuck with me throughout my secondary school days even now I’m in university”. It shows the calibre and epitome of a man Mr. Ekeh was. He always knew that hard work pays off. I believe he worked really hard to raise and take care of his family and I believe they will always continue to make him proud.

RIP Mr. Ekeh, it was great being a part of your life through your son, Francis, and I believe that he and his siblings will be able to continue the successes you started.

May your gentle soul rest in peace, you will be greatly missed sir ❤

Rest on sir, from the little experience I have had with your son shows you were a great father. May your gentle soul rest in peace

Rest in peace, you were a great man and were loved by many, you will truly be missed, thank you for all you have done for this world goodbye

Life is really something else. i remember back in school we always called Francis "daddy's boy" because we knew how much Francis spoke of his father and when i first met him, i could understand why.
Mr ekeh was kind to me. Everytime he saw me during the visiting days, he always smiled and spoke igbo to me. It made me feel warm and welcomed whenever I'm around the family. The advices he gave us were always on point, some i can remember vividly to this day.
He will be missed, but he will be celebrated as well. God will see his family through and continue to bless and protect them.
Nna yi ka chifoo, ruo mgbe anyi ga fu ozo.
Rest in peace sir.

Time, time is such a funny thing. It feels like just yesterday when I first met my friends father, Mr. Ekeh and his family. I will always remember the first impression he gave, someone strong, reliable and a man who cared deeply for his family. I will always admire these traits. May God grant him eternal peace and to his family, comfort. Ameen

I feel so sad writing this tribute in honour of my brother-in-law, Mr Anthony Ekeh. My sadness is that this great man, who gave his all to his wife and children, siblings, friends and relatives did not live long enough to reap the fruit of his labour. Psalm 90:10 says ‘our span is 70 and 80 for those who are strong’. Bróther did not live to be at least 70! But my consolation is that his short life was NOT emptiness and pain as Psalm 90:10b described as ‘…emptiness and pain, they pass swiftly and we are gone.

John 10:10b says ‘…I have come that they may have life and have it to the full’. Thanks to you Jesus my in-law enjoyed this fullness of life. Anyone who knew Mr Anthony Ekeh would testify that he was so blessed with the quality of life. He shared his life fully with his family and friends. Mr Anthony found joy and fulfilment with his wife and children. He was a father and a husband per excellence. He was also a faithful believer in Christ, a son of our Mother Mary, a gentle peace-loving man, a man who stood for justice and fairness against all odds! What about you? Who are you? For what will you be remembered?

This tribute will ONLY make sense to the living and NOT to Mr Anthony. He has already gone to his eternal reward according to Hebrew 9:27, ‘after death comes judgement. His death is a reminder for us who are still alive, that one day we MUST die (Ecclesiastes 9:2). Life is short! So let us learn from Anthony to set our priorities right by letting go of all bitterness and anger; be a beacon of light to others, and surround ourselves with positive energy. This is the secret of the quality of life that Mr Anthony lived! Not money, Not fame!

My prayer is that the Lord will bless my sister, my nieces and nephews with peace and consolation. May Jesus fill the gap Mr Anthony’s demise has created in your hearts and in your home. May Our Lady keep you focused on the path he showed you.

Adieu Mr. Anthony Chinenyeze Ekeh! Adieu, Brother! Rest on until we meet to part no more.

Mr Ekeh, father of my friend Francis. You were a truly kind and lovely person. You were honest and genuine always made me feel like a part of your family. May Almighty God guide you

Mr Ekeh, Father of my Friend, Francis, I may not have know him on a personal level but on the occasions i did meet him, he showed he was a caring, friendly and loving man, May the Almighty God guide you

Like I call him by his account name, Mr & Mrs Ekeh Anthony was a good man. He had great value for his family,this value guided his decisions in all my transactions with him. I remember vividly that Sunday in February, he called me to tell me that I should ensure everything is seamless for his family, that I should close his irrelevant accounts, He said to me " You have my blessings, relate to my family as you have been to me". I told him not to talk like that. "He said he wont be here for too long" that broke my heart . I will miss having him as my customer, his jokes and laughter. Who will call and say Sylvia Kedeeee! his normal greetings to me.
May his gentle soul rest in God's bossom. Amen

TO MY LOVING COUSIN(Dee Tony)

Dee Tony,

It breaks my heart to see that you left us. You were a very strong person. I recall our discussion when I visited you at the hospital in Lagos. You remained positive about God's faithfulness and love. Your constant words of advice when we talk.

Even in your pain you kept checking on me to know how my Mum(Da Beatty as you fondly call my mum) has been doing since my Dad passed.

I was praying that you will beat this but God knows best.
I know you are at home now resting in the bosom of the Almighty where there is no sickness or sorrow.

You will forever be missed. Dee Tony,May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

From;

Dr Uzoma Diala-Asuquo
(Da Beatty's fourth daughter)

MR. ANTHONY EKEH WAS A MAN OF FAITH

Mr. Ekeh embodied the words of St. Paul in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain". These words kept our faith journey smooth during the last days of his earthly life.

While others worried about Daddy getting well soon, he already acknowledged that his triumph to eternity was close and that life for him was only going to change but not end.

After resuming Pastoral work at Holy Trinity Parish, Maitama, I got to know Mr Ekeh, and he would often say during our conversations "I love hearing Father's voice", that endeared me to him. My conversations with him was sustained while he was sick and under treatment because he was a vibrant, lovely, and, warm hearted person. During the period I provided spiritual guidance and support to him, I saw his health deteriorate to the point where he could barely talk and remained in constant pain. One of my encounters with Daddy at the hospital never suggested to me that it was going to be the last because he seemed strong and in better health. A statement he made that day, however, bothered me "Father, I am ready", "I am ready Father" he said. I kept pondering on these words days after I left the hospital, until Chikam (his daughter) broke the news to me that Daddy had died.

The Holy Eucharist prepared Mr Ekeh for his final journey, and I am happy for Daddy because the words of scriptures is fulfilled in him, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day" (John 6:54).

May Jesus Christ whom Daddy believed in the Sacraments, especially the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, receive him into heaven where there will be no pain but happiness and peace.

I pray that the soul of Mr. Anthony Ekeh, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Rev. Fr. ODIONG, Emmanuel
(Holy Trinity Parish, Maitama, Abuja)

AS TONY, A GOODMAN, DEPARTS:
TRIBUTES BY MSS CLASS OF 72

An Igbo adage postulates that "an age grade progressively experiences a decline in its membership, never an increase". As children, that assertion was bemusing but the subminimal reality crystallized as we continued the journey of life. From 1966 to date, a handful of our peers/pals have transited and we hold their memories so dear while the population, nay membership, continues to decline.

Tony dear, gentle you were at MSS, even among the "very gentle". You were so small, quiet and studious that we teased you as own "Eze Goes to School". You were a quintessential MSS product - disciplined, obedient and relational, and never sought trouble or crossed the line. We don't recollect you having been made to "cut grass" or to wash the "General Plate" on account of any form of prank. With nostalgia we recall those days of great amitie and fellowship that characterized the BEST MSS CLASS OF 72.

We are proud of the report that you maintained admirable virtues through the university days. Alumni of your University have testified that both in the hostel and faculty, you showed yourself above board, giving credence to the endowments that MSS inputted in us. MSS NEVER FAILS. And happily, you rose to an enviable pedestal at your Workplace, holding and discharging responsibilities creditably and earning your due honour at retirement from service.

Tony, we will miss you unto the end of time. We will continue to relish the fond and warm moments we shared together. We are glad that at the fullness of time, we will meet at the feet of our Lord Jesus.

Our deepest condolences to his dear wife and children. We pray that God will grant theml the necessary courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Gladly, you set them on a sound footing: educationally, materially and spiritually. We will continue to uphold them in our prayers and counsel, and assure that we will live continually in the legacy and common aspirations that we share.
ADIEU TONY, ADIEU GREAT PAL; REST ON IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD.

HRH Eze Patrick Ihuoma,
Chief Steve Onu,
Chief Tony Nwishi
For MSS CLASS OF 72

A TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF REPUTE!

Dear Late Mr Anthony Ekeh,

I knew you as that man who never misses evening masses since his retirement, and you come in through the car park of the parish (Holy Trinity, Maitama). I knew your wife as that gentle and quiet woman who never misses masses nor her private devotion all in gentility and in her unassuming nature. I knew your daughter, Chikam as one young lady whose faith and conviction holds a pride of place in her life (so Uncommon of our age), but she was just a replica of you!
I knew these trio independent of each other, until when you fell sick and I came around to visit you at the invitation of your daughter, Chikam. On getting to your house and seeing your family picture, I exclaimed that I know this family (unknowingly).
To cut my long story short Sir, and with utmost regard to the dead, I wish to say here so strongly that you were a man of great faith. It showed when you summoned your family while transiting to the life hereafter, they all gathered around you that early hour of that Sunday morning as you breathed your last (an hour before I arrived). Yes you are no more, but we have only lost you just for a little while. Your family now has a representative in the Church Triumphant as I trust you will keep interceding for them and us all.
Rest well dearly beloved good soul, we will meet again someday soon for whether alive or dead, we belong to the Lord (Rom.14:7-9).
Adieu Mr Anthony!

FR. JOHNBOSCO WAKJISSA
(Abuja Archdiocese)

Chisom's Daddy, a father that exemplified what true FATHERHOOD means. He was always present both physically, materially and otherwise for his entire family. They always had beautiful things to say about their parents. A man who feared God and stood by his family till the end. May God grant his soul eternal rest in Jesus name and comfort the entire family in a special way. Amen

Oh, with deep sadness I am putting down these few lines, expressing my heartfelt condolences when the news of the demise of Mr. Anthony Ekeh on March 8th 2021, reached me.

The few times I met him, he reminded me of my own father; strict, principled, very disciplined and caring.

Heaven has gained an angel surely.

May the repose of the soul of Mr. Anthony Ekeh and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace ️️️ Amen.
Eternal Rest grant unto Him O Lord and let thy perpetual light shine upon Him.

A fine and perfect gentleman.
Always very welcoming.
May God almighty rest your soul and grant family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.