A TRIBUTE TO A VERY DEAR FRIEND AND COINLAW-OWELLE NIBO: ENGR. CHIEF EMMANUEL NNAMA.

(From Emma) My in-law/ Coinlaw-friend brother/ sister! Good evening! Once again, it is with deepest regret but with due gratitude to God for a great & fulfilled life lived by Mrs. Rebecca Ezekwe (Mama Chike, Prof (Mrs) Eneanya of Unizik, Barrister (Mrs.) Carol Ndaguba (Late Ikenna’s wife), Patricia (formally Mrs. Maxi Ukuta) Ejiofor Ezekwe ex- MD ACB, Dr. (Mrs.) Nkechi Ogbuagu of W.H.O, NY & Mama Mrs. Uzo Didigu, Head of Legal Ecowas Commission, a great dota of great Onyiuke Ruling House / Family of Nimo & wife of my Late mum’s immediate junior brother. Dr. P.V.N. Ezekwe (1929 Pioneer Student of Government College Umuahia, Yaba Medical College, Chief Medical Adviser to the Federation in mid 1960’s) that I am duty bound to inform you of her transition to glory at about noon today. Burial will be announced later by the immediate family. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace! Amen! Engr Dr the Honourable E.C Nnama, Ichie Owelle of Nibo.

(From me) My special friend, schoolmate and broad- the great Owelle of Nibo and by extension of Igboland, I salute you. My sincere sympathy goes to all affected by the great loss. I await for details of the burial as they unfold. Always yours – Iduu Ugwumba of Ihiala.

(From Emma) Thanks a lot! I will keep you posted! The burial may afford you the chance to know my home (Last resting place!). I already know yours. Is Adadioramma still in USA? Do give her my regards while I remain as ever your own Owelle of Africa & all the Archipalego surrounding it!! Please laugh aloud because Solomon said in the proverbs that “pining” shrivels the bones while laughter is the best medicine! Good night my brother! Your own Emmanuel.

The above texts and oral telephone conversations were exchanged between my good friend and I on 24th March, hardly did I have the premonition that it was his parting gift to me. I am saddened! I shall come to see “your final resting place” with tears in my eyes and sorrow in my heart. Finally, what can I say than to echo the words of William Shakespeare, when in Macbeth – the Prince of Denmark he mused “Out, out brief candle, life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets upon the stage and is heard of no more” – A story told by an idiot full of sound and fury but signifying nothing!! What an irony of fate that the roaring lion has been tethered. Owelle, you are alive in the hearts of us who love you, you merely exited into the next room. Adieu......... till we meet again on the resurrection day.

Iduu Ugwumba, Arc I.A.C & Adadioramma Bridget Ifeanyi  of Ihiala

Dr. E.Nnama, I met you only once, when Mayowa's parents and I went to Nibo to knock on your door in respect of your daughter, Dr. Nkiru. Your charisma completely won my heart.You were a man of the people.You left too early, but our consolation is that the legacy you have left in your children and the entire community will never die! Good night Dr. Nnama.

Ichie Owili!! As I fondly called him as kid, Owelle!! as I understood more about tradition and culture. Mostly with his help, enthusiasm and guile with which he commanded the traditional dance troops. From point rd, to marine rd, Ezilowo haven our homes away from home. Who didn't look forward to summers in lagos? Limitless thrills at Apapa club. Our memories are filled with moments of oratory and magnanimity. With tears in my ears and aches in my heart, I say adieu uncle, till we meet to part no more. Laa na Udo!!! Okosisi a daa!! RIP Owelle Nibo

Every seed you brought forth grew to be a tree
We see them, they stand tall and strong..
Prospering where you shot them to as arrows..
Indeed, your seeds (your children) show clearly your greatness

I may not have known you intimately
But I remember your boisterous attitude
I remember your hearty welcome each time we arrived your home

You will be missed, no doubt!
Still! I am glad for the opportunity to have known you
You have left a memory of how to love family and friends
And for this I rejoice in God!

REST IN PEACE Sir.

Emma nwannem, my human mind can never comprehend why this should happen this way to one of the most beautiful souls on earth. Indeed, you were so loving, so caring and so meticulously considerate. As your name so aptly says, soso Chukwuma. But I also know that God is alive and that evil can Never triumph over good. Emma, you ran your race, and like St. Paul, you won the prize.....what with the superb family you formed.....your exquisite wife, your wonderful children and amazing grandchildren among others. You also knew how to nurture friendships and hosts will miss you. Rest in peace, my brother, and may your legacy live on, in Jesus' Name.

" When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes"...... Doc, I reckon I met with you only once, exactly two decades ago....but the memory still lingers, I'd longed to see you again, my contact with your princess, Chinelo, availed me the great privilege of meeting you......how so unfair, life sometimes plays..... It is a big shame that you had to go in such an under served manner.... My soul weeps deeply not just because I was denied the opportunity to meet you again at this time I'd thought I was mature enough to appreciate your virtues better.....Nigeria could not shield you....for us..... Adieu, great one Adieu, the unspoken voice of Ndigbo.....

Uncle Emma Nnama where are you!!!!!!!!!! So this is true, it was a shocking news when I got the sad news from Nigeria, tears and sorrow filled my heart, I still don't know how to tell your Aunty my Mum this sad new, I always know you as a very good Uncle, Man is Evil and wicked , They have killed the flesh but your great spirit lives on. God knows the best, May your Gentle Soul rest in peace Amen.........

Dear Sir, I remember you as a jovial and boisterous man who livened up the greyest places. You will indeed be missed! Rest well in the bossom of our Lord. Love always...

It is so so sad and shocking. My big egbon as i always call him will be missed by his beautiful sister! I pray God gives the entire family fortitude to bear this irreparable loss . May his gentle and caring soul rest in perfect peace. My deepest condolences. Amen.

Uncle Owelle... all i know is i'll miss you. You were a big part of my life growing up, up until now. Looking forward to seeing you in heaven.

To a great man, Dr. EC Nnama, whose vision was to make Nigeria great. We had spoken a day earlier about the solar project and how it would sustain manufacturing and SMEs across the country, only to get the sad news!!!
I had no reason to doubt you because I still remember you vision that every Nigerian must have a phone - this was illustrated in the calendar of Nigerian Communications Commission while you served selflessly as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive.
Wonder what becomes of the solar power vision as well as others we continuously discussed.
I remain grateful, that since you left the Nigerian Communications Commission, you found me worthy to be your associate. I have benefitted immensely from your wisdoms and cherish the opportunity to know you.
Adieu!!!
Kelechi Nwankwo

I remember how lively you were, your thunderous voice and your presence which would always envelope anywhere you appear in.Your exceptional children and their zest for life(just like their father).I also remember your mark in the telecommunications sector.I remember Omenyi's Birthday, I remember the days in Barthurst, I remember a lot but what I remember most is that you are a very family oriented man.I am sure your children will continue burning the flames.Farewell Sir.

Great father of Great Children!,Dr.Nnama ,your life was not taken because who could have? It was given back to your maker because only Him can allow it happen.Your kindness has surpassed any form of wickedness that can be. You continued shine brighter and brighter .As daughter, Lommy's friend ,you treated like I was yours anytime we met.You will single me out and proudly introduced to your prestigious circle at any of those occasions. Remembering every detail of my background including my place of origin , my hopes and aspirations. Oh what a memory,what a loss,death where is your sting ?The great warmth you exudes has been captured by your family that you loved and was proud of.
To Lommy and her family, may the Lord comfort you.You are in our prayers, keep his legacy light burning,he will be forever missed indeed!

It was a night of gloom, shock and deep grief when the news of your demise came to me that I write to express formally my condolence and sympathy over the sudden transition of my boss, my leader, my mentor, Prince Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Nnama of Ezilowo Haven, Nibo. As I commiserate with the family, I sympathize with myself because there cannot be another Owelle (like you) in the history of Nibo; to fill the vacuum your transition created in my life. There can never be another Engr. Dr. E.C. Nnama, bold enough to do what you did for NPA, NCC and at large, Nigeria.
I loved Owelle…..
- You were a man of the people. You never worked without a team, delegation, consortium, just to be a blessing to all;
- You were known for discipline, integrity, diligence, dedication, strength, self-confidence, focus, and you were passionate for what you believed in. You were brilliant and an organizer who was worthy of emulation.
- We will always remember the memory, but forgetting is hard. May The Almighty God grant you Eternal rest, and may God also grant us all the fortitude to bear this untimely transition. Amen
I will not forget you in a hurry!
Abraham Osazuwa

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Nnama...I have to come to know you all, though we are yet to meet, thorugh your lovely daughter and sister, my friend and colleague Uzo. I felt the pain and loss when the news got to us in Tunis! In my Rwandan culture they say you can tell so much about people from the children they raise. I learn so much about your loving father through Uzo and I can confidently say his spirit lives on through you all! Be comforted that he is smiling down on you! Love, Davinah

Its so sad how this death of a thing is inevitable; its however sadder where it is brought on a loved one too abruptly for anyone he touched their lives in one way or the other to get to say a sincere ALL pride-free 'thank you' to one most deserving of it......DR. Nnama was exemplary; i met him properly as a fresh secondary school leaver&that meeting carved him in my heart for always.
You know that lovely feeling you get when a man 'supposedly' larger than life in a kid's heart comes totally down to the kid's level; so much that by the time you leave his presence, you could almost talk about him like you are on 1st-name basis.
You raised an exceptional kid too sir, Dr Nkiru's life in school made the kind of man you turned out to be so believable!
Goal-getter,knowledge sharer,smile giver&humility personified....All i knew about biafra before i became an inquisitive lawyer; you told me!
Good night on of our set's icon daddy.
Your memory stays with us!

His demise reminds me of how my dad passed. I pray the family receives strength in times like this.

To a great Leader! you will foever be missed! May God grant your soul Enternal Rest! Rest In Perfect Peace Sir!

Our Most Valued In-Law, as we fondly call ourselves, your 'SUDDEN EXIT' just leaves a message for us all, to learn to number our days and apply our hearts to WISDOM. ...................................No............No..........
No time for a last word or chat, parting word or your cherished smiles.
I refuse to believe that you are 'for-ever-missed' because there is the hope of meeting at the Feet of our Master Jesus Christ! & there we meet to part-no-more, we therefore need to run this Race with all perseverance and focus on Jesus Who is the Author & Finisher of our faith.

Quite sad to hear the passing on to Glory of our dear twin friend. He knew how passionate I am for the Twin multiple birth. I am crazy about Twins, being one myself. Dr Nnama was  a selfless and hard working  leader, who believed in God. No doubt, our families world-wide will miss a great Twin !!! Blessings !!

May God almighty grant him everlasting rest. My condolences to the entire Nnama and Ezekwe families.

Never met you, Owelle, but I've met your kids and like they say, "the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree"...#GREATMan #MADEMan #CandleInTheWind #Trailblazer #Unforgettable #RIP

Rest in peace Ichie Owelle of Nibo (ikwunne Nnam) You'll be missed. To my dear friend and brother Ozo Oyibo, please take heart, God giveth and taketh no matter how it happened. We mourn with you all the way in Michigan.

ICHIE GBAM GBAM DUM DUM!!! AKPAKA N'AGBA N'UDU MMILI!!! ANU NGA NGA MPU!!! OFU ONYE N'ESHILU ORA!!! OFU ONYE ANA ASHI UNU ABIA!!! OKE MMANWU IGBO NINE!!!

Met him only twice.
A father to my very good friend.
First time I met him he said he had a dream that every Nigerian would one day own a phone. At the time this was unimaginable but the seed he planted then is being reaped by us all today.
His family should be proud in the fact that he did his part to build the nation and a great family.
God remains in charge

It is unbelievable, yet believable that Owelle the great (as I call him) is no more. I spoke with him on the 26th March and on the night of the 27th, I got the unbelievable news of his demise in the hands of useless criminals. Owelle the great, you were a brother, friend and in-law. Our family will forever miss your amicable relationship. Only the Almighty God knows why this should happen to you. Rest in the bossom of the Lord till we meet to part no more. Adieu great man!

Iche Owelle! You were a great man and I will miss your ever welcoming smile anytime I was with your family. Your memory will always be with us. Rest in Peace Sir till we meet again.

Ichie Owelle 2 of Nibo i greet you, i hail you, i salute you, 3 gbosa for the man when sabi.... gbosa, gbosa, gbosaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.... But Ichie nor be so we plan am oooo i still have plenty recharge cards to give you, so you can continue making calls, sending text msgs as usual checking on all your loved ones around you before death kpai you but anyhow anyhow, i know say you dey with baba God... You fought a good fight, you ran a good race, you alone was like a community reaching out to those that have nothing and putting smiles on their faces just the way your face is because you are always smiling...You were indeed a great lecturer, never a dull moment with you.. we love you and misses you plenty plenty, but baba God naa him love you pass ooooo.... Sleep tight! Adieu! Tode! Aurevoir! Odaro! Kachifo! God be with you till we meet again........

TRIBUTE TO UNCLE OWELLE
The news of your death was shocking to me. It brought tears to my eyes because you called me two days before your death and your text messages are still in my phone- message box. I will miss your kindness, an uncle who never counted money before " dashing" out. The defender of our family, who made many people rich, who gave out cars as gift, who built houses for the people, who employed many in NPA and who trained many people in Nigeria and America.
As my boss in Nigerian Communications Commission, you took your job very seriously, your passion in Telecommunication made you the Executive Vice chairman of NCC.The regulator of Telecommunication in Nigeria. A person who represented Nigeria in many world conferences.In the office, you worked so late crafting the plateform for GSM we all enjoy now in Nigeria. A very rare breed of person who defended the masses with captivating speech and very good sense of history. You were a mobile encyclopedia.Your death brought fear to us because we have been asking "Why our Owelle"?
   O' God, we ask for strength this difficult time, you alone know the pain in our hearts. Please, surround us with your holy spirit and convert our fears in to faith in you. Amen.

EMEKA NNAMA ( IGBI )

I was fortunate to have met Dr Nnama a few times through my dear friend, his daughter Uzoamaka back when we were in University together and on the occasions he visited my family home in Amaifeke, being good friends of my father, Chief Achike Udenwa and held in high regard by him. I remember him as a man who always exuded warmth and a genuine interest in the welfare of people. I pray God grants the Nnama family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. And may his soul rest in eternal peace. Adieu Owelle Nibo!

Owelle as you are popularly called, you left us so soon, my special birthday mate, you will be greatly missed. May your soul rest in peace and may God comfort your family. Adieu

Ichie Owelle of Nibo!! A great icon, A super hero with a smile that charms anyone that came close to him. You will never be forgotten, the "Ikenwes' miss you greatly. RIP OWELLE!!!

It is painful. It is like a dream. It just cannot be true...... Alas it is! You cannot doubt the source the shocking news came from. My mum & I just saw you four days before your passing. Where do I start to tell your story or the way you impacted lives positively. You were a good friend of my late father. You took genuine interest in the well being and welfare of others. I only wish I had expressed my appreciation to you more in your life time. Rest in peace Owelle.

Owelle Nibo was a great leader whose memories who live forever in our minds. The Awka axis has lost a worthy son. Rest in peace. We will surely miss you.

A great man has passed on. He left a legacy for so many and we are deeply saddened by the circumstances that took Owelle away. He was a dad to me and I am forever grateful for being part of his life. Owelle you will always leave on in our hearts. God knows best.

We know you are in a better place . ..May your soul rest in perfect peace, and May God comfort and bless your Family in this time of sorrow, Amen.

It was the shocking news that brought tears to my eyes when I receive the message on my phone. And you made me remember what it was like to cry. On that dreadful day, God decided it was your time, your time to go, so He took your life away, “Man is wicked”. And everyone felt the pain, the pain that you suffered. It's harder than I ever thought life could be without you. So the family will always think of you. God decided that it was your time to go and we cried as the rain fell that day.
I remember when you visited us in our village “Ohiya”, in Umuahia South LGA, It was fun sitting with you as a family.
Owelle we miss your jokes
Owelle we miss your stories
Owelle Nnama we miss your smiles

Rest In Peace “Amen”
From: Nwamarah Uche

An Ode to a Great Man!

To express the feelings that beleaguered me at the news of your departure will be inundating.

I clearly remember the day I spent hours with you in the car in front of GS building, UNN, waiting for Nnamdi to finish his exam. Priceless is the best way to express the amount of knowledge and experience you shared with me, reminding me of the your good old days and the need for we younger ones to work hard. Also, Less than one year ago, you were at my wedding, I recall your embrace and prayers, how sad can this be?, I feel at sixes and sevens each time I think of this sad exit.

Owelle!, you were like a father to all of us, you are a Great man and your legacy lives on.

Rest in peace.

I saw you during my growing up days but your name as "Owelle Nnama" was so known, and i grew up to know that you were a very wonderful Nibo son. Nibo lost a great son, who does not have a replacement. May your soul rest in peace.

CHUKWUMA!How can any mortal being know the mind of The Almighty?
He alone knows why it had to be this way.
The thought of your demise leaves me bewildered.
Where does one start and with what words can the hollowness be expressed?
You were unique in everything you engaged.
There can never be another Owelle.
EzeOmenka Okwelle,jee nke oma

When I heard the news, I was shocked but immediately remembered your laughter and energy. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Father of two of my sisters, Chinweoke and Chinelo, beloved Grandfather of my daughter's dear friend, Nesochi Nnama. A man with a big laugh and an even bigger heart. Your daughters loved you like you were their boyfriend, only more. You have left a legacy no robber can take away, a love in your children that time can never erase. May your memory be blessed; I trust you are enjoying heaven...in the arms of the One who loved you most!

Rest in Peace, amen.

Dr. Nnama was one of the most humble men i have ever known so devoted to his family and committed to his chosen carreer. Its so sad he has left us and gone to the world beyond. I still remember those days in the early 90s while in FGC Enugu how he used to come around and hand us gifts. May his soul Rest in Peace. Till we met to part no more.

Ichie Owelle!!! This is the biggest shock i received in a couple of years. So unexpected. It was the last thing I could possibly dream of.........you went too soon Owelle. You were always the life of the party. Always had a smile on your face. Always had a story to tell us.
I remember my early encounters with you in the 70's when you were in Apapa and we came for a holiday in lagos. How you kept us thrilled on the speed boats from apapa to marina, shuttled us around lagos, made sure we visited everybody.
You were and amazing person who touched lives everywhere you went.
i know you are rejoicing with the angels yet we are sorrowful because we miss you.
Rest in His peace

RIP Ichie Owelle, you were indeed a great man.

Uncle Emma,it was a pleasure meeting you in Hanover.My family and i will always cherish every moment we spent together.Your great smile and humor will continue to resonate in our hearts.We will miss you greatly.Rest in peace my namesake.

Dr Nnama was a great leader, wonderful Father and role model. We will truly miss him

I never had the privilege to met him but the pictures tell a lot and I see a man devoted to his family amidst a wonderful career. In most of the pictures, I see wide joyful smiles. I am sure his hopes, dreams and joy is seen in his family. Rest in Peace.

I see pictures which tell of a rich full and memorable life. May God grant your loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss, and the grace to celebrate your life amidst mourning. Rest in peace Sir

My dearest Uncle Emma! Your bright witty jovial personality is really being missed! You were one of the greatest Men that Nibo has ever produced. I have stories that I could tell about just how great you were but one thing I can say is you made Nibo the place to be! You are one of the reasons why I love our village and I bet you and my dad, your great friend and brother are having a grand time in Heaven! Uncle Emma, I can imagine God shaking His Head as He watches you both laughing at your jokes!!

To the Nnama family, this loss is big really big. I love you all dearly and I pray God continues to strengthen you all for He is your comforter!

Uncle Emma...Rest in Peace!