I first met Dr. Kizito Okpere in late 1999 at Port Harcourt. I was barely four weeks into Shell employment and was just twenty-six years old. This man was the managing director of my Shell operating unit. In the coming months, this man would give me a moral compass and a gross sense of professionalism and leadership. He is part of a few who orchestrated a reward for those of us who depended on merit to achieve a career in shell and successful in life. God bless Dr. Okpere and his descendants forever.

Amos Ekuwem
Atlanta, GA
02/21/2022

To my best friend, spiritual coach and my loving Grandpa you have made a huge impact on my life that could not be explained. You taught me so many things that has made me who I am today. I LOVE SO MUCH GRANDPA AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMMERED IN MY HEART.

Dear Dr Kisito Okpere, It is now 1 year since you passed on and I remember the week you passed on, you gave me a call in August 2020 doing what you normally do, checking in on me to see how I was doing and advising me how beat to manage the company we are building together, Syntechsys. I never knew that would be the last time I will hear from you. I cherished the moments we had together, your transparent love and toughness for what is right, just and fair. You truly the are an example of Holy Spirit personified in all your virtues and fruit of Holy Spirit. I truly miss you as a Father, a Friend and my wise counsel. I still hear your voice from beyond as if you had not given up on me even in death, still trying to steer me on the right path. I want to hear a good news with you, the Petroleum Industry Act had been passed and Nigeria had a lot to thank you for for the work you put in in the initial drafts. You said NNPC should be a commercial entity and we agreed it should be NNPC Limited, and God gracious God answered our prayers. You believe that one day I would play a role in Petroleum Industry Act as a Technology Company that's is why you said to me you are investing in our Company Syntechsys Global and you help form the foundation of the company and now I can say the Company is leading the way for Technology Development in Nigeria with Nigerians driving the vision. Also I have another News for you, Godwin Ibe of SPDC one of your prodigies is now a member of Syntechsys International Limited and he is continuing where you stop and I have ask him to help me reach your family and children as well so they can also be part of your legacy. I hear your voice telling me this is what you will want and though you never spoke much but I know you treated everyone as if they are children. I love you as I will love my own father and please my greetings to you both as you continue your journey into God heaven paradise. Bless Dr Abhulimen, Syntechsys International Limited , www.ayntechsysworld.com

It feels just like yesterday my dearest Uncle Kisito. You embodied everything human as God willed for you on earth and served his wishes in equal capacity. You were an inspiration to me and so many that were fortunate to come across you. Your life was a shining example of love, humility and compassion. Alas, you left so soon but God knows best. You will forever remain evergreen in our hearts as we continue to celebrate your legacy. Stay well with God until we meet never to part again.

To my dear Dad,

It seems odd that it’s taken me almost a year to be able to pen down something that vaguely represents how I feel and the impact you had on me when you left this earth one year ago. Even if I wrote a whole book on it, I probably would still not be able to quantify the impact. I find out more now how what you taught me has become a playbook for me to follow in my life, and how much you demonstrated through your life what we should aspire to. 

Growing up with you had its mixture of sorrow, love and laughter like any household. I always understood early on that despite all the children you had, you were able to connect with each one of us. You loved us uniquely, differently and specially. You connected so deep with each one of us, that we didn’t even need to say anything for you to understand how we felt. You saw and believed in our potential even when nobody else saw it, including ourselves. When any of us was going through some personal issues, emotionally you were there. Happy to sit with us and listen quietly, you shared in the situation and felt the pain deep  - like it was yours. And you did all in your power to ensure you could help in any possible way. You also supported with all  the prayers you could muster.  

You always had the ability to see the best in people and what they could become despite shortcomings. No matter how many times we let you down, you were unresolved in you belief. Your inherent faith in the ability of people to change for the better without writing them off, and the capacity you felt for human beings to be good, are both inspiring and touching. You never stopped believing and refused to give up on people  - which to me is really the epitome of Christ-like behaviour. Even when you were hurt by this faith numerous times, you forgave willingly and were resolute in this belief. 

You modelled what I would call 'dynamic Christianity'  - a practical Christianity that demonstrates what should be at the centre of the doctrine “Love of God and love of man”. Since one cannot go without the other, you lived out this principle, and I saw this every day of my life while you existed on earth.

You also greatly believed in the concept of family unity, and this you placed above every other thing as the head of your extended family and as our father. Nothing, and I mean nothing, whether wealth, position, or power, could ever make you change that. Your happiest times were seeing your children and grandchildren together with you at the dining table, celebrating a festive meal over Mum’s rich spread; you were always so happy when we brought our entire family to see you. You loved a full house surrounded by people you loved and cared about. You cared for each member of the extended family on both sides.

You never got tired of helping people. This could obviously be said for those who posted tributes on the site dedicated to your memory. Your capacity to care for and love others was extended to those you were not related to and those whom you came in contact with.

I still remember you teaching us table tennis and playing sports with us. You made us play hard with you and we were motivated to learn because of passion and joy it gave you - which we could see clearly when we played with you. You always wanted us to improve. Eventually, we became better than you and then you were humble enough to admit it and say that was what you always expected would happen. To this day we  haven’t forgotten how to play. You always found time to ensure we had fun with you as a family, no matter how high in the professional ranks you rose. There were family road trips, travelling, walks, etc.  Some of the best moments of my childhood were those fun memories, which I still remember to this day.  

As I grew older, I gleaned more wisdom from our conversations together about every subject under the sun - Christianity, politics, economics, marriage, family, technology, movies (still a sci-fi fan because of you), sports, etc. Your conversations were truly deep, searching, and revolutionary.  You were always eager to learn as well as to teach. Sometimes, I studied you and believed if there was someone whom God wanted to select to change Nigeria, it really would be you. When people pondered, 'Can anything good come from Nigeria?',  I would smile inwardly because I knew you were a model citizen, an extraordinary citizen of any standard, both in character and competence. I always wished you were given that chance to serve and change our country. 

You taught me to live my life, to put effort, time and resources into what mattered the most, and to prioritise and put things in the correct order: God, family, and people. You shielded us from the pressures you faced outside, even at work or anywhere else; you never brought those pressures home, no matter what you dealt with or your significant responsibilities. I didn’t even know half of what you dealt with until later, and some of it, just recently. All I saw was the loving, caring father who, when he came home, was more interested in the affairs of his family, and never once considered himself. I saw a totally selfless man who served his family and humanity. I’m just so glad we managed to give you one last celebration at your 70th birthday to at least show you a bit of how much we loved and appreciated you, given that you always celebrated others and not yourself. 

Dad, like I said, I can write a whole book about you, but here’s what I'm certain of: I know where you are; we talk every day because I still feel your presence now more than ever. The advice you gave me years ago and the statements you made about my life - I hear you say them in my spirit at the precise moments I need to hear them. And now, I  begin to understand them. This truly tells me that even though you're gone, you'll never leave us. So, I'll keep calling on you as I know that no matter what I face in life, you'll always be doing what you were doing when you were physically on earth  - going through everything with me and coming out on top by God’s grace. It gives me great comfort and peace to know this.

Your life, which was a true model of perfection if there was ever one I saw, unrivalled in my existence, not just because you were my Dad. I don’t know if I'll ever be able to follow half of what you have done or leave a legacy the way you did. However, one thing I'm sure of Dad, I am your son, and the legacy equation of K. O. O will remain with me:  K. O. O = V*I*P, where V=Values, I=Integrity and P=Principles.

The legacy and name you left behind remain the greatest gifts for your immediate and extended family. Thank you so much Dad because these are indeed priceless. 

I'll always love and miss you Dad. I hope one day you can be as proud of me as I am of you, and I hope you smile down on me till we meet again. I will always strive to follow the legacy of K. O. O and pass it down to my children.

Love,
Your dear son,
Adrian

Oh Daddy Kizito Okpere,
Though this tribute is belated, I musn't fail to pay your peaceful resting soul this respite.

Your testimony is that of a TRUE FOLLOWER of Christ; which I really unforgettably attest to; couple of years back that I visited your home at budillion, Ikoyi - Lagos. The peace of Godly atmosphere I experienced lingers ever so fresh in my memory.

We are glad that on account of your being at Peace with our Lord Jesus Christ, you LIVE up there with Him in Heaven eternally blissful.

You are forevermore missed by your family, in-laws and acquaintances and we hope to see you at appointed time in Heavenly Paradise through the mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Farewell Sir

I am Queen Winnie Ossai - sister to your son-in-law Valentine Ossai (Lucille's husband)

PROLOGUE:
This will be a long tribute, so please bear with me. I have taken this while to add my tribute to my late leader and mentor Dr. Kisito Okpere because firstly the reality of his passing needed to sink in, and secondly I wanted to share with a wider audience a writing I did about him in December 2004 when he was leaving SNEPCo back to SPDC. I could not attend that send-forth meeting and I wrote-in my speech which I have been searching for and now found, I publish it unedited:
———————————
December 2004:

Colleagues;
Firstly, my apologies that I am unable to attend tonight’s gathering which I had looked forward to, because business reasons compel me to be outside the country at this time. I would expect that had I been present, I would be expected by many here tonight to stand up and say a few words to recount my experience working with Dr. Okpere. That would indeed be a reasonable expectation if not on account of the relatively long twelve years I have known and worked for him in our company, then certainly because of the closeness of interaction during some of those years. It would be correct to say that during some of that time I functioned as an un-official Special Assistant to TEME (Technical Manager East) or GMV (General Manager New Ventures) depending on whether it was in SPDC or SNEPCO.

Through all this time, several intrinsic qualities about the man became evident to me. I will briefly focus on three of them in this piece because I know that other speakers would have or will be touching on his other fine attributes. They are his accessibility, integrity and willingness to help others to be the best they can. The first thing that struck me was that as Technical Manager-designate in Port Harcourt in late 1992 he made it a point while taking over from his predecessor to invite the project engineer for a major pipeline construction that was experiencing considerable community-related problems to “hear from the horse’s mouth” as it were. By so doing he cut through and “descended” four organizational layers to my level in search of the information he needed.

He would later act similarly several months later after I had been forced to truncate my pipeline and had been given a new job as Head of Engineering Programme Development in the East. That planning job involved among other things preparing him for Programme presentations and discussions in The Hague and locally with Co-Venturers and the government. It was not uncommon to see TEME leave his North-Wing office and sit in Woji’s tiny office in the South-Wing to tell me exactly how he wanted his materials made. He of course did so with the knowledge and consent of the other bosses In between us, so there were no problems. I could not help but think that given Dr. Okpere’ s penchant for details, logic and technical correctness, my other bosses were pleased that he bothered Woji directly and left them alone! One of them confirmed so to me, but I won’t say which one! The mirror image of this trait is that the man who does not mind going down the organizational line to others also does not mind others going up to him provided the in-betweens are kept informed. My experience is that he kept an open door. You did not need an appointment to see him (but you had to pass by Stella his secretary first!)

I touched on his technical integrity in passing, which is without question. However, the other aspect of that quality that I experienced is integrity in the sense that he possesses morals and ideals that are incorruptible. I have interacted broadly in our company and I can tell you that that is one virtue of his that everyone who knows him readily attests to. There was a joke among the pipeline community that I belonged to in the East. An engineer had designed and built a perfectly straight pipeline passing through Port Harcourt of all places, which we all know is very congested. His curious colleagues asked him how de did it. His reply was simple: “I just took TEME to the site, asked him to lie on the route and I marked out the route from his form”. The joke refers metaphorically to the man’s straightforwardness.

I said earlier that I was an un-official Special Assistant to Dr. Okpere for some time. At no time was that more apparent than during his first 3 years in SNEPCO, 1997 through 1999. He started by re-organising, or in his words restructuring the company early in 1997. Thereafter there were periodic changes to the organisation, and I had the privilege of preparing the materials that reflected and communicated those changes. It was not uncommon to see many high and low in our organisation come by my office to know what GMV was up to. In all those exercises I saw him struggle and largely succeed with “putting square pegs in square holes”. He tried to give everyone in the organization a chance to prove him or herself in one role or the other and so it was not uncommon to see staff with dual functions. Some even wore three hats! It was an elegant way to solve two problems: the fact that we were thin and poorly resourced and the need to give everyone a chance to be their best. In my case I found I could be an engineer and an economist as well and hopefully I will get a chance again to do some business planning after the next project.

Although Dr. Okpere sometimes saw the additional work I did for him as a burden on me, I enjoyed doing it and even had some fun in the process. I am not a handwriting expert, but I can recognize his distinct handwriting even with eyes half closed. It is not particularly beautiful, yet not ugly either. It is just peculiar, and I came to be known as GMV-handwriting-expert after spending hours reading and translating those scribbles made on pieces of paper into useable materials for his meetings. Others would come to me to decipher his script, and I was particularly amused when he himself on one occasion had problems with it and asked if I could decipher what he had written, which I did! I estimate that if all the view graphs and papers I prepared for him were placed end-to end they would cover the four walls of his office including the floor and ceiling!

It is fair to say that after eight years, Dr. Okpere has left an indelible imprint in our company SNEPCO and in our hearts. History will record that he put our company on a sound footing to face the future and I personally wish him a successful assignment in SPDC back in my hometown Port Harcourt. Thank you all.
-----------------------
EPILOGUE:
I wrote the above piece about Dr. Okpere in December 2004 but everything in it remained valid even to his death in August 2020. After he retired from Shell we kept in touch. Our last contacts this year were in April when I wrote to check on how he and his family were faring with the pandemic. Then in June he called me to discuss a business opportunity between the energy company he was chairman of and the company I now manage since my retirement from Shell.

I have been planning on writing a book about the development of Nigeria deepwater oil and gas and of course I was going to spend hours picking his brains and those of others. I can no longer pick his brains, so I have lost something. But my loss is nothing compared to that of his amiable wife Aunty Zena and his family. His passing reminds me of the fragility of life and that "I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day; the night is coming, when no man can work" (John 9:4). Now, I will have to write my book without his inestimable input and perspectives. Adieu, my Leader and Mentor.

Paa Kisito, you were an angel who walked through the surface of this earth. You touched many lives that came in contact with you. You were so kind and had a listening ear to both big and small. You were a leader, but yet Very humble.

You were a father not just to your biological children but to the poor on the street, the voiceless, the weak, hopeless and helpless, your staff and colleagues.

You lived a practical and exemplary Christain life. You indeed impacted your world in many uncountable ways. Your memories will never be erased from our hearts and minds.

You are missed but you have gone to a better place.

Rest in the bosom of your maker & good night.

I am in deep shock of my greatest mentor, Friend, Advisor and Father. I met Dr Kisito Okpere in 2002 when I was looking for an Industrial Placement to complete my Research Work on Modelling Risk and Safety System s of FPSO as an extension of my PhD thesis started in SPDC and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, two projects have now become US patents and Syntechsys Corporation. He was Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company. In 2002 when I was in reception of Snepco I told reception I want to see Dr Kisito Okpere who was MD, and I was a Lecturer at the Lagos State University Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering. He told the receptionist to allow me in thinking I was Reverend Father Abhulimen. When he met me, he says I am not Referend Abhulimen but I am a Lecturer at Department of Chemical Engineering Lagos State University and that I have a God given vision to change the Technology Landscape of Nigeria and World, a Company which later came to be known Syntechsys International Limited and He provided the platform in SNEPCO and SPDC to promote my Technology Vision that has produce two US patents, a worldwide Technology company (www.syntechsysworld.com). He was not only my Angel Investor and Director of Syntechsys International Limiter, Founding Member of Syntechsys,my Coach , My Advisor and my Friend. Today He has invested in that Vision we Started in SNEPCO and SPDC and that Vision is Syntechsys International Limited, a World of Solutions that is changing the Technology Landscape of the world forever. Dr Kisito Okpere you are my Hero, my Friend and my father, your work you began on your pilgrims on Earth, the values of integrity and honesty you have taught me, I would set these values as a monument in Syntechsys International Limited as your Legacy forever. Thank you very much for all you have done for me. Your Son, Dr Kingsley Abhulimen courtesy of Board of Syntechsys Global Network Inc USA and Syntechsys International Limited, Nigeria. syntechsysglobal@gmail.com, a world of solutions. www.syntechsysworld.com

I am deeply saddened by the sudden departure of Dr Kisito Okpere, which came as a rude reminder of the fragility of our lives on this earth.

A man of high integrity, quiet dignity and noble disposition, he was one of the most intelligent and most knowledgeable persons I ever interacted with during my long career in Shell, rounding these qualities off with great eloquence and strong convictions. So, he could easily have been forgiven if he had been an arrogant man. Yet, on the contrary, he was such a courteous and patient person and would, despite his often exacting schedule, create the time and make the effort to enlighten or coach his subordinates without lording it over them.

To his family and all of us that interacted with him, let’s take heart in the belief that he has gone on to a far better place.

Adieu Dr Kisito Okpere. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Ihendu Ogba

Daddy, I like many others fondly call you except for mine was with exclusivity because you also fathered me from when I was about 6yrs old. As little as I was back then, I felt your impact so much that it strikes me like you were my biological father. A lot to talk about you dad, but words fail me because my eyes sting with tears and my heart heavy with grief even as smile etch through my face because I never knew I would be doing this writeup reminiscing on how you’ve been an angle, a father, an uncle and a friend. Let me start from my childhood in 1984 when you thought me how to use a phone (those of us that were opportune) at Ogunu precisely no. 4 Escravos close, still remember the phone number (4849) doubt if uncle Eugene, Aunty Bernadine or Lucile could still remember the number (lol). I was opportune to be taken by dad and most times mum to school then in Nana Pri. School Warri, mummy was a senior teacher in Hussey College Warri too, a rare privilege to be driven to or brought back from school in a Peugeot saloon car or Volkswagen Beetle. When I lost my dad in 1985, I remembered dad consoling me and telling me my father was in heaven, didn’t understand then because I was still too small to understand what death was while driving me back from my hometown Uli in Ihiala Anambra state after my dads burial. He was my father’s bosom friend and most times he looks at me, he call me my father’s name, Mike. Dad, twice you gave me a VIP reception when I needed assistance by asking me to come to NAL Tower Building in Lagos and while in your meeting you stepped out to pray for me and handed me much more than I requested. The other time was in 2000 when i told you about my final year project and requested I come see you and to my surprise you suggested that since I studied computer science why don’t I buy my own computer, I was discombobulated at your suggestion only for you to ask how much I could buy one and I went for a lesser option of cloning N30,000.00 instead of buying a brand new one N60,000. You suggested I cloned if I wished and used the balance to buy a programming book Visual Basic 6 (while we were programming in outdated FORTRAN) which was a breakthrough for me. You can imagine I only needed N20,000 for my project, only to be mesmerized by dads support both financially and morally. I was posted to Osun state to do my NYSC and ran to tell daddy I didn’t like my place of service only to be encouraged by daddy and mummy’s prayers that there is a reason. I was posted there, only to receive a call one day in my remote area of service with no network service, but dads call came through informing me that Adrian had also been posted to Osun state, after dads call network service disappeared from the my phone. It was a miraculous call, thanks I had a witness else no one would have believed me. Served with Adrian dutifully, though ahead by a batch. Dad paid my first house rent after I informed him I had gotten a job as a support, dad was my marriage sponsor and even supported me tremendously. Daddy didn’t fail to ask and pray for me and my family all the time. Least I miss out, I left the catholic faith some time ago before I got married and told dad, he made a bet with me that I will surely come back and indeed his words came through when I married my lovely wife, a catholic. In deed dad was always there for me as a father, a friend, an uncle and a mentor. So sad to miss you and more painful I won’t see you until that glorious day. Good bye Dr. Kosito Okpere....

Tribute! Tribute!
Daddy Dr kizito Okpere, you bear the proof of God's existence in the world. made yourself good instrument in God's hands, you used to bring about meaningful purposes out of meaninglessness and inanes, which would have been existential lot of many today in our society. You gave to the mournful love, where there is hatred, peace and serenity to the troubled hearts. You were always interested in the growth and development of everyone you encounter. You have been my spiritual director, a mentor, sponsor and motivator par excellence. When I met you for an advice, over my vocational challenges after delivering a talk during 2016 life in the spirit saminer, of the Catholic charismatic Renewal, Church of the Assumption Falomo. You told me to remain resolute, and offer my whole being as a living sacrifice to God. Since then you have been good and loving, a quintessential father. Mighty and strong pillars holding up my vocational discernment in the seminary. You were an embodiment of spirituality, your philanthropic mind is incorruptible, severally you would donate money, gift items and other valuables to poor and needy both in the church and the larger society. You were always fixing issues at the right time. Obviously Daddy! You had made me to believe that the earth can actually satisfy all human needs in every ramifications and not human greeds. You have attained a glorious pinnacle, Academically, economically, morally and spiritually. A feat most can not in this our contemporary era. As a Star father and fervent believer in the supremacy of the almighty God, your Saintly live on earth have gained you union with the heavenly Saints where you will ever live in the glories of the eternal Kingdom. Now, mummy Zena! Be consoled, having the faith in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. I solemnly summit to divine will, through whom all things came into being and shall also have its end. May your pure soul remain in the peace of Christ!!
Nwafor Linus O.

From: Engr. Obi Nwasike

“Tribute to Dr Kisito Okpere

I have known him from when I was about 25 years old. I am now nearly 66, ie for over 40 years he has been in my life. I was a trainee oil and gas engineer at the beginning. Today I am an oil and gas consultant. I give the primary gratitudefor my successes to Kisito, the name he insisted we all call him over the years. He was a unique professional par excellence. Along the way there were no equals, he stood out. Over years he supervised me either directly or indirectly in the oil and gas industry. The strong attributes of ethical behaviour which we all worked with were inspired by him. He gave praise where it was earned and reprimanded us at the appropriate time. The leadership skills I learned from him have kept me going till today. He added much value to my career and that of others. We will surely miss him as he goes home but I am reassured that God has taken home a good man to be at rest after his years of labour. By the grace of God, he will be at rest in the bosom of God and our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Salon and amen.

Engr. Obi Nwasike
Ex Mamager in Shell Nigeria”

Dr K.O. Okpere was so caring, honest and of high integrity. His brain power was unparalleled. He lived his life serving the LORD and humanity faithfully. He made it possible for many of us to transfer from SPDC to SNEPCo in those early days of SNEPCo and groomed us to be very competent in deepwater development. For me particularly, he made sure I moved from HSE Department to Subsea Systems Engineering in OML 118 Development Department. Dr Kizito Okpere believed in the efficacy of prayers that he joined in prayer meetings to pray for the survival and prosperity of SNEPCo, his position as the CEO notwithstanding. God used him tremendously to lay a solid foundation for SNEPCo as a great company that it is today after taking over from Dr Lalude. May our good and holy God grant the wife, children and grandchildren the fortitude to be bear this irreparable loss. Dearly beloved brother in the LORD, you really fought a good fight, kept the faith and now resting in bosom of the LORD. The Memory of the Just is blessed.

Dr Kisito Okpere...An Angel in my hour of great need!

I can never forget our very first interaction, NEVER! I had finished attending the evening mass at Holy Cross on catholic mission street close to Marina where he worked, and as I made for the gate, I greeted him and he asked me where I was headed. At this point I never really knew who he was. I told him I was going to take a bus to Obalende and then to Falomo. He offered to drop me, and thus started my remarkable relationship with him.

The blue Honda Civic was parked at the parking lot of the church. As I tried to grab the door on the back seat, I saw a mountain of files and papers and he suggested I sat in front with the driver instead.

“So, young man what do you do?” he asked.
“Technically nothing, I “work” at a computer center for free” I said.

It had been very challenging getting a place for my primary assignment as a corp member prior, let alone a job then. So I was freelancing at a computer center around the Lagos high court around Igbosere/ Simpson street axis.

Just as we almost got to Falomo, to attend the Charistmatic fellowship, he offered me his card and said:

“Here is my card, you never know when an opportunity will come up, just keep in touch”

I kept the card, but never really gave it a thought until about 2 weeks later, when I was in a discussion with Bro Victor Agbogun, about how challenging getting something worthwhile to do was for me. When I mentioned that I had met a man that gave me his card he got startled when I showed him the card.

“Oh Charles? How did you get this card…waoh! Call him ASAP’. This was pre-mobile phone era, so I could not just call him on the go.

Holy cross was my parish and I always went for evening masses which provided the opportunity for our chance meeting but I attended the Charismatic fellowship in the Church of Assumption Falomo only when I wasn’t in school (Uniben). I later joined the Teaching ministry there, of which Dr Okpere and his wife were one of the leaders and Adrian his son was also a member. Hitherto, I did not really know who he was then, but I was blown off by his meekness, his soundness of mind, the delivery of his teachings and more so his devotion and spirituality. He was a very cerebral being, a quality I adore!

By the time I finally called him, he asked me to drop my papers at the office in Marina. I hurriedly did that, since it was just a stone throw from my home. He eventually called the land line number I gave him and asked me to come to his office. On reaching there, he was in his elements; soft-spoken and unassuming. He picked up his phone and said to the person on the other end:

“Could you come to my office”.

A dutch man walked in minutes later and he said to him:

“Charles will be working under you”.

And thus started my short career stint at SNEPCO. A lot of people in the company actually thought I was related to him, because of the uncommon access he gave me to his office.

Months later, I had an opportunity to move to Norway and unsure of how to break the news to him. I eventually mentioned it to him because I didn’t want him to feel the opportunity he gave me was taken for granted. In his fatherly voice, he said;

“Potentially it is a great opportunity, you should consider taking it”.

I felt relieved I eventually told him, but he felt he could have done more if only I had involved him in my plans earlier enough.

“If you had told me I would have bought the ticket with my frequent flyer cub membership”.

He pulled the drawer by his desk, and spontaneously pulled out 88K,:

“Use this as basic travel allowance” he said.

He had a great impact on my journey through life and I have never met anyone so humble, so generous and so God fearing. Even though I was a complete stranger.. he was my angel in my time of great need.

May his soul rest in peace.

Charles Adagbon
Sweden

A TRIBUTE TO DR. KISITO OKPERE:
I had known Dr Kisito Okpere and his twin-like younger brother, Eugene, since our days at St. Anthony's Catholic Primary school, Uromi. I happened to have arrived this material world just one month before him. But our paths did not regularly cross again until 1991 when I joined Shell, Port Harcourt as Head Security at which time Kisito was already a Manager. The disparity in status not withstanding, he (in company of his dear wife) would reciprocate my visits to their house after, at most, two visits to theirs. To crown it all, each visit either way, was always concluded with a prayer at Kisito's instance. His conversations were always as pious and altruistic as his practical acts of kindness demonstrated every time I or others had occasion to invite him to a ceremony. I was truly humbled by his matter-of-fact humility. 
On a work related front, the following reference will suffice: In December 1994, at the Shell Residential Area, a domestic fatality, involving an expatriate,s wife, occurred. And in spite of the overwhelming evidence by the Nigeria Police against her husband as the prime and only suspect, some highly placed kinsman of the suspect attempted to thwart the course of justice. The only member of the Divisional Management Team courageous enough to speak up for justice was Kisito. He insisted the law should be allowed to take its course instead of looking for an imaginary scapegoat.
At Uromi, his hometown, and in admiration of his saintly conduct, Dr.Kisito Okpere was fondly referred to as "a living Saint". I am therefore confident that, as a living saint, Kisito has gone to live eternally in the abode of the Celestial Saints. Adieu Kisito the Pious; Adieu Kisito the Spiritual Pathfinder and Encourager of the entire Okpere Dynasty. Continue to rest in peace, my dear brother. Prince Matthew Ahianba.

Shocked to hear and difficult to bear, but Joy in the assurance that Kisito has gone to join the Saints Triumphant!
He lives on as he continues to inspire us to a life of Service – To God and to man.
May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.
May the good Lord console the families he has left behind - immediate, extended, and non-blood!

A true follower of Christ – A Tribute from Austin Nnoli

Daddy, as I fondly call you, I really will miss you a lot! What a blessing to have known you and learnt from you. You graciously agreed to be my marriage sponsor/Godfather a few months after I met you. I was overjoyed by your acceptance because I saw in you a role model, a true example of a follower of Christ. Humble, soft-spoken, kind, helpful, yet you carried a powerful aura and presence.

The depth and breadth of your teachings during each year’s Life in The Spirit Seminar showed your meticulousness, attention to detail and the commitment you had to Christ.

You took nothing and no-one for granted. You’ve impacted so many lives and the testimonies of those who came in contact with you bear witness to that.

It’s tough to take in, but it’s an inevitability, though we wish you would have stayed longer with us. Continue to rest with the Lord and pray for us to emulate Christ like you did. – Austin Nnoli

An amazing model for Catholic men - A tribute from Ekanem Nakanda

Sir, your reputation preceded you. I first heard about you in Catholic circles and was intrigued by your sense of ethics and commitment to living the Faith!

Years later I sat by this elderly gentleman at a LIFE Retreat who had highlighted his dog-eared Bible back and front (one has to be immersed in Scripture to do that!). It turned out he was you, the DR. OKPERE I'd heard so much about, an amazing model for Catholic men! In spite of your larger-than-life personality and professional standing, I saw you give a listening ear to all those around you, the few times I attended LIFE General Meetings. I recall a brief but blessed interaction my Mum and I had with you and your wife. You
embodied the saying: "The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men."

My condolences go to your wife, Mrs. Okpere, all your children, family, friends and colleagues. May the Good LORD comfort them all, as He gives you a special place in Eternal Glory, Amen - Ekanem Nakanda

We now have an ambassador in heaven – A tribute from Bonny A.J. Orduh

I may be at odds to say congratulations to Catholic Charismatic Renewal Jesus Light of
the Nations, Church of Assumption Falomo and L. I. F. E. Outreach because they now have an Ambassador in heaven by the transition of Dr. Okpere to Eternal Glory.

I read most of his teachings and writings especially on the Holy Spirit. I always tell my wife, Christy, that to me, he is the Holy Spirit Specialist. He won many souls for Christ through his teachings and exemplary life of Christ. Thanks to Almighty God for bestowing him with the Crown of Glory. Praise the Lord !!! – Bonny A.J. Orduh

We will miss him so much – A tribute from Friends of the Disabled

We are saddened to hear of the passing to Eternal Glory of our foremost benefactor, Dr. Kisito Okpere. We recall how hard it was for us to get water for the less privileged when we moved from Car-park 4 to our present site. Dr. Kisito Okpere after paying a visit provided us water with water tanks until we were able to sink a borehole.

He helped create the wheelchair-friendly environment in the Centre we have now, by funding the installation of interlocking tiles at the Centre. Dr. Kisito did not stop at this, he came with his wife Mrs. Zena Okpere to pray in the Centre to ensure God’s presence and Love amongst the less privileged.

We will miss him so much and pray that our Faithful God have mercy on him and give him Eternal rest. We also ask God to give his wife and Children the fortitude to bear the loss. May His gentle and humble soul rest in Perfect Peace – Friends of the Disabled Charity Centre

A man of deep faith, transparent honesty, hardworking and unassuming – A tribute from Tersugh Emmanuel Chia

Dr. Kisito Okpere, you were a pillar and beacon of hope to many of us who today are in
different life endeavours. Words cannot express my feelings and deep pain when the news of your departure from this world came to me.
My study at the University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria was made possible through your
generosity and support. Immediately after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I was employed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. And when I took the decision to resign from my appointment, I was afraid to inform you of my decision.

However, you got wind of the information that I had been admitted into the Holy Ghost
Postulancy, Yola, Adamawa State, and when I was on vacation in Lagos, you invited me to your office at African Capital Alliance Oil and Gas, Victoria Island, Lagos, and informed me that you were very impressed with my decision. You made it clear to me that you would foot all my bills until my ordination. You were faithful to your words as you provided everything I needed on my journey to the Priesthood and also ensured that the reception on the day of my ordination was successful. You facilitated my arrival to Ethiopia, my place of missionary assignment, by giving me sufficient resources to enable me settle down on arrival to the missions.

I am a happy and humble graduate of the University of Benin and a Catholic missionary
today because of the tremendous sacrifice you made and the seed you sowed in faith, knowing fully well that the discernment to the Priesthood is fluid and uncertain. This
notwithstanding, you kept to your word.

Brother Kisito as I usually called you, you were a man of deep faith, transparent honesty,
hardworking and unassuming. Your labour of love would surely not go unrewarded as
the doors of heaven are widely opened for you. REST IN PEACE. May the angels welcome you, because you furnished your room in your Father’s mansion before you departed. St Paul states in Roman 14:8 that “if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Either in life or in death, we belong to the Lord” Rest in peace – Rev. Fr. Tersugh Emmanuel Chia CSSp, Administrator, Dhadim Catholic School, Yabello, Ethiopia

A beautiful Christian life of service to God and neighbor – A tribute from Elaine Azinge

My children and I commiserate with our beloved mother Mrs Zena Okpere and the
entire family on the transition of their husband and father, Dr Kisito Okpere. We thank God for his beautiful Christian life of service to God and neighbour. The Okpere home was second home for my children and I when we lost our father in 1991. It was there we were consoled, taught how to pray and stabilized until we were able to stand on our own. May the Good Lord reward them and grant the soul of Dr Okpere eternal rest. - Elaine Azinge and Family.

He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith – A tribute from Festus Onyegbuchulam

We are not going to mourn you Brother Kisito Okpere, rather we are going to celebrate
you. You were a true Christian both in words and actions. You were an epitome of humility and generous to a fault. You served God through humanity.
As St. Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy, chapter 4, verse 7 says, Brother Kisito, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and you have kept the faith. My prayer for you brother is that God Almighty will give you that crown of righteousness which He has kept for you in His kingdom.

May God comfort sister Zena and the entire family. Adieu brother Kisito Okpere - Brother Festus Onyegbuchulam, Jesus Light of the Nations Prayer Group, Catholic Church of the Assumption, Falomo.

A role model and mentor - A tribute from Ikechukwu Ochiabor

I was dumbfounded to hear you've passed on to glory. I thought it was a dream. But the reality became a fact. Well, God knows the best and has taken you to a better place.

You indeed fought a good fight of faith. You are a disciple of Christ Jesus par excellence. A role model and mentor. Your commitment to the cause of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Catholic Church in general is unequalled.

Highly placed in the society, yet so humble that you related with all, with no class distinction in your former role as teaching ministry leader, and Coordinator of the entire prayer group of
the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at the Church of Assumption, Falomo Ikoyi Lagos. In fact I kept wondering how you managed your time, such that you were present in our many programs.

Your generosity was amazing and you have touched so many lives. Your residence in Ikoyi was a permanent venue for all our night vigils that could not be held in the church and we always looked forward to the breakfast that followed in the morning.

We have lost a rare gem. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen! - Brother IK
Ochiabor, Teaching Ministry Leader, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Church of the Assumption, Falomo.

The Soldier of Our Lord Jesus Christ – A tribute from Patrick Andoya

I’m still in shock and deeply saddened by the death of Brother Kisito Okpere, a God-fearing man whom I consider as a worthy role model and father. Could there be any man so humble, caring and with so much zeal for the work of God, as late Brother Okpere?

Daddy, your faith, depth of wisdom and knowledge of the word of God, raised you as
the General in the Lord’s Army. You emptied yourself completely for God, and impacted
everyone that encountered you, through your practical life of humility and love. You were a great mentor. You motivated me, enabled me, supported me and always provided a shoulder for me to lean on in times of difficulties. You indeed touched my life.

The day I heard that you passed on was the day I realized I lost one of the most important persons in my life, but I take solace in the fact that you left us with a legacy of Character and Faith, and I am convinced that you are in the warm embrace of the Lord. I pray you find rest in the bosom of the Lord.

This is really a tough time for Mummy Zena and the Okperes. On behalf of my wife and family, I extend our heartfelt condolences and I pray God comforts you all, Amen – Patrick Andoya

The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God - A tribute from Geraldine Wey

The news thundered into my ears and ripped through my household. A soldier of Christ was gone. A true witness to the gospel he proclaimed ... had gone to be with his Lord. We were sad.

I woke up the next morning, which was the Memorial of St Maximilian Kolbe but the
readings taken at that online Mass I attended, were the alternative readings which I have
posted below.
The first reading was from Wisdom 3:1-9, part of which reads: “The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster,
their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace”.

The Responsorial Psalm was from Psalm 116, vs 15 of which says “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints”.

The Gospel was from John 15:12-16 - “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (v12). “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide” (v16a)

For me, this was a message from God as most of the Catholic world took different readings that day. I decided to post it because I believe that God called his son to himself.

Dr. Okpere represented to us a dyed-in-the-wool, unshakable soldier of Christ with all
the qualities of a leader in the household of God. Of calm disposition, a man of integrity, filled with godly wisdom; prayerful, humble and utterly generous. He gave and gave and gave. He indeed chose the better part and God took him before sickness could torment his flesh. Indeed, "The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them."

I pray the Lord to comfort Auntie Zena and the entire clan, the Renewal, as well as individuals who have encountered the Okpere Love in Jesus name. Amen. – Geraldine Wey

A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER, DR. OKPERE
(From: Rev. Fr. John Nubari Poroma)
Yes, from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans " The life of each of us has its influence on others"; Engr. Dr. Kisito Okpere was a Divine gift to the world. Iam a living testimony and a beneficiary of a humble, kind, generous and a man of prayer. In 1993 as one of the pioneering students of Port Harcourt diocesan School of Evangelization i met Dr. Okpere and wife (my mother). Dr. Okpere, a God sent in my life when in my quest for job in his office at Shell, God spoke through Okpere in what appeared like a prophetic message "Go I will not give you work, God has a higher plan for you". And today iam a Catholic Priest. And i still meditates on this statement till date. Dr. Okpere's love, care and generosity before and during my years of formation in the Seminary, my ordination and in the ministry, were better experienced than expressed.
Dear Lord, words can't express the life of my father, Dr. Okpere. With tears of joy in my heart thank you MASTER JESUS for such a good man. Rest in peace my father.
From: Rev.Fr. John Nubari Poroma, St. Paul's Parish, Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt

From Michael Eghre-Bello - A TRIBUTE TO DR. KIZITO OKPERE: A truly distinguished man.
You never gave me a chance to say thank you for ensuring I got my first job as contract Reservoir Engineer with Shell, SNEPCO in 1998. The tribalists thought they had succeeded in ridding me of the opportunity until you came to my rescue. After scoring me as the most qualified at the interviews, they brought forward the name of the least qualified at the interview for endorsement of the candidate’s employment letter by Dr. Kizito Okpere. Oga Kizito, you spotted the fraud right away and requested for the details of all the interviewed candidates. It was shocking to find that the same panel that scored me as best candidate offered the job to someone else who did not even qualify to be interviewed going by the specifications for the job. I found out a month after resumption because my boss could not hide his dislike for me. A few colleagues I trusted told me all about what happened concerning my employment. This tribute will be too long if I go on to describe how I was terribly abused by my immediate boss. When I tried to see Oga Kizito to thank him, he simply told his secretary to tell me it was not necessary that he knew why I came to see him and everything was fine, that I should just go and do my job. I never said thank you face to face. Thank you sir for starting up my Petroleum Engineering career which has taken me around the world and making me a fulfilled person. Only God knows where I would have been if not for you. God has reserved the choicest spot for you in heaven. Rest in peace sir. Thanks again sir for giving me a great career, and the interesting part of it all is that you never even knew me.

Faithfully yours,
Michael Eghre-Bello

Here goes a Nigerian without guile. A man who lights the candle for all who crossed his path. A listener with sympathetic ears and elastic patience. Faithful, forthright and Godly. An epitome of decency, honesty and humility. Quick to lend a hand. A father figure, friend and confidant. A secretly admired brilliant mind with gentle mien that bellies his courage and strength of character. Dr. Kisito Okpere radiated natural love and was very much at home with making tough choices.
Mourn and grieve we must, but let’s not forget what he left behind for us; clean works and impeccable records, as he bows out in a blaze of glory.
Adieu “Our Boss”
We know that soon, you will begin to intercede for us from heaven. Amen!

'Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.' Shannon Alder

The late Kisito Okpere exemplifies these words. A true leader, kind hearted, patient, supportive but firm. In my encounters with him as a young Engineer in Port Harcourt, and as one of the Nigerian Engineers who joined Bonga Main project in Shell Deepwater Services, I learned a lot and benefitted immensely from his vision for Nigerians. Truely a remarkable leader and gentleman that one cannot forget so easily. We pray that his soul finds rest in paradise as his journey continues, Amen.

TRIBUTE TO DR KISITO OSIERHUDUTE OKPERE

AN ICON IS NO MORE

When the news of the demise of Dr Okpere got to me, I could not believe it and my eyes were filled with tears and I could not break the news to my wife immediately but she knew that something was wrong because I went quiet and withdrawn.
Eventually, I broke the news to her and she broke down in tears. What did she say “Ha how can? How can Dr Okpere die? You mean people like that die? Ha Death is wicked”

As a pioneer staff of SNEPCo all the way from the deepwater team in Port Harcourt, I was opportune to work with three MDs and Dr Okpere was one of them. He succeeded Dr Lalude, the pioneer SNEPCo MD.
Dr Okpere encouraged all staff in the company irrespective of your position. In spite of his no 1 position in the company we did not see him use that position to maltreat anyone.
All through the time I worked and interacted with him, I did not hear or see him get angry to the extent of raising his voice at anyone. He was very gentle, always helpful to all staff not minding whether you are expat or NS, low or high in the system.
We enjoyed going to work and putting in extra hours for a great and soft spoken BOSS. He was straightforward in his dealings, transparent, forthright and stood for and defended truth.
During my career in SNEPCo, Dr Okpere personally ensured that I left on cross posting. He started by trying to get me a place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) working from London. The DRC posting was delayed and the USA Deepwater posting materialized. Dr Okpere singularly ensured that the Niger Delta Team became one of the Deepwater Teams in the Shell Deepwater Centre of Excellence in Houston Texas. He moved an army of SNEPCo staff to Houston in January 2000 to start a Nigeria Deepwater Team under my leadership. How can I forget that aspect of my life that Dr Okpere personally midwifed to fruition which turned out to be a positive turning point in my Shell career. May your wonderful soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
He was a devout Christian and he practiced Christianity to the core. Once my wife had some medical issues and had to undergo surgical intervention in the Freeman House Medical facility on the 5th floor. I was worried and had to inform Dr Okpere in his office. As I was about to leave his office, he called me back, shut the door and said, Emmanuel come and let us pray and commit the surgery to God to take absolute control. After the prayers, I broke down in tears not because I was worried about the surgery but I asked myself a simple question: “What manner of man is this? “ treating me like his family member. Since then, I have never met another Dr Kizito Okpere to date.
To the family who have lost a husband, father, brother, uncle, grand father etc., I agree that we all have lost an Iroko and only God will grant us all the fortitude to bear this great and painful loss.

I thank God for Dr Okpere’s exemplary life, our prayer is that God almighty should accept him in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal peace.


From Dr Emmanuel Enu

A wonderful, God-fearing, prayerful and saintly man is gone but he lives forever. Dr. Okpere, though you have left this mortal life, your saintly virtues render you immortal in the heart of all who knew you. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the earthly race, may the Lord welcome you into his heavenly kingdom and grant you eternal rest.
My prayers and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Zena Okpere and the entire Okpere's family.

Late Dr. Kisito Okpere was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary personality, I have known him for about 38 years and we were both members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Group, Warri branch in the early 1980s were we both served as core leaders under his overall leadership. Dr. Kisito Okpere was a true child of God and a true believer in Christ who dedicated his entire life even at the point of his final departure from this sinful world towards the services of God and humanity. He was exceptionally intelligent, kind hearted and humble. Of all the persons I have had the opportunity to interact and associated myself with in the past 40 years be they Christian brothers and sisters, friends, work colleagues and family members none compare with Dr. Kisito Okpere in terms of service to God, humility, generosity and kindness. It will not be out of place for me to say here without any form of contradiction that whatever successes I may have achieved in life today both spiritually, materially and otherwise would not have been possible without the support and immense contribution of Dr. Kisito Okpere, he was always there for me. I will forever remain grateful to him.
Obulu my dearly beloved brother, Okinbue my father in the Lord, Adieu my good friend, Good bye my great mentor.
Rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet again to part no more.
Chief Abraham Jimawo (JP)

Exit of Dr. Kisito Okpere - a beloved brother.
It was with an unexplainable shock that Ibiye and I received the unexpected news of the passing on to glory of our dear brother, friend, confidant - Dr. Kisito Okpere. What a passing on to glory of one of God’s proud sons! Bro. Kisito lived a practical Christian life exhibiting the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in all his activities. He did not manifest this fruit only in his Christian activities by also at work. Bro Kisito was a defender of the oppressed, truthfully honest, extreme believer of justice and unashamedly close to all irrespective of ethnic backgrounds, colour, shape, levels, status, Christian beliefs etc. What a loss to mankind!!!
I knew Bro Kisito when I was in the Engineering department in Lagos albeit for a short time providing procurement support to Engineering projects in the middle 70s. I was deeply impressed with his humility, patience and ability to listen and understand my role as an engineering project procurement support. He provided the leadership and the opportunities that I needed to succeed on the job. However, we became closer when my family and I went on cross-posting to The Hague in 1989. We needed a long-time permanent accommodation. Bro Kisito and family were about relocating back to Nigeria. He exhibited his patience again by letting us know the pros and cons of moving into their house that they were to vacate. We had no problems in accepting his free advice and moved in into the house. Sister Zena immediately arranged for my wife (Ibiye) to join the Ladies Bible Study group held in the same house. What an embodiment of Christian principles.
Bro. Kisito provided the Christian support during the point in my life when I needed it most. He listened to me, he was willing to offer me opportunities in SNEPCO. When I decided not to accept his offer but to leave SPDC to join my family in Australia in 1998 he was still willing to provide the support and counselling that I needed most at that time. He was a people’s man who believed in justice and equity. I was not surprised when he accepted to chair the send-off party organised for me when I left SPDC in 1998. What an enviable and enduring legacy he left in the minds of my family, I, friends and colleagues. He was generous and we were still in communication up till September 2019. He lived as is stated in Psalm 82:3–4 (NIV) - ‘Defending the weak and the fatherless; upholding the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescuing the weak and the needy; delivering them from the hand of the wicked’.

Our brother Kisito has fought his good fight, he has finished his race. It is left for us to keep the faith.
I implore all of us to continue to show love and support to our dear sister (Mrs Zena Okpere) his widow and to their children, grandchildren and extended clan as they miss such an important member of their family. Thank you all for rising to this challenge and opportunities.
Bye our dear brother, mentor and friend; bye Bro Kisito.

God bless you all.
Gbenga, Ibiye Oduko and family
(Australia)

Dr. Kisito Okpere is an unforgettable person!
He impacted our lives in more ways than I can mention. He convinced my husband and the family to take on an expatriate assignment for Shell Nigeria in 1999. Because of you Dr. Okpere, my children have a strong sense of belonging to Nigeria and wear that identity proudly.
My husband and I are eternally grateful to you.
I write this on behalf of my late husband - Dr. Oliver Onyewuenyi. I was personally grateful to see you and Aunty Zena at Amaorie Obibiezena in Owerri, Imo State for his burial in December 2019.
Who would have thought that you will be joining him in blessed memory so soon.
From what I know of you and your spiritual walk with God, I am fully persuaded that you are resting in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Enjoy your constant time in His presence.
Until we meet again,

Dr Lilybell Onyewuenyi (Oliver’s wife)

I never had the previllage to meet Sir Kisito one on one but knows his son Adrian whom I have very close relationship with not only as my player but the Captain, the fulcrum of my great team - SMFC. He's an embodiment of Godliness, goodness and great respect for the dignity and development of mankind and of all that he comes across. So I see late Sir Kisito now through Adrian and I know he must have done much more in the development of mankind and the world in general. I therefore pray asking God Almighty to please grant the gentle soul of our father, Sir Kisito eternal and peacefull rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen!! Praying also, asking God to please comfort his entire family for the great loss. My sincere regards to the entire household. Adieu PAPA KISITO.

Kisito, We were shocked to hear of your passing. However, we are confident that your gentle soul rests in the bosom of the Lord, and this gives us great comfort. Your influence on our lives and careers was profound, both directly as Line Supervisor / Manager, and remotely, as ‘a shining example on the hill’ of hard work, dedication to duty, fairness, professionalism, integrity and most importantly, faith in God.

I, Debo, recall being assigned to work with you at Ughelli, in 1974, as pre-University Industrial Trainee in Shell. I recall, with fond memories, driving around with you to work locations, where you introduced me to the basic concepts of oil and gas engineering, needing to explain them to me patiently, as my theoretical foundations were very inadequate. I will always remember our table tennis games after work, with me and your mostly younger colleagues. You had a unique style which I remember till today. You subsequently went on to influence my career very positively, literally, to my last day in Shell.

I, Beatrice, recall with awe and respect, your reputation as a brilliant, forthright, disciplined leader and Manager. During engagements with you in attendance, I was always very impressed. I will keep fond memories of all the times during which I came under your influence.

May God grant Zena and the family all the strength they need. Amen. Rest In Peace. Debo & Beatrice.

May God accept his gentle soul in Heaven. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen!

I also pray for his family, that God grant them the grace to bear this loss, but filled with the hope that only Our Lord can give. 

Tribute to Dr. Kisito Okpere by Mr Sam and Mrs Ann Efeturi

I met Kisito Okpere in Shell Warri, when he took over from Mr. Lalude as Engineering Manager.
My first encounter was when he returned my Draft Tender document on a major project within 2 hours of my submission, fully marked up with his comments. At first I felt insulted, that what took me almost a month of day and night intensive work was returned to me only after 2 hours of review. Then I began to go through his comments and I became very sober at his very pointed and clear discoveries of ommissions and mistakes. He had comments on the first page and the last page. I was flabbergasted. From that day he earned my total respect. After my final draft he congratulated me for for a very good job! Good job? I wondered. After the award of the contract, he told me that because of my knowledge of the tender conditions and scope, he was sure that I would be able to handle the very tough Contractor that won the job. Nevertheless, he warned me to be very strict on applying all conditions of the Contract and promised to back me up. He told me not to hesitate to refer any issues I will encounter to him. What an inspiration he was to me to pursue the Right and Correct and act Confidently.

Kisito was a man after the best for himself as well as for his children and family and others. When they discovered that our children were holding a Christian teenagers fellowship in our house in Shell estate Rumukrushe, Port-Harcourt, they supported the involvement of their daughter. That brought Kizito's family closer to my family. Kisito and his wife Zena were such a clean and open hearted people. They were delightsome. Both of them had a smile and laughter that was always very soothing to see and hear. We thank God for making us friends.

After some years, Kisito was now Technical Manager in the Eastern Division of Shell operations in Nigeria. He welcomed every staff to his office without protocols and for any matter, work or personal.
I went to inform him that I had a call from God to go into full time Pastoral Ministry. He welcomed the information but advised me to wait a few more months when I could be considered for a severance package. I told him that it would not be honourable for me and my call. He thought for a very brief moment and told me okay. He wished me well and prayed for success. Immediately after, I tendered my early retirement application which my Manager turned down until I told him that I had Kizito's concurrence. He signed and Kisito endorsed my early retirement and off i went into full time Ministry. 

Years after, Kisito was now Director of SNEPCo, I was back to Kisito as directed by God. I had issues with the landlord of the place of gathering in the local branch of the Ministry I was leading. I reported late for our Annual Convention because I tried so hard to resolve the issue and relocate our place of gathering before leaving my Station for the Annual Convention. However, my delegate went ahead of me to convey to the Senior Pastor the whole situation. When I eventually arrived at the Convention, the Senior Pastor suspected me of intending to break away and told me that I had his approval to take the branch and rename the church as I wanted. At this point, I reckoned that our relationship could not be fostered under such conditions of mistrust, so I explained to him that I would rather take leave from the Ministry to pray and seek God for further direction. We packed out of the Ministry accommodation and were squatting with a family friend. For almost 6months I waited on God until I heard Him tell me go to Kisito.
After explaining to Kisito, he was disappointed about the situation and asked me what next and whether I was prepared to do contract work. I told him yes and he immediately set me up to start work in SNEPCo on his own recommendation. Thus I was saved from a very embarrassing situation.
Kisito was ever ready to do good and help whenever and to whomsoever he could.

I have been young and now I am old, I have never seen God forsake the righteous.
God has the back of Kizito's family.
Such a family will be full of the love of God. And God's love is very strong. May our God comfort them.

We will all miss him.

Mr Sam and Mrs Ann Efeturi.

Dr. Okpere was a man that commanded so much respect with his candour, maturity, perspective, experience, friendliness, hardwork, leadership, Christian and ethical values, sense of humour, and more. He was a consummate professional, but without any fuss a father figure. We will miss you at LeLaw, and I cant even imagine how much your dear family and the Vertex family will miss you. We are comforted by the fact that you ran your race very bell and your translation is to a better country. Indeed for you to live is Christ and to die, gain. Good night Sir. The Lord keep all you left behind and your legacy in perfect peace.

A man of very few words but to all who encountered him his actions spoke louder than any words could. He lived by strong values that remained unshakeable till the very end. As a family man he exemplified, integrity, peace, faith, love, kindness, encouragement to the letter. In the workplace he was a man of integrity, discipline, diligence and commitment. In his faith, a lover and disciple of Jesus, an evangelist, faithful in service to God. These are just a few of his values in action that defined his whole life louder than words. He was truly the salt of the earth and a lamp that could not be hidden.
Rest in peace sir.
Nwamaka Onyiuke

Don’t know how to start, it’s been hard to take that such a beautiful soul doesn’t walk this earth anymore. You impacted the lives of anybody who you came in contact with, you were one of a kind. You always put others first and taught us all how to love one and other and be our brothers keeper, but we take comfort that you are by the lord’s side in heaven looking down on us, you will forever be missed, sleep and take your rest. May your soul Rest In Peace, you will always be in our heart. From Paul, Philida, Jaden and Amari

Farewell to a great God fearing, wonderful husband and the best dad. I pray that the Almighty God will accept your gentle soul as you rest in his bosom. May the peace of the Lord be with your wife, children and all close family and friends. I am one of your fans. Rest In Peace

Daddy, I remember your call on May 3rd, 2019 after Evangelization ministry was established in our community and the leadership put in place. You were excited and Called to pray with me. After the prayer, we talked some more, you promised to make a few materials available to give me heads up.At morning mass the next morning, It turned out that you handed me an encyclopedia of resources. Well, the journey started.
I heard your words clearly then, daddy and your last words on Thursday August 6,2020 that the mission is not bound by time or season...neither Location nor the Seasons of the year Must stop the mission.
Thank you for the fond godly memories you left us. They will forever be cherished.
Rest on SOLDIER of Christ.

FROM LIFE TO BETTER LIFE
To God be the glory as our brother/friend Dr Kisito goes home to occupy the house he has been building from earth. Brother Kisito motivated me into the Cath. Charismatic Renewal in 1985 at Ojojo Primary School.Warri the venue for our fellowship. Then i had thought that the Renewal was for desperate,frustrated men and women,applicants,widows and not for three star generals like us then until I met Dr Okpere the then coordinator. His gentility,enviable clean manner of approach,his decency and Saintly,infectious smile at welcoming new commers arrested my Spirit. I never imagined that a boss who could settle my 2yrs salary even at that fellowship would still be looking for God.
My God, I gave my life at once to Christ and today I am what I am cos of that contact and decision.
He touched thousands of Lives in various ways.God alone is his witness.
Sister Zenna and Family be consoled,Let your hearts not be troubled (Jn14:1)
Rev3:21-22 says "To him who overcomes I will give the right to sit with me(Christ).
Brother Kisito by God's grace has overcome.
Sister Zenna from now on keep calling upon Jesus in all your challenges, He, your new husband will marry you better. The rest of your life will be sweeter,and full of Joy and Peace.Brother Kizzy rest in peace.
Sir and Lady Noble GIN and ANGELINA NWOGU(St Leo's)

Dear Zena and the Okpere family,

A TRIBUTE TO DR. KISITO OKPERE
A genuinely good man has died! With the death of daddy Kisito, there is a deep feeling of irreparable personal loss and yet a heartfelt gratitude for a legacy of a profound and exemplary life he left behind. Kisito and Zena have always regarded me as family. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to Zena and the entire Okpere family.

I first met Kisito over 15 years ago, since then it has been a great privilege of mentorship and opportunity for spiritual partnership. Daddy Kisito was a man of excellence on all fronts; a man of excellence in his family life, excellence in professional life, excellence in spiritual life and excellence in his relationship with others. And he did all these with a spartan dedication and a saintly devotion. When I think of Kisito; integrity, humility, simplicity, dignity, honesty, charity, decency, prayerfulness, respect, and charity are the virtues that readily come to mind. Having achieved an enviable and successful professional height, yet he was available, accessible, dependable and approachable. I have asked myself, in what sort of furnace was such a genuinely good man as Kisito forged? He was sure God committed some definite purpose to him. He lived and died in service of that purpose, driven by his Christian faith. For this, I am thankful. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:3-4).

Kisito’s life will remain a shining example of a God-driven life. The strength of his devotion and quality of his Catholic faith was profound. Primarily through the Catholic charismatic renewal, his generosity is legendary and selfless, he took his prayer life and life of prayer with a dedication of a saint, he was daily committed to the mass, and the rosary was a constant tool of worship. There was always something about him, an aura of palpable grandeur anchored around a very humbling simplicity. He was a spiritual icon and mentor in many circles, accessed by all looking for spiritual, pastoral counselling, compassionate support and ever-present to all who sought his guidance. Kisito, you relentlessly preached and exalted God’s name, yours will not be forgotten. Like St. Paul, you have finished the race; you have kept the faith. May the crown of righteousness now be yours (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

Mummy Zena, I know of your mutual devotion to each other and the inheritance of faith you both shared. I know your faith and our shared prayers will comfort us all. I pray that you will find peace and comfort that only God can give, and may you also find strength and courage.
Be assured of my prayers for you and the entire Okpere family. May the Risen Christ welcome Kisito Okpere into paradise and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.


Yours in Christ the Redeemer,
Fr. Michael Achile Umameh

TRIBUTE TO DR KIZITO OSEIRHUDUTE OKPERE.
A GIANT GOES HOME.

It is with the rudest shock but with total submission to the perfect will of God, that we heard of the Call to Glory of our Brother, Dr Kizito Okpere; beloved husband of our sister and member Zena.

A brilliant man who had an outstanding education and career, Dr Okpere lived a life of integrity and service to the lord in his profession, career and the church. He was a man who knew his God, and lived and served with purpose. No wonder like Enoch “he walked with God and was not, for God took him” Gen 5:22.

We bless God for a beautiful life well lived, for the joy of a loving family, for the testimonies of his life, service and influence in the community and the household of God. We bless God for he walked the talk.

As he is committed to Mother Earth, we thank God for the host of heaven as they welcome him home singing “Welcome Great Pilgrim of The Night”.

He ran a good race, entered His rest and received his crown. Safe and at rest in the arms of Jesus, heard the Master whom he has seen face to face say “ Well done my Good and Faithful Servant”.

Farewell Great Pilgrim, Soldier of Christ and until we all meet again at the feet of Jesus, we say Goodnight. His memory shall always be a blessing.

BY TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP GROUP LAGOS.

Goodnight Uncle Kizito. May your gentle soul Rest In Perfect Peace. May the good Lord give your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We will always remember you.

My Father My Father the Chariot of Israel and the Horsemen thereof.

Dr Kisito Okpere was the Man I respected the most on the face of the earth.

How can you write about a man who has the fear of God and demonstrates it in every facet of life.

He walked with God and God took him. Each time I see him I praise God for the excellent health of mind and body.

His eyes was not dim. His physical strength did not diminish

A teacher of the word and a great evangelist. A lover of God through his charity to Man. Selfless and always giving.

Words have failed me to give an accurate account of a Man that served God in my presence for more than 13 years.

But one thing I know is that Dr Kisito Okpere has been welcomed into heaven by the soothing words well done thou good and faithful servant

Praise the Lord