Dr EBERECHUKWU INNOCENT OKOYE, will always be remembered by
his family and friends, as a dedicated, focused, loving, very studious,
ever-smiling and very intelligent man. Maybe not enough adjectives to describe
him but to us all he was many good things.
With most of his early life spent growing up in
his home town Azigbo, he was very active amongst his peers, dating from his days
at Amichi Boy's Secondary School, to his zealous activities as an Anglican
youth (AYF), APA, The Boys Brigade Of Nigeria and many other groups in his
early days as a youth.
His keen academic interest soon became very
notable as he aimed for higher academic qualification after every level he
achieved. He obtained his OND and HND at OSISATECH Enugu, yet his passion for
pharmacy was undeterred as he pressed on till he gained admission to his school
of choice, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka -the only Nigerian University - as he
fondly called it. His school days was one of unflinching commitment to
outstanding success. Many course mates seeking clarification on certain areas
of study, often became fond of his company, as he was always willing to offer
his assistance.
He soon graduated from the university and proceeded for a
one-year internship at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi in
the year 2000. His youth service was at Ibadan, Oyo State. Despite his very
studious nature, Dr. Ebere Okoye was a very resourceful person who maximized
every holiday and break to gain more skills. During such times of break which
he either spent with ‘Mama’ at Azigbo or with his uncle’s family at Sapele, he
engaged in learning skills in trade and commerce. At one of such point he managed his uncle,
Lazarus Okoye’s Block Molding factory at Oba, Anambra State, where he helped
revive the fortunes of an almost moribund business venture. He was truly gifted
with an ability to multitask.
Raised by a single mother who was known for her
strict discipline, he also became very popular for his strict adherence to
civil moral rules. He kept very little company and always enjoyed the calmness
of serene environments which was suitable for his many research projects.
After his marriage to his beloved wife Ogechukwu,
at Deeper Life Bible Church, October 2001, he very easily committed to the
teachings of the word by Dr. W. F Kumuyi and he carefully raised his Son
(Makuochukwu) and daughter (Eziomume), in the light of these teachings. He
served God joyfully with his family but in his usual quiet way.
He began his pharmaceutical career after youth
service at Suleja, an adjoining town to the FCT. He worked with Ebona Pharmacy
Stores, alongside the owner Pharm. Mrs Isa and was loved for his dedication.
While on this job, he gained admission into University of Benin, Benin City,
Edo State where he obtained both his Masters and Doctorate degrees.
In 2011, he took up his first lecturing job at Madonna
University Teaching Hospital, Elele in their pharmaceutical department. As the
demand on his new job and academics increased, as well as, rising insecurity in
the Northern States, He relocated his family to Awka, Anambra state in the same
year 2011. In the year 2013, he was admitted into the Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a lecturer.
Dr. Ebere Okoye remained very active in his job and
researches, up until January 2018, when mysteriously he was found unconscious,
in a guest room at Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele where he arrived
and checked-in more 24-hours before he was found. He was then quickly
transported to Lily Hospital Ltd, Warri where his journey to treatment and recovery
began. He regained consciousness miraculously, after about 5days in coma, at
the intensive care unit. He later spent months at the hospital as well as, at
the physiotherapist center. With prayers and efforts from family, his in-laws,
friends and colleagues, he soon gradually began to recover, but not without occasional
challenges. This year 2021, had been quite a stable and hopeful one for
everyone close to him, as he made remarkable improvements.
Dr. Eberechukwu I Okoye, finally yielded to the peaceful call
to glory, on the 7th Day of June, 2021 after a brief moment in coma.
This seemingly early departure, concluded his works on this side of eternity,
but not without impacting so many lives. Truly, you shown as light in our lives
and we keep the lights on, in the memory of your good works.
See you on that beautiful Morning!