Emeka was not only a selfless giver but also a man of peaceful disposition. This is why most people gravitated towards him. His humility was unparalleled. In Nigeria where people hang unto and lay excessive emphasis on titles, he was emphatic about addressing him as simply Emeka. He was always accessible and gave a listening ear to all!
Here is a potpourri of opinions about Emeka:
‘Emeka was the one people will always go to for advice in any area or field. He was a unique human being. He fights with you in the morning and is having a brandy with you in the evening as if nothing happened. He forgave easily. Emeka was an only son, but he made his friends his brothers. Wherever he moved, people followed. There can never be anyone who can step in his shoes. He was a force to reckon with. Full of life and energy!’
‘Emeka was a rare gem, a people’s person who would go out of his way to help somebody in need. He was everybody ’s brother and friend who saw only the good in people, sometimes to his own predicament, but he believed that everyone deserves a chance in life no matter the circumstance. The words No, Cannot, Impossible, Hate and Enemy did not exist in his vocabulary, a gentleman of integrity that always kept to his word and promise.’
‘Emeka enjoyed company and craved it. He enjoyed sitting with friends and relatives. He sought out old friends to travel for their events and made it his business to care for them when they lacked or needed comforting or to celebrate with them in good times.’
4 | Page
‘Emeka was the go-to-person when in need.’
‘Emeka had a charming personality that attracted many to him... He was easy going, articulate, intelligent, and simple, he had a huge sense of humour. He made friends easily and never discriminated. His charming personality sometimes worked against him as a few became envious of his simplicity. He was a man of peace and would always intervene in disputes amongst friends by bringing them together to forge an amicable resolution. He was indeed charitable, and would put himself in a difficult situation to help those whom he felt were in distress. One of his outstanding qualities was his ability to rally Friends whom he compelled to contribute towards solving a need of a friend in distress. I always told him that he would make a good politician. He had no permanent enemies.’
‘Emeka was a true brother and friend! We hit it off the day we met and continued with unfading love and unflinching support in our interactions and endeavours! What a peaceful and loving soul! This vacuum, who can fill?’
‘He was a calm individual and always took things in their stride, not exhibiting raw emotions but keeping a good temperament which made him very approachable.’
‘He was also very creative and innovative so he was able to develop fresh and improved products to be able to survive in the competitive world of business. This trait he possessed also encouraged him to constantly learn, question and think outside the box in order to be in line with the ever-changing technology.’
‘He was a calculated risk taker that brought much reward.’
‘Even when faced with unbreakable walls which would break the spirit and temperament of any average person, he had the tenacity to work through the stumbling blocks un-wavered by the obstacles that he had to face as he climbed any summit set before him.’
‘He was an entrepreneur that was skilled and knowledgeable and this brought about a natural self-confidence for him. This generated confidence also gave him the ability to listen to the opinions of other people without feeling intimidated.’
What a man! What an accomplished young life! His life and times are invaluable lessons to us all!
Adieu Emeka! Adieu Ezechikwuelu na Ogidi! Adieu Nki ino!