Rest on in God’s bosom Dede!!!

Hello Daddy,

Time flies indeed...
Four years have passed since you left us.
But your memory still lives on.
Time changes it not.
Am not mourning.
Although I miss you,
I smile daily.
Because I know you're crowned in Glory and seated at the right hand of the Lord Most High.
Adieu!

Dede’m has 4 years gone by so fast? Have we really stayed for 4years without your presence, your jokes, your teasing, your words of advice. It’s hard sometimes to process. I miss you so much that sometimes all I can do is cherish the memories and other times, I simply cry my eyes out. I had another baby and I only wished you were around to carry them probably give her a unique name as you normally would- I guess Chibuzor did that already. Sigh. I know you’e singing with the angels. Now you can sing and sing without end. Keep resting with your maker. We all miss you so much.

It’s February 6 - a day to remember. Why? Uncleemma joined the saints triumphant on February 6, 2020. The good Lord has remained faithful and keeps multiplying His grace upon us in the journey of life. One glorious morning we shall meet the Saviour and it will be a glorious opportunity to see all the saints, including Uncleemma. What a day that will be!

It's been 2months since my father died. I thought it would be easier by now, but it's not. I still cry at night when no one sees me. I miss you a lot, more than I thought I would. Everytime I ask myself why me? I remember your answer, who should it have been???
The bible says that no temptation greater than me will come my way, I know this in my head but find it hard to grasp because it's so difficult. I try to distract myself with work, it's hard. No one is working right now cos of corona virus, I know you would have sent a text asking us to stay safe. Chimamanda just asked if any one reads newspapers and you are the only one I know who does. She said she misses you. I do too.

April 7 2020

Dear dedem
Mommy talked about you today. She talked like she was just giving normal gist. She talked about your numerous outstanding quality. How you calmed someone down. I honestly believe she's doing much much better. Weird, cos I was gonna cry at that moment. I had to hold myself cos she seemed to be in a pretty good place
Its hard to understand the impact you had on others.. I keep writing these letters to remind myself of you. I'm really sad without you, I know I never admit it but I really loved your presence. You just knew how to make people feel good. I miss you terribly. It's selfish to ask u to come back yeah?


Mar 2 2021

Ofcourse you knew life would go on. You always said do. But even we thought things would be different. Maybe since a godly man died maybe just maybe we won't record any other death for like a year..
Apparently that didn't happen. We lost people, old men still died, babies and foetuses still died. You can't believe it right?
This one hitme hard, brings back memories of the baby we lost in June thereabout. In church the topic for today says if you love me keep my commandments.
First song was about your will. I guess that we have been ingrained to not be insolent to the Spirit. However, there are questions. Serious questions that need to be answered. If we don't receive answers, how can we move on??? We need closure. You know the kind of laughter that just comes in the middle of a serious discussion that poses the question ' Are you normal?'
Yup that's the feeling right now. Intense overwhelming emotions right now. This life no just balance o


Written Nov 8 2020

I miss you, Daddy; I always will. Keep resting in God's presence.

Dede’m Nkem,
Keep resting in the arms of He that you lived your life for! We miss you but it is well. Some people still post on your wall on Facebook not knowing you’re not on this side. It’s 3 years and it still feels fresh. Till we meet again.

Beloved Uncleemma,

We remember you today as always. Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord till we meet at His feet.

Daddy,
You're Forever in my Heart and Forever Shall You Be.
See You On the Resurrection Morning ☀
Uchenna

Dede, your memory is still fresh on my mind. We miss you dearly in EVOSA INT’L. But, we know your spirit is with us always. God will continue to be with your family as you rest on in God’s bosom, in Jesus’s name, Amen.

Dear Daddy,
You're, Indeed, Forever Missed.
You'll Never Be Forgotten.
Rest On...

Uchenna

Dede, like a flash, it’s 3years gone. Its unbelievable still. Keep resting peacefully Dede. Rest on in God’s bosom.

Alas, it's been three years. Three years of resting with the saints.
Like Chimez said, a lot has happened since you left and I'm just trying to go with the flow. Everything is working out for our good that's for sure.

Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His faithful servants [Psalm 116:15 amp].
Like Abel.. And by faith Abel still speaks even though he is dead...
.. and Enoch... For before he was taken, he was recommended as one who PLEASED GOD. [Hebrew 11:4/5 NIV paraphrased]
Rest on sir. My consolation is in the assurance that you are fellowshipping with the saints who have gone before you.
You remain the true AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST. [EMMANUEL THOMPSON]

Still basking on the legacies you left behind. Rest on, sir.

The memory of the just lingers on. We remember you today as always, dear Uncleemma. Keep resting in the Lord’s bosom till we meet to part no more.

Dedem has it really been 3 years you left ? Wow!
I miss you everyday. Would you believe my son looks so much like you? I guess I’m lucky to have a constant reminder of you. Keep resting with your maker.

Dear Daddy,

It's your birth remembrance day 2022!

While you were with us, I always ran to you. I looked up to you as my role model, mentor and advisor.

Despite your transition to Glory, your words of wisdom keep reverberating in my heart.

Rest on!
We Shall Meet Again.

Uchenna.

Happy belated post-mortem birthday, daddy! Your legacy continues to inspire me.

Dede’m,
Yesterday I got so emotional as a I carried my son who is only 5days old and realized you would not get to hold him. I remembered how concerned you were when the babies hadn’t come. How you offered to even pay for any procedure we needed to. You were simply amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better Father. It’s being over 2 years and today would have been your 73rd birthday. So much has happened these months you’ve not been around. Things that made me feel if you were here it may not have happened - I miss you so dearly.
When I sing the hymns you loved so much, I picture you in the heavenly choir singing along-

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Dearly Beloved Uncleemma,

We remember you today 11/11/2022 (your birthday) as always. Your memory remains cherished and evergreen. Keep resting in the Lord’s bosom until we all meet at His appearing.

Two (2) years ? [February 6th 2020 - February 6th 2022]. OK. Dear Ambassador, Barrister Emmanuel O N Uche, my Senior Friend, Brother and a Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ.
Your practical Christian life cannot be forgotten in a hurry. The Crown of Righteousness and the Glory had been reserved for s 'Faithful Steward of God'.

It’s almost impossible to believe it’s been 2 years now since you left to a higher calling. I wanted everything to halt, or the world would pause but alas it didn’t. There’s no day that goes by I don’t think about you. I miss you so much and I figured the best way to see you again is to make sure I make it to heaven. Mommy is doing well, she’s stronger than we give her credit for.
Once I hear a hymn, tears rush to my eyes. I remember your singing everyday and when you weren’t singing you were whistling the songs. I know even now you’re singing with the angels.
I miss you so much it hurts.
Keep resting with your maker❤️

Deede, nodu mma. Anyi niile nocha n'udo, ka I si hapu anyi. Otu ubochi, anyi niile ga-ezute na mbara igwe.

Two Years Gone

Hello Daddy: 
Remembering you is easy, I do it every day.
To Me, Your Two Years of Transition is Like Two Hours Ago.

You know what? Since your departure, I came to the full realization that "The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories, becomes a memory."

Yes, it is Sad. But am Consoled knowing that you're Resting in the Bossom of the Lord. In Peace.

Uchenna
(Ontario Canada)

Hey Dede. This is year two and while a lot has happened since you've been gone, I still miss you like it was yesterday. Continue to rest in heaven.

Arakurin Emma,

You are truly missed but you are in a better place catching up with your twin brother and other beloved friends.

Till we all meet in glory.

Arabirin Funto Onimole on behalf of the Ndubisi Anekwe family

My Heart is lighter now than when you departed.
I have a peaceful feeling in my heart that you are resting in the bossom of the Lord.
Rest On Daddy.
We here are still celebrating you.
Happy Birthday.

Uchenna Okoronkwo,
Ontario

Happy birthday daddy. Continue to rest in God's presence. ❤️

Just like yesterday. Your worthy legacies keep consoling us.
Rest on, Deede.

Emma, just like yesterday it is now a year since you left us for the great beyond. The memories of what achieved and stood for still linger on. Enjoy your stay at the bossom of your saviour till we join you and the redeemed.

Sir Emma Uche was a quintessential example of a true believer in the Lord.
His memory shall remain indelible in our hearts. It is well.

Daddy, it has been a year now that you've left us, I have missed all your advice, your smiles. You always want to see the best out of everyone. You finished well in the Lord. Thanks for what you were to me and my family.

A YEAR IN HEAVEN

Dear Daddy: It's One Year Since you Transited to Glory.
My tears no longer measure the pain of your departure.
You touched so many lives while you were here. Lives of more were changed since you left.
You live on...

Uchenna.

Daddy: Happy 72nd Birth Remembrance Day.

Hello Daddy!
How are you? 
I miss you dearly. So much more on your birthday...

Although you have gloriously returned home, I must continue to celebrate you on earth. Death is but a messenger. It does not change a thing about you.

Your memories are my heartbeats.
You are always on my mind. 
You have been and will always be my destiny helper.


Happy birthday in heaven!

Very few people genuinely and wholeheartedly care for people with no real blood ties to them yet Daddy showed up for me, time and time again, as though I was his child. He would spare his last change to ensure everyone around him, at any given time, felt loved and cared for.

Daddy, it's been months since your passing and while I still can't bring myself to believe that you've transcended into the ethereal realm of God's presence, I will forever remain grateful for the life you led and the lessons I had the opportunity to learn first-hand from you. I will continue to make you proud. Continue to rest in God's presence until we meet again on the resurrection day.

Dede'm
I know you would not want me to continue crying for you, you would have asked me to be strong, especially as you taught us what the Bible says about those who die in Christ. I vividly remember the morning devotion when you explained being dead in Christ. The illustration you gave about those who died in Christ, how there would be a quickening when the trumpet shall sound. You likened it to a train, said when a train is lifeless that another train comes to push it and then there is a quickening, that was your interpretation. I didn't quite get it as I had not seen a train do that before, but I tried to understand from your explanation. This was many years ago.

You were such a great teacher, seeing things in a different light. Never a dull moment when you are on the pulpit, you bring the Word to life. You inspire people not just by mere words but by your actions as well. A lot of people fondly remember you by how you made them feel, you made them feel special and loved. You related very well with a lot of people.

But it's hard not to cry o, it's very hard. How can I not cry when I remember you're no more? Why won't I cry??
But then I remember you telling me to be strong and then I wipe my tears and do what needs to be done. Now that we have buried you, what next? We have to move on, but you can and will not ever be forgotten. We have to run our race and finish well.
You taught us about Paul who said "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"

At the end, we will all be reunited again.

Love always, Ulaks

Tribute To A Worthy Son Of Nkpuke Patron.

We mourn, we cry but we also rejoice.
We mourn and cry because we will miss you and all kindness you stood for. It will be difficult to get another you in Nkpuke except if God wills. The golden shoe of your kindness and achievements will be difficult to match any other feet.
We rejoice because we have know doubt that you are already in heaven. Just like Apostle Paul in the bible, you ran a good race and have finished your course and have gained promotion befitting of you. Where you are now sickness run away when they hear your name. You left a good legacy and we are proud of you. Able Patron,Man of God, Role model,Judge,Lawyer,Teacher and Man of peace to mention but a few, we will miss you but God needs you. Rest in peace and enjoy heaven.
For and on behalf of Nkpuke Patrons
Chief Okey Adindu (Etodike)

THE GOLDEN SOUL GONE

It is hard to use the past tense to talk about Dede, Barrister E.O.N Uche. The best brother in-law that anyone would love to have for over 19 years
He was a role model to me on how to serve God by helping those in need, the missionaries and more. I learned about time management from him. Especially getting ready on Sunday mornings in order not to be late for Sunday school.
Dede had the following qualities that proved him to be a great man of God: he is gentle in heart, respectful, honest, God fearing, loving and giving, faithful, self-confident, considerate and attentive to people’s need. He had lot of humor in him. His tender care, love and understanding made a difference in my life. He may not be an angel, but he had the next best thing! A man of God that had the heart and soul of care. A unique soul who passed through your life for a minute and impacted it for an eternity. He healed the heart, mind, soul and body of many individuals, marriages and families. He dedicated his life to helping and caring for those who came his way.
Your mission on earth is done. You have fought the good fight. We know that you are free from pains and now resting and cheering us on. You will ever be remembered. Good night and sleep on till resurrection morning.
Mrs. Ngozi Uche                                                                           

Dede nkem,

There is no tribute i can make for you that have not been made by concerned people. I am happy not because you left us, my happiness is based on the fact that you are well grounded and led a worthy life with varifiable examples. "The voice of the people is the voice of God". No doubt you are now at befitting place where pain and death have no sting. You were role model to many and am one of them. Able barrister par excellence man of God,giver par excellence, able patron of many associations and of Nkpuke, adieu, rest in peace. We will miss you but you did not miss heaven. Good night sir
Chief Daniel Okechukwu Adindu (Hero).

TRIBUTE TO AN ILLUSTROUS SON OF NKPUKE.
It was a black Thursday for Nkpuke Community Development Association (NCDA) Lagos Branch when the news of your death was posted on our platform that day. Immediately phones started ringing for double confirmation. Yes it was confirmed. We grieved and mourned individually and collectively.

You were part of us though not present at our meetings but you were concerned and soaked in the progress of Nkpuke. You supported and encouraged us in several occasions even while you were sick.

A true son of the soil and custodian of history. Humorous and down to earth.

Your efforts and contributions to NCDA Lagos Branch and The Nkpuke clan in general cannot be forgotten.

We prayed during our monthly meetings, crying to God to keep you for us but in his sovereignty, He decided to call you to rest. We are rest assured that you are In a better place.

Nkpuke Community Development Associate Lagos Branch and Nkpuke clan as a whole will forever miss you.

Adieu Barrister Emmanuel Uche!
Adieu our Patron!!
Adieu Omere oha!!!



NKPUKE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (NCDA) LAGOS BRANCH
08/08/2020

Uncle, i didn't want to write you a tribute. I wanted you to live. As I watched you deteriorate and science showed me all the signs of the imminent, I hoped and prayed. I said to God, please let him live to be 85 or perhaps 80. I said to God please just a few more years.
For who could have known you Uncle and not desired life for you? You who would visit widows and orphans in their affliction. You who would give to the needy even when you were in need yourself. Merciful and kind. A man of integrity.
You who could make a joke that brought laughter even in times of sorrow. You who chose never to forget.
We prayed, we cried, we believed the prophesies, we hoped and we tried to have faith. But God chose you.
We rest in the knowledge that you are at peace now, that you are at rest from all the troubles of the earth. I have a feeling that there was laughter in heaven as you walked in.

Uncle we will meet someday at His feet.

Your Nnendi
Nnenna Ndukwe Kalu

A Holy Man of God!

I always called him “a holy man of God”. When he became so weak that he could barely stand to teach his Sunday school class, he asked my boss - the Sunday school superintendent, to get me to take his class. He told his class students that they should not worry that I was young. That what would happen is that I would teach them what they didn’t know and they would teach me what I didn’t know. And true to his words, he would stop me anytime he felt I was veering off tangent and who was I to argue with him.

Uncle Emma was a fine gentleman. He could make a joke out of anything; I mean anything. He was a giver who also valued every gift given to him. When some of us visited him with some cash gift, uncle Emma commandeered Chimez to produce all our phone numbers. He called each of us to say thank you.

I pray to see you again.

Tochukwu Nkwocha.

Writing about elder Emma tantamount to writing a book as voluminous as the dictionary or the Bible, also trying to read tribute of all written about him is like trying to read through the Bible or dictionary because these are the books with the volume that can be equated to the volume of tribute of elder Emma's life and time here on earth if all who knew or have met him are allowed to pen down what they knew of him. Elder Emma was an angel in human form, a Christian character who if it were to be in the bible days would've been one of the characters included as an example of christ. He touched so many uncountable life's, impacted millions with his generosity and christ like life. Time and space will fail me to write about elder Emma. The entire AG and Christiandom will miss this great ambassador of the kingdom. Sleep on Saint triumphant till the resurrection morning.

TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND'S BEST FRIEND

Nobody who knew you very well would want to lose you at this time and age, though you were very happy that you crossed the   70yrs stipulated by God in the Bible. However, those of us who were close friends really wanted more years for you to enable us listen to more of more of your advice, encouragement and jokes.

Your health was a battle but God sustained you till HIS OWN APPOINTED TIME. We can not question him.

By my own assessment,you proved beyond all reasonable doubts that you were my husband's best friend, no wonder he chose you as his bestman during his wedding. There was nothing you did not do to save the life of my husband both spirituallyand physically. After his demise, you continued to identify with the family he left behind by showing love, kindness, and advising his children on the way forward. It pains us that you did not live to see my daughter in-law like you sincerely wished.

Dengi (as we fondly called ourselves), you lived the life of a true child of God. You have run the race,you kept the faith and from all indications a crown of glory is awaiting you in the bosom of the Lord.


Dengi my brother,
My husband's best friend,
A true ambassador of Christ,
Rest in peace till we meet to part no more.


  PST Dr. Blessing Okorie
 (Late ihedigbo Paul's wife).

                .

A MAN OF MANY PARTS
BARRISTER E. O. N. UCHE

Barrister Emmanuel Onyemaubochi Nhorom Uche is not just a childhood friend, but someone I shared similar experiences in the sojourn of this earthly existence. At one point or the other, we lived in the same house, went to same secondary school, had same close friends, shared the same faith, engaged in same religious activities – mainly to proselytize the Christian faith, and got married to close blood related ladies. But with all these commonalities, Emmanuel Uche (as we called him – thanks to Evangel High School culture, particularly class 2B 1965 set), still remains a puzzle to many of his very close friends and associates. Perhaps a point by point presentation of some attributes, relationships and accomplishments of Emmanuel Uche will help allies, acquaintances, and maybe backfriends come to appreciate the more this masterpiece of God’s creation.
From my perspective, Emmanuel Uche was:
 first and foremost a Christian and a true Christ Ambassador – representing the Heavenly Kingdom values and principles when he was with us;
 a church planter, who invested a lot in human and material resources to ensure that the Gospel is spread and sustained especially in our nation Nigeria;
 not only loyal to the Christian faith but to Assemblies of God (AG) church – a Christian Pentecostal denomination that nurtured him from cradle;
 an AG who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the church. He served as a Sunday School teacher for over 45 years, was member of various Boards and Committees of the church at National, District, Sectional and Local church levels; and the official Lawyer to various A. G. Districts in Lagos State;
 a foundation member of Christ’s Ambassadors Students Outreach (CASOR) – a campus ministry of Assemblies of God in Nigeria tertiary institutions. He worked closely with the first CASOR Director Rev. Cyril Onyenadum (as his interpreter) at various CASOR engagements. His contributions as a CASORITE at the University of Ibadan (UI) is very outstanding;
 one person I know that forged personal friendships with Rev. G. M. Alioha, Rev. W. U. Woko, Rev. M. O. Ezeigbo, Rev. C. O. Onuoha, Rev. E. O. Umoh, Rev. Ohiagbara, Mazi Mackay Maduagwu, Brother O. C. Wogu and others who were the founding fathers and early elites of Assemblies of God Nigeria. This was a privileged relationship many longed for but couldn’t get there. He wrote the biographies of some of these great men and he maintained close links with their families until his demise;
 some of his close friends sincerely refer to him as a General/District Superintendent Assemblies of God Nigeria never had.
This reference speaks volume with regards to his contributions to the growth and spiritual life of the church.
 a rare human being who placed high premium on friendships and relationships. Very sincere, open and honest with close friends and associates;
 a repository of information regarding old friends, particularly his class mates at Evangel High School. These mates relied on him for phone contacts and locations of other mates long forgotten. Emmanuel Uche had all that and also managed to inform others about the state of affairs of some of these class mates. He was a catalyst in this regard. I’m still wondering who among us, his mates, that can effectively take up this role.
 an individual who brought in a lot of humor while facing life challenges. With him around, what one thought was a difficult situation can easily be overcome with less stress.
 a home maker par excellence. A great husband, father and grandfather. Emmanuel Uche showcased what a Christian marriage/home relationship should be;
 an extraordinary son-in-law. He qualifies for the Guinness Book of Records for housing and taking very good care of his mother-in-law in his matrimonial home for more than 20 years and still counting.
 Emmanuel Uche remains an enigma to most of us. We can go on and on to look at various sides of his life. I have to stop here and leave the rest to whoever that will write the biography of this great icon.
 We in the Christian faith within Assemblies of God circle will miss him. I sincerely hope and pray that on that resurrection morning we shall meet and never to part in the presence of Jesus – our Lord and King. Adieu My True Friend, Emmanuel Uche – as fondly called.

Reginald Woko - 06/08/20.

Emma Uche

I am sure most people reading this wouldn’t know me, as I was neither present in Emmanuel Uche’s post war period nor during his University years, and particularly not during his tenure of office as a distinguished lawyer nor his life-long service at the Surulere Church. The reason is that I left Nigeria permanently shortly after the end of the Briafan war almost 45 year ago, and I am still away! So I will start be briefly introducing myself.

My name is Adimchi Onyenadum, the 7th child of the late Rev. G. O. Akwarandu, a pioneer of the Assemblies of God Nigeria and the first Treasurer of the first General Council of AGM Nigeria (a post he held unopposed until his retirement and subsequent passing away in 1985). My mother, Mrs. (Rev) Fidelia U. Akwarandu also a pioneer of Assemblies of God Nigeria, passed away only 4 years ago at the ripe age of 97 years.

I met Emma for the first time in 1967 at Evangel High School, Old Umuahia. He was in class 4 then (a classmate of my elder brother, the late Dr. Ezemdi Onyenadum of the University of Nigeria), and I was in class 1. The war interrupted our schooling. After the war, I don’t remember meeting him as I was a war prisoner for one year and a half, during which years he and my deceased brother had graduated from Secondary School. When I finally came back from my captivity (I thank God for His protection) and went back to school, there I met Chijinkem. She was my classmate even though I am much older than her. Ha! Ha! She was to be Emma’s wife.

Shortly after my School Cert in the mid-seventies, I checked out abroad for studies and never came home for almost 6 years at a stretch. When I finally visited Nigeria. I think in late 1981, I met Emma at a wedding at Evangel High School hall (I don’t remember whose wedding it was). I then had my first conscious interaction with him. Our next meeting was in Greece a couple of years later, when I jointly hosted him with my late buddy and far cousin, Dr. Ugwum Ezeigbo, and his sweet wife, Barrister Joy Ezeigbo. It was an unforgettable visit. It was real joy to be with him as we visited Bible places in Greece, including Thessaloniki, Corinth, Athens Acropolis, etc. One phrase of his that remained with us was as he watched the Greeks walking around that summer with their women wearing their shorts and scanty dressing, He exclaimed: “Oh my God these people are milling around without knowing the Lord”. He said that in Igbo and it was really hilarious. That was Emma, the committed servant of God no matter where or what. We maintained contact thereafter.

Then he became sick. As a physician and medical oncologist (cancer specialist), I was consulted from the very start. After the diagnosis was established, I gave opinion as to the therapeutic path to follow. From that time and afterwards, I was actively involved with his management, as one of his overseas consultants. This involvement continued till the end. I had even invited him to come to Greece during the late stages of his disease to be treated in our University Hospital facilities, but that was not to be for various reasons. But I made sure I sourced for him many very expensive medications that he needed to take, including pain killers, etc. I thank all those who helped financially to ensure that he was not denied treatment because of cost. May the good Lord bless and replenish them.

I can’t finish this short write up on Emma without mentioning something touching he did for me even as he was nearing his end barely a year and half ago. After my mother died in 2016, I formed a Trust Fund in her honor and also in the honor of my late father to preserve and their spiritual legacy. I created it for the greater family, nephews and nieces, spouses and grandchildren. The aim was to create a Trust Fund for them to enable them to establish themselves in the future and to promote the ideals of my departed parents which were many and noble. I asked Emma if he could come and inaugurate the Fund for us while being both a board member and our legal advisor. He accepted with joy and enthusiasm. He dedicated the Christmas of 2018 for me and my family and drove all the way from Lagos to Umuahia with his wife Chijinkem for the occasion. He was looking weak and emaciated, but he kept his word. Among other things, he promised to stand in for my deceased bother’s only son, Gozies Onyenadum, in the Trust. The late Dr. Ezemdi Onyenadum was his bosom friend and he always remembered him fondly. He also promised to help garner financial support for the Fund. And even though we were late in the whole process that day and he needed to eat early and take his drugs, he waited stoically until food was served, without complaining. When I learned about it, I was humbled and overcome with shame.

Emma was a selfless person as many have ascertained. I saw that selflessness again when I visited him last summer in his house in Lagos. We went to service together at the Surulere Church. In the situation he was in, he shouldn’t have even gone to Church, but he did. Not only that, but he sat through the grueling children’s program that they had in the Church that Sunday. Some of the old boys I knew and met in the Church that day had discretely taken their leave when the program got into the endurance mode! But Emma was there, in the Elders quarters (yes they have such a section in the Church), no water, no food, no rest. As a medical professional, and knowing the dire situation he was in, I wriggled my way up to where he was sitting to see how he was doing. Once he saw me, he motioned to me to sit in a vacant seat next to him. You see, even the elders and board members were discretely beginning to check out of the “ordeal”. Lol! But not Emma! After the program, he spent what appeared to me to be ages, receiving countless members with their various needs and petitions. Whoa! We got home that day two hours later after an adventurous rigmarole through the streets of Lagos. The normal route which should not have been more than half an hour was choked up for some reason I never understood. It was the month of July and heat was swelting. I was really afraid of him that day; he looked pale and badly dehydrated. Despite my caution, the next day he was up and about, selflessly answering the call of duty. He went to various commitments and board meetings. I had never met a human being like him. I took it out on Chijinkem his wife for letting him suffer like that, but she swore she wasn’t responsible and that there was nothing she could do about the situation. That was Emma. Period!

I could go on and on like many other tributes here but I have to end. The fact that I wasn’t in Nigeria with the rest of his immediate and long - time contacts, and yet we all are saying the same things confirms that all the testimonies about him are true without exaggerations. Emma was somebody special in many ways and impacted the lives of many people in divers ways. We should blaze the trail he has left us and keep his memory burning and bequeath his paradigm to posterity.

Adieu Emma, Rest In God’s Perfect Peace!

Adimchi Onyenadum MD.
Physician, Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
University Hospital of Patras
Greece.
 

EMMAN'S FIRST SIN:                                        At a church board meeting some years ago, before the meeting commenced, Ambassadors G. O. O. Mbatu, Emman and my poor self were complaining of some ailments. I told the two of them that they should stop complaining since I am their senior brother. I went further to warn that if any of them will commit the sin of passing on before me, on his burial day I will flog his body before it will be committed to mother earth. Now he has committed that sin. Good a thing, I have been at the village gathering enough cane for that purpose. Nobody should stop me.
           
SECOND SIN:      
Some three and half years ago, I was sick unto death. Emman came in the company of Elder Joseph Abuka and Ndukauba Ekwueme to visit me. They passed the night with me as my wife was out of the country. The main issue is the question he asked me. "j John, is it not true that we will spend eternity in heaven when we die?" My answer was yes, that is what the Bible says. In his humorous characteristic as already captured by many tribute writers, he then asked, "If that is the case, why should one be rushing to a place he is going to stay forever?" When he became so sick, I asked him the same question. Now he has rushed to eternity.
Let us be consoled that he has gone to a place where there is no cancer of anything. No pains, no sorrows, no weeping, no COVID 19 (who knows what comes next).
Farewell and make sure my apartment is safe and secure.
ELDER JOHN I. O. NDUAGUIBE