A Story by Theo Oji.
Nwakaibeya Engr. Enoch Nwizu and I have been very close friends for 62 continuous years until his very sad demise.
We met in 1958 at the engineering course at the then Nigerian College of Arts Science and Technology, now Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Being classmates, Shell Oil Company Scholarship holders and keen lawn tennis players, was how it all started. After four years and graduating in our courses, he in mechanical engineering and I electrical, we found ourselves living close to each other at Surulere in our early working careers. There the friendship graduated to a higher scale. We socialised and played our lawn tennis regularly. Thereafter he and I went overseas for further training, he to USA and I to Sweden.
Upon return to Nigeria a few years later and progressing in our careers, he in TEXACO and I in CHEVRON, we again saw ourselves living close to each other, this time in Victoria Island. Both of us now married with children, the friendship went up steps higher, including our families. We remained very close till we both retired from service and both found favour in a new sport, golf. We have since been playing the game every week for the past 25 years. He was a founding member of our VETERANS GOLFERS GROUP at the Ikoyi Club and was instrumental in my joining the group. We also had many golfing outings in London over the years. We also had some common health issues and experiences which we shared. He and his wife Vicky visited me and my wife Mary after my surgery in London. Similarly we visited him in London after his own surgery.
So, we have shared both joyful times and painful times together over the 62 years of our friendship. Now it has pleased our Creator to call him home and take him from us. We thank God for the glorious time He gave him on earth and pray for the happy repose of his soul and for abundant Divine consolation for Vicky and the children, grandchildren and the entire Nwizu family.
Nwakaibeya, farewell, farewell, farewell.
Your very close friend, Theo Oji.