ForeverMissed
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THE ICONIC LIFE & TIMES OF CHIEF FELIX ONYEJIUWA CHIME – AGUNECHEIBE OF UDI ANCIENT KINGDOM
A light from our household is gone, a voice we love is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts that never can be filled.
Felix was the first of six children of late Mr. Vincent and Ezinne Roseline Chime of Okunino Udi, in Udi LGA of Enugu State, all begotten in a perfect symphony of male and female succession. He was born on the 3rd of September in the year 1953 at Bukuru Jos, in the then Bauchi Plateau State of the present North Central Region of Nigeria. The joy that his birth heralded for the young family can only be imagined, but most important was that from hindsight, one could aver that it must have been a kairos moment to be born. 
Young Felix was later to move further south to Barkin Ladi with his parents, where his late father opened a flourishing rice milling business, while his mum quickly settled down to carve a niche for herself as a seamstress of repute. His late mum combined her profession with a higher devotion to providing a nidus for grooming Felix and his immediate younger siblings. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School where he graduated in flying colours after Primary 7 (in line with the curriculum then) and gained admission into the choice Government College Vom, near Bukuru. Perhaps, due chiefly to the need to get him acquainted with his native roots of Igbo of the South Eastern part of the country, his parents opted to send him down to the South East for his secondary/high school education. At the behest of one Mr. John Eneh (late), he got admitted into the highly esteemed Christ the King College (C.K.C.) Onitsha.
As fate would have it, his early high school was rudely interrupted by the political instability of 1966 and the deleterious pogrom of 1967 that precipitated the Nigerian civil war (aka Biafran War). Felix quickly reconnected with the family at Umuahia after his parents were among the few lucky escapees from the Northern part of the country. During this ill-fated war, Felix was twice erroneously conscripted into the Biafran army as a child soldier, but twice an Nkanu Colonel was the Angel that God used to rescue him from going to the battle field, as he saw through him and realized that behind his big frame was a child at heart and indeed. At the end of war and cessation of hostilities, he returned to C.K.C. Onitsha to complete his high school and later sat for West African School Certificate and G.C.E. Advanced level examinations and acquitted himself with a flourish. He subsequently gained admission into the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he studied Accountancy, after a brief stint as an Auxiliary Teacher at St. Patrick’s Secondary School Emene, Enugu. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy in 1979, and from then the real world of challenges and career beckoned.
After his Youth Service in the old Oyo State, FOC as he was now popularly called, secured employment with a leading multinational oil & gas company - Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc. on December 1st, 1980 as Management and Professional (M&P) Trainee after working briefly for United African Company, UAC. There in Mobil, he cut his management teeth and  by dint of hard work and diligence rose to executive management position after spending more than twenty-six years in the service of Mobil Oil Nig. Plc.  During his early years in Mobil, he kept his focus and quickly enrolled and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He held various managerial positions in Accounting & Finance, Customer Service, and Fuels Marketing departments prior to his meritorious and voluntary retirement on December 31, 2006.
His unquenchable desire to succeed in all that he does egged him on and shot him to the pinnacle of his profession as Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). With sound professional and management expertise under his belt and copious experiences from a multidisciplinary career, duty called once more when the then Enugu State Governor (His. Exc. Sullivan Iheanacho Chime) a cousin and friend invited FOC to bring his experiences to bear in revamping the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue in 2007. Between 2007 and 2015, FOC was the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue Service and a member of the Joint Tax Board. He worked tirelessly with his team to first digitize the Board’s operations to shore up its integrity, and subsequently ramped up her internally generated revenue (IGR) phenomenally, to rank amongst the top three IGR earning states in Nigeria. From 2016 to the time of his demise, he served as a member of FIRS Tax Advisory Committee, having been appointed by both the immediate past and current Executive Chairmen, Federal Inland Revenue Service. His career accomplishments are quite dizzying and it will be a disservice to his illustrious career to nibble at it.
During his highly eventful and momentous life, FOC made friends across tribal, ethnic and religious lines and buoyed them at the expense of his personal comfort. His Enugu home was a rendezvous for all his friends and colleagues who either visited or passed through the town. He would personally be at the airport to meet and pick his visitors and dropped them off at the most convenient locations after their visit, without making use of drivers and personal aids to perform such activities. At social events, FOC would bring along ‘nkwu enu’ (made-in-Udi undiluted palm wine), which he regaled his friends as the best in the country. His insouciance transcended boundaries as he was as lighthearted with the rich as well as the poor; the old as well as the young. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and would stick with them through thick and thin.
People who’ve related close to him can attest to the fact that despite his occasional unseemly mien, FOC was an easy-going person and did not know how to keep malice or bear grudges, even against people who hurt him. He was allergic to toxic environments and sour relationships, such that he could go to any length to put smiles on people’s faces. He detests being the source of anyone’s pain. Such was his nature. He often elects to be reticent or taciturn than to use expletives and denigrating words. He’s won’t to make fun of his initials – FOC, by saying that he didn’t like things obtained on FOC basis, which conventionally means “Free of Charge” but would rather prefer “Money for hand, back for ground”. At work, he maintained good working relationship with his superiors and subordinates alike. He was a dedicated and efficient worker as his performances were consistently rated amongst the best. He lived a very active social life and belonged to many social clubs, such as Mobil Pegasus Club, Enugu Sports Club etc.
FOC was a thorough family man, and was deeply invested in the care and proper upbringing of his four children. His love for his children was ineffable and only deferential to his strong transcendental connection to his God. He loved and stood with and by his relations too. He poured out his life like a libation for his own, and given the same opportunity he would do more for them. His eyes for details and knack for perfection is so outstanding that you’d be shocked at the extent he could go to get things done properly.  His flair for tastefully built and exquisitely furnished homes speaks to the perfectionist in him.
Here lies the remains of a man who did his best to run a good race. He had his fair share of challenges and turbulence, because he lived in a real world. However, his adaptation to life’s issues evokes certain twists that upends those issues to work in his favour. Could it be in his star, or some other innate qualities that aren’t easily describable? Only his Creator can say. There’s however an indubitable conclusion that Felix Onyejiuwa Chime – Aguncheibe of Udi Ancient Kingdom was a great man. A rare icon and quintessential gentleman.  Borrowing words from Shakespeare, one can only align with Mark Anthony while eulogizing Caesar in his famous novel – Julius Ceasar; “His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!”

Today, we join nature in declaring to the world that Felix Onyejiuwa Chime WAS A MAN!

John Mur in the following famous quotes surmises his life and times:
“In every walk in with nature, one receives far more than he seeks” - You indeed got more!
“Going to the mountains is going home” – We mistook this mountain for a hill!

We miss you dearly beloved Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend!

Adieu Agunecheibe!

Obinna Vincent Chime
For the Family
March 6
March 6
My Inlaw no.1. The tears still in our eyes are only expression of how much we love you. Deep down our hearts, our mouths are full of glory and thanksgiving to God for your life well spent in impowering and impacting others.
March 6
March 6
Rest on Agunecheibe 1 of Udi Ancient Kingdom!

Memories, once etched never fade... It's 3 years + eternity.

Reminiscent of the ides of March, the news of your demise jolted everyone to the marrows, especially those who shared moments and times with you. Not with the heightened hope after you left the ill-fated hospital in Lekki for VI, where we thought would afford you the care you sorely missed in the former. The only solace is that Providence scripts everybody's chapters in life. We can only say: to God be all the glory!

Adieu FOC!
March 6
March 6
Chief FOC, Agunecheibeya, I discussed you today with our common friends in Abuja not recognizing that it is the third anniversary of your departure. How time flies! It feels like yesterday! You are always on our minds. I know that the Almighty God is taking good care of you in his bosom. We miss you and continue to rest in peace until we meet to part no more.
March 6
March 6
Forever missed but we know you're in a better place. Rest with Christ till we meet again dad
March 6
March 6
Love never dies! Though you are no longer here in the physical, your palpable love is ever present.

Rest on dad
Arinze Chime
March 6
March 6
Imagine if you were here now.
Imagine Jaiden and Sinobi playing around you.
Imagine the joys you'll bring everyday.
Imagine the smiles and the cheers.
Now imagine the hurt that never dies.
Imagine sorrow like a permanent stain.
The happiest imagination... is all the times we spent with you.

You live on in our memories.
We will always try to make you proud
Love.
Arinze
September 3, 2023
September 3, 2023
Today would have marked Dad’s 70th birthday…. He is ageless now but still want to say Happy Birthday to the best dad ever
March 6, 2023
March 6, 2023
Not a day has passed without your memory in my heart. You are irreplaceable. Miss you dad.
September 3, 2022
September 3, 2022
Rest on dad, we know you're in a better place God willing till we meet again... love Obinna
March 9, 2022
March 9, 2022
FOC nwokem, Agunecheibe, Ononikpo egbuagu, I remember the day I followed you to Udi and we collected two gallons of original nkwu udi from that woman whose kiosk was just near by your Udi house. Our final destination was to go back to Enugu to pay homage to Igwe, our friend, who was doing ofala for his kingship. We started inside the Lady's shop with one of the two kegs of nkwu Udi. Big pleasure, best part of village life. It was not difficult to empty the keg, one of your numerous FOC things. We carried the second keg to Igwe's function and the practice was they returned whatever drink you brought, a sort of BYB. You and I again did well there and at the end, in my room at your house, you exclaimed, "Nwokem inangun nkwu o" And I replied, is it not at free of charge again ? How can one forget our good times together? Sorry, you are now boring and can no longer join the fun. You are in the higher service of our maker. Sleep on beloved.. We strongly hope we shall meet again, when we shall join in heavenly joy. Chris U. Obi.
March 6, 2022
March 6, 2022
FOC, we miss you and always remember you in our prayers. The Almighty Lord will continue to protect you in His bosom until we meet again. Amen. Jemima & Sam
September 3, 2021
September 3, 2021
I still miss you so much, sometimes I wish I could turn back the hands of time to see you, hold you and talk with you. I really still hurts. But I know you are happy where u are and you are smiling down at us.
Happy birthday daddy !!!
Forever in my heart ❤️
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
Tribute to a Father

I did not know what it felt like to lose someone so dear to one’s heart. I didn’t understand how final death really is. I have not felt this deflated in my entire life. It was and is still a rude shock to me. It is so hard to believe that you are no longer with us, daddy. I still wake up each day hoping to hear your voice or read your WhatsApp message. Death Oh death! you've taken away a rare gem. Daddy, you were a man full of life, you were a gentle soul, you loved to see everyone happy, you always went an extra mile to put a smile on everyone's face. You lived a great life and you were a peaceful man. I always felt at ease with you. You were the most organized man I know, I didn’t have to worry about anything when I was home for Christmas. You were a father to me and I was a daughter to you in every sense.

I cannot forget your voice calling out your precious grandchildren from the door each time you visited, you would scream “my grandchildren”, “granddaughter Chikito no 1 and no 3”. They always matched your excitement running, jumping and hugging you. You were a grandfather like no other. You loved them wholeheartedly and never failed to show it. I will never forget how you traveled overseas alone with my 6-year old daughter for a medical checkup. You didn’t even think twice about it. You nurtured and cared for her for 8 weeks; she still talks about that experience till date.

Your demise has left a great void in our hearts and in our lives. You left us with big shoes to fit in. Most importantly, you left a good legacy for us to carry on, its going to be tough, its going to be rough but we promise not to let you down. I take solace in the fact that I know you lived a purposeful life and God Almighty called you, His own, to be with Him in paradise.

I miss you greatly. Kaima and Soso miss you too.

Adieu Daddy! Adieu Heart of Gold! Till we meet to part no more.
April 17, 2021
April 17, 2021
You were a GREAT MAN, so young at heart and ever bubbly. You took care of your own and you loved so genuinely. If only a broken heart could bring you back, what is man that we should question God?

You were so health-conscious and took the best decisions when it came to being healthy. You were quite hopeful to make it out of that hospital. "I would call you when I come out of this place" was your very last word to me! You were getting better and I still cannot comprehend how it all went south.

Thank you for the good moments, the joy and the laughter. Thank you for being a good listener without judgements. You were really a problem solver and a man of peace. If there is something I learnt from you, it's how to be a great parent!

Thank you for sharing your last moments with me through that video call I got from your doctor on your order, even though you couldn't speak. Memories are all I have left, and they would be cherished forever. I'd never forget you.

Love,
Akwa Lagos.

April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021
Your death is definitely a huge loss to many. I broke down in tears upon hearing the news. I recall our last meeting in January when you told me you were just recovering from an illness. I am Still in mourning and in shock .
Agunacheibe, may you find eternal rest in God's bossom. You will forever be missed.
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
You were like a father to us, my sister and I.
We were practically living in your house, and you took care of everyone, making sure everyone was fed and satisfied. I especially whenever I sighed out of school to take beaks, and you always supported us cash wise too..

Who could forget the lavish parties, the fun outings with Onyimama, you made all that possible FOC..

You didn’t mind who came around so long as you were friends with your kids, you welcomed everyone; why? Cause you had a big heart that also listened. +, you’d always come out to chat with us..

I remember one time Onyinye suggested that the solution to my dad always mad at the fact that we were always out with her, was for he and you to meet and become friends.. lol.. unfortunately that didn’t come to play.

FOC, your passing has put one on me, and you’re forever in my heart and the hearts of your family and friends who love you, for though you’ve left us untimely, we know you are in a better place, in God’s paradise.

Bless your soul, we love you. 
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
TRIBUTE FROM: Engr. Obinna Chigoziem Nnamani.(Nwashilube)

The dream to study a professional cause, and grow to my definition of accomplished career person, was first fired by admiring very deeply, big uncles who returned home during festive seasons, while growing up at my grandmother's watch in Umuario Okunino Udi; at top amongst them was FOC,. he, for me captures, encapsulated, represented, and above all embodies a calm, cool, calculated, & a peace, that always arrests/humbles my very restive/restless teenage rascality.

But it was my primary 6 class teacher, Mr. Calistus Amanoh, who as a tenant at 'Never You Loose Hope', with his praises of me, acting like a catalyst that created that early fondness you extended to me, and came to a crescendo, when i almost gave up in my quest to be at Agbebi school of Engineering, due to Jamb frustrations: but at your Lagos residence, you said, and i quote:

*"bia nwokemu, i am confident, that you have all it takes within you, to score high and enter that department",* .. you also went ahead to encourage me financially; and as God will have it, i got in on merit list in my next/4th attempt.

In Agbebi school, every student's dream is to finish top, and aspire to be in any of the blue-chip companies,. this very dream pulled me in more to you, and even served as part-launch pad for your son, Obinna to join me at same Agbebi Engineering college, hence strengthening our ties.

The news of your call up, came to me as a rude shock, but i take solace in that: When a bee stings you, not only is the bee’s stinger left in you but also part of its abdomen and digestive tract, as well as nerves and muscles. This massive abdominal rupture kills the bee shortly after it stings.

That is what happened when Jesus died on the cross. In his enduring hatred for God’s Son, Satan thought it would be a great idea to have Jesus betrayed, arrested, beaten within an inch of His life, and then crucified and put to death on a Roman cross. The devil said, “This is my moment. I am going to sting Him. I will have a role in His death. When He dies, that is the end of Him.” Everything went according to Satan’s plan, and like a bee, he flew off thinking he had succeeded.

But everything went according to God’s plan as well, and the sting of death was its own defeat. As 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 says, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

Where is the sting of death for the believer? It is ripped out, because at the cross, Jesus took the stinger out of death. This is a great truth. As Christians, we no longer need to fear death because our souls will live on forever with Christ.

Bye Uncle FOC☘️
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
To Obinna Chime, his Siblings and the entire Chime Family , I received with shock, grief and disbelief the sudden and unexpected passing of your father and, indeed, the patriarch of the Chime family, Chief Felix Chime, Agunecheibe of Udi Ancient Kingdom, Enugu State.

Agunecheibe’s death happened at a time when he was most needed, but you should be consoled by the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation by you, his springs. The testimonies attest that Agunecheibe was a devoted family man whose love, affection, dedication and care for his family was unconditional. His generosity to his family knew no bounds. He will surely be missed. But be consoled that we shall all meet with him on resurrection day, when we shall part no more. Please be strong and be comforted. It shall be well.

May the soul of Chief Felix Chime and that of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, receive eternal Rest In Peace. My heartfelt condolences.
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM
Agunaeche ibe 1 as you were fondly called, it is indeed hard and unbearable to come to terms with your sudden departure, I still find it very hard to say good bye because, left for me, I wish God would have allowed you more years to be with us and enjoy the fruits of your hard labour, but who am I to question God He knows the best.
Truly your memories, the echoes of your voice, your gist your great sense of humor and not to forget your accommodating nature , disciplinarian side, and your numerous jokes still lingers in my head. There was never a dull moment with you.
You were very hardworking, pacesetter, goal-getter, a perfectionist, highly organized and coordinated, a philanthropist and Accountant of all Accountants which resulted to the great height you attained in your life time and even with all your numerous accomplishment you still remain the most gentle, humble, caring and meek person I know which is exemplified on how you always carries everybody that come in contact with you along not minding the persons age, class and background even at the detriment of your comfort.
Personally, I am honored to have crossed path with you in life, being under your tutelage and the free availability of your wealth of knowledge all this years has contributed so much to the person I have become and the person I will still be.
Thank you for all you did and all you would have still done if you were given the time. My success story would be incomplete without your name and contributions boldly written on it, thank you for not given up on me I really appreciate. You are indeed once in a life time kind of person, your type is rare to find by.
You will be forever missed. Your indelible legacies will be written in the sands of time.
May your gentle soul rest in the Bosom of the Lord.
Adieu Uncle Felix O. Chime till we meet to part no more.

From: Chinyere Onyia.
April 5, 2021
April 5, 2021
I could still remember how you helped me and my former team secure a contract

I could still remember how you selflessly went out of your busy schedule to engage and resolve the challenges we encountered.

I could remember how you turned down the little gift we presented after the contract execution, you told us you were never interested in our gifts or profits but rather seeing us succeed as young men.

Thank you Agunecheibe, you added value to life and Earth .

It is hard to accept your demise, but we will knowing that you have gone to be with the maker.
Adieu FOC, rest well sir
April 1, 2021
April 1, 2021
Felix my beloved brother was an icon with a large heart, always ready to sacrifice all in order to maintain peace and love. He had a soft spot for everyone around him. Felly loved, cared and cherished his children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as friends and even when conflicts arose he will always strive to put a smile on their face whether old or young. Through tough and turbulent times we were always there for each other, encouraging one another to be the best version of ourselves.

He was a go-getter, always striving to reach the apex of his career. As he attained lofty heights in Exxon Mobil, Board of Internal Revenue and lastly Federal Inland Revenue Service, he encouraged and supported those around him to excel in their various skills and careers. He tried his best to touch the lives of all he came in contact with and could always mingle and identify with persons of different social class, tribe, age, gender without segregation of any kind. His home was always a place for all. He was a philanthropist that always gives.

When I heard you travelled to Lagos and fell ill, we all prayed and believed he will get better. I remember the video calls we had when you were in the hospital you kept saying ‘Thank You’. We were thrilled by the news of your recovery and discharge. Hence the news of his demise came to me as a bomb shell as I thought the worst was over. Your loss has left me feeling devastated and weak but I am encouraged with the fact that your sudden demise was a total submission to the will of God. I believe God decided to take you home at this time to give you find peace. I and my entire family will miss your fatherly love, care and concern but we take solace in the fact that you are in a better place.

Farewell my beloved lovely brother till we meet to part no more.

Adieu Caring Gem!!!     Adieu Papa Obinna!!!    Adieu My Beloved Brother!!!

Mrs Philo Ezeh (Sister)
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021


It’s with the deepest sorrow that I write this tribute, never in my wildest dream did I imagine writing a tribute because of your passing. My heart is heavy, words cannot describe the shock I feel, or how I'm able to function through it all, but if this last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself honored and abundantly blessed to have lived this life as your niece.

You were humble, kind, loving, with an extreme heart of gold. I remember like yesterday how you took me in, how you never failed to check in on me to see if I was eating or doing okay, or how you would make sure I had all I needed in school. Come rain, come shine you were always there, not just for me, but the entire family and everyone that came across your part. You have left a void in our lives that will never be filled by another.

My mum, your sister, you were her source of happiness, and equally, your love for her was unimaginable, her disposition since hearing the news would have been better witnessed than described, she would forever feel empty by your absence.

Your sudden death came as a shock and a rude awakening to all of us. We did not expect it and wish we had more time to continue to appreciate you, but while we mourn, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth has been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell.

Your niece,

Chidera Ezeoke.
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Tribute to FOC - AGUNECHEIBE
Sixteen days after we were together in your Enugu home, I received your text message from Lagos where you had gone for a meeting requesting for our prayers on God's healing hands upon your life following a sudden illness that kept you in the hospital. My family and I prayed fervently for your speedy recovery and we monitored your progress through Obinna, your son. As we could not discuss while you were in the hospital, I had hoped to share your experience during our next meeting the way we had shared other life experiences.

Every day, I struggle to accept the fact that you are gone. But my solace is that the Lord Almighty called you home where there is no pains and worries. You were a wonderful friend, confident and large-hearted man. You opened your home for your friends to stay while either passing through or visiting Enugu. Your absence has created a vacuum in my life. I will miss your jokes, hospitality and the quality of time we had together. God will console your family and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu my good friend, adieu onye obi oma, adieu enyi ka nwanne and rest in peace.

Sam Okike
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
TRIBUTE TO A GREAT IN-LAW

Oh! Death, how merciless you're! You snatched away a hero and great patriarch. What a fate!!! It is really difficult to accept your death but what can be avoided where end has been proposed by the almighty God thus no alternative than to accept it hook, line and sinker.
Agunecheibe 1, you have proved to us that you were a great in-law indeed. Your spirit of honesty, kindness, hard-work, selflessness, peacefulness, caring both to your family, in laws and those around you is second to none.
It is with deepest sense of sorrow that you departed us.
You have lived your life for other people but it is for God to reward you not men. We are proud to have you as our in-law. As you go to the great world beyond, do not despise us in this world of wonders and mystery.
Adieu Agunecheibe 1.
Odonwodo Christian and the family.
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
FOC, your exit will remain very painful to all of us who knew you. You were a great guy in your lifetime. You will remain forever missed by each and everyone of you us
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Agunecheibeya,
Death was not what we discussed when you were to come down to Lagos for a conference. You couldn't even say bye to anyone. We believe you answered God's call for good. He only can console your children and grandchildren and family. Rest in the Lord. It is well.
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF FELIX ONYEJIUWA CHIME (FOC) – AGUNECHEIBE OF UDI ANCIENT KINGDOM
“Where, O death, is your victory?
 Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Cor. 15:55-57
Agunecheibe, yours is admittedly one transition too many. For inexplicable reasons, some of us have lived a lie in the past few weeks; and as it seems, living in denial of your sudden demise has become an anodyne or opium of sorts. Why wouldn’t we find an escape, albeit temporary? Every too often, there’s a rude awakening of this new reality that jolts us back from this surreal state; and then we are caught in this intermittent numbness and pain. Recalling your highly eventful life and the grounds you conquered is tough enough, but it pales in significance when one considers that you were merely scratching the surface of a well-deserved halcyon retirement period. A grotesquely rude stab at the heart. So very sad!
Truly, it’s been an emotional tussle to decide whether to mourn or celebrate you. Viewed from multiple paradigms, both mourning and celebrating you hold strong alure in equal proportions. However, we shall defer to the emotion that holds eternal value and which, in our limited human insight holds true for the enviable life you lived. We must celebrate you, not only for your humaneness, but for being totally invested in humanity. Mother nature gifted you in so many ways, and as if there’s a Transcendental conspiracy of favour, your palm kernels were benevolently cracked for you. Many fellows equally gifted and favoured trot their spaces walking with chips on their shoulders, but not you. You hugged humility; the mother of all virtues as though prescient that life itself is vanity. Solomon in his acclaimed wisdom averred that it is indeed vanity. Your sudden exit lends credence to the axiom too.
Even as we pen this tribute, our minds keep flashing back to what later turned out your last moments. Through your short struggle you maintained your dignity and strong faith in the Lord. At the cusp of our thanksgiving and celebration, things took a precipitously fatal turn, and you left in a blaze of glory. It was indeed Heaven’s gain and our temporary loss. The pain remains piercingly sharp, because you loved your own to the very end. Ours was a symbiotic and grace-filled bond, where you confided in us and knew that we will always stick out for you against any and every odd. Ever since it pleased God that you act in the stead of your late father to join Mama (now late) to bless our marriage union some twenty-three years ago, we’ve become one closely knit family. You’ve carried the mantle from your late parents with nobility and have shown rare devotion to all of yours.
Agunecheibe, you came, you saw and you conquered! To your friends, your devoutness was total and deferential only to religion. We’re persuaded that they would miss you as much as we your family do. Now, we’ve got to hold back here. The resurgence of emotions is real. There’s no easy way to say good bye, but say it, we must.
Heavenly Father! In our ignorance and limited knowledge, Your son was a good man; do us the favour of granting him kind admittance into Your Heavenly kingdom and beatific vision, Amen.

Adieu Agunecheibe! Nwoke eji eje mba, Jee nke oma!

CHIEF HENRY & NNEKA ONAGA
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
 ADUIE TO AN ICON OF KINDNESS

Felix, you were more than a brother inlaw to me, you were more than an Uncle to my children and more than a brother to my wife. You were an Angel of true companionship, a friend per excellence.           Agunechibe, one of the hardest thing for me to say now is, bid you eternal bye. It still seems to me a dream which is very difficult for me to savour its reality. We prayed with you, you even gave some prayer points and many great men of God joined us to pray for you .And when the revelation came that God has answered more than we can ask and think, we all rejoiced and was awaiting your home coming only for us to hear of your sudden departure. Our cry was God why, what about the 15 more years we prayed for. We did not understand that He refined you as gold and took you to be with him. We did not understand that the righteous are taken from the evil to come.                Though we lost you, but now we understood that your demise is a gain to heaven so as to join the hosts of Angels whose heart you possessed to adore the majestic God. 
   Good night Felix.
Good night to an inlaw that is more than any other.
Adieu to a man with a heart of philanthropis
Adieu to a man with a heart of gold.
Chika Steve Ezeoke
Cape Verde islands.

                          
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
The little conversations we had, Even though it was quite short, was amazing. A cheerful man indeed. You made alot of people around you happy. You will forever be in our hearts. We love you!!! Rest in God's hands.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
The news of your demise came to me as a shock. I horridly called to confirm and the news I wished to be rumor became true.
Meeting you a couple of times, showed me that you are a man of much humility and simplicity. A man that raised his kids and endowed them with a virtue of hard work and simplicity. Which I believe is the most important gift a man can give his children.
Agunaecheibe, you left people very close to with an indelible feeling of belonging. You made an impact in your cooperate life and as a public servant and in the life of people that worked with you, a real technocrat.
Rest in the Lord Agunaecheibe,
Adieu daddy Arinze,
Good night grandpa Jedean,
Till we meet to part no more.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
I never knew the meaning of grief.
I never knew what loss meant.
How naïve! How shielded! How lucky!
To learn of such all-consuming pain by your passing is a cold awakening of the other side of life’s lessons.

Despite it all, I choose to remember the good times.
The legacy you leave behind.
These cardinal virtue of yours, I promise to embrace:
FAMILY, JOY/LAUGHTER, GENEROSITY, PEACE, HEALTH, and FAITH.

Family was key to you. You loved yours dearly to a fault. Your love for us can only be described as unconditional. You loved your kids, grandkids, and siblings palpably. It was obvious to all who knew you. You made selfless sacrifices that impacted our lives positively.

Your joy and laughter were infectious and felt in any room you entered.
‘’Yeaaah mann” was your usual catchphrase. Young in every way, body, and soul. Cool enough to make both the young and old feel at ease. Despite any adverse event in your life, you had joy and laughter at your core. Speaking to you at any time of the day was our routine. You could make anything into a joke, you were my best friend.

Daddy, you were the man with a big heart and open hands. Generous to a fault as far back as I can remember. I was the only kid in boarding school and university who never knew the meaning of the phrase being ‘out of provisions’ or ‘broke’. Your generosity extended to anyone around you. Domestic help were like kings/queens as they never lacked. You helped with food, money, jobs to anyone in need. You always remembered the Church. I remember each time I gave you a stipend, you would always give a portion to the Church saying that God was the source and we should always give back.

You were a peaceful person. The epitome of amicable resolution of conflict. I am not surprised that you have left us to go to a place of peace. A place with no war, disease, argument, or strife. When faced with conflict, I would always ask myself how dad would resolve this. The answer would always be Christlike-peacefully.

The most health-conscious man I knew. You took care of both body and mind. If you were judged by how many healthy decisions you made, you would get an A+. You were the model on how to take care of one’s health. I guess death always has an excuse to take a man.

You were a man of faith, who believed completely in God. Prayer and the rosary were your weapons. I have no doubt that you are in Heaven. We didn’t lose you but instead, we gained one more angel in heaven, one more star in our sky.

I know you are with someone who cares for you infinitely more than we ever could. That thought makes me smile and I know we will meet again someday.

Amaka, your Chikito no. 1
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
TRIBUTE TO FELIX O. CHIME
By Chief Oseni Elamah, mni

It was with a great sense of loss that the news of your passing reached me. I distinctly heard your voice echoing in the recesses of my mind, resonating your popular refrain of ‘my friend’, and a melancholic nostalgia fills my mind as I recall the origins of my alias for you, ‘FOC my friend’.

Mr. Felix O. Chime, a quintessential gentleman you were. You were a very jovial and kind-hearted friend and brother, but you did not let that compromise your honesty, frankness, and sincerity. You were also one who expresses heartfelt appreciation for little things done for you.

I recall the event of the graduation of your daughter, Amaka, from the University of Benin. and how I hosted you, along with your family and friends at the Edo State Government house afterwards. You had never ceased to recall that gesture and announce it to everyone at the slightest opportunity the honour done you on that day.

I also recall a JTB foreign training event in London where I secured accommodation for you to stay with me in the hotel I booked, and which you had always expressed appreciation for.

You were also effusive in expressing appreciation to the former Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Tunde Fowler, who created employment opportunities for your wards with the FIRS, and facilitated your engagement as a member of the Tax Advisory Committee of the FIRS.

We had built our friendship over the years in mutual respect and love, and this bonding was evident during JTB meetings where we had to upend the usual seating arrangement and cajole Ekiti to swap seats so Edo and Enugu can be seated side by side.

Even after your exit as Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, your good spiritedness never ceased. I recall you taking time out to host us during the 141st Meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Enugu, to appreciate the Chairman, and other members of the Board in a convivial and friendly atmosphere.

This was who you were, a man of the people, a devoted family man, a loving and caring father, a loyal friend, and a dedicated public servant.

Just two weeks prior to your shocking demise, while you were on official Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) assignment in Lagos on Tax Advisory Committee matters, I recall you promised to take some time off to rest in Lagos and use the opportunity to come pay a visit to me and my family. Alas! Little did I know it was to be our last conversation, as the next news I heard was that you had passed on.

We count it a massive loss that you have left us, but we know that heaven has gained a stellar personality. We pray that the Almighty will give your family the grace, courage, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Rest in peace ‘FOC my friend’, until we meet to part no more.
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Even though death is inevitable I wasn’t expecting yours now, Your death is still a shock to me and my family & my dad especially whom you imparted greatly as colleagues and as a boss. You will be greatly missed uncle FOC.
Rest In Peace.
Adaeze Nwagu.

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Recent Tributes
March 6
March 6
My Inlaw no.1. The tears still in our eyes are only expression of how much we love you. Deep down our hearts, our mouths are full of glory and thanksgiving to God for your life well spent in impowering and impacting others.
March 6
March 6
Rest on Agunecheibe 1 of Udi Ancient Kingdom!

Memories, once etched never fade... It's 3 years + eternity.

Reminiscent of the ides of March, the news of your demise jolted everyone to the marrows, especially those who shared moments and times with you. Not with the heightened hope after you left the ill-fated hospital in Lekki for VI, where we thought would afford you the care you sorely missed in the former. The only solace is that Providence scripts everybody's chapters in life. We can only say: to God be all the glory!

Adieu FOC!
March 6
March 6
Chief FOC, Agunecheibeya, I discussed you today with our common friends in Abuja not recognizing that it is the third anniversary of your departure. How time flies! It feels like yesterday! You are always on our minds. I know that the Almighty God is taking good care of you in his bosom. We miss you and continue to rest in peace until we meet to part no more.
His Life
September 3, 2022
The world still feels your absence in many ways.
Love never dies. You live forever in our hearts.

Happy Birthday Daddy ❤️❤️
Recent stories
April 4, 2021
Agunechibe was truly a great man. I always marveled at how a man who constantly walked with kings was still the best friend of the poor and downtrodden in Nigeria. It wasn't just the fact that he was always youthful and full of life and energy or that he was almost generous to a fault, it was perhaps his unparalleled devotion to family and friends!The first day I met him, it was just a day before the traditional wedding. I had brought him a package from Kido...to his palatial house in the village. It was supposed to be a quick dash in and dash out early in the morning but he wouldn't have that.  He insisted that my friend and I sit with him and have fresh Udi palmwine and okpa. We were there for hours laughing raucously to his many jokes. I can go on an on. But every encounter was inspiring in very meaningful ways. You always come out with the impression that this was one of  the finest men God ever made. Even now, in this dark moment, we celebrate his truly beautiful life. 

FOC: voice of calm

March 28, 2021
I remember in 2009.... Under 17 World Cup....
I was a member of the LOC but I was much younger. I recall how you made sure I went back to finish the task ahead of me even when the local police struck me with a gun and everyone was calling me to apologise. 
You've always been my voice of calm and reason. 
Always ready to take one for the team. 
Always ready to bring peace. 
Death always misfires.
Wrongest pick.
Love you.
Always

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