ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Festus Nwaigwe. We will remember him forever.
April 27, 2019
April 27, 2019
My Legendary GrandPa

Today, I celebrate my grandpa. He was and is still a Legend. I found out that he didn’t attend any institution of learning, but he never despised or ignored any opportunity to learn. He always had a unique and interesting way of narrating his experiences as a young man. He made effort to be enlightened and literate. Little wonder, he could read, write and express himself in simple English. He was brave, strong and hardworking, even in old age. He never wanted to be idle and never encouraged idleness.He was a happy man and tried to make sure everyone around him was happy. This explains the meaning of his name ‘FESTUS’ which means ‘FESTIVE’ or ‘JOYFUL’.
I love you so much grandpa FESTUS AKALUGWU NWAIGWE
Your children can’t get enough of you and we all miss you!
Our Legend! Our Centurion! ADIEU!
Rest in our Lord’s bosom Papa!!!
❤❤❤
                     Benny-Ruth Ogechi
                     Granddaughter
April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019
May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our lord Jesus christ, and may you live forever in the heart of your loved ones. Esiere Grandpa.
April 15, 2019
April 15, 2019
Papa, i still find it quite hard to believe I wouldn't see you no more. I recall vividly that very day,you ate your potatoes with such enthusiasm that I was happy you have become stronger, than you were the previous days. You alone calls me by my middle name Chinyereze which you gave me . You were very peaceful,loving with a smart brain.sometimes I ask myself if I would be able to recall stuffs that happened 70-90 years ago if I were your age.lolll. you were hardworking and hated idle ness.you always advised and blessed us.I am glad I spent your last months/days with you.papa who would never lie down when its time for prayers but sits upright...I have a lot to write about you which I will gladly do..
Rest on PaPa
Intercede for us cause I know you're with the saints.
Ozioma Chinyereze Nwaigwe
April 14, 2019
April 14, 2019
For the Love of my Grandpa....(part 1)
        ❤❤❤
Dear Papason,
     A very goodmorning to you today. Ibo-ola Papa? Ututu oma! How is your new home? Have you taken your usual breakfast of hot tea?
Papa, I still find it difficult to write, even though Writing is one of my hobbies. It's been a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow I've been having since I was told you've gone to meet our CREATOR. I feel joyful because I know you'd be resting, refreshed and having fun. And I feel sorrowful because I'm not gonna sit and chat with you like we used to. Nevertheless, I'll cheer up because I can still feel your presence and you'll be happy to see us celebrate.
     Papa, I learnt a lot from you. Your household and everyone who had the opportunity to spend time with you testifies to your great wisdom and the impact you made. For this reason, I have a lot to write. Your grandson Chisom has created this site for you and so we'll keep sharing beautiful memories with you here.
     Thanks for your words of wisdom, thanks for the love you showed all your grand-children. Thanks for the wrapper you gave me to take to school when I first got admission. Thanks for teaching me to iron your shirts and jumpers. Thanks for encouraging me to keep studying and working hard. Thanks for enjoying my bowls of indomie and fried egg. I wish I can still prepare your favorite jollof spaghetti with smoked fish. You and Daa really loved it the first time I made it for you. Thanks for teaching me to spell your name 'F- E-S-T-U-S' when I was still a kid. You didn't go to school but you never ignored any opportunity to learn. Little wonder I was amazed when you mentioned the 'Characteristics of Living things - MR NIGER +D' during one of our chats in the village. You inspired and motivated me in a great way and that's one of the reasons why I keep telling myself ' I can never get to the elastic limit of learning'. I can keep saying thanks and that I will do.
     Papa, the last time we had an audio chat, you prayed for me and told me to be persistent and be the very best I can be, that I'll never forget. Thank you so much Papa.
     Papa, I love you so much. I'll write you again soon. Please, enjoy your heavenly meal with the Saints and feel the warmth of God's embrace. I have to go work now as you advised, 'cause you never liked idleness or laziness. I love you Papa!!!
     Kisses and Hugs!
                   Your grand-daughter,
                   Ogechi
                     ❤
April 11, 2019
April 11, 2019
The journey of life can be an amazing one with good memories.These memories are not mirage but real experiences felt and acted by persons like you grandpa,who have played a big role in the existence of a family I've come to know and a fan of.
May the good Lord who has called you home,show you the light that lead you back to HIM
A-M-E-N
Augustine Adah
April 11, 2019
April 11, 2019
The journey of life can be an amazing one with good memories.These memories are not mirage but real experiences felt and acted by persons like you grandpa,who have played a big role in the existence of a family I've come to know and a fan of.
May the good Lord who has called you home,show you the light that lead you back to HIM
A-M-E-N
Augustine Adah
April 11, 2019
April 11, 2019
ICHE Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe at God’s Engine Room
   You have travelled through many ranks of honour
   Can there be great men without you?
   There is no sun without light
   You have journeyed this sphere of humans as light
   Living in bondage is when one caged his conscience
   For you, you were a library of liberation
   Your umbrella shines over the lives you created
   Smooth and express are the roads you constructed
   You are a living stone that deserves tribute of love and respect
    You are gone, but lives in hearts and on records
    You are a testimonial of evergreen memories
On your voyage to the most respected human home, I wish you warmth
                farewell
                Cherio the Great Legend!!!
April 10, 2019
April 10, 2019
Grandpa like no other, you lived a wonderful life and have set down wonderful principles and legacy, for that we are grateful... continue to shine among the stars
Rest in perfect peace
April 10, 2019
April 10, 2019
Papason as was fondly called by many is a peace loving and caring man with a deep sense of humor. He's brother's pain is also his pain and his joy is also his joy which is one of the numerous qualities he passed down to his children. Papason,words are not enough to describe how much i miss u to the point that I still ask after u thinking that u are still with us. You left a very good legacy which we would continue continue to uphold. I can remember when i was still very little and naive and i begged u not to ever give us dog meat to eat and u assured me that u can never do that. Papason,diaz a whole lot i want to write but i can't find the right words.
You were such a rare personality and we would miss u so much but our only consolation is that u have been called to join ur make.plz continue to watch over us and pray for us from heaven. Rest on papason
April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
Rest in peace, Grandpa. May your children and grandchildren continue your legacy. We celebrate you sir.
April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
Just like a dream........... I new your time was close but never believe it was going to that day, you asked me to go to the office that you are OK, little did I know that my stepping out was your change of state, 30mins after I left I got a call that your condition changed, though it was an honour to me that your last was in my arm papa, dear father you gave reason to live and you equally made me have a good name, through your advice and support.     After God you are the source of my joy....... I love you..... Your memory cannot be erase from my heart........ You were a living saint because you never anything to heart. Live on papa
April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
Although I didn't know Festus personally I have had the privilege to hear about him from his grandson Bright. I have heard how he was a devote family man who's legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of his children and grandchildren and all who spent time in his company. He lived to a wonderful age and his life should be celebrated. I send my condolences to all his family members. I hope you can find comfort with the fact that he is now at peace and in the loving presence of our Father in heaven.
Revelation 21: 4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away
Joshua 1: 9
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go
Sending my love to all
April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
We had a wonderful grandfather,
One who never really grew old;
His smile was made of sunshine,
And his heart was solid gold;
His eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in his cheeks fair roses, you see.
We had a wonderful grandfather,
And that’s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
He’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
He will like what he sees.
Will forever miss you.

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April 27, 2019
April 27, 2019
My Legendary GrandPa

Today, I celebrate my grandpa. He was and is still a Legend. I found out that he didn’t attend any institution of learning, but he never despised or ignored any opportunity to learn. He always had a unique and interesting way of narrating his experiences as a young man. He made effort to be enlightened and literate. Little wonder, he could read, write and express himself in simple English. He was brave, strong and hardworking, even in old age. He never wanted to be idle and never encouraged idleness.He was a happy man and tried to make sure everyone around him was happy. This explains the meaning of his name ‘FESTUS’ which means ‘FESTIVE’ or ‘JOYFUL’.
I love you so much grandpa FESTUS AKALUGWU NWAIGWE
Your children can’t get enough of you and we all miss you!
Our Legend! Our Centurion! ADIEU!
Rest in our Lord’s bosom Papa!!!
❤❤❤
                     Benny-Ruth Ogechi
                     Granddaughter
April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019
May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our lord Jesus christ, and may you live forever in the heart of your loved ones. Esiere Grandpa.
His Life

Eulogy for my Grandfather - A Life Full of Pride, Joy and Happiness

April 9, 2019
Today, I have the honor of reintroducing you to Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe —better known to many as “Pa Akalugwu”. born in the year 1904 into the Nwaigwe family making him at date 2019 January at departure the oldest man to have lived in his clan

I would like to reflect on the person Grandpa was.  

I could write here for the better part of the day and reminisce about all the stories grandpa was either part of or he told, and for those who knew Grandpa, you understand how long those stories could be.

Festus Akalugwu was a loving person and a philanthropist till death. He lived a life that was full of pride, joy and happiness, he took pride in his career as a farmer and a trader. He wasn’t an educationist, he never went to college but never underestimated the power of education and he strives to provide this for every member of his family and always encouraging his grand and great-grandchildren to strive in there education. Grandpa was always full of joy seeing any of his grandchildren on TV.

As a young prosperous price charming of his youth he was pleased to have found Fidelia Omougu who later became his wife. Fidelia Omougu was indeed a compliment to grandpa, she had a large heart to accommodate. Her beauty and good heart soon grew to the nearby village and praises never ceased from the lips of anyone who came across her. Ezewanyi Fidelia as she was fondly called was blessed with the fruit of the womb and bear 8 children for Papa Akalugwu.

Papa Akalugwu lost his darling wife in the year 2008 following an illness this was really a sad period for both grandpa, the entire family and friends. who says old men can't be emotional. Again in the year, 2011 papa lost his first son who was a replica of papa and an illustrious son of the clan.

Grandpas generosity, humility and selflessness are all qualities that I admire him for and qualities I myself aspire to have. Some say it’s what you leave on this earth that shows what you did with your life. 

What Grandpa was able to help me see is, it is more important to grow old with style and dignity and give everything you can to the people you love.

 loved the way he would save every little piece of wood and nothing would go to waste. The people that make the biggest impact in the world are people like grandpa—honest, truthful, and putting the needs of their family first, it’s bigger than I think Pa even realized.

Grandpa also has a sense of humor can remember whenever he falls sick and taken to the hospital he will smile and tell the doctor ‘am healthy then you and everyone in the room’ and I can still remember grandpa telling his children one day in a family meeting that whenever is time for him to go he will go peacefully and he will show them a sign to prepare for his death which he fulfilled, such a promise keeper.

Albert Einstein once said “our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”

So let us celebrate our Father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, husband, in-law, friend, mentor, teacher’s life and continue his legacy. Thank you Pa Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe. we love you.

~Onyechere Bright 

Recent stories

My Legendary GrandPa (Part 2)

April 27, 2019

MY LEGENDARY GRANDPA 

by 
BENNY-RUTH OGECHI
Before age six, I had gone to the village with my family to spend some time with our grandparents during one of our holidays. Papa and Daa welcomed us with a broad smile and a warm embrace. They were so excited because they would be spending time with their grandchildren. After exchanging pleasantries and expressing our joy, Papa decided to test my spelling ability, though I was surprised because as a kid, I had seen grandpa as an old man who lived in the village and didn’t go to school. I wasn’t expecting him to ask me questions related to my classwork.
‘Ogechi’ Papa called out, your mum says you are now in Primary 1.
‘Yes Papa’ I replied
Can you spell my name ‘FESTUS’?
Ehmmm… I’ll try Papa. 
I gave that answer because I already knew that for the ‘f’ sound, some words adopt the digraph ‘ph’ while others go with the letter ‘f’, I decided to have fun with the spelling drill. I began spelling P, h
Papa said ‘No, try again’
I tried the letter ‘F’, F-E-S-T-U-S
That was it! I spelled Papa’s name ‘FESTUS’. He was happy and said ‘clap for yourself’
That was my first academic encounter with Papa and that changed my view of grandparents or old people as a kid.
On another occasion while I was still a teenager, he asked me to list the characteristics of living things, I did and he reminded me of the mnemonics MR NIGER + D. That was amazing! I didn’t expect that much from my aged grandpa.
Today, I celebrate my grandpa. He was and is still a Legend. I found out that he didn’t attend any institution of learning, but he never despised or ignored any opportunity to learn. He always had a unique and interesting way of narrating his experiences as a young man. He made effort to be enlightened and literate. Little wonder, he could read, write and express himself in simple English. He was brave, strong and hardworking, even in old age. He never wanted to be idle and never encouraged idleness. Papa was an entrepreneur and always had something to sell. During my childhood days, Papa owned a provision store and always had drinks and snacks to offer his grandchildren whenever we visited. He always encouraged all his children to work hard and never give up on their pursuit in life. I would say my grandfather was a wealthy man because he always had something to offer. No one ever visited my grandpa and left hungry. It was even more surprising to know that as a Centurion living in the city with his children, he still wanted to trade. He had his drinks stocked up in the refrigerator for sale. He engaged in home sales, so he could interact with people and have fun even while at home. 
My grandpa was multi-talented and possessed various skills. As a young man, he lived in Port Harcourt, engaged in various trades, was a construction worker, a painter and a farmer. In his 80s, my grandpa could still make local roofing by weaving palm fronds (akirika). He also made wooden beds from palm and bamboo trees (okpukpo). Actually, he taught me how to iron his shirts and jumpers because he always loved wearing well-ironed cloths and had a good dress-sense. He was a happy man and tried to make sure everyone around him was happy. This explains the meaning of his name ‘FESTUS’ which means ‘FESTIVE’ or ‘JOYFUL’.
I love you so much grandpa FESTUS AKALUGWU NWAIGWE
Your children can’t get enough of you and we all miss you!
Our Legend! Our Centurion! ADIEU!
Rest in our Lord’s bosom Papa!!!

❤❤❤

                                Benny-Ruth Ogechi
                                Granddaughter

My Icon

April 21, 2019

I will forever miss u gandpa.... 

The love u av for your kids and grand kids is really admirable, you were a role model and an icon to be celebrated.

I really regret that I was not able to bring my boys for u to bless as u always requested before your departure from this world.

Thanks for all your blessings Papa... W

My Legendary Grandpa...(Part 1)

April 14, 2019

Fun facts about Papa

1. He was a handsome and gentle man (Guy man)

2. He always made sure his cloths were well-ironed.

3. He loved looking good and wanted everyone around him to do same.

4. He always applied dye on his hair to make it dark and attractive.

5. He had his principles but was ready to learn from others.

6. He loved all his children, nephews, nieces and treated Nwaigwe's household as one.

7. He loved eating well prepared noodles with fried egg, well-garnished jollof spaghetti, rich oha soup with fufu and so many other tasty delicacies

Oh how can I forget? He liked bole and roasted fish and always had his favorite drink to compliment the combo.

Oh Papa!!! We'll miss you so much!

(To be continued)

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