ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Frank Igboji, 80 years old, born on September 9, 1940, and passed away on February 7, 2021. We will remember him forever.
April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO WAS HIS DAUGHTER’S FRIEND

“Grief is just love with nowhere to go, it’s all the love you want to give but cannot” – Jamie Anderson.

When mummy walked into the living room and said “Adaeze, Frank anwugo”, my heart immediately tightened in the most uncomfortable way ever. I was expecting death but I wasn’t expecting it this soon. For someone who had lived up to 80 years, there was a pattern I was expecting; fall sick for a long period of time and then exit or get too old and then sleep gracefully into the afterlife.

On the day dad died, I was with some family and friends that were sent to help me receive the news better. I kept trying to laugh when something funny was being said but laughter couldn’t go through my heart, at all. I cried a lot. Every night, I held Yagazie in my arms and cried. I took really long walks just so I could cry my heart out. Everyone kept saying I should be strong for Mummy, but I knew I needed to be strong for myself first. I have felt pain many a times but this pain is different, it is the type of pain that might not go away at all.

My father was a VERY humble and simple person who lived here on his terms. His mind was very brilliant and wise; he gave the best advice and life lessons. It took little to please him; his needs were basic. He enjoyed simple pleasures like being hugged tightly or tickled. He was never demanding, nor mounted pressure. He was really humorous and always managed to make everyone around him laugh. Daddy taught me not to take life too seriously. He was always in good spirit, even on the day he died.
In a world where many are interested in riches or fame, he was never up for such needless struggles. He was always happy and content with his own share of the world’s fortune (oke nke a zuru ya). Dad was a kind-hearted man and treated everyone fairly. He was always very truthful regardless of who was involved, so honorable in all his dealings. Dad was a man of integrity.

Daddy, you should have stayed a little longer, just a little more. There was so much I wanted to do for you and with you. 80years wasn’t enough for me. You should have waited for mummy to get back; you can’t imagine how terrible she felt being away whilst everything was happening. She kept trying to be strong but was hurting. You didn’t meet Yagazielum; how did you not wait to physically see her, this child you prayed for? This child you danced for? This child you said looks like me? This pain is profound and I cannot even begin to describe it.

However, I celebrate your life and all the love and laughter you shared. I am so grateful for the close relationship we had, for the many tight hugs and laughs we shared, you were my friend. When you started to age, I started to look for you in people. You had all the time for me; you would listen to everything I had to say. You were always very excited to see me, always. We were close. Never once did I not feel your love for me. I was the person you called when you were mad at someone or needed something; you would say “ Deze Deze, enwekwa ihe m needy, achoro kwa m enye gi nsogbu, agwa go m ndi ozo mana ama m n’oso gi ga emenwuru m a kita”. I hope I made you proud to have me as a daughter. I hope I was a child you were happy to have had in your lifetime. Your death has redirected me to the path I should be on, the Path of Integrity.
Thank you for the poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, you gifted it to me years ago and it has been an amazing guide till present day.

We miss you terribly, Dad, All of us including Ebuka. I miss your voice at the other end of the phone, your jokes, your laughter, the way you called my name, every single thing about you. I will grieve for a very long time but like it is said in Thessalonians 4:13 – We would grieve but not like those who do not have hope.
Your journey has now ended. Hopefully, someday, laughter will go through my heart again.

May Mother Mary intercede for you at this most important time, Amen. May our Lord Jesus Christ forgive all your shortcomings Daddy and mercifully grant you the greatest reward of Heaven, Amen. With an extremely heavy heart, I wish you a safe journey home.

So Long Papa, gaa nke oma.
April 9, 2021
April 9, 2021
Uncle Frank, I don’t really know what to say. I can’t find the words to express how I feel about you leaving us. You left us in the flesh but you’re still with us in the Spirit. I thank you for your kind words and friendly advise to me back in 2015 when I saw you last. Your family is my family and my family is yours and we will all be there for Aunty Ify, DaJoe, Ifeanyi, Adaeze and your grand-daughter. You left us but we gained an Angel. Rest Well, Sir!
April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Uncle,

A week to that fateful day i put up a picture of you, Nonso and myself cracking a joke during my wedding introduction. Emeka commented and we spoke about how you are ever available for events that concern me. On one hand I’m sad that you left us but on the other I’m glad that you lived a happy life filled with laughter and joy which you extended to people around you. You were such a solid and steadying head of the Igboji family after the passing of my grandparents and we thank you so much for that. Your calmness and candor will be missed but most of all we would miss your laughter and how infectious it is. You lived on your own terms and I will like to believe that you also left on your own terms.

Adieu Uncle
Adieu Ezeudo

D Ral, D boy and Family ❤️
April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Uncle. Thank you for being my mother's big brother. The example that you set for her and your siblings was evident throughout the years. Some of it has been reflected by the fundamental focus on family closeness which is so well promoted amongst your siblings. It has been passed down to your children and grandchildren. What a blessing. I am happy that I visited you in 2020 during my visit. You were a wonderful man and your legacy is intact. May God bless you, your wife, children, and grandchildren. Rest well Uncle.
April 5, 2021
April 5, 2021
Uncle Frankie!
I miss you!!!!! I miss you alot!!!!!
Ezeudo was not just your title, it was who you were. A peace loving man.
I'll hold on dearly to the memories I have of you.
Ezeudo!!!!!! Ijeoma

Your Niece
Adaobi
April 3, 2021
April 3, 2021
Ezeudo!!!Memories are all we hold dearly at this point.From 1996 World Cup in Nigeria when Ifeanyi and my other cousins were the ball boys, to my every visit to Enugu, to my wedding when you came to Lagos, to your 80th birthday to the last time we spoke after Yagazie’s birth our conversations whether in person or on phone always started with laughter.A simple humble father figure.I am certain there were not up to two of your kind created. Awhum will never be the same.We miss you my cheerful dearest uncle.
Ga nkeoma
Ng Offor
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021
Ezeudo! The clarity in hindsight is often amazing. So often you have been called by that title Ezeudo, but until now it seems so obvious that you lived by the title the model icon of peace. May all the living follow the example that you have set for a peaceful and impactful life as you live on through us.
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Uncle Frank! Thanks for all the memories. From picking your grey hair for a fee to watching and discussing football with you.

You looked way younger and definitely stronger than an 80 year old.

You were calm and cheerful. Everyone will miss you.

Rest In Peace, Uncle. ❤

Your nephew,
Chuka Onwubuemeli.
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Ezeudo!
It was an honour experiencing life with you.
You've always said that "a good name is worth more than money" and that's exactly how you lived your life. I loved your great sense of humour! Your gentle and kind heart. We truly can't believe they'll be an Awhum without uncle Frankie!
Ezeudo ga nke oma....
My St Joseph patron of departing souls welcome you into heaven.
Rest in peace Ezeudo!
Rest in the Lords Peace Uncle Frank!
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Uncle frank you were a good man, kind, gentle and funny. I am glad to have known you and and be part of your family. Eternal rest grant onto you Oh ! Lord and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul rest in the presence on God and his Angels. Amen
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
A man of peace, very humble . Integrity has always been your watchword . Contempt and patience were your weapon in your life time .
What more can I say ? But total submission to the will of the Almighty God for a life well spent . Eternal rest be granted upon you , and may the perpetual light shine upon . Amen

Adieu my father
Goodbye till we see to part no more !!
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Ezeudooooo! Oyi nwa ya! Ezigbo mmadu! nwoke na akwanyeru onwe ya ugwu! onye eziokwu di n'onu! oke gi zuru gi! Ga nke oma nna m.

Nye ya ezumike di okpu O Dinwenu m, ka ife nke ndu ebebe chakwasiya ka mkpuru Obi ya zuru ike na ndukwa, Amen.

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April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO WAS HIS DAUGHTER’S FRIEND

“Grief is just love with nowhere to go, it’s all the love you want to give but cannot” – Jamie Anderson.

When mummy walked into the living room and said “Adaeze, Frank anwugo”, my heart immediately tightened in the most uncomfortable way ever. I was expecting death but I wasn’t expecting it this soon. For someone who had lived up to 80 years, there was a pattern I was expecting; fall sick for a long period of time and then exit or get too old and then sleep gracefully into the afterlife.

On the day dad died, I was with some family and friends that were sent to help me receive the news better. I kept trying to laugh when something funny was being said but laughter couldn’t go through my heart, at all. I cried a lot. Every night, I held Yagazie in my arms and cried. I took really long walks just so I could cry my heart out. Everyone kept saying I should be strong for Mummy, but I knew I needed to be strong for myself first. I have felt pain many a times but this pain is different, it is the type of pain that might not go away at all.

My father was a VERY humble and simple person who lived here on his terms. His mind was very brilliant and wise; he gave the best advice and life lessons. It took little to please him; his needs were basic. He enjoyed simple pleasures like being hugged tightly or tickled. He was never demanding, nor mounted pressure. He was really humorous and always managed to make everyone around him laugh. Daddy taught me not to take life too seriously. He was always in good spirit, even on the day he died.
In a world where many are interested in riches or fame, he was never up for such needless struggles. He was always happy and content with his own share of the world’s fortune (oke nke a zuru ya). Dad was a kind-hearted man and treated everyone fairly. He was always very truthful regardless of who was involved, so honorable in all his dealings. Dad was a man of integrity.

Daddy, you should have stayed a little longer, just a little more. There was so much I wanted to do for you and with you. 80years wasn’t enough for me. You should have waited for mummy to get back; you can’t imagine how terrible she felt being away whilst everything was happening. She kept trying to be strong but was hurting. You didn’t meet Yagazielum; how did you not wait to physically see her, this child you prayed for? This child you danced for? This child you said looks like me? This pain is profound and I cannot even begin to describe it.

However, I celebrate your life and all the love and laughter you shared. I am so grateful for the close relationship we had, for the many tight hugs and laughs we shared, you were my friend. When you started to age, I started to look for you in people. You had all the time for me; you would listen to everything I had to say. You were always very excited to see me, always. We were close. Never once did I not feel your love for me. I was the person you called when you were mad at someone or needed something; you would say “ Deze Deze, enwekwa ihe m needy, achoro kwa m enye gi nsogbu, agwa go m ndi ozo mana ama m n’oso gi ga emenwuru m a kita”. I hope I made you proud to have me as a daughter. I hope I was a child you were happy to have had in your lifetime. Your death has redirected me to the path I should be on, the Path of Integrity.
Thank you for the poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, you gifted it to me years ago and it has been an amazing guide till present day.

We miss you terribly, Dad, All of us including Ebuka. I miss your voice at the other end of the phone, your jokes, your laughter, the way you called my name, every single thing about you. I will grieve for a very long time but like it is said in Thessalonians 4:13 – We would grieve but not like those who do not have hope.
Your journey has now ended. Hopefully, someday, laughter will go through my heart again.

May Mother Mary intercede for you at this most important time, Amen. May our Lord Jesus Christ forgive all your shortcomings Daddy and mercifully grant you the greatest reward of Heaven, Amen. With an extremely heavy heart, I wish you a safe journey home.

So Long Papa, gaa nke oma.
April 9, 2021
April 9, 2021
Uncle Frank, I don’t really know what to say. I can’t find the words to express how I feel about you leaving us. You left us in the flesh but you’re still with us in the Spirit. I thank you for your kind words and friendly advise to me back in 2015 when I saw you last. Your family is my family and my family is yours and we will all be there for Aunty Ify, DaJoe, Ifeanyi, Adaeze and your grand-daughter. You left us but we gained an Angel. Rest Well, Sir!
April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Uncle,

A week to that fateful day i put up a picture of you, Nonso and myself cracking a joke during my wedding introduction. Emeka commented and we spoke about how you are ever available for events that concern me. On one hand I’m sad that you left us but on the other I’m glad that you lived a happy life filled with laughter and joy which you extended to people around you. You were such a solid and steadying head of the Igboji family after the passing of my grandparents and we thank you so much for that. Your calmness and candor will be missed but most of all we would miss your laughter and how infectious it is. You lived on your own terms and I will like to believe that you also left on your own terms.

Adieu Uncle
Adieu Ezeudo

D Ral, D boy and Family ❤️
His Life

BIOGRAPHY OF PRINCE FRANK IGBOJI, EZE UDO

April 6, 2021

PRINCE FRANCIS CHUKWUEMEKA IGBOJI was born on 9th September, 1940, to the Royal family of Late Igwe Joseph Ononugbo Igboji and Lolo Sylvia Nnenna Igboji, (nee Onyeama N’Eke) of Awhum, at Udi Maternity Hospital.
At the age of 5, Late Igwe Igboji, then a staff of Udi Local Government Council based at Udi, was transferred to Abakaliki Community Council.
This saw a turn in Frank’s life, as his father, upon the advice that he should not personally raise his first son that he may not get spoilt, sent him to live with Frank’s uncle, Ekwueme at 9th Mile, to commence his education in primary school.
He later moved to Enugu to live with another uncle who enrolled him in St. Mary’s Primary School, Uwani, Enugu.
Frank’s father, not being satisfied with the quality of his life and education in the homes he had sent him, entrusted him to Chief Patrick O. Nwakoby, who at the time was a tutor in the College of The Immaculate Conception, Enugu. (C.I.C.).
When Frank got to primary four, Igwe J. O. Igboji re-called him to continue habitation at Abakaliki with his family. He got enrolled in Mile Primary School, Abakaliki.
After his Primary Education, he got admitted into Zixton Grammer School, Ozubulu, to do his Secondary Education. At Zixton Ozubulu, his soccer prowess was discovered. He helped his team mates bring Zixton to great prominence with their soccer expeditions. They had the likes of Johnny Egbuonu, Ernest Ufele, Kofi Oredo, Bob Cole, etc.
The team came out tops in Eastern Nigeria, in the Principals’ Cup, in 1962, the top soccer competition in Nigeria at the time among secondary schools. In the very final game at the Lagos stadium in 1963, Ishola Folarunsho was the commentator. The whole country was glued to their radio sets, as it was a very exciting cup final between Zixton Grammer School, Ozubulu and Igbobi College, Lagos.
When Frank scored the first goal for Zixton from his No. 9 position, Ishola Folarunsho yelled out, “This is fantastic from Igboji man against Igboji College” from then Frank was known as “Igboji man game”.
Zixton won that game 2-1 and brought the Principals’ Cup back to the East. When he left secondary school, Frank got a job with Nigeria Ports Authority and was posted to Port Harcourt Wharf. He got a chance to play for NPA with the likes of Onyeawuna, Onyeador, Chukwuma etc and they ruled the Eastern Region and Nigeria.
Shortly after that, he proceeded to England to study at the famous and prestigious London School of Economics, where he bagged a Bsc. (Hons) (Econs) in 1967 and later, as a result of the Biafra/Nigeria war, continued to Masters Level which he concluded in 1969.
Frank returned to Nigeria in 1978, and promptly got a job with the Anambra State Sports Council, whose Chairman was his former mentor, Chief P.O. Nwokoby. He ended as Director of Sports, from which post he retired honourably. Frank got married to delectable Miss Ifeyinwa Ugbene, now Mrs. Ify Igboji, on 27th October, 1984, and they both have 3 adorable children, Emeka, Ifeanyi and Adaeze. Adaeze gave him his first grandchild whose picture/photograph Frank saw on his sick bed. Frank was a devout Catholic who took part in all church activities.
“Awhum” was his favorite subject, as he was the Chairman of Awhum Development Union. He loved Awhum and the people so much that he spent most of his time in Awhum since he retired from Civil Service. He made sure he attended all functions held in Awhum by any Awhum citizen: burials, birthdays, weddings etc. He hardly ever missed any! He was god-father to dozens of Awhum kids, and sponsor to dozens of marriages. He was heavily revered and loved by his people.
May his gentle and peaceful soul rest in the bossom of the Lord.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT OF FRANK IGBOJI

March 28, 2021
Wednesday, April 14th , 2020
Wake - 5 p.m
Late Igwe Igboji's Palace
Awhum, Udi L.G.A,
Enugu state.

Friday, April 16th, 2021
Funeral Mass - 11:00 a.m
St. Luke's Catholic Church Awhum, 
Udi L.G.A, Enugu State.
Interment follows at Late Igwe 
Igboji's Palace, Awhum.
Reception & Condolence visits follow immediately.

Sunday, April 18th,2021
Thanksgiving Mass - 10 a.m
St. Luke's Catholic Church,
Awhum, Udi L.G.A, Enugu State.

Recent stories

Christmas with my brother in Awhum

March 30, 2021
Christmas or any occasion to be in Awhum was fun with my brother.The last Christmas l spent with him,2019,would be the last.Nothing pleased him so much as meandering on the dusty village routes,on foot.He called me one evening,at Christmas,asking that we went to sit in the village Nkwo market center.l reluctantly obliged him and off we went to sit on the wooden old benches provided by some people doing quick business by selling all sorts of bush meat.It was Christmas season,the market square was crowded;almost everybody wanted to greet him and of course,he knew them all.For him,that was Christmas.It was getting pretty late and l asked that we went home.He replied,"what are we going home to do,don't you enjoy seeing all these people saying happy Christmas,advance New year"Such simplicity of life,l have never seen.

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