ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Innocent Chukwuma, 55 years old, born on February 6, 1966, and passed away on April 3, 2021. He rests peacefully, always loved and forever missed.
February 16
February 16
Hi Daddy,
I've been thinking about and missing you a little bit more these days. Life has happened again, dear Aunty Mmakamba has gone to join you. Wish you were here, you always knew the right thing to say and I know mummy needs you more than ever. But alas, I'll settle on you looking out for aunty where you both are.
Love you always!
February 6
February 6
Another year has gone by and we are still here celebrating your life and legacy. Today as always, we commit to emulate the ethos you championed so we can be the foot soldiers of your ideals!
Continue to rest in peace Oga’m!
April 3, 2023
April 3, 2023
My love unforgettable you are. The girls and I miss you soooo much. We wish every second that April 3rd, 2021 never happened to us. Sometimes it still feels like a dream. And other times it’s so real. As real as night and day. My heart skips sometimes. I feel so lost and alone. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep. I miss having someone to bounce ideas off with.

A husband like no other you were. The best husband any woman can wish for. I pray daily that GOD blesses our daughters with beautiful men like you. Really the sweetest days of my life, I found with you.

The children and I are trying our best to promote and protect your legacy. We are trying our best to carry out some of the things you planned to do when you retired from Ford Foundation on January 31, 2023. You planned amongst other things to embark on community projects such as youth empowerment and educational scholarships for indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions. The children and I are doing that via ICCEF. On Sunday April 2nd, 2023, we launched ICCEF in the village - Umuodia- Mpam Ahiazu Mbaise. We awarded scholarships to 6 students from Umuodia, Mbano and Umuokrika, and provided support for a young man to purchase electrical equipment for his young business after undergoing skills acquisition. Your dance troupe were there to entertain all. Your Nwanyi Calabar danced with the troupe, celebrating the life and times of her heart throb.

Continue to rest in peace my one and only true love.
April 3, 2023
April 3, 2023
Dear Innocent,
On the second anniversary of your passing, I light a candle for you today to remember you and that your legacy lives on.
Continue to rest in peace Oga’m!
April 3, 2023
April 3, 2023
Hi Daddy,

Its been two years since I last heard your voice, heard your laugh or saw your face. God, I miss you so much; it's taken me two years to even write this. I'm not going to lie, its been very hard learning how to navigate life without you. Sometimes it even feels undoable but we're getting through it. Mummy, Chichi, Kiki and I are doing our best and daddy you would be so proud. We're finding solace in continuing your legacy and honestly telling the world about the type of person you were. It's going to be a lifelong journey daddy but you can rest knowing that were going through it together.

Love you always,
Mimi
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
My dear brother and Oga, it is a solemn day with mixed feelings for everyone down here most especially your family and those of us whom you have touched in many different ways. However, we have learnt to grieve with gratitude and to remember the many memories we had and the impact you left here on earth.

Our loved ones never truly die, they remain in our hearts forever always dancing on the stage of memory. May your kind soul continue to rest in Christ bosom in peace! And may the good Lord comfort and strengthen your family to soldier on until the resurrection morning in Jesus name. Amen
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
My love . My one and only true love ❤️. My soulmate. Nkem happy 57th birthday in heaven. I love and miss you so much. The children love and miss you. But guess what, your spirit is in them. They have channeled their grief into continuing to make you proud. They are excelling. They stand tall. They are truly Innocent CHUKWUMA’s AMAZON.

As for me. I am trying my dear. I am honestly trying but it’s so hard. I know you are with me. I feel you all around me. I LOVE YOU.
The Effahs
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
May your Gentle Soul Forever Rest in Perfect Peace our dear brother and in-law. We love and miss you. We are grateful  to GOD for knowing and having you in our family.
October 7, 2022
October 7, 2022
The sweetest years I found were with you. 23 beautiful years. Irreplaceable you are my love.
October 7, 2022
October 7, 2022
Hi dear. September 29th 2022 marked my second birthday without you. Still seems like a bad dream that I will wake up from. Oh how I miss your jokes, laughter and soothing words. Oh how I miss your calming influence in my life. It’s so so lonely without you. Our beautiful young ladies led by your dear Ada planned a birthday surprise for me - a beautiful cake, a bottle of wine and some chops - all the way in Calabar where I was for a meeting. I desperately wanted to be happy, and so I went to a photo studio to take some pictures two days before my birthday. You ought to see the pictures of your dear Nwanyi Calabar. Your babes are keeping strong but miss you soooo much. We still hurt but we trust in GOD. Love you honey
July 18, 2022
July 18, 2022
Hi dear. Today is our special day. The day we stood before GOD and committed ourselves to each other till death do us part. A how we both kept till April 3, 2021. We would have painted the town red today celebrating our silver wedding anniversary. 25 beautiful years of being besties. Of having each other’s back. How do I feel today? Lonely without you. Your amazons are are trying to forge ahead but it’s not easy without the head coach (isi engine) . We miss your laughter, your sense of humour; your sound advise; your love. Life can never be the same but we will keep trudging on. You know your babes. We are no quitters. Happy anniversary dear. Love you loads 
April 19, 2022
April 19, 2022
Hi dear,

On Thursday April 7th, 2022, you came alive as CLEEN Foundation (your first baby), the children and I launched the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation, ICCEF. It was a well attended event. I could feel your presence in the hall. Indeed you live my love. Your impact and legacy will be for generations.

Your babes love and miss you. We have good days and bad days. We are Innocent Chukwuma’s amazons. We are strong. ❤️❤️
April 8, 2022
April 8, 2022
Thoughtful leadership and organisational skills were such natural parts of Innocent that he made the accomplishment of difficult tasks looked very easy. It was a great leader that we lost a year ago. The shock and pain remain. Continue to rest in glory Innocent Chukwuma.
April 7, 2022
April 7, 2022
I still cannot believe that you are no more with us here. When I read the message of your demise, I thought it was April fool but I had to read it again and said the sender will not be using such to fools one . You gave me an opportunity and I am grateful. I see you as a father and also accorded you that respect. I wanted to share a gift with you but I guess you saw the gift before I was able to. 10 days after you passed, we were blessed with a baby girl. Although, it wasn’t her birth day but God decided it was time. I guess it was for a reason and that gave us Joy. Thank you for visiting me at the hospital after delivery at the recovery room. I can still remember what you wore when you visited. Thank you for being a father and giving me the opportunity. You impacted so many lives and stood for what was right. You were a great boss who carried us along in all decisions. I still see you because I know you live on.
May God continue to comfort your wife and daughters. Continue to rest on Sir as your legacy lives.
March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022
I first heard about Innocent Chukwuma in 1999 during my summer internship with the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa. Dr. Akwasi Aidoo and Dr. Adhiambo Odaga spoke so highly of this fantastic social change agent and activist. When I eventually met him a few weeks before the summer ended, I was in awe as he recounted his struggles for democracy during the military regime and his passion for police reform.

In 2002, I established LEAP Africa, and we became co-labourers in the Nigerian development landscape. We connected at Ford events and other civil society gatherings. With each encounter, I was struck by Innocent’s humility, brilliance, and passion for social change. I also met his amazing wife – Josephine Effa-Chukwuma, the founder of Project Alert and a globally recognized social entrepreneur. I was genuinely inspired by their partnership in life and parenting, friendship, and commitment to transforming Nigeria through their individual and collective efforts.

In 2008/2009, as the Ford Foundation was preparing for its 50th Anniversary in Nigeria, I profiled some of its leading grantees. I was delighted to reconnect with Innocent and interview him about the impact of the CLEEN Foundation. Learning more about his journey and work was fascinating. Our mutual respect began to grow, and we started dragging each other into different initiatives.

I invited Innocent to participate in Ola Ndi Igbo in 2013, where he played a very prominent role in leading discussions about economic development and security in the Southeast.

When Innocent eventually took over the leadership of Ford Foundation as the Representative for the Office of West Africa, he provided tremendous support to LEAP Africa, Sahel Capital and the African Philanthropy Forum. He even hosted local philanthropists in the Ford Office when his dear friend, Chris Stone, visited the country. He supported the 2nd Ola Ndi Igbo gathering in 2015, which he credited with inspiring his creation of the Oluaka Institute. Innocent also formally hosted the launch of my book – "Social Innovation in Africa: a practical guide for scaling impact", in the Ford Foundation auditorium in 2016.

In the same year, Innocent and I were in Kigali for the African Transformation Forum, organized by ACET. We spoke extensively about the impressive Kigali Genocide Memorial and the urgent need to create similar spaces in Nigeria during the conference. Innocent commissioned an initiative on Centers for Memory and Heritage and a book on the National War Museum in Umuahia.
Building on his passion and vision, and in partnership with other Nigerians, we established the Center for Memories (CFM) in Enugu in December 2017, with our first exhibition focused on “Igbo Contributions to Nigeria and the World.” Innocent brought one of his amazing daughters to Enugu for the launch, and I marvelled at their strong bond. He was indeed a devoted and engaged father!

In the days and weeks following the formal launch of CFM, we engaged in monthly calls on achieving the vision and objectives of the Centre. Innocent soon became my go-to person for any new idea on transforming Ala Igbo, Nigeria, and insights into the political climate and civil society's role. He was a great thought leader and an outstanding champion! His response to any issue was always rooted in history, the global context, and a social justice perspective. We discussed a range of topics – from police and election reform to raising the next generation of civil society leaders to strategic philanthropy in Nigeria and impact investing! I reached out to Innocent during the COVID-19 lockdowns to plan for relief efforts in the Southeast and to sustain the momentum of the #EndSars Movement.

Late last year, when Africans in the United States National Basketball Association (NBA) wanted to learn more about engaging in their home countries, I called on Innocent once again. I watched online as Innocent awed the celebrities with his brilliant insights!

My last formal encounter with Innocent was during Sahel Consulting's International Women's Day celebration on March 8th 2021. When my team members asked why we would invite a man to serve as our keynote speaker, I boldly and proudly informed them that Innocent was the most authentic male champion in Nigeria. We could learn so much from his life’s example – as a husband, father, and advocate for so many women. Once again, he blew us all away with his brilliance, wisdom and humility. Thankfully, we have this fantastic lecture recorded to inspire future generations.

Africa has lost one of its brightest stars - a fantastic husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, thought-leader, visioner, change agent, and social entrepreneur! Innocent has left enormous shoes to fill in the African civil society, community development, impact investing and philanthropy landscapes! His life of service, passion, vision, generosity, humility, and brilliance will continue to challenge and inspire me!

My only consolation is that we got to celebrate him during the lovely, joint 50th birthday party with Josephine, five years ago and his send-off Zoom session organized by the Ford Foundation earlier this year. During his lifetime, he heard us tell the world how he had changed our lives!

I will continue to pray for Josephine, the three wonderful daughters and the entire family. We are here for you four amazing ladies, and we will try to continue to push forward many of the projects and plans that Innocent started! May His soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
March 29, 2022
March 29, 2022
Oga Inno, my ED of life! It's been 365 days since some of us last saw you on this side of life, yet your memory echoes even louder, your thoughtful jokes, words of wisdom, boisterious laughter, larger than life acts of compassion is still being shared and felt by many who know you and worked closely with you. Thank you for setting the pace and teaching us that life is more about giving than it is about taking. So, yes I totally agree with those who said that you died empty. You gave your all and handed the baton.

Thank you Innocent!

I pray that God continues to strenghen your wife Josephine and the three Amazons.

Rest on Odogwu nwoke, Diokpa aka ekpa. (The left handed Warrior).

Your legacy lives on!
March 29, 2022
March 29, 2022
One year already!

It’s hard to believe that in a few days it will be one whole year since we said goodbye to a perfect gentleman. We have trudged on and kept the light shining. It’s not been easy but we have all comforted each other and grieved with gratitude. We remain thankful to God for the gift of you and a life well lived. Your wife, children and the rest of the Chukwuma family have been strong. I don’t know how they have done it, it must be the grace and comfort of the almighty God.
We remain consoled in the fact that our loved ones never truly die, they live on in our hearts always dancing on the stage of memory until the resurrection morning.
In loving memory of a boss, brother, mentor and friend: Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma. 
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
INNOCENT C. CHUKWUMA - A MAN OF MANY PARTS TO MANY PEOPLE. A MAN LARGER THAN LIFE. 

Hmmmm, it's still like a dream to me and I am yet to come to terms with your Demise Innocent. Just yesterday March, 27, 2022 I remembered you and watched all day the last outing photograph I took with you together with my other colleagues on March 27, 2021 at Yellow Chilli. On that day no one had a premonition that you were indeed bidding us goodbye. I was Shocked, Saddened and Devastated on the morning of April 3, 2021 when I received the news of your passing. 

My Dear Gentle, Amiable, Approachable, Considerate, Decent, Disciplined, Dependable, Humble, Honest, Hardworking, Intelligent, Kindhearted, Open-Minded, Shy, Unassuming, Warm, Great Encourager boss whom I fondly call IC continue to rest in Power. My family miss you greatly. I imagine if you were here, you would have been worried about the happenings in our dear nation, Nigeria. By now, you would have converged great minds like yours to discuss the state of the nation and propose the way forward. 2023 Election success across the country would have been on your mind. 

You were a very peaceful man and this resonated at all your funeral ceremonies. Everything went peacefully well. People were worried that we would not be able to travel to Imo State for your funeral but we did, we made it there and came back safe and sound.

Your Princesses and Jewel of inestimable value are well and carrying on your legacies which lives on. You lived a life of impact. I take solace in the fact that you are resting at the bosom of your creator till the resurrection morning when we shall see again. CONTINUE TO REST IN POWER IC!
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
I can't believe that it has been almost a year since my friend and brother left us. It still seems very unreal. But what is real is the many memories of Innocent that exist in my mind. Memories that will never die, because Innocent will never die in the minds of those that love him. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said that "When a great man dies, for many years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men" Innocent's light will lie in the paths of men and women till the end of time. May our heavenly father continue to comfort the loved ones he left behind. You are always in my prayers Josephine, Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechi.
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
INNOCENT MY LOVE. MY IROKO

Saturday April 3rd, 2021. Hmmmmmmm. The day the LORD chose to call HOME my soul mate, my friend, my brother, my cheer leader, the husband of my youth, the father of my children.
Can I question GOD? NEVER! Questioning HIM means UNGRATEFULNESS for the twenty-three (23) beautiful years he gave us. I thank GOD for giving Innocent to me and the children. Yes, we wanted him for 50 more years. Yes, I wanted to grow old with him, but then JEHOVAH has the FINAL SAY.

Honey we courted for only four (4) months before we married. The very first lunch outing we had at Afi’s Kitchen in Surulere was where we knew we were meant for each other. We shared a lot in common. Both of us born the same year; we occupy same position in our families (5th children); we were both activists; and we loved music and dancing. You proposed to me on the dance floor at the then Ozone night club. We had our court wedding in Lagos before even going home to meet my family and yours. That is how crazily in love we were. We did not want to entertain any opposition being that I am Efik and you Igbo. We said to ourselves, if they refuse to collect our drinks, we will keep it under our bed and be drinking. Crazy Innocent & Josephine.

You did me the honour of having our white wedding on the one-year anniversary of my father’s death – July 19th, 1997. Thus, I don’t remember that day with sadness, but with joy. Joy that though I lost my first love (my father); I gained my second love (my husband). Oh, how proud my father and mother would have been to welcome you. My family gained a son in you. My sisters loved you to bits dem no dey tell man.

You made marriage so easy and exciting. Coming from various cultures, it can only be crazy Innocent & Josephine that can bring radical changes in the family. As human rights activists, we both believed in the dynamism of culture. We believed and practiced that any culture that discriminates against any gender especially women and girls is bad culture. We brought about innovations in your extended family and community from the day we married to the day you died. Your death will NEVER change that.

Professionally you were my cheer leader, my biggest fan, my encourager. Your wife succeeding did not pose a threat to you. It was a thing of pride to you. I remember when I was on admission for the birth of Amarachi in 1999 and I had to be on bed rest, you would come to the hospital with a laptop and take notes of things (proposals) I needed to write and complete them for me. That was the year I founded Project Alert. Without your encouragement, would I have come this far with Project Alert? NO. Even in December 2020, at our end of year retreat, you came to talk to my staff.

Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechi were blessed with the best daddy in the world. You were the calm river while I was the volcano according to one of our children (hahahaha). You touched their souls. While I will scold and chastise them loudly, you will quietly talk to them and the message will sink. There was absolutely nothing under the sun, the children could not discuss with you. You loved your girls to bits. They did us proud morally, academically etc. You always told them NEVER TO ACCEPT DISRESPECT & DISCRIMINATION because of their gender. You know the AMAZONS you brought up; THEY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. The blood of Innocent Chukwuma flows in them.

Your siblings, extended family and kindred were blessed with a kind brother, uncle, cousin with a large heart. You loved, cared for and supported them all. The growth and progress of all in your family and community, was your passion. You retired from Ford Foundation in January this year, with plans to focus on community development with focus on youths and women after writing your autobiography, which would serve as an inspiration to the teaming youths in the south east and Nigeria, who are currently living in hopelessness. You wanted them to see that possibilities are unlimited. I promise you that though your life has been cut short, your plans will not be cut short. Your various community projects will continue, and your biography will be written.

Ima mi (my love), you are UNFORGETABLE. You worked so hard and its now time to rest. Rest in peace my love, my Iroko, till we meet to part no more.

Your Wife
Josephine Effah-Chukwuma

March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
My Dad. The World’s Greatest

Daddy I would give anything to have you back. I go into your room and see all your things lying around and tell myself, “he is coming back”. My heart aches. I have so many questions. Why? Why? I pray to GOD daily to wake up from this bad dream but it seems to be real.

Daddy you are unforgettable. You are irreplaceable. You are indeed the world’s greatest dad. You were not a man of so many words, but whenever you said something, it would stick. You were calm and loving, even when people hurt you. You always strived to bring out the best in people and believed strongly in the dignity of the human person.

Oh how I miss our monthly father/daughter outing that we started two years ago. We would go out, sit somewhere to have lunch and talk about my future plans, challenges and the way forward. I remember once when I didn’t do too well in one of my key science subjects. You sat me down and had a heart to heart discussion with me. the encouragement you gave me, stuck in my brain and by the next term, I improved tremendously, and you were so proud.

I so looked forward to you seeing me off to university this September. We talked about it. We planned towards it. My heart aches so bad. Just like you, I am not a person of so many words and so while it may seem I am strong since that black Saturday April 3rd, I am actually not. I am however comforted by the fact that GOD blessed me with a father like you. I thank GOD that the first 17 years of my life was spent with you. Very short though it is, I cherish it. One thing I promise you daddy, I will accomplish ALL that we discussed and agreed upon with the help of GOD. Please watch over mummy and us. Yes we all know mummy to be a strong woman, but your death has broken her. We are down but NOT OUT. Your Amazons are not quitters.

Our time with you physically may have been cut short but you live in our hearts. And to live in the hearts of those who love you is not to die. INNOCENT CHUKWUMA LIVES. Love you daddy.

Your Last Daughter
Nkechi Calabar. 
15/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
MY DAD. MY FIRST LOVE

It has been wonderful reading all the amazing things people have to say about my dad and it reminds me of times he would come home and we would joke about how he is a “big boy” while we seemed to look at him as a “small boy”. A LEGEND we had for a dad and we didn’t even know. To me he was just my loving dad. The one who always gave me a reassuring smile and hug. Chi-girl, Chi-Chi he called me.

My dad was a true girl dad. He loved, cherished, and believed in his daughters - Amarachi, Nkechi, and I. He was my confidante and I told him everything and he did the same. Last year as a result of the pandemic we had a lot of time to talk to each other and just had deep conversations of which I am grateful for. We would talk about mundane things such as how my day was like, working from home, holed up in my room; as well as serious topics like my plans for the future. He would always listen patiently as if I was saying the most important thing in the world. He always had a million ideas about different things I could and should get involved in.

Daddy was my biggest fan and believed in me way more than I did in myself. My victories were his as well as my worries. He was my counselor and always had the best advice to give. My dad was out of this world and he knew how much I appreciated him in my life. We were like different sides of the same coin, from different generations and spaces in time but essentially the same person. We could never stay mad at each other because we would look at each other and know everything was settled.

My dad was the most loving man. We would end every phone call with I love you and he gave the best hugs. He never pressured me to do anything even though I know he was frustrated at how slow I was in taking his advice sometimes. I used to talk to him about how big his shoes were for me to fill and he would look at me shaking his head and laugh. He would always assure me that it was never mine to fill and that all he wanted for me was to be the very best version of myself. My dad and I are both forgetful and we would often look for things and laugh at each other when we would ask each other If we had seen items like our car keys. We were always losing our keys. Sometimes he would look blankly into space and speak to himself and I knew it was because his mind was off somewhere thinking up something. I never thought him speaking to himself was silly because I do the same thing. While my dad and I are very similar and I suspect those similarities gave him joy sometimes we are also very different and he embraced and celebrated every way we differed. Whenever I say to him “daddy I wonder if I would meet someone who would shower me with as much love and respect as you do”, he would answer me “ as much as I am your hero, I am also flawed. Don’t ever expect perfection but a listening ear”. 

As much as his passing hurts me so deep and I wish he could have stayed longer, I must acknowledge the beautiful life he lived. Innocent Chukwuma was the very best of us and his wise words will always remain in my heart. I know I will go on to do great things and it's all because I had him as a father. My sisters and I are very confident about our place in this world and we owe it all to him. Goodbye daddy till we meet again. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. You are engraved in my heart.

Chidinma Ekanem Chukwuma (Ada Innocent)
14/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
TRIBUTE TO MY SPECIAL IN-LAW WITH OUTSANDING ATTRIBUTES

"Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch life from the side lines. For those who play the game, an hour maybe a year, a single day's work an achievement for eternity" - Gabriel Heather

Innocent you came to this world with special blessing from the Almighty God for you must have been born great as you achieved greatness in such a short time on earth, impacting the great and the not so great mortals in our society. You became a beacon and a star in the limited period you were on earth.
You were driven with supernatural energy and positive sense of purpose to excel in whatever you targeted and you never failed in any of your pursuits.
The Civil Society Organization CLEEN Foundation has lost a great and formidable pillar respected and recognized by the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, especially in the aspect of ensuring transparency and good governance. Innocent, you have left a vacuum in the system that would be difficult to fill. Your name, and words of wisdom in the aspect of controlled transparency will leave many in quandary.

Your nuclear and extended families now have the serious problem of coping without your presence and wise counsel. Your love and formidable support spiritually and otherwise will be missed greatly. Yes we cannot ask God questions for He knows best. He will give succor and take special care of Josephine your dear wife, your beautiful children and other loved ones you left behind prematurely.

"Great men will die but their names will never be forgotten"
Rest in peace Innocent, my worthy in-law.
May God receive your gentle soul peacefully – Amen.

Chief Dr. Kofi Ikpeme
23/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
My Father, My Guiding Light

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” I chose to start my tribute with this quote because it communicates neatly the role my father played in my life. He was not a brutal force pushing me in whatever direction he saw fit but a quiet calm walking with me down each path I took.

Since my dad’s passing, I have been inundated with so many heartwarming stories about his impact on people individually and Nigeria as a whole. He has been described as a “civil society leader”, an “agent of change” and so much more. While it has been good to see so many people loved him, sometimes it seems like his role as a father pales in comparison to the large footprint he left behind with his work. So, I am going to spend my tribute showing love to him as I knew him best- as my dad. 
I can still see him now seating in his favorite chair in the living room laughing at some ridiculous video on Facebook on a late Saturday morning or seating across from me talking politics and my dreams in a busy restaurant at the center of Mid-Town East, NY. At home or anywhere around the world, my dad never hesitated to champion my sisters and me. He never stopped believing we could be anything and everything in this world, even when we could not see it. I still get phone calls from people he met on his travels and to who he would (sometimes annoyingly) give my phone number. He was always so proud of us and everything we accomplished, and I hope we continue to make him proud even now that he is gone.

My father was not afraid to show us his emotions, his laughs were loud, and his cries were deep. He always apologized and never failed to admit when he was wrong. He believed in the importance of being kind and treating everyone with dignity, especially when they had done something wrong. He believed the measure of a man was not in the wealth he had acquired but in the lives of the people he had touched, and I can say for certain that by this gauge, he was a great man. But my father was not superman, he was not perfect and honestly did not aspire to be. He hated housework and avoided confrontation like the plague, but he made up for all his handicaps by being our rock and peacemaker any day and every day. His self-awareness of who he was and his flaws made him amazingly understanding and patient enough to give us the space to make mistakes coupled with the grace to help us get back up again.
My dad taught me so much about life, about the importance of being kind, being hardworking, and being happy but one thing I will always remember is the importance of laughter. He didn’t teach me this through his words but through his actions, he laughed through life, both in the good times and the troubled times. My last memory of him is watching him laugh via facetime about doctors as he laid in his hospital room, the day before he died. His laugh and his ability to always see the humor in every situation is one that I will keep in my heart on the darkest days.

My father showed us how empowering the love of a good man could be through the way he loved, respected my mother, and supported her dreams. He did not believe that making her small or holding her back would make him any more of a man. Their love and marriage were one of true partnership that will continue to serve as the bedrock of our family for years to come because death only ends a life it does not end a relationship.
Lastly, my father took chances, he did not let doubt or the fear of failing to stop him from trying out new things or finding new passions, and because of that, he got to live as much of life as he could every day. From learning the guitar at 40 to the year he spent as a DJ extraordinaire and aspiring mixologist to his many passion projects and career paths and his next chapter would have been no different. But alas it was not meant to be, so this is me saying goodbye for now until we meet again. Thank you for loving me even when I did not know how to love myself. Just know you are and always will be my first love and the best man I know.

Rest peacefully daddy, you are always loved and forever missed.
Amarachi Chukwuma (2nd daughter)
15/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
The Son-in-Law My Father Never Met

Innocent was a fine gentleman. He had a lot of respect for women and his greatest selling point was his great sense of humour. My first memory of Innocent was when he called me while I was in Jamaica, to introduce himself as a young man working in the same office as my kid sister Joe. He calmly informed me of his intention to marry her. When I tried to interrogate him, he overwhelmed and completely captivated me with his witty sense of humour. He turned out to be not only a husband to my sister Josephine but he was also a wonderful brother to all 5 daughters of Chief Joseph & Sophia Effah of Cross-River State. He was a well-respected and loved in-law. Oh how our father would have loved you so much. He died a year before you married his daughter who happened to be his namesake – Joseph and Josephine.
Innocent was kindhearted, thoughtful, benevolent, and ready to do whatever he could to help anyone in need. He had a listening ear and a shoulder one could always lean on at all times. He became everyone’s favourite and was fondly called ‘Uncle Innocent’. How can I forget his favourite adage “Dem no dey tell man” which he will say and chuckle.
To say I am devastated is an understatement. Only GOD can console and comfort my baby sister Josephine, your love for 23 years. OH GOD, please hold her to your bosom. To say we all miss you is an understatement. You have left a vacuum in our hearts. With fond memories will you always be remembered.
Goodbye Dear Innocent!

Pauline Itu Effah
Matriarch of the Joseph & Sophia Effah Family
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Dee Inno: My Big Brother! My Mentor!!

Death is quite unfair but inevitable. It is a constant reminder to all to live a life pleasing to God and humanity.

Dee Inno, rarely can there be a discussion concerning my household without your name - Innocent Chukwuma being mentioned repeatedly. You were all in one to us. It still seems like a dream we are yet to wake from, it's really hard to believe you are gone and we are writing you tributes. When most people lost hope in my ability to get back on track, you were there for me. You saw the potentials in me that led to the relationship that existed between us .You supported every positive move I have made in life that you were aware of ; the introduction of GPS in Lagos, my education, family life , businesses etc.

Big brother, all your inspirations and SMART ideas towards the development of your community and the South East region are now like a load on some of us you left behind. Sir, I really wish you stayed back to set the ball rolling on these plans and processes for more impactful actualization of your dreams

My immediate family benefitted a lot from you in all ramifications of life. We had trying times but your unique problem solving skills helped us surmount the issues seamlessly. We respected you to a point that neither of us could afford to keep your call waiting for any reason. Oga m, your physical absence in our lives is a vacuum no human can fill but God. Your last days with us were inspiring, fun and memorable. We miss you and will continue to miss your unique way of life. 

We can't say adieu to you, because we know that spiritually you are still with us, we assure you of contributing to ensuring that most, if not all that you planned to do becomes a reality.

Great Pillar of this Century rest on.

Ifeanyi and Eunice Anyanwu
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Dee Innocent Chukwuma: Our Brother & Cousin

The news of your death was another devastating news to us within 6 months. No one envisaged that your support and presence during our mother's funeral would be the last.

Dee Inno, as called by most of us, aside being family, the bond became stronger from your university days when you spent some of your holidays with us at Aba. How can we accept that you are no more? You touched us at our point of needs, with your support and advice. Your door was always opened for us. The gesture didn't stop at us, our parents inclusive; the royal treats in Lagos, Christmas gifts etc. We cannot end recounting your kind gestures to Chief B C Anyanwu's family without mentioning the role you played in Barr Oby and Ifeanyi's lives.


Dee Inno, you were supposed to write your autobiography for youths to read and be encouraged. Death came too soon and snatched you. The pain is too much for us but our consolation is that a man with your kind of heart has a better place in His Kingdom. Within this short time you spent on earth, you impacted lives.

Death was very unfair to us by snatching two very important persons in our lives within six months but we cannot question God. Rather we decree as a family "Ozoemena", “may it not happen again”

To your dear wife Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma and our cousins, the good Lord will console, guide and protect you all, as we all work towards keeping his dreams alive. Adieu Mr Innocent Chukwuma; a big brother, cousin, mentor, leader and friend of the family.

From Chief Sir B C Anyanwu's family
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Tribute to our DEDE

It was so shocking how the news of your sudden demise came!
It is hard to accept the death of a loved one, especially when we did not have the chance to say goodbye.

That we wrote this tribute to you is a testament to human resilience. Our world came to a halt for a moment on Easter’s eve. Your sudden death came as a rude shock and we wish we had more time to continue to appreciate you. If tears could bring you back, you would know we cried by now, and if prayers could bring you back, you would know we prayed by now. Unfortunately, none will, therefore, we give thanks to the Almighty who gives and takes; he gave us you, and now he has called you to himself.

With your deep laughs that used to make us want to laugh, we have a feeling you are cracking a joke in heaven about how we did not pray hard enough. You meant a lot to us, your stance of integrity, humanity towards the less privileged, your humane heart, your fight for activism, human rights, equality, and fairness for the layman is a trait that you have left for us the younger generation. You were and will always be an inspiration to us, the entire family and everyone who worked with you. You have left a void in our hearts that will never be filled.

Dede Anyi has blessed us individually, and we wish we were writing him a Congratulatory message for his impact in our lives collectively.

As the good book says, we should not mourn like those who do not have hope, because we have the assurance of seeing our loved ones again in Heaven. (1 Thessalonians 5:13-18)

May the Lord grant you rest and may you sleep on in peace.

We have lost a rare germ!
We have lost our Diamond!
We have lost our Hero!
We have lost our uncle!

On behalf of the Nieces
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
An Uncle with a Good Heart

Dear Uncle Innocent, it is with deepest sorrow and sadness that we write this tribute to you. You were an uncle in a million; so humble, kind, loving, caring and good at heart and soul.!!! We remember like yesterday how you never failed to reach out to us during our college and high school years. How you paved ways to keep us on the right track:
Come rain, come shine your presence was felt in our lives.

Your sudden death came as a rude shock us. We did not expect it and wish we had more time to continue to appreciate you. God in His infinite wisdom knows best. Your actions would echo across decades and centuries. Strangers would hear your name long after you are gone, and wonder who you were; how bravely we fought and how fiercely you loved.

If they ever tell our story, let them say that we walked with a giant. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat, but your name will never die. Let them say we lived in the time of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma.

May our Lord comfort and sustain your family, your wife and children now and always. May God Almighty keep you safe resting in perfect peace till resurrection day, Amen.!!!

GOOD NIGHT OUR LOVING UNCLE

On behalf of his Nephews
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Thank You LORD

How can we repay the Lord for His goodness to us?
How can we repay the Lord for HIS faithfulness ? Thank you Lord for the privilege of having you INNO as our IN-LAW .
You were not just an in-law but a friend, a brother and confidant to each and every one of us. For 23years, you were a part of the EFFAH ladies as a brother, accepting each of us individually and collectively regardless of the sibling wars.

Hmmm Innocent , your life might have been cut short, but the love that you had for us will remain. The memories will linger on, and the moments that you shared will forever be etched in our hearts.

We will always remember the happiness you gave to our sister, Josephine.
We will always remember the love you had for your 3 Amazons, Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechi.
We will always remember the jokes , moments and reassuring words you shared with us - in-laws... No one met with you and left the same.
A lot to be said about our In-law aka “ *dem no dey tell man, na woman dem dey sit explain to”*
Who will do the explanations again, Innocent?

In the wordings of your wife our sister Josephine “if we did not question God for the amazing years we had with you... we will not question HIM whom you acknowledged on that Saturday 3rd April 2021 as being faithful to you and your family”.

It’s been like a dream which we hoped and prayed to God we would wake up from. We have been hit by the reality of your death but we are comforted by the numerous eulogies and recollections of the good deeds of yours by those whose lives you have touched.

INNO , You indeed touched so many lives with your kindness, caring, loving and peaceful nature. You will surely and sorely be missed. On behalf of our entire family , we wish you farewell. Rest in perfect peace.

To Nnete and the children, WE love you .
Be rest assured that God will not leave nor forsake you. HE will shield and protect you. HE will war against anyone who attempts to war with you.
1 Thessalonians 5v24.. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.

Innocent, you may be dead but your spirit lives on.
Adieu till we meet to part no more.

Your EFFAH Sisters
(Paula, Lucy, Mary, Theresa and Sylvia)*
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
TRIBUTE TO MY LATE BROTHER

Losing a brother like you is one of the most difficult thing I have experienced. Since the day I got the news of your death, I have not believe it's true. Day by day I think k of you, I can't believe you're really gone. I still can't accept it, just the taught of you makes me cry. I always smell you familiar scent, it makes me think of all the time we have spent . I never got the chance to say goodbye, so many things I never got to say to you. I never imagined you would ever be so far away from me. You were my brother and I loved you like no other.... In my heart you will always be, I will never forget our soothing voice, no one to call me ' edingbo edingbo' again. I miss you. I would take your place if I had a choice but now I have to let you rest. I wish we never had to path.
There is no one to replace you, I wish we could get back and start all over again, but death has taken you away from me. While you were gone to rest think of how much you meant to me, it's sad that you left without saying goodbye but just remember we all love you. I hope you will forgive me for all the things I didn't do, you were my brother and best friend, I will always love you, no matter how long it's been since you left me, I love you brother.
You stood by me when no one way there for me, now you left me alone, how can I bear this, will I ever forget you? You are no longer here to share the bond we had together..... A bond of love and care, I will miss you so much and my tears I cannot hide. Ever since you went away, life has never been the same again. You were a good husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to all including the nation as a whole. A man of dignity. If crying would bring you back to me, my tears would have done that but who are we to question God.
I stand motionless, am consumed in grief. Sorrow had arrived with smiles thief. We are gathered here to mourn and cry. Our question remains why did you leave? My heart is scarred severely. You showed me a lot of things , I learned so much from you that I didn't know but you forgot to teach me one last thing' how to let you go'. I know you didn't mean to leave me, sometimes we had no choice, I miss being your little sister, hearing my name called by your voice. I wish I got to say I love you before you were given to the sky. If God could grant me one last wish, I would ask to say goodbye. I will you sweet sleep my dear brother, although there is so much that you have left bare. You sadden eyes have left a stain, I want to know what Crossed your mind, unspoken words you have left behind, undone things you would never do. You have been a blessing to me and the Chukwuma's family, all the good times we've shared, the memories we have made will always remain in my mind and will never fade. The amount of tears I have cried is nothing compared to the pain inside of me. Everyone tells me it's well but they don't understand my pain and the gap you left in me.
Now the time has arrived for you to rest. I promise to cherish the memories of you. You shall live in my mind and all that I do.
Rest in peace brother, I miss you so much.

Your Sister
Edith Chukwuma Obasi (Mrs)
15/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
My Brother Innocent

It's hard to believe that you are no more. Tears kept rolling down my chin. I will miss you so much. I don't think I will be the same way I was when you were alive. No one can take your place in my heart. You will always be in my heart brother. You did your best for me as your immediate younger sister. I will miss your voice. I did not have the time to tell you good bye. I know you did not mean to leave us alone but death has taken you away from us. We are all gathered here to mourn you, everyone is talking about you good deed.


Oh death! why did you steal our brother from us...... I will leave you to go and sleep well. Rest in peace brother. I miss you.

Late Mrs. Joy Chukwuma Akpa
Sister
17/04/2021

March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
TRIBUTE TO MY YOUNGER BROTHER

Innocent was my younger brother. We grew up together. A very honest and peaceful person who never had problems with anyone. I remember far back when we were growing up, I used to fight for him. He was always defending people's rights that's why I wasn’t surprised when he took human rights as a profession. Innocent your good deeds will speak for you. The world mourns you. Innocent we love you but God loves most. We miss you but I know one day we will meet and not depart again. Rest in peace my brother.

Josiah Chukwuma
Brother
17/04/2021

March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Tribute to my Junior Brother Innocent

We are always saddened when death invades a family.
We are saddened because of our loneliness, our fears, and our uncertainties. However, as we remember our beloved brother, friend and colleague Innocent Chukwuma on this day, let us turn our fear into faith, our sorrow into joy, our loneliness into Divine companionship, and reach out to God, our “Divine Comforter.”
As we inter my dear brother Innocent Chukwuma, let us once again be mindful that after every sunset, there is a new dawn; after every cold winter, there is a warm spring; after every storm, there is a calm; after every Good Friday, there is an Easter; and after every death, there is a resurrection. The important thing in life is that we live with faith, hope, and love for one another, just like our beloved brother Innocent lived his life.
You have indeed made the family proud, especially as we read all the tributes that have been pouring in from all over the world, since your passing. You have impacted lives positively for a better course. The fight for human rights and was part of the movement to free our nation from the deadly disease called corruption. Your works on earth shall not be forgotten. In the word of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo you were a “thoroughbred social activist” whose “relentless pursuit of justice and the common good will be an enduring legacy.” I admire your courage my dear junior brother. Farewell until we meet again and never to depart.
Inno, you will always be with us forever and ever. You are in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. You always have been, and you always will be. May the holy spirit comfort us and give us strength, may God illuminate your eternal soul, and may you “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
We believe with assurance that, just as the Holy-book promised us we shall meet again in Heaven. Farewell dear little brother.

Dee. Isaac Denis Chukwuma
17/04/2021
March 28, 2022
March 28, 2022
Inno you left too soon! You had so much to live for but alas God willed it that you leave us at 55 years. Seeing you grow up I knew you were destined for greatness, you were ever so focused, ever so humble; your intelligence and wits always stood you out. Your death came as a shock to me, but I will not mourn like those without hope because I believe you share in the resurrection of Christ and one day we will all be reunited in Heaven.
You were a nationalist through and through and was always uncomfortable in the face of injustice, we saw that at the Holy Ghost College, Umuahia when you got suspended over a protest over poor meals. When you chose the career of service we were not surprised at home, you maintained throughout your adult life an unweaving support for human rights, fairness, peace, justice and progress. In the later part of your life you found a new passion in Impact Investing and like with everything you do you put in 100 percent focus and energy “Oluaka” is a testament to your zeal. Like your girls wrote in their statement you died empty and for that we are grateful to God.
You laboured here on earth and never had the chance to rest, I know in God’s Paradise where you are now you will labour no more and your soul has now found rest. You fought the good fight Innocent, you have left a legacy for your children and every one you made an impact on.
You will not be forgotten my brother.
Rest Well
Gaa nke oma nwannem ka nwanne.

- BENISE Mbaegbu
Adanne (eldest sister)
16/04/2021
January 7, 2022
January 7, 2022
Honey it’s been 280 days and night without you. 280 DAYS & NIGHT!!!! UNBELIEVABLE. It is still
Like a dream. In the first 4 months, the children and I told ourselves you had gone to Oxford just as you did Harvard in 2010; and would be back in August. Nkechi said you would be back to see her off to university. That kept us going, until August came and went.

We constantly look at the stairs or listen to hear your come down calling on one of us in your jocular manner - “nwanyi Calabar; beauty Chukwuma, Chichi; Kiki”. We watch out to see you return from your early morning exercise with the boys. We look out to see you coming in and out of the kitchen, opening the fridge to help yourself with fruits. We go into your study to call you out to come have breakfast and lunch.

Everywhere is silent. We can not hear your footsteps. We can not hear your voice. Oh GOD how we miss your calming voice. Oh how we miss your laughter. How we miss your never ending jokes. Oh how we miss our head coach. Isi engine.

Nkem it’s been so so hard. We were a close knit family. You were not just a father but a friend and brother to your girls. You were not a husband but a soul mate, friend and brother to me. I wasn’t thinking of marrying until I met you. Within 4 months, we were married. We never endured our marriage as most couples do. We enjoyed it. Every bit of the almost 24 years we had together.

I pray for strength daily. I pray for mercy daily. I pray for courage. I know you trust me to continue the race. I am trying my best, but Josephine without Innocent is tough. Really tough. But in GOD I TRUST. HE has been faithful to the kids and I. HE has raised friends and family for us. In all we have seen HIS GOODNESS.

I love you so much. I miss you so much. My heart ♥️ aches but I look up to GOD. Rest in peace my love. You live in me and the children. You live in the numerous legacies you left behind. Esiere ima mi.
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
Curtains Fall for a Perfect Gentleman!

Ode to a good, good man...

How does one say goodbye to Nigeria and Africa’s finest, a perfect gentleman?
Innocent Chukwuma, I’ll never forget you: boss, brother, mentor, friend. Thank God for the gift of you, thank you for being a living example and departure from toxic masculinity and patriarchy. Your legacy lives on! Rest in power and peace.

Innocent Chukwuma, now your watch is over! May God wrap His arms of comfort and love around my sister Josephine Effah-Chukwuma and the children. Thank you for sharing him with us, Innocent really belonged to everybody!
April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021
A tribute to Innocent from Jide Nzelibe

I met Innocent many years ago during the summer of my first year of law school. I had come from the United States to do a summer internship at the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), and Innocent was then on the CLO staff working on policing issues. We immediately struck up a close friendship. This was during the heyday of the Abacha administration, and the CLO was on the forefront of fighting against all kinds of human rights abuses. The reality is that working in that kind of environment in the mid-1990s required a fearless love of humanity and rare courage. Innocent had both of these in spades. Beyond his dedication to his work, however, he was also a giving and generous friend. During my short three-months stint, he introduced me to the best informal eateries in Lagos, invited me to various social events attended by human rights activists, and we even took trips out of town together. 

Later on, after he got married to Josephine, and then started a family, we stayed in touch. The family eventually grew and they had three beautiful daughters—Chidinma, Amarachi, and Nkechi. He and Josephine hosted me in Lagos many years later at their lovely home. And much later on, our families have gotten to know each other and our spouses—Uzoamaka and Josephine—have also bonded. Ever the optimist, Innocent had helped found a new non-profit—the Center for Law Enforcement Education—and he steered it in such a manner that it became a well-respected and formidable organization in all matters of policing and law enforcement. He was conscientious and was well-versed in policing best practices from around the world, and had a burning passion to incorporate those best practices in Nigerian community policing.  His feats as a CLEEN leader won his plaudits at home and abroad, and he eventually won the Reebok Human Rights Award, and the MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.  Later on in his career, he served as the Director of Ford’s West Africa office.

Innocent had many outstanding qualities, as a friend, family man, mentor, and community activist. But I want to focus briefly on two of his qualities. First, Innocent had a passionate love of ideas and intellectual inquiry. Second, he was a tireless advocate for decency and our shared humanity.

First, his sense of intellectual curiosity.  Innocent had an incredible appetite for humanistic discussions. He had majored in religion at the university, and had strong and informed opinions about the role of religion in political life. He also had very engaging views on a range of other political and social issues. His strong passion for ideas and serious conversation often led him to surround himself with others in the Lagos area who felt the same.  Thus, a dinner spent with Innocent and Josephine could easily transpire into long and deep discussions of all manner of social, religious, or political issues.

Second, I wanted to say a word about innocent’s decency and humanity. Innocent was, to the core of his soul, a person who believed in serving others. He cared deeply about individual flourishing and spent a significant part of his life trying to ameliorate the suffering of others, especially those in police custody or facing long-term incarceration. He believed his duty as a community activist and social entrepreneur included expanding opportunities for those trapped in cycles of poverty or unemployment.  He left the world a better place.

He will be sorely missed.

April 9, 2021
April 9, 2021


Tribute to Innocent Chukwuma (1966 - 2021)
-------------------------------------------------

I was always struck by the fact that our mutual friends and associates assumed that Innocent Chukwuma and I had known each other for a very long time. In reality, our paths only crossed for the first time around 2014. 

I was a late addition to an email chat group that Innocent and a few other friends belonged to and so I first got to meet Innocent through the views he expressed on important national issues before I met the man in real life. Ours was therefore essentially a virtual interaction which metamorphosed into a real life engagement. 

What brought Innocent and I together therefore was the power of his written ideas and his penchant for analysing complex national problems honestly and sincerely. It was also about the depth and quality of his insights. I loved reading Innocent's emails because they were overflowing with remarkable insights and dotted with subtle hints regarding the best way forward. His style was never explicit nor forceful. He wrote like somebody who was more interested in teaching you how to fish than in serving you fish to eat.

Eventually, Innocent and I established contact offline because the feelings that his writings evoked in me were similar to what my modest written contributions evoked in him; perhaps a case of birds of the same feather flocking together. For the record, Innocent was by far the larger bird, but it is fair to say that our relationship blossomed on the strength of mutual respect. Innocent made it clear that he respected me, not on account of my corporate and business experience, but more on account of my interest and desire to speak up for the common man and the common good. These were the exact same things that I respected Innocent for, especially since many of his insights were deeper than mine.

If I only met Innocent in 2014, then I shudder when I recount the long list of very remarkable people, who mean well for Nigeria, and whom Innocent went out of his way to introduce me to. These were not business tycoons. They were largely men and women who were serving Nigeria in a variety of ways and who loved their fatherland and were ready to sacrifice their time, energy and limited resources to fight for the greater good. In a nutshell, Innocent helped to embed me within an ecosystem that was sincere and highly motivated and from which I drew lots of oxygen and also gave back some oxygen periodically.

When the COVID-19 threat became very real from March 2020 onwards, Innocent was one of the first people I contacted to become a member of the 18-member Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank. This was a voluntary assignment and his assigned responsibilities included linking us up with Aid agencies and other NGOs as well as reaching out to the NCDC, whom we were determined to support. Innocent achieved all of this in record time and also got Ford Foundation to help contract an Epidemiologist that would support our work, as an Adviser, in the early months.

There were too many other rich engagements to list here e.g. Impact Investing, the educational element of ART X Lagos which focused on sponsoring and exposing under-privileged school children under the Ford Foundation umbrella to attend the West African art fair. Innocent spoke in terms of possibly unearthing a future Ben Enwonwu or Van Gogh by catching them young.

A friend is gone but his impact has not gone with him. It is ironic that his last argument with me was about Impact Investing. I eventually declined a formal role, but opted to be a friend of the project. Little did I know that Innocent's greatest impact on many of us would be the ideas he left us with and prepared us to run with but without his continuing physical presence. 

My regular joke with Mr Chukwuma was that he was not "innocent" because he was constantly trying to lure me out to play greater roles on matters that concerned the common good. I invited him for what would have been a last supper last week. Innocent could not make it because he was unwell. It never occurred to me that it would be our last discussion. Even that last discussion was about urging me on. It was never about himself and that is the greatest memory of all. 

Rest in Peace my friend.

My condolences to Josephine, the children and the rest of the family.

God bless you all.


Atedo N A Peterside CON

April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Tribute to my dear brother and champion – Innocent Chukwuma

I first heard about Innocent Chukwuma in 1999 during my summer internship with the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa. Dr. Akwasi Aidoo and Dr. Adhiambo Odga spoke so highly of this fantastic social change agent and activist. When I eventually met him a few weeks before the summer ended, I was in awe as he recounted his struggles during the military regime and his passion for police reform. In 2002, I established LEAP Africa, and we became co-labourers in the Nigerian development landscape. We connected at Ford events and other civil society gatherings. With each encounter, I was struck by Innocent's humility, brilliance and passion for social change. I also met his amazing wife – Josephine Effa-Chukwuma, the founder of Project Alert and a globally recognized social entrepreneur. I was genuinely inspired by their partnership in life and parenting, friendship, and commitment to transforming Nigeria through their individual and collective efforts.

In 2008/2009, as the Ford Foundation was preparing for this 50th Anniversary in Nigeria, I profiled some of its leading grantees. I was delighted to reconnect with Innocent and interview him about the impact of the CLEEN Foundation. Learning more about his journey and work was fascinating. Our mutual respect began to grow, and we started dragging each other into different initiatives. I invited Innocent to participate in Ola Ndi Igbo in 2013, where he played a very prominent role in leading discussions about economic development and security in the Southeast.

When Innocent eventually took over the leadership of Ford Foundation as the Representative for the Office of West Africa, he provided tremendous support to LEAP Africa, Sahel Capital and the African Philanthropy Forum. He even hosted local philanthropists in the Ford Office when his dear friend, Chris Stone, visited the country. He supported the 2nd Ola Ndi Igbo gathering in 2015, which he credited with inspiring his creation of the Oluaka Institute. Innocent also formally hosted the launch of my book – "Social Innovation in Africa: a practical guide for scaling impact", in the Ford Foundation auditorium in 2016.

In the same year, Innocent and I were in Kigali for the African Transformation Forum, organized by ACET. We spoke extensively about the impressive Kigali Genocide Memorial and the urgent need to create similar spaces in Nigeria during the conference. Innocent commissioned an initiative on Centers for Memory and Heritage and a book on the National War Museum in Umuahia.
Building on his passion and vision, and in partnership with other Nigerians, we established the Center for Memories (CFM) in Enugu in December 2017, with our first exhibition focused on "Igbo Contributions to Nigeria and the World." Innocent brought one of his amazing daughters to Enugu for the launch, and I marvelled at their strong bond. He was indeed a devoted and engaged father!

In the days and weeks following the formal launch of CFM, we engaged in monthly calls on achieving the vision and objectives of the Centre. Innocent soon became my go-to person for any new idea on transforming Ala Igbo, Nigeria, and insights into the political climate and civil society's role. He was a great thought leader and an outstanding champion! His response to any issue was always rooted in history, the global context, and a social justice perspective. We discussed a range of topics – from police and election reform to raising the next generation of civil society leaders to strategic philanthropy in Nigeria and impact investing! I reached out to Innocent during the COVID-19 lockdowns to plan for relief efforts in the Southeast and sustain the momentum of the #EndSars Movement.

Late last year, when Africans in the United States National Basketball Association (NBA) wanted to learn more about engaging in their home countries, I called on Innocent once again. I watched online as Innocent awed the celebrities with his brilliant insights!

My last formal encounter with Innocent was during Sahel Consulting's International Women's Day celebration on March 8th 2021. When my team members asked why we would invite a man to serve as our keynote speaker, I boldly and proudly informed them that Innocent was the most authentic male champion in Nigeria. We could learn so much from his life's example – as a husband, father, and advocate for so many women. Once again, he blew us all away with his brilliance, wisdom and humility. Thankfully, we have this fantastic lecture recorded to inspire future generations.

Africa has lost one of its brightest stars - a fantastic husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, thought-leader, visioner, change agent, and social entrepreneur! Innocent has left enormous shoes to fill in the African civil society, community development, impact investing and philanthropy landscapes! His life of service, passion, vision, generosity, humility, and brilliance will continue to challenge and inspire me!

My only consolation is that we got to celebrate him during his send-off party from the Ford Foundation. During his lifetime, he heard us tell the world how he had changed our lives!

I will continue to pray for Josephine, the three wonderful daughters and the entire family. We are here for you four amazing ladies, and we will try to continue to push forward many of the projects and plans that Innocent started! May His soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli

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Recent Tributes
February 16
February 16
Hi Daddy,
I've been thinking about and missing you a little bit more these days. Life has happened again, dear Aunty Mmakamba has gone to join you. Wish you were here, you always knew the right thing to say and I know mummy needs you more than ever. But alas, I'll settle on you looking out for aunty where you both are.
Love you always!
February 6
February 6
Another year has gone by and we are still here celebrating your life and legacy. Today as always, we commit to emulate the ethos you championed so we can be the foot soldiers of your ideals!
Continue to rest in peace Oga’m!
April 3, 2023
April 3, 2023
My love unforgettable you are. The girls and I miss you soooo much. We wish every second that April 3rd, 2021 never happened to us. Sometimes it still feels like a dream. And other times it’s so real. As real as night and day. My heart skips sometimes. I feel so lost and alone. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep. I miss having someone to bounce ideas off with.

A husband like no other you were. The best husband any woman can wish for. I pray daily that GOD blesses our daughters with beautiful men like you. Really the sweetest days of my life, I found with you.

The children and I are trying our best to promote and protect your legacy. We are trying our best to carry out some of the things you planned to do when you retired from Ford Foundation on January 31, 2023. You planned amongst other things to embark on community projects such as youth empowerment and educational scholarships for indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions. The children and I are doing that via ICCEF. On Sunday April 2nd, 2023, we launched ICCEF in the village - Umuodia- Mpam Ahiazu Mbaise. We awarded scholarships to 6 students from Umuodia, Mbano and Umuokrika, and provided support for a young man to purchase electrical equipment for his young business after undergoing skills acquisition. Your dance troupe were there to entertain all. Your Nwanyi Calabar danced with the troupe, celebrating the life and times of her heart throb.

Continue to rest in peace my one and only true love.
His Life

Early Years

March 28, 2022
Innocent was born on February 6th, 1966 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Umuahia (now capital of Abia State) to the family of late Pa Dennis & Eileen Chukwuma of Umuodia village in Umuegwu-Mpam in Ahiazu local government area of Imo State. The fifth in a family of seven, Innocent had his primary education at St Stephen’s primary school; and secondary education at Holy Ghost College in Umuahia before proceeding to University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus for his undergraduate studies. 

Like every child who grew up after the civil war, where every family had to start life with £20, regardless of how much they owned before the war, Innocent never had a childhood. He had to help from an early age in augmenting the family income through hawking and assisting his mother in trading. Helping his mother and putting a smile on her face daily, was Innocent’s joy. He did this in the mornings, and went to school in the afternoon. Through this, Innocent cut his tooth in entrepreneurship, which helped in later in life in being a serial social entrepreneur. 

University Days, Student Activism & NYSC

March 28, 2022
Innocent gained admission into UNN in 1986 to study Religion & Philosophy. In his second year he joined the radical student movement known as the Marxist Youth Movement, and through that joined students’ union politics and got elected Speaker of the UNN Student Union, as well as Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS. Watching late Chima Ubani, then the President of the Students Union Government, SUG speaking at Zik House, influenced his joining the student union activism. He was among the student leaders across Nigerian campuses that led the national anti-SAP (Structural Adjustment Programme) protest of 1988/89 which was the first organised national resistance against the World Bank/International Monetary Fund Structural Adjustment Programme that destroyed the social welfare movement in Nigeria.
As a result of the protest, Innocent and other student leaders from UNN were expelled and had to fight it out in court, to get re-instated in school. It was the late Gani Fawehinmi and Civil Liberties Organization, CLO that gave him free legal assistance, which got him back to school, and enable him graduate.

On graduation, Innocent was posted to Monguno in Borno State for his National Youth Service, NYSC. He spent only a few months there, before deciding to relocate to Lagos, to join his friends and mentors in the students movement – Chima Ubani and Emma Ezeazu (both of blessed memory) – who at the time were working in Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, the foremost human rights organization in Nigeria. He got to Lagos and squatted with his friends at their two bed-room apartment in Fadeyi. He followed them to work daily, as a volunteer because he felt it was his way of saying thank you for the assistance rendered to him.

Innocent's Professional Profile

March 19, 2022
Long before he built his profile as an expert in crime and policing in Nigeria, Innocent first ventured into civil society in the professional space as an unpaid volunteer at Civil Liberties Organization (Nigeria’s foremost Innocent’s human rights organization) in 1991. He was promoted to a full-time member of the staff a year later after he put together a report on police human rights abuses. His career at CLO spanned 6 years, rising from an Assistant Program Officer to Acting Executive Director, a position he held before resigning from the organization in December 1997. While at CLO, Innocent was actively involved with various other pro-democracy groups, he was also among those who lobbied for sanctions against the military before the US Congress, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, etc. His work in these various international campaigns won him the prestigious Reebok award in 1996 (the first of many awards he would go on to win for his groundbreaking work across the decades), which included a cash component of $25,000. An amount he would go on to use to set up the CLEEN foundation in the coming years.

Innocent’s Career as a serial entrepreneur in the civil society space began when he founded CLEEN (Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria) in January 1998. The idea to found CLEEN stemmed from the absence of an organization that would both chronicle police abuse and work with them as they began their transition from military to civilian police. He set out in CLEEN to build partnerships between civil society and law enforcement agencies, pioneering institutional research into law and enforcement agencies and introducing Community Policing in Nigeria. Under his tenure, CLEEN reviewed the legal framework of the police in Nigeria .CLEEN was the first African nongovernmental organization to receive the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective Institutions  As the organization's executive director, Innocent saw to the longevity of the foundation by setting up an endowment fund for its sustainability.  

Innocent’s work as an entrepreneur in the civil society space extended past CLEEN. He founded several other organizations with and without partners across the years to address key issues he found in Nigeria’s ecosystem, all of which he handed off to successors to run. These include-

•     Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in 1998 (with Edetaen Ojo, Clement Nwankwo, and Festus Okoye) – The foremost independent civil society election-based organization in Nigeria
•     Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN) in 2000- A network of 53 Civil Society Organizations spread across Nigeria and committed to promoting police accountability and respect for human rights.
•     Altus Global Alliance in 2004
•     African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) in 2004 
•     Oluaka Institute of Technology in 2017 
•     Impact Investors Foundation in 2018

Innocent's work in Nigeria’s Civil Society space took another turn when he joined the Ford Foundation in 2013 as the Regional Director for West Africa, the first Nigerian to hold that position. From Lagos, he oversaw all grant making in the region, supporting efforts to ensure that all people have equal access to economic and social opportunities. In managing this work, he addressed issues of democratic and accountable government, freedom of expression, and sexuality and reproductive health and rights. Notable achievements of the Foundation’s West Africa office under his tenure include:

•     Coordinating strategic funding by Ford, McArthur Foundation, and OSIWA (Open Society Institute for Africa) for the anti-corruption agenda of the government, after President Buhari’s election in 2015
•     Pioneering the hosting of essential conversations on Nigeria’s civil war, its impact, and the way forward.
•     Initiating the groundbreaking work of impact investing in Nigeria to leverage private sector resources towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
•     Supporting Lagos State Government with vehicles to assist in contact tracing at the height of the pandemic (2020).

Innocent retired from Ford Foundation on January 31st, 2021, after eight years of meritorious service.

Recent stories
December 24, 2023
Christmas is not the same without you. By now we would be somewhere. Either in Owerri enroute the village or somewhere in Lagos. I am just so low in spirit and down. How can there be Christmas without Innocent for Chidinma, Amarachi, Nkechi and I. Will the pain ever go away? I miss you you soooo much it hurts. This wasn’t our plan honey. But I accept God’s plan. Love ❤️ you FOREVER: Thank you for watching over your amazons. 
December 3, 2023
Innocent was the first man who saw the potentials in me of becoming a resource person for capacity development in security. He engaged my services, bought me my first computer after I left the services of NDLEA. He made me have self worth. He said to me "Tony, being out of paid employment is not the end of you. You have just left your comfort zone, Its time to  develop some skills and show forth what is naturally embedded in you. Who knows, you may someday go back to that organisation or similar ones to lead and mentor people. You are naturally made for leadership to positively impact on the society and human kind. So go for it and the rest will be history". From then on  Innocent Chukwuma became my mentor, coach and my referee for all my ventures and endeavours. Innocent lives on, for to live in the hearts of those who love you, is not to die. He is heaven's gain. His legacies live on. 

An Honour from Mbaise

December 3, 2023
My love on Saturday November 25th, 2023, Mbaise People’s Congress in Lagos gave me an award at their annual lecture and awards ceremony. This took me by surprise as I wasn’t expecting it. However I feel honoured and consider this award the highest award I have ever received, coming from home, from your people, my people. I am an Mbaise wife for life and committed to the place and people who gave me a beautiful soul like you. Love ❤️ you dear. FORE

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