Iyalla Amakiri was born on the 16th of January, 1975 in Ibadan, Oyo State to the family of Professor Sotonye Fiberesima Amakiri of Abam Ama in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State and Professor (Mrs) Mildred Alali Amakiri (Nee Horsfall) of Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He was the third child of his parents and was brought up in a devout Christian home where he was led to Christ at the age of 9 by his mother who got all her children baptized with the gift of the Holy Spirit. He attended Sunday School at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan and was confirmed at Saint John’s Church, Abuloma in 1992. He showed strong faith in God when he told his mother at the age of 6 that he wanted a younger brother. It was at a time his mother felt she was done with child bearing and she told him to pray to God about it if he really desired one. He did and his prayer was answered a year later when his younger brother arrived.

His life as a scholar began in Oyo state where he attended the University of Ibadan Staff School between 1980 and 1986. In school at an early age, he displayed exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess cumulating in his becoming the Head Boy of the School, a high achievement at such a young age! Iyalla was extremely popular and he shone as a natural leader. He took the national common entrance exams and passed easily into the prestigious Kings College in Lagos.

After he completed his education, Iyalla went into fulltime entrepreneurship specializing in construction contracts. He had vast knowledge in the area of road construction and structure building. During his time as a registered contractor at Daewoo Nigeria Limited, Iyalla increased his expertise and broadened his network of friends and business associates.

In 2008, he got married to Abiye Amakiri (Nee Bamson) and the marriage is blessed with two children (Phoebe and Jason). Iyalla’s kids were his pride and joy and he loved them very much and always wanted the best for them. He would proudly talk about his daughter Phoebe who is taking after him and excelling academically.

Iyalla was what you called a peoples’ person. He was a man of the people. Old or young, he would mix with any caliber of person and flow effortlessly. He was a born giver and couldn’t stand to see anyone suffer or in need. He impacted lives and brought succor to many. There was no boring minute with him. He was always humorous, cracking jokes and telling stories. He had a nickname for everybody. Once he met you he would “christen” you with his own unique name. He would always assist never expecting anything in return, He was selfless. Giving the last he had on many occasions.

He will be sorely missed but our joy is that he died in the Lord and is now resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Adieu Iyalla… Until resurrection morning.