In the months leading to his death Martin was still vibrant, active and insisted on taking care of himself. He loved reading, listening to music and enjoyed the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. A selfless and out-spoken man without any reservation. He was a fighter all his life and even on his death bed he fought for life but God knows best. 

Though his heavenly home call is painful, we are consoled by the fact that he knew Christ and we have the staunch belief and thank God that his soul would ultimately find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Chief Okeke was industrious, a philanthropist and a man of noble character such that he stood by his Christian faith and supported his catholic parish of worship whole heartedly. Until his death, he built 2 successful business ventures - Nacy Waljan Travels Ltd and Allied Co-operate Services Ltd- engaged in customs clearing and forwarding contracts majorly at the Lagos Wharf.

During his lifetime, Chief Okeke was the mouthpiece of his people, little wonder he was conferred the title of 'Osuofia 1 of Oko'. He was an activist and endowed with great knowledge which was utilized fruitfully towards developing the life of people and communities in his locality, hence his appointment as the Chairman of the Oko Progressive Union (OPU) during the regime of Chief A.N. Nwizugbe (Onowu 1 of Oko). Martin also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Progressive People's Alliance (PPA) in Anambra State. During the time of his political activism, he founded the Odenigbo forum which propagated justice and equity for the Igbo's all over the country and contested for a seat on the House of Representatives.

Beside his mother tongue, he spoke a bit of German and communicated effectively in English Language and was always willing to learn. Chief Okeke was a humanitarian with a kind and humble heart and as a result constantly sought to provide homes and financial assistance to the less privileged. There was no limit to his kind gestures and willingness to go the extra mile regardless of any inconvenience to himself. In countless cases, he was responsible for payment of school fees, rent and sought to improve living conditions of those near and far from him.

He was a thoroughly courageous man, who would defend even a casual acquaintance, the moment he discovered the person was being maltreated. He would never shiver and did not hesitate to call a spade a spade in whatever situation he found himself. Kind to a fault, he was a staunch defender of the less-privileged. A trait he had displayed in countless instances during his lifetime. Similarly, he on numerous occasions accommodated and took good care of a number of close and distant family members including his children’s bosom friends.

He was a firm believer in Christ and spent a better part of his years in God’s vineyard. He served in different stations. Martin was deeply involved in church activities and supported the church with his time, money and resources. He was honoured severally by the church and was seen as a father to all. In his last years he remained focused on church activities. His death no doubt is a great loss to the family, the community and the church in particular but we are glad that he led a Christ like life.

A tireless, hardworking and exceedingly caring father, Martin was sensitive about providing all his children with the best form of education possible. As such, he was completely and whole-heartedly committed to this course. He practically loved all his children with a passion. He would not hold back from using up all his funds on paying for his children’s tuition fees at all levels of education. He would even go the extra mile in order to explore his networks far and wide for the purpose of his children’s tertiary admission. He was a proud father who had witnessed in his lifetime that all his offspring attended some of the nation’s ‘high brow’ secondary schools and also successfully graduated from the nation’s top-rated Universities. He inculcated a sense of perseverance and honesty into his children and trained them to be bold enough to express themselves in whatever situation they found themselves.

Chief Okeke got married to Ebele Ifeatu Okeke, an ex-teacher, business woman and one time Secretary and President of the Oko Progressive Union (Lagos) on the 20th of September 1982 after about two years of courtship. He was a patient and faithful husband and a strong pillar to his family. He supported and encouraged his wife in fulfilling her duties and functions as a wife, mother, teacher and women leader. As a father, Martin brought up his children in the way of the Lord. He was firm and strict, yet loving and compassionate. He instilled discipline and the fear of God into his four children which today reflects in their lives and that of his two grandchildren. Martin led an exemplary life as a husband, father and an active member of the church as well as the community.

Martin was born into a Christian home. He was the first of 10 surviving siblings and lost his biological mother at a tender age. He began his formal education at Okwute Primary School, Oko. At Secondary School level, he studied at Aguata High School and subsequently at Arugo high School, Owerri. At this time, he took his studies so seriously to the extent that he attained excellent academic standing and was awarded a prize for his success in the John F. Kennedy essay writing competition. This award provided an opportunity for him to visit Lagos where he became acquainted with Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme; the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who thereafter assumed responsibility for his tertiary education at the University of Lagos, Nigeria to study Sociology. Upon graduation, he performed some teaching functions and was posted to Ogun State to carry-out his youth service at the Radio Corporation.

Chief Martin Okeke was born on the 15th of December, 1954 to the family of Late Chief Emmanuel and Late Theresa Okeke who hailed from Eziabouchi ward in Eziabor village, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.