One Year In Mind…
May your gentle and happy soul continually rest in the bosom of Abraham.
And may the family you left behind be strengthened everyday as time draws us all to eternity.
ADIEU!!!

Alas it’s a year already, no missed or answered calls from you, no hilarious laughter from you, no scolds or even cheers from you, alas you’ve been gone for 365days to be with your maker, keep resting pops, I sorely miss you dad…..Keep resting

It's been 365 days dad....You left us without a parting good bye,its been a terrible feeling I must say...But I take solace in the legacies you left behind...Continue to rest in the bossom of your maker until the resurrection morning...We love and miss you dearly Dad  Your grandkids talk of you everytime...Adieu Ezigbo Nnam

ONLY A MEMORY...

So we heard the melancholic tunes of old
Not so old, still they darkened us from within
Sounds calling for light, a tiny ray to hold
For they remind of how we were goobye-ing.

Heaven gained an angel, the cherubs danced around
Your gaze was turned, but not from your offspring
For to forget them, without a new memory found
Will be to darken the room when they came in.

Tears are no longer colliding with the drums
Dancers are tired of moving their feet, for soles are sore
Why, I wonder, is your gaze like a mirage of storms
What, I ask, do they wearily now to look in your eyes once more?

Death came like an unwelcomed sojourner, come to lure
Your divine heart was taken, though nostalgic and not by choice
She sang ballads in silent tones, we saw her perpetual aperture
Closing the notes that sang you lullabies.

Oh, Papa, we know your heart beats for us
And we know life is fickle, and death, eternal...has no end
And never in a million years, will we replace the loss
Of a father, a lover, a friend.

Sleep on, let the angels cuddle you like a newborn, with kisses
For Abraham's bosom will be your cradle
Until you join the saints to make music unending, when the storm ceases
To soothe the pain, only time will tell if we are able.

Life’s journey they say starts with the birth and death of things. Memories made and times cherished become a distant figment of one’s imagination. Tales are told and stories of once upon a time are shared to keep memory alive but alas the voices in your head tells a different reality….you are gone and have transcended this world for all time. Oh how I wish time would halt a bit to make a movie of one’s life, how I wish the Angel of death gives ample notice to enable one prepare to be with thy maker……oh I wish wishes were the basis upon which we thrive, sadly a wish is only a wish and my dear dear dad…..you are gone for eternity. A glimpse of you life and times here on earth are only a testament of how lucky we were to have had you, known you and called you daddy. Elysium should have been your resting place for to me you were god after God, life after life and dad above all…..time avails us as all we truly have is now but we will meet again maybe not now but I’m confident we will for to live in the hearts of those we love is to live forever…….Posthumous birthday Chief, keep sailing as I render 81hearty cheers to you. Adieu

Happy posthumous birthday my beloved dad and friend...Keep Resting with the Angels you re greatly missed ❤️

Surreal! As we begin the farewell rites for you, dear Uncle Matthew, a deep sense of foreboding engulfs me; it is a dejavu moment. To think it was not long ago my husband and I sent a congratulatory video message for your 80th birthday, and then we spoke afterwards, and I told you how well you looked! But who are we to question God? The Bible says three scores and 10; 80 if you are strong. You were very strong!

Please say hello to my Dad, your brother; you went to join him in Heaven just 16 months after he changed addresses. That wound is still fresh, and now this? It is well.
Justus Nwaka and Matthew Nwaka, brothers united in Heaven!

Adieu, dear Uncle Matthew, find rest in The Lord’s bosom!

Your niece,

Nkem Itanyi (née Nwaka)

Adieu Daddy:
Receiving the sad and unexpected news of your sudden demise, triggered some heaviness in my heart. Though you may be gone, memories of you still live in our hearts. May our resurrected lord, Christ the everlasting king, grant you eternal rest… Amen!
From: Ifeanyi, Margaret, Gerald, Valerie, Laura and Annabelle.

Dimnkpa Madu, my beloved brother - in law, it's very difficult to comprehend that you're no more. I still see you as one with us. And that is the reality because your forthrightness has endeared you not only to me but to all who came across you. One remarkable thing I'll always treasure, is that you always spoke the truth from your ♥ heart and not from both sides of the mouth. May our good & merciful God grant your soul eternal rest in His bossom until the resurrection morning when we shall all meet to part no more. Rest in peace my brother.

Like a thunderbolt the news of your demise hit me. At first I wasn’t sure if it was a prank or that the person I had seen and just left a few days ago was really gone. Oh daddy, no wonder you were so enthused about coming home, no wonder you made sure you saw everyone, if only we knew you were living on borrowed time, we probably may have done things different. I’m certain you are in a better place cos your life and time was one of service to God and people. Rest on dad, miss you……We all do.

Ojiba it’s been quite a shock at the way you left us but I believe God know best i will miss your playful nature and warm smile and I will miss you calling me ofaku only a few would get the inside joke. May every seed you have planted on earth prosper and be in health even as their souls prosper also thank you for the gift of my husband a man with a heart of gold and love for family. It’s never totally Goodbye because we will meet again on resurrection morning. Your grand babies keep asking me about you especially bundo I know she misses you so much we all do sleep well Ojiba

Dad, I can’t still believe you are gone, maybe reality still hasn’t sunk in. I have left writing this as late as possible in the hope that it’s all a nightmare and at some point I will wake up and you will be here. The pain is deep but I chose to remember the good times and the values you represented and instilled in me. You were always there praying and teaching us despite the distance. The void is big but i can see now how you had prepared us for this and how we have to take your teachings and values and keep soldiering on and making you proud. We might have lost you but I believe heaven has gained an angel and now you can be with God and watch over us. Farewell & keep resting Daddy. Adieu
Ojiba..

Grandpa, when I thought to write this tribute Gerald was in tears and I didn't know what to write for a minute so I paused and took a while to gather my thoughts. You were to us your grandkids everything. You were smart, intelligent and commanding in your voice. Sometimes I'd look at my dad and truly understand where he got his demeanor from and I too would hope to be same some day. Grandpa, I wish our plans to reunite later on this year came to pass cos I had a lot of story to share with my friends whilst you were here....How you would take me to my games and actually sit it through watching me play soccer, swim or basketball not to mention me serving in mass, you were filled with admiration. First time I saw my dad shed real tears even without hurting himself was when the news was broken to him of your demise. Grandpa I miss you and would continue to pray for the repose of your soul just as padre has advised me. We love you.

I miss you grandpa, why did you have to leave so soon. I miss when we would play fight and you will tickle me and the times when you would come stay with us in our house. You always call me your Bundu Bundu (Nwabundu)… Love you grandpa.
Paris

It’s been a while since you’ve been gone,
Things just haven’t been the same,This just does not seem real,
And who is there to blame?
Do not question God, that’s what they say,
But who can explain why they took my brother-in-law away?
Your wife (my sister) misses you so much.
I miss you too;I have so much to say,
My siblings always mention your name.

Such a good person,
a caring man,
a son,
a brother-in-law,
and a great friend.

You are in a much better place now,
All your problems have gone away,
But remember we will meet on the other side
One sweet day!!!!!!!

Rest in perfect peace Ógòm Nwòkè

Your Brother-Inlaw
Chief Donatus Ezennia Nwafor .
Onowu 1, of Okpeze.

AN EULOGY TO MY DEAREST FATHER / UNCLE.

In all Ramifications, I would say our LORD can’t be questioned on the manner you left us.
Your death is the most touching parting, that will ever be between us.
However, I have decided to hold back my tears because I believe you resting in a better place.
You many no longer be here with us, but I would always regard you as an excellent Champion who lived his life to the fullest. My dear “DADDY BENIN” as me and my siblings fondly call you, may your gentle soul keep resting in the Bossom of the Lord.

Keep Resting Daddy Benin.

Your Son / Nephew.
Hon, Barrister Stephen Obiora Nwafor.
Principal Solicitor : Legal Steven Chambers.
Lagos Nigeria.

Daddy, your passing on was a shock to us because there was never a time we said "goodbye" . Many believe you are dead, but we do not as the sweet memory of you still live in our mind. We call you "Daddy" because that was the image you carved in our memories.
Continue to live in the bossom of the almighty God until we meet to part no more. Adieu daddy!
From the Okoro family.

TRIBUTE TO LATE BROTHER MATTHEW NWAKA

The essence of life is to live to the Glory of God and to have positive impact on humanity. I must say, our brother late Matthew Nwaka lived and epitomised these christian tenets and virtues.
The first time i had contact with brother Matthew Nwaka, i saw in him a man who radiates happiness, simplicity, pleasantness, always beaming with smiles and a spiritual aura that exudes "LOVE" when one gets close to him.
I never knew he wasn't an "Esan man" because in the course of our interaction, he would always communicate with me in my "Esan dialect", more often he would say "Brother Akhabue Bo dia ye" meaning "how are you doing". That is brother Matthew Nwaka for you. Simple, humble and down to earth in his disposition.
I recall what Mr Patrick Nwaka (son) told me and i quote "my father is never late to mass". Against this understanding, Mr Patrick Nwaka pleaded that the body of his late father must not be brought to the church late for the funeral mass.
Brother Matthew, you played your role to your utmost capacity as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and family man. Moreover, you were a good Knight of the order of KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN INTERNATIONAL (KSJI).
Thus, brothers and sisters of commandery 494 and Laux 425 miss you. However, we take solace because you are resting in the bossom of the Lord.
Therefore, on behalf of Brothers and Sisters of commandery 494 and Laux 425 Benin City, i commiserate with the entire Nwaka family and pray to God to give you all the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
Adieu Brother Matthew Nwaka and rest in peace.
Sir Samuel Emoyon Akhabue KSJI (President, commandery 494, Benin City)

Tribute To The Best Grand Dad In The World.

Grandpa, it was a sudden shock to lose you. It was just like yesterday I saw you and today you are gone. It's still hard for me to believe you are no more. You were a teacher to me. A grandfather some people will wish to have.
I am very happy and proud you were my grandfather. You are forever treasured in our hearts ❤.
Your grand daughter, Iguehiduwa Amanda Amadasun.

My GrandPa...My Guy.

Grandpa Ojiba. It was very shocking to me to hear about your passing.
I was so happy and looking forward to spending my midterm break with you. I got the biggest shock when I was informed about your death.
You were a mentor, teacher and most of all the greatest grandad in the world any body could ever wish for. I still remember you had a favourite slang which was "You Don't Mean It". I and my siblings would laugh till the jokes died down. Also thanks for the box you gave me. I never really had the chance to thank you for it.
I can not express the sorrow I feel, for you were gone too long and I didn't have the opportunity to finally see you again. I will give anything up just to see you once more, but I know you have gone to rest with God. I pray that God in His infinite mercy grant you peace.
From your grandson, Uyiosalawa Derril Amadasun.

A Tribute To The Best Grand In The World.

Grandpa Ojiba. I was sad to hear you were no more. You were the best grand dad in the world. You made us laugh whenever you said your funny jokes.
You taught us good morals, you gave us things that we always needed and we will forever be grateful to you.

May God grant your soul rest.
Your grand son, Osayuwamen Jedd Amadasun.

*A TRIBUTE TO MY FIRST HERO*

Dearest dad, it still seems surreal that you are gone, as only a day before your demise you stopped by to see me. I never knew that was the last time I was going to see or speak with you again. On that fateful day the 23rd of February 2023, a day I would live to remember, I woke up feeling sick after getting ready for school run and I went back to bed to lie down which was unlike me. Through out that day I was on the edge and had no idea why I was. Little did I know that it was a sign of your passing that was getting the better part of me. I called you severally but you never returned my call which was really strange. It was at that time I suspected something was wrong. On rushing you to the hospital and being referred to another, I felt we were going to get you help but alas I got the news never expected to hear even in another ten years. I cannot describe the massive shock, pain and emptiness I felt on hearing that singular word from the doctor. Tears ran down my eyes uncontrollably.
Dad, you were 80 but you looked and had the strength of a 60year old man. I was your almost birthday mate and we always celebrated together with you booking Mass in both of our honour. How can I celebrate again without you Dad? Nothing prepared me for this magnitude of loss when you departed. You never have been really sick or hospitalised in all my years of growing up apart from the fall you had shortly before your 78th birthday when you slipped in the compound after a heavy rainfall. To me you seemed indestructible, big and strong. It's really hard to digest the fact that you are actually gone. I guess God had other plans for calling you home sooner.
You were a disciplinarian and set the tone on acceptable behaviour. This built our character and prepared us all for life, its struggles and our ability to weather and overcome its challenges.
You emphasised at every turn the value of education and how we needed to take advantage of the opportunities we had and do well in school which will in turn create opportunities that would set us up for life. Thank You Daddy for the woman, wife and mother I am today.
You were always humorous and entertaining and everyone including adults and kids saw this part of you because you had a way of making everyone laugh, and indeed you were loved for it. You also had an emotional side not many saw or knew about but I did. Oh yes I did.
You were unapologetic, blunt and direct in airing your views and standing for what you believed in to be just and fair regardless of the person or institution in question. This earned you the respect and love of many. A lot of people whom you have encountered have great things to say about you. You imparted so many lives even without realising it yourself. Daddy, you left a legacy of excellence behind and I promise to continue to burn that torch in every facet of life, God helping me.
Uyiosalawa and Osayuwamen miss you so much especially as they had not seen you for the last eight months you were in Canada. They were so excited as they came back on midterm and were to spend it with you but unfortunately a day before they came home you were snatched by the cold hands of death to experience eternal peace. Now I truly understand the meaning of "A Candle In The Wind". Such was your demise; no sickness, no troubles or constant call for help or assistance...no sign.
I miss you so much dad, and so does your Son in-law and grand kids as well. Your favourite exclamation in my "You Don't Mean It" you would say when something intrigues or catches your fancy, still rings in my head like a bell. Who will say those lines in amazement to what I say? There would be no more September 3rd and 4th Anniversary.
Adieu! My Beloved Dad. You will forever be remembered as you live in my heart Sir Chief M.M. Nwaka.

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER-IN-LAW

The unenviable news of your sudden transition to eternal glory on that faithful Thursday, February 23rd hit me like a bomb. For a brief moment, I was confused. I didn’t hear you were sick, only to be told you have passed on. I did not believe but could not doubt either because the person telling me is my wife, your blood sister. I became very sad.

Bro Matthew was everything good to me and my family. Calm, kind, compassionate, inspirational, very caring, always calculated, always ready to willingly give a helping hand, I can go on and on…. Bro Matthew was a good man; a Noble Knight of the order of Knights of Saint John International and a very hardworking man.

We are missing you; we shall miss you more in days to come but we take solace in the fact that you lived a fruitful and fulfilled life; attained the biblical age of those who are strong and above all God fearing.

Adieu, my dear brother-in-law. Adieu, Noble Sir Matthew Nwaka. Rest in perfect peace till we meet on the resurrection morning.

Noble Charles Ilechie (KSJI)

Our money maker, your demise came as a rude shock because from the last video I saw of you, you were looking so strong and full of life!
You were a jolly good fellow and playful with anyone who came across you. You called me "smilie" and boosted myself esteem when you told me I was a good dancer and that you liked the way I smiled and danced in church then, I still do till date because of your words.
I pray that, your soul finds rest in God's bosom. Rest on daddy!

A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER IN-LOVE
“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”-Unknown
It’s an honour and huge privilege to bury one’s parents. In writing a tribute on your demise, it didn’t cross my mind I’ll be doing it this soon recalling how fit and strong you were in your last days. It is said even the best dads make mistakes, but there is no mistaking their love for their children. I could recount moments we shared as men. Several times we embarked on journeys, just the two of us, were never dull moments. You were good in recounting history and events, and poured out your heart, fears, anxieties and happy memories. I learnt quite early, though from a bitter experience, to be patient in hearing out the elderly whether in complaints, worries or sharing happy moments no matter how much or often we might have heard it over time for a time comes we would wish to hear them once more.
You were a good story teller indeed with a strong mastery and an impeccable touch of English as a language. We sometimes tease you with an Igbo slogan that says when a story is fascinating, one is tempted to forget and narrate it back to the source you heard it from. It didn’t take much to make you happy and nothing was too small for you to be grateful for. I was never too young for you to share some deep secrets and seek opinions on some personal matters. A wise man once said the best times in a son’s life are those spent quietly with his father, learning strength in silence. You were an open book, not shy to express his displeasure when the need arose irrespective of whose ox was gored, and whose worries were made known in times of daily family devotions. When I am on a journey and you are aware, you will constantly call till you hear I have arrived safely at my destination. A treatment you exercised and meted out to everyone you ever loved and cared for. Indeed, the value of a loving father has no price.
Farewell! A great one, knighted Catholic, titled Chief, my ‘father in-love’, a friend, confidant, grateful heart, a very contented fellow, and a nice buddy cum great journey maker, till the resurrection morning when we shall all narrate our stories by and by.
Adieu!!!
Dr. CVO Amadasun, Son in-law.

I've never had to write a tribute about someone I love. This is the first time in my life and it's opened up the pain I've tried to numb for the past few weeks.

I miss my Uncle Matthew. He had such a Happy personality that would Light up any room he walked into. Most of all was his unique voice and funny exclamations; especially when he says " . . . You Don't Meeean it!!!" I miss my Uncle. He's been a part of my life since I was a child, and I still don't want to believe I won't see him anymore.

You were simple, loving, ever jovial and Happy Go Lucky. I am happy you're in a better place now, and even happier that my cousins made your final days beautifully memorable.

Continue to look down on us, intercede for us and protect us as you've always done, until we meet again.

. . . Farewell my Uncle Matthew.

Daddy was a wonderful man, he was a jolly good fellow.Daddy will be greatly missed.May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Amen

My dearest Uncle M!
Dr. Ekueme as you fondly called me, no one to call me that anymore…..
I am happy because you are resting now.

We will definitely miss you but happy about the life you lived and the legacy you have left.

Till we meet again.
Adieu Uncle M.

In Loving Memory of Chief (Sir) M.M. Nwaka(KSJI).

I have been clay footed all the while to come to terms with the reality that you are no more with us here.

Life is a vapour and a mortal one must die by one way or the other.

You painstakingly were with me for several hours at St Philomena Catholic Hospital on the 19th of February while my wife was undergoing a major surgery. You left after she came out from the theatre not knowing that quite frankly speaking, you came to bid me bye bye or rather than was the last we were going to speak and see each other on planet earth.

Death does not know the good, the bad, the ugly or the beautiful one.

These heartfelt words in our hearts that are being sent demonstrate our love and concern for you beyond imaginations.

Your abrupt departure from this world without a notice of farewell pleasantries is disheartening. You were like a candle burning in the wind that we, your children, families and friends may have a clear and easy path.

"You send us message commot house so you go fit take off"

Well, it's a good one at that.

The concept of inevitability of death was scripturally illustrated in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

Dad, journey on in fulfillment of the scripture above because the grave is nothing but a temporary dormitory waiting for resurrection.

I am happy to have benefited from your love, constructive criticisms and tutelage. I miss you personally that I cannot express.

I believe that the almighty God whom you lived your life for decided that you should return home at this point in time.

HIS will shall always supercede ours'.

Daddy, I take solace in the fact that your life was not a waste neither to God nor to humanity. Your death is just a transition. I hope to see you in the bossom of the most high God after my own race here.

I envisage that your message to us right now would be "do your best for your Saviour and Lord". Don't weep for me, dry up your tears. I am in the middle of great glory.

Fada,

Rest in peace.

Ka chi foo

Your adopted son.

Macojae Omoyeni.

Meeting you reminds me that it is not hoe long but how well. We had so much conversation like a father and son withing the space we met. Good night ezigbo madu.

Dear Daddy,
I write with grief in my heart but with total submission to the will of God. Even though your stay in Saskatoon was short, I feel like I have known you my whole life. Your legacy lives on through your children and grandchildren. Thank you for the jokes, words of advice and prayers. You will be sorely missed. Eternal rest grant unto him oh lord and May your perpetual light shine on him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Your good legacy lives on sir…
Keep resting in God’s bossom

Daddy Nwaka,
Always loving, quick to give wise counsel, has a smile for everyone and always accommodating. Daddy was such a thoughtful and cheerful man. I was shocked to hear of his passing as we spoke some days before, but I'm grateful that you lived a FULL life indeed, one of true impact and fulfilment. It's indeed an honor to have known such a sage and warrior like you. Keep singing and smiling with the angels Daddy! Adieu

TRIBUTE TO A VERY DEAR BROTHER
MATTHEW MKPELONYE NWAKA

The fact that I missed your call at exactly 10:17 am on that faithful day- 23/02/23- still hurts me. What you had wanted us to discuss is still a mystery especially after I got to know the call you received before you called me.

Brother, as many times as we discussed each day, your response to my “Ojiba Nnam”, was always “My sister”, my mother and my friend” all rolled into one, will ever linger in my memory of you.

God answered every bit of your prayers. You did say to me that the type of death you are asking of God is one that will neither stress you nor those caring for you and that was exactly how it went.

No need for too long a talk, now that you are in PEACE, continue to REST IN PERFECT PEACE.

Your Kid Sister
Noble Lady Margaret Ilechie (LKSJI)

Daddy,
Ever grateful and ever smiling, I remember any time i speak with you, you have this peaceful aura around you and your smile not to be forgotten at all. You are going to be missed, I know you are in a better place, keep riding on eagle's wings.

Ojo Maxwell
Daddy Ojiba
The news of your death came as a joke to me,cause you called me that day never knew you are about leaving us.
You were so full of life,always hit the nail in the head.i always enjoy my time with you,those journeys together will always be in my heart.
Rest on Daddy till we meet again to depart no more peace.

Dear Uncle Matthew, our correct uncle!

It was always a happy time when you'd arrive almost every day after work in NIFOR. I fondly remember your laughter and long chats with your sister (she misses you badly).
More recently, making a video and talking to you at your 80th birthday celebration - we were all in awe of how strong and jovial you still were. That memory lives on.

You lived a great life and we'll celebrate that life today and always. May you continue to rest in God's bosom, Amen!

Grandpa you stayed with us for a long time and all through our summer break we travelled everywhere .Grandpa you made me love football so much and my dad registered me in the soccer club.I was thinking you would watch me play soccer in your next visit to Canada..You told me how to be a man, to be strong,and protect my sisters like an eagle, and I knew I still had a lot to learn from you. Hopefully, my parents will carry on from where you stopped. Grandpa, you left so unexpectedly, and I hurt inside, but I cannot really say it, because I am trying to be strong for my mummy, she needs to see me as the man you to be to..But I still have so many questions, one of which is, "why did you leave me so soon?"And you werent sick I will miss you best grandpa. May your gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.
Michael Ifechukwude Osehon Junior

Greatest grandpa of the universe, I never thought that I would be saying goodbye to you soon. You always looked at me as your little big girl and tease by calling me Mira Mira and I always saw how you loved my mom, and all of us, with such a big and large heart, and yet you did not stay for us to love you back the way you deserved. I hope the angels would know that it was a priceless gift they took from us, we will meet again, and I am sure I will hug you again on the resurrection morning greet our other grandpa too..
From Mirabel Chukwufunnaya Osuide Adios Gran Pere.

Grandpa of life, why did you leave me so soon? Sorry, I know you cannot answer that painful question, but I was hoping that I could hear your voice again, see your lovely face again and hold your fatherly hands again. I will miss you every step I take, how you joke with us how you always wake us up to get ready for school and also say morning devotions with us I always remember you. Now I can say to my friends, I have an angel looking from heaven, watching over me and my family, because you have gone with the angels. Goodbye grandpa...we will surely meet again on resurrection morning.
Mildred Ose Osuide

My dearest grand[pa, I might be young, but losing you has made me understand what vacuum death can pump into us..I have been crying so hard each time I remember you..and that i cant see you forever..The pain is too much for words, I thought you said you would see me go to college and make you proud,My Volley Skills are getting stronger ah grandpa I miss you..Teasing me and calling me Yemennñnn we enjoyed how visited our school with my mum severally towatch us perform our school activities/Accolades days..Grandpa i will never forget how i often sit besides you and help you type a text on your phone ..Grandpa i never knew my 13th birthday will be the last of you celebrating with us..But grandpa, I know that if you could, you would have stayed to teach me all you taught my mom about life. I love you and will forever miss you. Soar high with the angels until we meet never again to part. Lots of love your first grandchild Omoyeme Michelle Osuide

My Loving Dad
Your demise has been a hard pill to swallow,the pain is more painful than a bee Sting,I never believed that you would go so soon,you were very very strong and healthy.From that morning when you died, I have been looking for my gold Jewelry,but I have not seen it. Gold is indeed replaceable but you are irreplaceable.A have a vacuum in my heart Daddy!!Thank you so much for all you taught me, how to stand up for the truth, how to be fearless and most importantly, you taught me how to pray for my children, because all my life, you always prayed for me and You made me contented with what I have and made me understand the importance of hard work and making wealth genuinely. Thank you for spending the last days of your precious life with me and my family. Remembering you writing your biography all through the end of 2022,i didn't know death was close...Each time i saw you write my heart skipped and one day i asked you why you were writing it,"You said my darling 2299 as you fondly called me no one can write my story"hmmmm those words were deep..Ojiba Ezigbo Nnam daalu shinne,for your last talks and advise I appreciate (I keep picturing ur face each time with tears coming out from ur eyes)I will forever remain grateful to you for that. You saw me grow as a child under your very protective eyes, you made a bond with me and I could never forget the memories we made. Like St.Pauls you ran the good race and fought a good fight and after all the premonitions you had about death, you finally found peace with your maker. Oh, life, why...? Death, why the sting? Rest in peace, as you go home, my daddy, my best friend, my first love and the first man in my life. We will always love you. May angels guide you straight to your heavenly abode, (like you walked happily in to the hall on your 80th birthday)where saints in WHITE garments are singing to the sovereign King of Kings. The absolute love you showed us, your children, made us to understand what the love of a parent should look like, and I hope that I will be strong enough to put to good use all the parental love you showered upon your children, as you lived your life only to be there for them. Thank you dad, for a life well spent. Adieu,Papa Ojiba Sir"St.Mathew pray for us"We will meet never to part in the resurrection morning Amen
            Your daughter
MaryJane Chukwufunnaya Osuide nee Nwaka.

                           TRIBUTE TO AN ICON
Chief Sir M. M. Nwaka was a great man. He was more than a father in-law to me. He was my father in-love and indeed a father in every sense of the word. Our relationship spans over 3 decades. He was my late Dad’s friend and we attended the same church in Benin City. I knew him before I met his lovely daughter Maryjane, who is now my beautiful wife.

He was a great philanthropist and in church, he was popularly called ‘’Money Maker’’ because his initials were M. M (Matthew Mkpelonye). He was like an uncle to me before he became my father in-law. The relationship strained a bit when he knew I had something to do with his daughter, but that is usual from every good parent who wants the best for their children. After a while his fears were allayed when he discovered my intensions were genuine and I was a worthy son in-law. I have been married to his lovely daughter for over 16yrs, we have 4 beautiful children (Michelle, Mildred, Mirabel & Michael) and it’s been pure bliss ever since.

Daddy was a jolly good fellow, anyone who encountered him always had something positive to say about him. The news of your demise came to us as a very rude shock, I still can’t believe I won’t be able to hear that strong voice saying ‘’Omoi bodiaye’’ He spoke Esan Language to me even more than my biological father did to me.

We are consoled that you lived a good and fulfilled life, and we were able to share precious moments of your last days with us when you visited last year.
I will not forget the great impact you had on your grand kids during your visit. Michael now loves football because of your influence and the girls are more hard working because of you.

May your beautiful and cheerful soul rest in the bosom of the lord.
You will be greatly missed and we will cherish you and keep you safe in our hearts. To live in the hearts of those you love is to live forever.

Adieu Daddy….Ojiba!

Daddy, ojiba. Your sudden passing was a ride shock to us all.
You bubbled with life hence one should be excused for living in denial of the fact that you are no more. It's a very very very sad reality.
May your soul rest in peace, Amen.
Rita and 'Pute

Dear Dad,
Like the candle in the wind, you burned out before we had a proper farewell to render. You were an epitome of grace personified, a bridge of barrier and an ambassador for peace, you were my own personal HERO. I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for giving me life, for grooming me, for being my mentor and friend, for being the coolest DAD ever. If tears could bring you back, you'd see I had already cried you a river but then I know if you could say anything now it would be dry your eyes, weep not for I am in a better place, clearing paths and obstacles that may lie ahead….. yeah, have come to realize that "To live in the hearts of those you love, is to live forever"......You'd be in our hearts always Dad, Always, we Love you.
Nonso Nwaka

Daddy, I didnt think you would be leaving us so soon. You were so full of life when we spoke last, I didnt know it would be the last time I would hear your voice. This vacuum is a huge one, so painful . Ojiba GrandPa (that was your name as far as my children knew), hmmmm they will miss you soooo much. Too many things to say but I leave it all to God. Rest well Daddy, Rest Well. Duchi, Oke Nwaka and Family

Life and death lies in the hands of the almighty God,,,who decides what and what happens to everyone who exist,,,He actually lived a good life,,,I will miss this great daddy......He smiles alot as if everything around him is perfect,, always checking up on my family on phone.... you are a good man ♂️♂️I was with you, few days before you passed on,, and I asked you what you brought from Canada and you told me that you just rushed down that the cool was too much for you and you went in and brought me a jotter, the one you used for your last birthday... if I new you where going to leave us so soon,,I could have stayed with you for days before going back home....I will forever miss you sir. May God grant him eternal rest... your legacy will always remain in our heart...

“Uncle Matthew!” it is hard to come to terms with the fact that you are no longer with us. You were always so strong, stronger than most people of your age bracket and always so jovial. That is why your demise came as a rude shock to me.

But what can I say? I just thank God that you lived a good life and that you are resting with the Lord. Thanks for being a big part of my life, an uncle like no other.
Rest in perfect peace, Uncle!

Uncle.....
I have so many memories and so much to say but don't know how and what I should actually put down.....
Sometimes we assume and wish days like this would never come...
U were a great man uncle and we will all miss u. In my mind, its still unreal......
.
We spoke last in tutu's place and ur voice was so strong but I never new that would be the last....My Joy is that you spent a good time with your children and grandkids and they sure made u proud..
.
Since you have gone to meet my dad in Heaven, tell him that we are good and both of you should continue gisting from where u stopped here.
.
Love U Uncle.......

A Tribute to Daddy Nwaka.               
I am sad I have to be writing these words today. we saw just two days before you left us and we were not expecting to have to say goodbye so soon and so quickly. I recall how you were telling me to help you get you polling unit that you must go and vote for Peter Obi on Saturday, but unfortunately, death stole you away from us without allowing you to cast your vote for Peter Obi. I am one of the numerous children of our daddy by adoption. The first time I met daddy at Agbado was memorable. I arrived the shop to pick some kitchen wears in November 2009, he engaged me in a discussion, from there I introduced myself to him, he stood up from where he was sitting and gave me a hug and welcome me to Benin and by extension to his house and family. He told me, you are welcome anytime my son. from that moment, he call me son and I call him Dad. Throughout the period, he showed me Kindness, Love, care and support. With his invitation, I became a member of his family, not a Friend to the family anymore but son and the children see me as their brother. Daddy Nwaka, treated everyone that he comes in contact with utmost respect and very appreciative of any little thing done for him. It was difficult to accept the news of his death when mummy called me to inform me few minutes after his death. A father and a Friend has gone home. let the saying goes, you fought a good fight, you won the race and you are ready to wear the crown of glory. Your Legacy lives on. I am proud to know you and will miss you but I know you will be looking after us from a better place. I and my family love you even in death. Rest in peace Daddy.