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.

An icon the the world should emulate. A man that made the world accommodating for everyone, not just his children. The world has lost a great man. But I'm certain his legacy will last forever. Heaven has gained an angel.
May dad's soul rest in peace ️... Amen

Words failed me to expressed how much you will be truly missed my papa guy in-law. Your dismissed came as a shock to me after our brief discussion barely 10days. You were such a lovely in-law full of life. l thank God for living your life to the fullest. I wish you eternal rest Ojiba foundly called by daughter your daughter in-law.

Words fail me. We are confident that you are with the one who owns the universe. While we are mourning, Heaven gained your soul already.

Rest in Peace Sir.

Daddy as we fondly call you, we are happy that you lived a good life here on earth. I remembered vividly how you opened your warm embrace to me when I stayed in your house as a medical student. Oh I have not forgotten how we use to traverse the bush at NIFOR, watch network news, movies and your effortless and impeccable use of English language. Oh that sonorous voice during morning and night time prayers and family devotions. You took me in like a son and I'm personally consoled because I know that by the mercies of God your soul will find eternal rest in the bossom of our God.
Amen

I might not really know you in person but I am very optimistic that you were indeed a good and lovely person, due to the fact that you produced two of the most outstanding friends I came across in this life.

While it is with a deep sense of grief I write this tribute, I am consoled that Heaven has a lot to offer you in the life there after.

My heartfelt and sincere condolences to the immediate family of our departed Daddy especially Mr. Patrick and Emma.

May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Amen.

RIP Money maker Nwanka as fondly called by st Monica's parish.

This is still a shock even as the reality keeps hitting deep.
You were vibrant, strong and full of life especially from the last video i saw of you.
You were not just a man of ur beautiful family but also a man of the people, so humble, playful and always smiling.

I remember when i was still very young, the first day u heard the short form of my name, you told me its meaning in ibo and said i will be live long. You where really very playful and humble even with all the wealth you had.

You are till date one of the very few responsible performing dads i know out there and you will be highly missed.

Adieu Papa
Rest well till we meet never to path anymore
God bless ur beautiful soul as you journey down to him

We love you Papa!!!

Daddy your death came to me as a huge shock. Knowing well that we all had to eat, drink and laugh together just few weeks before this tragic and sudden departure. If I had known that that will be the last Supper, the last communion, the last dance, I would have stay longer and eat, have more conversations and listen to the messages you were trying to pass to us. Like you always told me about my wife, that I will have to come pay a second bride price to you. I was preparing for that, not knowing that you will not be here again to collect it. Oh! Death where is thy Sting! Oh! Grave where is thy victory!.
You always chose to take the ones we love, even without saying goodbye. We will only take solace in the fact that we shall see you again on the resurrection morning, but till then Daddy, We will continue to miss and cherish every moment we have spent together and will keep that with us till we meet to part no more. REST ON DADDY.
GODSTIME DESIMHI.

Sir, you were so full of life. Always jovial with an ever smiling face. Your great deeds will never be forgotten. You will be fondly remembered.
Rest in the bossom of the Lord until we meet again.

The Great St. John's Boys Model Secondary School, Fugar will not forget the impact you made in uplifting the school as PTA Chairman by joining hands to the Principals that worked under your leadership role.
In January, 2021 when you came to Fugar for Emma father In-law funeral, the little time I spent with you made me to understand more why friendship in school days are important to keep.
May our Mother Mary intercede for your shortcomings on earth
Rest On Sir

The first time I met you was in Guardian Angel Parish, Sir you treated us as your own. Only a true father take care of everyone around him. You were fill with laughter, life, peace and love. As you have left us to join the heavenly host, your sweet memories continue to give us hope. We miss you. Adieu Sir

Daddy ojiba,
I remember you from nearly 20 years ago, as if it was just yesterday. We were only kids, and you easily and lovingly welcomed me into your home. a family that always prayed and did everything together, I always looked forward to coming with your children to your house to spend days. I came as a friend, but you treated me like one of your own children, and I learnt from you how to pray for my offspring and lay a spiritual foundation for them, to help them build a string prayer life. Thank you sir, for being such a good and happy soul, and I know your children have the best dad in the whole wide world, because I see what you have raised them to become. They reflect your kindness, love and simplicity. If all fathers had a glimpse of the light you had in you, many of us would have made better adults.
I might not have been your daughter, but I looked forward to seeing you again after so many years, unfortunately, death came and took you away from the midst of us. But you remain in the hearts of those whose lives you touched, and that is more priceless than the sting of death.
May your gentle and happy soul be greeted by Empyrean hosts...and may Abraham prepare the warmest part of his bosom for you...heaven has gained an angel.
-Osasu

Just like yesterday pop, when you asked that we go for a race because I was heavily pregnant and I told you I will let you know when I’m ready but you didn’t wait till I was fit to run that race with you pops

We miss you but you will forever live in our memories.
Thank you for the time you made everyone around you happy
Adieu papa
Till we meet in the world beyond

Daddy when you came to our house some few weeks ago before leaving for Nigeria there was no sign that would be the last time we would see you. However we cannot question God as He has deemed it fit to call you to come and rest.

Thank you for taking me as your son and accepting my family as your own. You acted the talk of Love. May your soul rest in peace, may God comfort your entire family, grant them strength and wisdom. Amen.

You may not be here with us physically but certainly your legacy will live on through your children and the many lives you touched by your humble and receptive lifestyle.

Engr Ayemere & Ama Ogudo Family

A TRIBUTE TO A DEAR INLAW, SIR, CHIEF MATTHEW NWAKA (ALIAS ONYE DINMANAZU), BY CHIEF VINCENT OBI (ALIAS EZENNIA)

Two things he did that endeared him to me look very simple by all standards but they are very hard to believe.

Many will consider them inconsequential but I hold them very dear to my heart.

In discussions with him or when you tell him things he has not heard before, Chief Nwaka would always exclaim "YOU DON'T MEAN IT." That exclamation, which he first made so many years ago to me, still reverberates in my mind, especially now that he has passed on.

The second thing that he thrilled me with was his choice of a Chieftaincy title/name. Of all the bourgeois titles available in Igbo land, Chief Nwaka chose a modest title of ONYE DINMANAZU. This means that no matter what one does, people will always question your goodness behind your back.

It didn't strike me as a good title until I gave it a very deep thought, asked questions to learn that the title is rare Chieftaincy title/name, I was hearing for the first time.

Chief and Lolo Matthew Patricia Nwaka were made Chiefs at Okpuno Agude Autonomous Community at Ugwuoba, in Oji River Local Government of Enugu State, the same day I and my wife were honoured.

My brother-in-law is a wonderful, Godly man who seeks to please the Lord in all that he does. He upholds his children and grandchildren in his daily prayers, no wonder the Catholic Church found him worthy to be knighted.

He is blessed with Sons, Daughters and Sons and daughters in-law who are doing very well in their own rights. Recently, Chief and Lolo Nwaka were invited over to Canada where they were hosted to Chief Nwaka's 80th birthday party, never seen before across the world.

The Umenwa family in Okpuno, Ugwuoba, holds Chief Nwaka in a very high esteem. He is their best inlaw and no one in that family, including IGWE JOSEPH GBUYE, the traditional ruler of the area, jokes with him and his family. His wife, Patricia Nwagobenata Nwaka (nee Obi), is a very important and close daughter of the umenwa family a nd no body jokes with her. Once married to Chief Nwaka, the umenwa family also spread their love for Lolo to the Catholic Knight.

I talked constantly with them while they were holidaying in Canada and his voice did not in any way indicate that the end was near.

Our regret as a family was that Chief Nwaka would be sorely missed. However, the bond holding the families together will continue to grow from strength to strength. Adieu Sir Nwaka. We know you are resting in God's bossom until we meet again.