With heavy and shattered hearts, tearful eyes, and speechless mouths, we write this tribute to you Mazi Ikpo.
What can we possibly say/write about you that has not already been said/written. It is so hard to address you with past tense. Amankwu Okooo! Aro Okooo!! You were a friend to all and never discriminated against anyone. You lived a life worthy of emulation. What a gallant soldier you were! Your counsel, jokes, love and care were unending and unparalleled. You have carved your name on our hearts, not tombstones. Your legacy is etched into our minds and the stories and memories we share about you will carry us till we meet in glory. Indeed your shoes are way too big to fill!


Adieu Oke Nwa Aro!
Adieu Stella Son of Amankwu!!
Adieu Mmadi Oha Nile!!!
Adieu Nwanne Mmadi!!!!

Rev. Chukwuemeziem Anicho
for: The Entire Anicho Family

My Daddy is gone to be with GOD
My Mummy told me you have gone to be with God, and I asked her if you will see my sister and grandmas in heaven. Am not happy I will not get an extra top-up on mummy’s portion, no more bouncing throw and the big hug.

Death why did you also take my Daddy? Daddy your death came to me as a shock, the last time my mum visited me at school, I could not speak to you. She told me you travelled and that you promised me lots of new goodies. I never knew you were sick, I would have prayed for you. But don’t worry, I prayed for the Angels to take you to haven.

The many Uncles and Aunties coming to our home told me to stop crying that you are in heaven and that I will see you again on the resurrection day. I am happy that I will see you again on resurrection day.

Please Daddy talk to the guardian angels to wipe away my Mummy’s tears and be at the four corners of our bed as we sleep.

My daddy, I will miss everything about you but God knows best.
Rest in peace, Amen.

Your Son,
Enyinnaya.

MY ANGEL: AWESOME TILL LAST BREATH
I never imagined I will be writing a tribute so soon again, not even for you my greatest companion and pillar of hope. The thought of writing this has made me ponder, it is now over one month and I cannot see you again. All I have now is your sweet memories.

It is true. Life may not always roll like a Rolls Royce, but it can be a most pleasant, exciting and fulfilling experience, depending on who we share the journey with. When we travel alone, the journey could be fast but lonely. When we travel together with a true, God-made companion, we would not just glide along; we would enjoy every bit of the voyage. Caring. Sharing. Loving. Cherishing. Giving. Taking. Laughing. Bonding. That is how it was with my own God-given life companion, my inimitable lover, my best friend, the amazing father of our children, and my awesome husband of 36 years. 

They called him Mazi Ikpo, I call him my guardian angel. Indeed, there are angels here on Earth. My husband was one. He was graciously sent my way many years ago and we tied the knots in 1985. Since then, he nurtured and wrapped me with a love like no other, and we were blessed with two lovely kids along the way. He virtually took me on his supportive wings during my entire 35 years of a banking career. As a hardworking, serious businessman that he was, he was an early bird who would wake me up at the crack of dawn every day to help me prepare for work. And whenever possible, which was most often, he would also drive me to work and dropped me at my office before going about his own business.

A great family man to the core, my husband was responsible and responsive in every way. He was such a doting father to the kids as he was a generous hubby to me. It is no wonder that every time he left home, either going to work, undertaking business trips, visiting places in Lagos, travelling to the village or going overseas, he would always return bearing gifts! He even knew the right fashion items to buy for me. I never saw a more generous man who loved giving and sharing as if giving was going out of fashion. Interestingly, he extended the same generosity to all and sundry that came his way. 


Of course, his genial and thoughtful personality made him a man of the people. That is why he accommodated everyone, be they relatives, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, as his family without discrimination. He genuinely cared about others’ welfare. He mastered the habit of touching base with people, always asking after their well-being. If friends or anyone visited him and left, my husband would keep following up with the visitors with phone calls until they confirmed getting home safely.

What more could I say about this awesome guy who painted a rainbow of fun and bliss in my sky? He was jovial and friendly by nature. He could effortlessly crack jokes that would calm frayed nerves, warm hearts and lighten up the mood. Without an iota of exaggeration, I can’t even remember us having a quarrel that would warrant not talking to each other for long, or inviting third-party interventions. He was simply a pleasant fellow to live with.

And now that he is gone, it is tough to live without him. How can I? People do fall ill, but I never knew my own husband’s case was going to be a final goodbye. I was with him on the Thursday eve of his passing, chatting and exchanging banters with him. The mood was upbeat and radiated hope of recovery. But on Friday, the Creator called. My angel answered, and soared to join the saints triumphant.

What a pain losing my angel! But I thank God for the gift of his beautiful life well lived. I never knew you were so loved and appreciated by Umu Aro, Friends and associates until now. Dearest, we shared an awesome love for 36 years. I will cherish you till the end of time.

Your Wife
Ijeoma

Our brother, Mazi Ikpo Okpara, our spokesman and the Pride of our people. I weep that we're losing you so early. It's like a bad dream.
No one is born with silver spoon in his/her mouth. We are only remembered by what we have done.
The truth you spoke as a kid, and continued speaking in your lifetime, brought you to limelight. We're grateful to God that He gave you to us and may you find a peaceful rest in Him. You will be forever remembered in our hearts and among us, your loved ones, village, Arochukwu, Nigeria and beyond.
Adieu brother!
From Engr T.N.H & Grace N. Bob-Manuel & family.

Mazi Ikpo, you mean different thing or person to every individual that you have come in contact with. To me you were a jovial and humble friend and brother.
Will remember you with fondness ezi mmadi. May God accept your ever joyful soul Mazim and comfort your loved ones

Tribute to Mazi Ikpo Okpara~Ugwu Aro
Shared by Adamazi Cordelia on May 13, 2021

Ngeleokwe Amankwu, Ugwu Aro Okeigbo, Ikpo Importer, everybody personal person, we are here to celebrate your beautiful life, and the measure of its worth on every single life you touched while you were on this earth. We wish to pay our last respect, that’s why we write to thank you for your friendship and all the memories we hold dear. It’s been my family’s privilege to have known you. We were family, not just friends. We will carry you in our spirit until we meet up once again.

It is often said; “God only takes the best”. Everything happens for a reason, even if we may not agree. The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to our eyes. And even more so, because all of this was such a surprise. We were hoping you will recover fully, but alas, that didn’t happen. We would never question what God has planned. Sometimes it’s not meant for us to understand. And we may never understand why you had to leave too soon. So, as we mourn your loss, we have to keep telling ourselves that we will meet again.

Mazi Ikpo treasured happiness, and lavishly made many happy while he lived. He was a great fire that burned so bright. In his very special way, he touched so many lives, he rendered help to so many, no matter what. He was a responsible family man who loved and adored his wife Ijeoma, who he called his Mirror. He was a proud and dignified Aro man who had a passion for life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was loyal to all regardless of class. This attribute endeared him to everyone that came in contact with him. It is a great testament to his nature that he formed so many long-lasting friendships that meant so much to him.

His presence would light up any party, his jokes, his ever-smiling face, loyalty, and charisma endears him to all. He made friends easily and can go the extra mile for everyone. Thank goodness his friends did not forget his kind heart, as we witnessed unprecedented and the greatest level of solidarity, love and friendship from his hospitalization to his burial arrangements. Ugwu Aro, your friends did not disappoint. If money could have kept you, you will still be here with us today.

His generosity with his time, resources, his energy, his advice, and in so many other ways, provided invaluable support to a remarkable number of people. Over the years, and over the past few days, I’ve heard many stories of the friends, relatives, neighbors, business associates, even strangers to whom Mazi Ikpo provided help and support in their times of need. I remember with nostalgia the very first time I boarded an airplane, it was you who paid my flight ticket from Lagos to Enugu, when you obviously didn’t have to. Such acts of spontaneous generosity were typical of Mazi Ikpo.

Among the other words which come to mind when describing his character includes: his uncompromising integrity, unassuming nature, honesty, and joviality have proven to be among the most cherished memory. Sometimes life forces many into positions of compromise and challenges their honesty and integrity, I observed Ikpo rise and meet those challenges one after the other throughout his life, with courage, toughness and a sense of right and wrong which was awe inspiring. It was his values and his commitment to community and people that led his being awarded the prestigious UgwuAro. He embodied community service in all respects to the very last months of his life.

Finally, and perhaps the key to his happiness, was his whimsical approach to life. He was a jolly good fellow, always in pursuit of another experience, a little more fun or a new adventure. It must be said that his appreciation for ikoko, eterete ukam stock fish and red wine didn’t exactly hurt his whimsical nature. To his last day, he was always able to crack a joke. Obviously, we lost a great man! A jovial and amiable man. May the Almighty God accept his soul, and May He grant my friend your widow Ijeoma and all of us who deeply mourn you the fortitude to bear your irreparable loss. Rest in perfect peace MaziOliver Okereke Okpara. 

AdaukwuAro Cordelia Okereke
& family.



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MAZI EMMA KANU IVI, (OGENEUKWU, UGWU ARO)


TRIBUTE TO MAZI OKEREKE OKPARA: (Ugwu Aro, Ngeneokwe).

Very sad we lost him, my beloved younger brother; a jolly good fellow, popularly called Mazi Ikpo. He was everybody’s personal person; a rare gem, an interesting personality anytime. He was a brother most dear and quite close to me, and almost always by my side. When he became ill on 4th March 2021, people rallied to save his life. He fought very hard to live but his time appeared to have come. Sadly he died on 26th March 2021 when God called him. May be because God never wanted him to suffer on a sick bed for a long time unnecessarily, nor suffer those that were looking after him. God’s time is always the best. But we will miss him sorely and his charming, caring spirit.

Mazi Ikpo never had any enemy. He was a good friend to many: the young and old, the poor and rich, male and female. He joked a lot with everyone to make people happy. There was no dull moment in his life. He had tremendous passion and energy to be anywhere people he knew had anything to do, whether celebrating or mourning; he was always there. He loved to do or give whatever he could that would bring joy to others. He gave even when people didn’t ask from him. Even in tough times he was always his caring, lively self; active and jovial; a man with clean mind and a large heart. 

I saw Ikpo when he was born in 1957 grew up from childhood to become a hardworking and successful businessman, an amiable community leader, widely sociable, respectful and well respected. He was a very good caring family man and a strong Catholic. He was “our telephone directory”; he used to call me and my family always, and would remind us to call certain people on certain occasions. Some we needed to call that we didn’t have their numbers, Ikpo would give their numbers to us. He was very dear to our entire family, especially to our dear old mother, Nneoha Grace Avuekwe Ivi, who was recently 101 years. Ikpo was in charge of arrangements to celebrate Mama’s birthday that was held on 3rd April 2021. Unfortunately he never lived to witness it. Up till now Mama keeps asking me: “Kanu, where is your brother, Ikpo”? God, since it is your will that Ikpo, my brother, would ‘go to be with you’ at mere 64 years old, take all the glory. Thank you for his life well lived; for the joy he brought to many hearts by touching the lives of many people positively. We thank you as we brace up to celebrate the life and times of this great man who lived well and left when the ovation of his life was very high. 
My beloved brother, rest in peace till we meet again. Goodnight and goodbye.
 
Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi (Ogeneukwu Aro) and Family.

Mazi Ikpo Okpara; A Rare Genius of its Kind.

The world indeed is not our home! This man has become in the history of mankind who single demise and subsequent departure from this earth has shown that you should live a life of openess and momentary Spartanied.

Ikpo Okpara was burn as a child over 60 years ago and he lived his life as a child as he grew from stages of life. He kept his bottling and napkins so that he can get them to use when it's needed. Those items became the instrument of Association for Ikpo. He lived happily because he lived as a "Child".

Ikpo was one man without being a scholar from a four-walled citadel but was an Erudite Professor of Diplomacy and human relations. Among the adult folds, his mates and Elders, Ikpo is always the go-to man. A great guy that will always intervene and use his usual Palance....nnuu.....meaning accept it in good faith.

Ikpo had a very distinct virtue of not joining in planning or executing misdeanor against any man no matter who is involved. He will warn you and also inform the person immediately in most cases he will pull a call across to the person and also inform the planners that he has told the person.

Ikpo was a bridge. Bridges comes to mind when we think about rivers and seas but Ikpo was an unconditional carrier of everyone. He is willing to lay his back and let you take a ride. He connect everyone around and afar from him. Ikpo is the man that will ask you to share your entitlement with him and watch your reactions when you attempt he will say....stammering....do not worry I just tested you to find our if you can take a pain for someone.

Ikpo is a brother of everyone, a father to everyone, a son to every parents, a church member of every church and a supporter of every leader. He leads from the inside but won't accept any elective post.

Ikpo was a pillar of support to countless people. He has no jurisdiction to the place, tribe, colour, gender, religion of who to help. He does it calmly and joyfully without any attachment.

In your occasion, giving Ikpo an invite card is a waste of item as he will appear there, took a front seat and also make the day memorable for you. If Ikpo won't attend, he will ask his wife to attend and sister Ijeoma will always smile into the event and calmly relaxes to the end.

Ikpo was a loving man in all ramifications. I remember when I bought my first car, he took me to a coconut jollof rice joint in Asaga and explained to me the meaning of life and how success trajectory should be sustained. He taught me that success is not in the money or cash or physical asset you acquire but by your ability and availability to everyone that genuinely comes around you. When I got married he invited my wife and I to his house and explained to us the secret behind a success marriage.....he served us an expensive wine and insisted that I go home with the remaining.

In my time of grief, Ikpo will call to console, in my time of celebrations he will call and make his playful demands. The picture above was a day he surprised me with his visit when he sat in front of his country home and heard the whispers of tales from a seen ghost in human form.

Ikpo was a uniting force. About 3 decades ago, he was consistent in bringing young and elderly together in his country home to party and network hence became a fulcrum for unity among people. That consistent act made it possible for some marriage to be hooked up and occasioned, Business deals sealed and leadership decisions taken.

Ikpo was a great son, I remember when he sends me to an errand and while I return back to his country home, I will see him cutting vegetables, or cleaning snails, or pounding crayfish and pepper while his late aged mother was making soup for him. Ikpo will even bend down to blew the Fire to increase the burning of the cooking Firewood.
He was a great father and husband. Those close to him knows that he eats well and he makes it compulsory for himself to buy those Items and even share. Ikpo was holy generous entity.

With his demise, we have lost a rare business man who took opportunities with steadfastness grew his business astronomically and supported many through training, contacts and also financial supports. The testament abounds. He got some sleek names for himself......Ikpo Shoe, Mister, Ikpo Importer......he built his business with trust and he was well known with this.

Ikpo was a highly social-able human. He travelled and tranversed around to the extent that there is hardly anywhere you will mention his name he won't tell you about a prominent and well known person there. Ikpo is one man that will call you and after greeting you, he will ask you the type of soup your wife cook for you, the meat used and even tell you to give her the phone then he will jokely either place his own order or advice her about the type of meat and other ingredients to use next time. Ikpo is just a holy genius and a rare personality.

Ikpo was a peace personality. If he thinks he has offended you, he will apologise. If he thinks you offended him, he will call you and ask that you guys make up. If you now offends him directly or intentionally he will tell you that you have gotten it wrong and also plead that you guys let go.

Ikpo made names for himself but above all God guided him in all ramifications. He moves like air as he doesn't deny anyone the priviledge of breathe. There is a River in My home town called "Ngene Okwe". Ikpo was nicknamed this River and I have come to realise the calmness of this river while it serves its purpose to my people.
Ikpo served his purposes within his life and time on earth, he belongs to everyone and not to a single human alone. His live depicts River that flows and stops anyone from fetching.

Your death has really taught us the meaning of life...thank you for living the way you did.

I will miss you dearly
Adieu UgwuAro
Adieu Ngene Okwe
Adieu Mazi Ikpo
Adieu Mmadi Mmadi

It's really death that came, it took illness as a witness.

We will keep celebrating a well spent life.

La n'Udo.

From Me: Chimereze Okeigbo Okoro.

IKPO NNAM,NMADI NMADI.
WHAT A LOSS!!! WHAT A PAIN!!!
IKPO! I cant believe I am writing your tribute at this critical stage of our life.I am indeed devastated and find it difficult to accept I will not see you again.
Where do I begin to describe your good nature.I am still referring to you in the present tense because I cannot get my brain to acknowledge that you are no more.
You are a brother worthy of note.It is difficult  for me to plan my coming back home without you,for over 20 years I have a regular itinerary each time I visit home,you always pick me up at the airport in Lagos,lodge me a hotel and provide a sumptuous meal for me..
You make ready one of your vehicles for my use in the east.
IKPO! in the lineup of friends and brothers I am the most hit by your sudden departure.
NMADI NMADI,Your wife Ijeoma and Master Enyinnaya Okpara your only son is stranded,your house is virtually empty,no more visitors,your ever busy country home,is now like a grave yard. This is one death Umu Aro will not forget in a hurry.
In all you have left a mark in the sands of time.you will remain green in Aro for a long time as you left an indelible picture in the hearts of young and old.
The whole Aro community will miss you because you were a friend to all,both rich and poor,young and old,you made many valuable contributions.
I cannot write much my brother,may God Almighty in His warm embrace accept you and grant you eternal rest in His kingdom.
Goodnite my beloveth brother,we shall meet again.

MAZI ALVAN OKOROJI & Family,
LONDON,UNITED KINGDOM.

Chief Ikpo, our honorable Chief, Chief-Chief!! Chai your truly gone. Chi enwere ehihe hire!!. This is a great loss to the entire human race because you were one of a kind, a rare breed, such a happy human. Being around you brings nothing but joy and fun. Your personality was overwhelming, no dull moment with you. You have always supported and encouraged me in all that I do, I will miss you dearly. I know your cracking up the Angels in heaven with your jokes. We will definitely miss you Mazi but God loves you more. Good night my Chief

DR(MRS) RITA ONYEJESI

       Unforgettable Mazi Ikpo

Mazi, losing you is colossal but the love you have left behind is more massive. -You are unforgettable

  It is hard to forget you because you have invested your life and time in many and you will forever be remembered- You are unforgettable.       
 
Alas! Days may pass and turn into months in years yet, your memory will forever be cherished - You are unforgettable.

it is a privilege to find it so hard to say goodbye .because whatever you are you will forever remain- You are unforgettable.

Unforgettable! That’s what you are , Rest in heavens glory Mazi

A TRUE GEM. Mazi you were a blessing to many including my family and I. We are truely saddened over your sudden demise but we have solace in the fact that you are with the angels in heaven. Thank you so much for all your love and support. You will forever remain in our thoughts and prayers. REST ON MAZI.
Mazi (Sir) Chima Kanu & family

Death is an inevitable end that comes when it will. Okereke Okpara is remembered today for his kindness, thaughtful, careing and phillantropic attribute.
For ALL those reading this tribute and many more, how will you want to be remembered when it is all set and done? It is definitely one life to live l pray for God of mercy to grant him everlasting peace. Also grant his lovely wife and the entire family the fortitude to bear such a monumental loss.
May his soul and the souls of faithful departed rest in the lord

Eze n'echi Eze gburugburu

TRIBUTE TO MAZI IKPO :

Good men and women come in different shades and appearances. Mazi Ikpo could be said to be one of those that our God created on His Rest Day - Sunday. He was endowed with so much 'milk of human kindness' that  rubbed off all those he came in contact with. Our meeting which was by sheer happenstance but snowballed into a deep friendship which over time, because of the disparity in age graduated into a Father - Son relationship. Today l miss you as much as I did my biological father. Our closeness now rubbed off on my wife and children, who fondly called you 'that dude'. You had such a large heart and was such a jolly good fellow that you related to adults and children very freely. Your pieces of good advice were truly life changing as they helped me take critical decisions when situations called for that.
My wife, “Nwanyi Mbieri” as your fondly called her and she called you “Maziiiiimm”was always thrilled each time both of you spoke that she will always look forward to hearing from you again. The news of your passing was truly devastating to my wife and children when I broke it to them. Our solace that helped clear our tears was that GOD LOANED YOU TO THE WORLD TO TOUCH HUMANITY WITH A HUMAN FACE. You were one in a million, a gentleman. You have answered the 'divine call' to be in a better place for angels like you. It's not in our place to ask questions but rather we will adhere to the admonitions in the Holy Book - "that as Christians, we cannot mourn like people without hope". In the hearts of those we love, we do not die. You were truly loved "daddy", big brother, and friend. As you join the 'Saints Triumphant' in the heavenly realm may God grant you eternal repose.
Requiscat-in-Pacem, Amen.
Ikemba Ugochukwu & Ezinye Chibuzo Onwuchekwa

Life, graciously lived:

It’s so painful not to hear from you for days, now it’s even more painful to lose you forever.

So kind, deeply compassionate and always eager to help others, that’s who you’re. Your jokes and jovial nature will be sorely missed by many.

Your graceful gaits and presence gave life REAL Meaning but we’re comforted that those we love lives forever in our heart, especially an Uncle as stunning as Mazi Ikpo.

Mazi Ikpo, a true man of the people. Oke ogo.
May your soul rest in peace.