A Tribute to a Philanthropist

Mazi, I call you daddy because u gave my life a meaning. You picked me up from nothing and sent me to high institution even when a girl shouldn't go further than secondary school. Everyone told you "she will soon be married out,but u said that she should go to school first". You trained me just like you trained many other young people in Aro. You taught me that in life, "money is worthless If one doesn't spend it on building people up". You ask of umu Ohazurume immediately you enter Aro, irrespective of anything because you want to know about our welfare...
You are a bridge that unites families in Amankwu together. I came to know you as a person who genuinely cares n gives assistance to everyone around you... whether poor or Rich...


It breaks my heart to loose you remembering the times you make everything easy for us all. I will forever miss you Dad... May God in his infinite mercies preserve your precious soul and keep you till resurrection morning!!!

From Udo Ohazurume Obi
(Udo Nkemakolam Moses)



 

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.