TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED FATHER- ‘RARE GEM’.
Let me start with the words of Simon Sinek, which says: ‘’Stand for people. Not a product or service or metric or number. If we stand for real, living, breathing people, we will change the world. Our father in his wisdom understood the above and stood for this philosophy all the days of his life. As your name Fineboy, Papa you were fine in most of your ways. Though no human is perfect, you lived a good life, touched numerous lives in your environment and communities. Papa reverenced and served God and humanity from youth till death, as many are witnesses. A humble, patient, unassuming gentleman. You were kind, compassionate, generous, peaceful, loving, and forgiving. And to many, you were a counselor, advisor, helper, comforter, father of the fatherless/orphans, an advocate of widows, lover of progress, and a home/church and community builder.
Papa cherished education, worked hard to support his children’s education, as well as encouraged people around him. Papa loved, cherished, and nurtured his children, and others alike. His best moments were, when we all clustered around him, make a joyful noise, eat, and worshipped God together. Papa and Mama instilled discipline, respect, moral and cultural values in us their children, laying important foundations without which we could not have become who we are today.
Papa was an industrious, clean- man, visionary leader, seasoned Civil Servant, farmer, a trader from youth till death, always trying diligently to make something out of nothing (creative). He related well with people across board in his service career, socially, religiously, and traditionally. He stood for the truth, fairness, and justice. Papa was an independent man that believes in his efforts and his God. He worked hard tirelessly to pursue his dreams. Retired, but not tired man, till death. A man of no doll moment. Your age and visual disability were no excuses. A very articulate, strong, systematically-organized man. A historian, wise-man as some called you, and a leader to whom people resort for wise counsel and advice on virtually all matters. He mentored many people that came his way and helped them too, in his own little way to stand or achieve their dreams.
Papa, your children are so proud of you. You loved, impacted strength, and your attributes to us all your children. You made me personally from childhood to be strongly built, followed you up in all that you do for a living, never distinguished roles for me as a girl. Encouraged me to be focused, and compete favorably with boys as well as girls, in my early years. You told us many stories of hard times of life and the key to success, which impacted so much to what I am today, able to withstand most odds. You took my late husband as a son, stood by me and my family firmly during my life trials, and helped us build confidence, hope for the future. We are fortunate and grateful to be your children and we cherish you so much and had wished you lived longer, to be able to show you more love.
Papa, when I look back at the rugged paths you had trodden, struggles in life, and your later life, I say nothing but thank God. Your life is an example of the effect of God’s grace, favor upon His chosen ones. May God grant us your children, the grace also to follow your good legacies and the will of God, while we live here on earth.
Papa, though we mourn your demise, God loves you more and has called you to rest. To God be the glory for your life and glorious exit. A great man of value, we miss you but your legacies linger in our minds for life.
ADIEU PAPA! ADIEU!!, till we meet on the resurrection morning. A RARE GEM INDEED. May your humble soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. AMEN.
YOUR FIRST DAUGHTER.
Florence Chinasaokwu Mbogu (Adanne, as you fondly call me).
