TRIBUTE to Ogbuagu Ike Okam

Prof, Ogbuagu Odumodu, my dear friend and brother, it is hard to believe that this is goodbye for I believed that we would have our days in the sun in our obodogirigiri. How fleeting is our life indeed, but oh, how wonderful when looking back, we could truly and honestly say we lived it well! That’s what I think of you, my quiet and gentlest of gentleman, you lived your life well - in exemplary humility and kindness. I had always hoped that the time was coming when we as old folks would get together, not just to reminisce about the days gone by but also to plan the future we would bequeath the coming generation. It is for this latter dream that I’ll miss your quiet strength and devotion the most. Your love for Oguta and our people made you the quintessential door opener and guide for around you. Without the fluster or boisterousness that some show in every effort they make for others, you quietly lit candles and touched the lives around you or those thrust upon you with none but them knowing that you were their guide. Needless to say that in the same quiet way you made no boast of your accomplishment and was always helping to plan the next development. I was very impressed with you and your wife for your continued diligence in the Oguta Association, U S A for which she became President. With you as one of the shinning stars, with your early association with Ivy League Universities such as Yale, you set the standards for this generation, and I’m thankful to God, that they did not disappoint with your daughter Mimi and the likes of her still following your footsteps. May the Lord grant you perfect rest, my dear friend and brother till we meet to part no more.

Ogbuefi Angela Lucas

My dear Hillary, Adieu. A true 'NAIJA'! No wonder You yearned for your mother land as it was time to answer that Most Important call. I will miss that call from You. Pat , Pat and the Sincere smile that accompanied it each time We met.
May Our Blessed Virgin Mother Carry You on her gentle and scared Hands to her Beloved Son to enjoy a Blissful Life, Where we will meet to part no more.

God bless Your Soul.

Your Sister,
Sarah Pat Nkem Ikpeazu Bello

A TRIBUTE In Honor Of Professor Hilary Okam

Today, I will salute the only one who called me “Rosy Dear”.
Introduction
I met Professor Okam right before the Nigerian/Biafran war. I had become very friendly with Ifeoma Arret Okoro, whom he later married. He was seriously courting her when we met. I mention that courtship because Prof. Okam was as constant as the Northern Star. He loved and showed the whole world how much he loved Arret. Both Arret (Ifeoma) and I were undergraduate students, while Prof Okam was already lecturing at the University at the time. We spent part of nearly every day discussing Prof Okam’s intent to marry Arret. He wasn’t playing around, and he confided his noble intent to me, and I guess to all Arret’s other friends at the time. I didn’t think I had any powers to convince Ifeoma one way or the other but Prof believed I could. He started calling me “Rosy Dear” making me believe I was a dear friend! Here are a few of his virtues: confidence builder; showing gratitude; devotion; endearment and lots of humor.
Memories
When I think of Prof Hilary Okam I remember and cherish the little things that matter in life. Among them are the things he gave. The first is confidence building in others. Once I mused that I had forgotten almost all of my High School French and he encouraged me to start with the ones I remembered. So, I would say a few French words and he would applaud me, but also correcting me when necessary. Remember, those were the few times he wasn’t talking about Arret. Eventually, they got married.
Next is gratitude. After they got married, he thanked me for the “role” he thought I played in convincing Ifeoma to marry him. So instead of Rosemary which others called me at the time, he chose to call me ‘Rosy Dear’!
Devotion comes next. He vowed to me that he would not look at another woman and asked me to make sure Arret heard those words from me. Then, I retorted, “But you’re looking at me now. Am I not another woman…”? We both cracked up laughing ----- and then he said: “....you’re not another woman…you are my little sister.” Aha, that’s why he called me ‘Rosy Dear’ - how wonderful! Endearment
There was lots of Humor we all shared. Ifeoma and I used to exchange visits pre-COVID pandemic. We spent practically every afternoon joking and laughing.
In essence, he brought joy, a lot of joy, cherishing life’s very simple pleasures, like talking and joking around and just laughing.
Family and Friends
If I, an outsider, derived so much pleasure in the company of one who called me ‘Rosy Dear’ how much more did he give to the woman he loved so much, the children that were his pride, and the grandchildren that embellished with that pride. Imagine all those lives he touched either as a son, brother, uncle, nephew, in-law and distant relative, friend, colleague…and you can understand their loss.

But, the Lord did tell him it was time to come home, and for months he wanted to go home. Ifeoma was worried, very worried and at times fearful and rightfully so, if only because of the COVID pandemic. During one of those conversations with Ifeoma, I suggested that she let go the resistance and just let Prof go home. So, you see, the Lord needed another angel and was calling him, and he said, “Here I am, send me…” Our hope is in the Lord. Alleluiah! As the Lord said to his disciples: Peace I leave you, My Peace I give to you. At the savior’s command, let Peace reign over you all as we are celebrating the life he lived. Sure, no amount of time will heal the wounds. But, I urge you to stay in faith even when the human intended outcome is not realized. The Lord, his Maker who called him to come home, and whom he gracefully obeyed is the same Good Lord who will equip us with the Toolbox to cope. So, You Are In My Prayers!

Rest in God’s Perfect Peace - Big Brother, from Rosy Dear!
Prof. Egondu Rosemary Onyejekwe Aka ‘Rosy Dear’

A true gentleman! A scholar per excellence! An irreplacable loss! Adieu Hilary! May your gentle soul rest in peace! In Jesus precious name, Amen!

Dr. Nneoma Inwerudo

Tribute to my brother, Hilary Hypolite Ike Okam

Ike Okam Nwainnem Nwoke, Ò nga muna yi shiri kwuu? Nga iha puna Elucid Nniri ita ka obem nkpu. (Oguta language)
My Dear Hilary, when Mimi asked me to write a tribute I was happy to do it. When I sat down to write the tribute I realized that when you have known a person for over half a century you have a lot of history with that person and it becomes a daunting task to know what to say or where to begin.
I will start by saying that Hilary was the older brother I never had, he was my brother from another mother, so you can determine that what I will have to say will be biased, but all of it is true. When I think of Hilary the word gentleman comes to mind. He was gentle in every sense of the word, he was gentle in every way, kind, nurturing to all around him. He was polite and gracious. I never saw him lose his temper or be confrontational in his dealings with people, in fact, it was the opposite, his favorite expression when he was mad at any one is “Ibu onye ala”? (Are you crazy?) that was the extent of his anger.
His accomplishments as a scholar, teacher and mentor is well known. He was fluent in French and acquired the culture and finesse the french culture. I remember when we came to University of Nigeria, Nsukka from University of Ibadan during the Biafran conflict, he stood out from the crowd of professors in his mannerisms and impeccable dressing in his French suits and never without his pipe. All the female students took notice but he only had eyes for his Ify. He loved her so much, his eyes light up every time she walked into a room. He was a good father to his children, Mimi, Obinna, Nnamdi and Nneka, their achievements are a testament to his impact on their lives. He was a favorite uncle to my children, he always referred to Obi as his girl. He was the favorite uncle to his nieces, nephews and all the others that he mentored.
He always wanted people to progress, the number of individuals who owe their status and professional achievements to his guidance and support are too many to list.

"I wish Heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice again. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday, and the days before too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a photo in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which I'll never part. God has you in his arms and I have you in my hear"

Good Bye till we meet again, EluCid aka Elsie Halliday Okobi

This is a task that I have found very difficult. Hil-my-man, as I always called you. I don't know how and where to start. Our journey began during the Nigeria/Biafra war. My secondary school classmate and life-long friend, Arret (Ricos as I call her) brought us together.

After the war, fate took us to the United States of America, where you and my friend became man and wife. The wedding in New Haven, Connecticut, is still vivid in my memory - I was one of the bridesmaids. Then followed the arrival of the kids - Mimi(1st), Obinna(2nd), Nnamdi-Ndiboss, my Godson). I remember I got to the house a few days after my Godson's birth, because I had to wait for the weekend due to work schedule. You were fussing over me, I later on realised it wasn't just the joy of a new addition, but you had planned to sneak out of the master bedroom, begged me to sleep with mother and child, so you can get some sleep somewhere else in the apartment.

Your last child Nneka alias Nekus-Nekus-, was supposed to have been born in New Jersey, where I lived then, but she refused the offer and forced herself out in Lagos, as I had already planned to drive to JFK to pick up my pregnant friend. You had already relocated to Nigeria with your family.

Your house was home to me. Your sudden death is such a rude shock to your family and friends that your wife had to be admitted in emergency care - she's not out of the woods yet as I write. Each time I speak to her she tells me it's like a horror movie that doesn't seem to end. I thank Mimi for acting fast in taking her from the aircraft to the emergency room.

My prayer is that God will continue to comfort your wife and children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends. Rest in perfect peace.

Okwuchi Kasali (nee Iheukwumere)

A friend for over 70 years:

Ike Okam! as I fondly called you. Charlisco! was your fond name for me. My friend of over 70 years. I met you at Sacred Heart primary school Oguta. Your jovial outgoing nature stood out for me and we became fast friends there on.
I cherish the childhood memories where we picked palm kernels at the John Holt building.
Days and years rolled on and so did we....Then, I married your cousin, so we became brothers. Years roll into decades and we completed our hometown houses and became neighbors. Our friendship continued as we would hang out at the Ewenike age grade meetings and jest from morning till night.
My gentleman and English friend with a cup of coffee you would walk over in the morning especially during the festive season.
Oyi m oma, nine m
Ike okam! Rest on dear friend.

Charlie Mazi

MY TRIBUTE IS A REFLECTION – A MEDITATION!

To me, and, in fact, to all meditative academicians, Dr. H. I.H OKAM was a professor; the eldest son of my beloved aunt, a virtuous woman lady Josephine Okam, daughter of Princess Agbomma Onisa, the first daughter of His Royal Highness, Eze Nnani Ohanyere, who was crowned the Ezeigwe, Paramount Ruler of Oguta Community in 1883. Dr. Ike Okam was a brilliant icon, a scholar, teacher, a patriot, a professor of comparative literature and French language.
He was dear to me, and I dare say that this death is so unkind, and like the great metaphysical poet, Donne John I repeat, Death, do not be proud. After mourning, I reflected on the enigma, the controversy and the inexorable fate of man in this unsafe clime we strut and fret on stage, and soon, we are heard no more. Like a Christian, I quickly remembered that no one can fight death and that there is a conqueror of death, so much illustrated in this anecdote.
Alfred Mace, a minister of the WORD OF GOD, and his father, Jim Mace, the world’s champion pugilist at one time, were walking together one day along a street when a funeral cortege, approached. ‘Here he comes again, dad, and only been beaten once’, said the son to the father, “where is he?” said the pugilist, assuming a boxing attitude. “There he is; his name is Death”, said the preacher.
“Death where is your victory? Death where is your sting?
Sin is the sting of death, and the law is what gives
force to sin. But give thanks to God who gives us
the victory through Christ our Lord”. (1 Cor. 15:55-57).
We have a father that never fails. Jesus is our father and He will never fail us. Ikechukwu Hilary Okam was a great man, an educationist, his whole life was a teaching season. Much was expected from him – ‘Noblesse Oblige, but man cannot wrestle with or punch Death with a fist.
In summary, the French Joan of Arc, the English Poets Chatterton, Shelley and Byron, even the Saints, all in their different ways had spirits far above the common run of mankind, but none of them lived a life of ease, or fulfilled such a destiny as we should wish to contemplate for ourselves. The same is true for H.I.H. Okam, for me, for all of us. Only Jesus can save.
Jesus likewise had to share this nature, so that by his death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. (Hebrew 2:14). We learn every day. Good night beloved cousin.
I am thrilled you made a wonderful mark in the literary scene as you taught in the Universities in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. I know that our great writer, Chinua Achebe acknowledged your prowess in literature.
Incidentally. Thomas Gray in-Elegy Written in A Country Churchyard defended the simplicity of the unhonoured dead. In his argument he comforted us with brave words-
“The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth ever gave,
Await alike the inevitable hour,
The paths of glory lead but to the grave”.
That is where we are now, to mourn, to reflect, to meditate, to repent, to surrender to God in humility, fear, forgiveness and love. No matter our lamentation, the deed is done, H.I.H. is gone, we cannot wake him, and Thomas Gray taught us as follows.
“Can storied urn or animated bust
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?
Can Honour’s voice provoke the silent dust,
Or Flattery soothe the dull cold ear of death?”
The obvious response, the ready answer is NO! That is why I am not enamoured with title initiation and all these empty and vain-glorious mundane earthly material acquisition. We must look for the things above where Christ resides and mourn with care for those left behind. Once again, goodbye, sleep well beloved cousin, brother, friend and mentor, till we meet to part no more, in the bosom of Abraham, our father in faith.

Ezeoba John Chukwujindu Okoroafor

Farewell to Dr. Hilary Ikechukwu Okam

The death of Hilary Ikechukwu Okam can be likened to the collapse of a pillar in a building. This is because up and until his death he was the strong “pillar” sustaining the Okonya Nsoro Dynasty in Umundanike Clan, Oguta. It was therefore with shock and pain that I received the news of his sudden death in the early hours of Wednesday 20th Jan 2021. It was even more painful that it happened in Port-Harcourt without my raising a finger to help.
Ike, as he was popularly known was a cousin in whom I was well pleased, a good friend and close associate; he shared an office with me after his voluntary retirement from a career that was exceptionally brilliant and fruitful. Our clan and indeed Oguta Town, will forever remember him for his simplicity of character and his pragmatic approach to contemporary issues.
Born 83 years ago, he had a happy upbringing because his father was one of the earliest indigenous clerks that served in UAC and he provided for his son well. The young Hilary had his secondary school education at Stella Maris College Port-Harcourt and was a pioneer student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1960 before proceeding to France on scholarship in 1964 for his doctorate degree in French. This course shot him into the lime light; as a bilingual he made his mark during the Nigeria/Biafra peace talks which laid the foundation for the cliché “No Victor No Vanquished”. It was from here that he relocated to America to become a university lecturer. A career he left mid-way to come home and help groom the young & upcoming students in Rivers State College of Education now Ignatuis Ajuru University, Port-Harcourt. He was a well-respected teacher.
Ike, the curtain is now drawn. You lived a happy and fulfilled life. My prayer is for the good Lord to give you that crown of glory He promised all His faithful servants as you meet him face to face on His throne. Rest in peace, Cousin.

Ogbuagu Philip Anozia

Uncle was a great man and jolly jolly onye okei. He had a pet name for lots of us. He called me “A Millie girl” and also “kirikiri m&b” I suspect he called loads of others the same but he had a way to make you think it was specially reserved for just you. I never asked him what it means as I loved the sound of it.

Always smiling, greeting everyone and had this lovely swag! Very western yet very traditional. As they came back from the USA you would assume himself and the family will be speaking ‘supiri supiri’ but they embraced Nigeria wholly!

Uncle you will be sorely sorely missed. Rest in perfect peace.

Kene nde niile no Na ilu Igwe.

Jee nkeoma Ogbuagu odumodu!

Ijere ezigbo akwukwo buru Dibia bekee nde Akwukwo.

I furu Uzo.
Millicent Nwadiaro

Although we never had a chance to meet, I  already know the positive impact you've had in this world! Pearl lights up every time she talks or thinks about you. Parents always want the best for their kids & you've raised a strong, kind, independent & ambitious woman who will forever be your little girl....I'm lucky enough to call her my friend!

You've lived a great life & God has called you to rest. As you continue to watch over your friends & family, just know that I, too, will watch over Pearl & her boys.

You'll be forever missed & always loved by so many.

Ogbuagu, your passing really hit me when l visited with your family yesterday 25/5/21. Your dear friend Chief Fidelis Odili couldn't be there l had to go with his wife Chief Mrs. Chinyere Odili. Your dear wife who misses you badly became emotional with Chinyere Odili. I was just looking recalling how l met you through Chief Odili and how you took me in as friend despite our age difference. When I came back to PH in early January and visited with Nzeobi he informed me you were holidaying at Oguta and we were expectedly waiting for your return to PH. Then the news came. It took time to break it to Nzeobi that you had returned to the eternal home of all. I was encouraged to see Obinna very much in charge. Ogbuagu , you lived a good life ; left a good family and an enviable legacy. We love you and we miss you rest in peace.

I can’t believe we just met because I feel like I’ve known you forever like your dear daughter and my best friend Pearl. Thanks for your kindness and warmth every time we met. I’m so happy I got to cook for you in my home while you laughed at my madness and we celebrated our new friendships. You are always in my heart and forever my family. Love you and miss you and will take care of Pearl and her boys for you always. You are missed. Xoxo

Dear Grandpa,
I am still stunned and wrapping my head around your passing. I cannot fathom not seeing you on the weekends in New Haven, celebrating holidays with you, and having you stay at our house on long weekends. Thank you for all the time you shared with us, all the teachings you gave us, and all the time you took to come to my, Nnamdi, and Zeal's school events; I am extremely grateful. While it may be awhile before I see you again, May God bless you and keep you.

I love you,
Chinua Achebe

83 years gone? How time flies? Uncle Ike, Ogbuagu nga akudi, you were a father figure. Living with you and your family in Port Harcourt for a year while enrolled at the school of Basic Studies PH opened my eyes to many possibilities. Your appreciation of family led to the avalanche of success stories, the Okams and affiliates can boast of today. You were a kind, generous and gentle man and surely reaping the fruits of your earthly labor in the vineyard of the Lord. You were, are and will continue to be appreciated. You have left a gaping hole that we would all strive to fill by emulating you and continuing with your legacy. Even as your sun set atthe ripe age of 83 years, you were taken away too soon. We are consoled by our Christian belief that we shall meet to part no more in a place where death has ZERO powers. Adieu uncle, je nke oma

Your Nephew
Dr. Uche Obua

Ogbuagu, words cannot describe this difficult moment. You were very caring, loving, humble, kind, and good at heart and soul. You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favors in return. I heard how you helped a host of Oguta folks come to the United States. You called countless times during Sister’s treatment.

I enjoyed your stories about your activities during the Nigerian Civil War. From how some soldiers came to the University of Biafra to pick up a "Frenchman" professor to help translate French arms manuals, to how Colonel Achuzia rushed down to the hotel lobby searching for his service revolver which his young son had been playing with. I also read about your role as a Biafran ambassador. My dad always said "Ike bu ndi ishi Biafran Propaganda".

Ogbuagu, you were and will always be an inspiration to us. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled. While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth has been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again.

Dr. Okam was a father and a very genuine friend. He took particular interest in the welfare and wellbeing of others. He was such a peace loving individual that I sometimes prayed for more of his type. He would encourage you when things don’t work accordingly and always wanted you to succeed. I will miss you dad and great friend. You lived a life worthy of emulation. Continue to Rest in Peace. Amen.

          A Tribute to Ogbuagu Hilary Ikechukwu Okam
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
We give honor to our brother-in-law and Uncle to our children, whose life was well lived. We were shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. His generosity, love of family are well known. He relished travelling to visit friends and faraway places. He instilled a love of Igbo culture and traditions into his children and many grandchildren. Simple things could make him so happy. He was thrilled when we gave him “Old Spice” cologne for Christmas, or gave him a tour of the “Riverwalk” and the “Alamo” in San Antonio, Texas. Our children fondly remember their Uncle Hilary and always felt comfortable in his presence. 
Having known Hilary back in the old days of New Haven, Connecticut even before our own family was started has allowed us to pass through the years with him. We saw his family grow and prosper as he also sought the perfect place for his children to be raised. Life goes by so quickly we barely have time to see the effects our short lives bring. Let us celebrate his bringing four wonderful children into this world with our sister Ivy. We know they were devoted to him and will miss him dearly. Our family here in Texas shares in your sorrow, our hearts are with you during this difficult time. God will never abandon us during our times of grief, he will always provide us with love and hope. Hilary, we will never forget you !
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4
Love Always,
Dr. Clement Adindu and Scheherazade Okoro and Family

My dearest uncle, my number 1. Every time I saw your face, the smile you so readily shared brought me so much joy. That was you; always bringing joy to people around you. Now, I think about the memories that you left me and it still brings me so much joy. Even in death you continue to bring me joy. Thank you so much for being the best uncle one could ever ask for. To say that I will miss you is an understatement. You will always be in my heart. Please give mom a big hug for me and tell her I love her. I love you.

Your niece,
Thelma

"To Live is Christ and to die is gain"
(Philippians 1:21)
Though we mourn here on Earth, the death of the righteous is gain to Heaven.
Ogbuagu, you lived a simple, quiet but great life. You impacted so much on us and on mankind. Your legacies will live on.
Sleep well Uncle.
From Prof. Afamefuna Okoronkwo

"I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" ....Maya Angelou.
Dr Okam was most welcoming and very kind. He mattered because he made you feel like you mattered.
He called my name funny and it still cracks me up whenever I remember it.
You were definitely one of the good ones sir, and our loss on earth is Heavens' gain.
Rest easy knowing how much you were loved and how very much you will be missed. May your memory always be a blessing.... 

My dear Uncle Hilary,
It was such a shock to hear that you left us. You left us, being the quiet man you were, in your usual quiet way, no fuss, no wahala! I remember how surprised a friend of mine was when I named all the people that you brought here, including us, the Obioras. You were among the first Nigerians to teach at Yale, an Ivy League school, but you never bragged about it! You were and still are a Trail Blazer! I learned so much from you and admired your humility. You loved family and made us all feel special! You had a special name for each of us, mine was “Alex Girl”! You will always have a special place in my heart. I am weeping as I am writing this and will never forget you! No di nke oma, Ogbuagu Ugorochioma Ike nwa madu, as I was told that my great grandmother fondly called you ❤️

My dear Uncle Hilary,
It was such a shock to hear that you left us. You left us, being the quiet man you were, in your usual quiet way, no fuss, no wahala! I remember how surprised a friend of mine was when I named all the people you brought to the United States, including us, the Obioras. You were among the first Nigerians to teach at Yale, an Ivy League school, but you never bragged about it! You were a Trailblazer and posterity will remember you as such!
I learned so much from you and admired your humility. You loved family and made us all feel special! You had a special name for each of us, mine was “Alexy Girl!” You will always have a special place in my heart. I am weeping as I am writing this and will never forget you!
Ogbuagu Ugorochioma
Onye oma ani jiri na eje mba
Ike nwa madu, as I was told my maternal great grandmother fondly called you, nodi nke oma Ezi nwanne m ❤️
Sincerely,
Alexandra Obiora-Oputa

He was a good and loving family man. He gave so much to society. A magnificent Christain combined with cherished traditional values. You shall be greatly missed. I mourn you.
Ogbuagu Dr Izunna Uzokwe

Tribute to Uncle Hilary

Even as a young boy, I knew Professor Hilary Ike Okam was an important person in our household. That relative of my father’s was often mentioned in the same breath as Quinnipiac College - named after a river that runs through the city of New Haven, Connecticut and called “Alma Mater” by several of my siblings.

Though Quinnipiac isn’t as well known as its Ivy League neighbor, Yale, that institution of higher learning is prestigious in its own right and was recommended by Uncle Hilary several decades ago when my dad sought his counsel regarding the higher education of his first child (my sister Ngozi). She went on to study there and blazed a trail that the others would follow to the extent that, at one point, the college paper felt compelled to write about the proliferation of members of a certain family of globetrotters at one of its campuses.

The gentle, accomplished intellectual we called uncle and his better half were mentors, sources of inspiration and shoulders to lean on for others while managing to raise outstanding children of their own. Uncle Hilary and Auntie Ifeoma led the way not just for my family but for quite a few other individuals of Nigerian origin who now call New Haven home. For that, we’ll always be grateful.

Ogbuagu was a perfect gentleman whose ways were positively infectious. I relished every moment that I spent with him either in Nigeria visiting then at the College of Education or at his homes or even during our many yearly Conventions. He would always call me Bede nkem and I will definitely miss that. Your rich legacy will forever remain. I am saddened that I will miss your wisdom and advise. You will always ask me "umu m kwanu" because my children were regarded as yours too. Take care of them. The Good Lord will receive your gentle soul. Adieu uncle, adieu Ogbuagu. It is well. Crying like we have no faith and no hope will be a disservice to you.

Ogbuagu Ngakudi! Ogbu na SAP! Brother Ike!!

How does one eulogize such a wonderful person? Words are not enough to express the unique qualities of this great man.

Rest in the Lord dear Uncle. Still can’t process that you are gone from us but we thank God for the wonderful times and the length of time He loaned you to us. You are such a giving person. The vacuum you left will be difficult to fill but we rest, assured that you are with the Lord.
Everybody’s daddy! Never seen you angry, ever! So gentle and caring. Once in a while you will call me to say “okeynwamiss, I hope you guys are well.” You will always conclude with “ Take care of the little ones inu na.”
We will keep the love and care you showed us, the value of family you expressed and the strength of your character. We will build on it and continue to love ourselves and keep umu mma nine together. I know you will like that uncle.
Good bye Onyeokei. Be with God till we meet again.
We will always remember and love you dearly.
Adieu.

The Great Doc!!! You are fondly missed by me....I remember how we joked everytime you visited Nigeria and I will forever miss you sir! You lived a fulfilled life and God has taken u where He belongs!
 I miss how you called me Black MC...
   Adieu Sir

Daddy the Daddy, Ogbuagu , Madam Reg as you will fondly call me, when I spoke to you the day you arrived Oguta, We laughed and chatted on my coming down to visit you, little did I know that, it was our last conversation. You were a great man, the best Uncle anyone would ask for and the fact that we both shared the similar habit of playing with our belly buttons made you more special. I remember our trips to Port Harcourt Club, I will miss you dearly. You lived a good, gentle and happy life. Will miss you greatly...: Send my love to my Mummy as you both enjoy paradise in the Lord's Bosom, sleep well till we meet again. Ogbuagu Nga'kudi.

Your niece
Ijeoma Olisekwu

Uncle, I still can’t believe I’m writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I will do so knowing that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your niece.
Uncle, your death came to us as a shock and as you sit in the arms of the Lord, your family and friends mourn your death.
I still wake up everyday hoping this is a dream, and it hurts knowing you’re gone forever.
I guess this is my final goodbye since we never got the chance to do so. Rest In Peace Uncle, We will definitely miss you.
We thank the Lord for your well spent life and bid farewell until we meet again. You’re gone but not forgotten Uncle IKE.
Your Niece
Oby girl

Ogbuagu, like we will fondly and respectfully greet you. You were quite a gentleman. You hold family close and never ceased to show that in your relationship with our family. I remember all the times you and Ogbuefi spent with us and how Camille will snuggle around you all the time. She does not know you have gone to be with our savior but I am sure she is wondering where you are because she has not seen you in over a year. Ogbuagu may your gentle soul Rest In Peace.

My Dearest, kindest, most loving, Daddy; It was only 57 days ago I heard your voice and only 77 days ago I dropped you off at the airport. I was so happy to see you happy to go to Nigeria. Had I known, I would never have let you go. I would give anything to bring you back even for 10 minutes. I love you so much. I miss you so dearly. Every day I miss our evening drives together listening to your favorite....Johnny Cash. You’re so kind and so giving.

Hil my man! Ngakudi!! Ogbu na SAP, Oyi’m, My guy, onye nke m, Ike nwa mmadu!! All the names I would call you all at once and you would respond “amam na- ima”. 

Thank you. Thank you for everything. I would choose you as my dad over and over again. You’re one of a kind, an incredible soul. Heaven & I have gained an angel and with that, I take solace.

May God bless you and grant you eternal peace. Amen. Because you live in our hearts and memories forever, you could never die.

Love,
Adaeze Nneka Okam

My Dear Daddy,
Words cannot express how I feel, how pained l am. I cannot imagine not seeing you again soon, not hearing your voice, not seeking your advice. I pray God to keep your precious soul and give us all the fortitude to bear this loss.
I cherish the time we had with you, all you taught me, all your love, all your care, all your humility, your humor and your brilliant mind. I delight in everything I inherited from you and hope that my children are lucky enough to inherit them too. I pray and I believe that I will see you again in the presence of our Lord and what a wonderful day that would be. I look forward to that day with Joy in my heart. I love you, Daddy. Be in Comfort and Peace till we meet again. Love, Mimi