On Wednesday the 10th of February 2021, I received the news that the life of my friend, confidant and brother has been cut short. Obviously, I was shocked and saddened by the news. Like many, I had hoped and prayed that Okpora would recover fully, having battled cancer so bravely. Indeed, I had cause to be hopeful because when we last met in December, shortly before I travelled on vacation, he seemed to be recovering well and in good spirit. On my return from vacation, I was however shocked to hear that his health had deteriorated. We spoke over the phone on few occasions and we both remained hopeful that he would pull through. Sadly, this was not to be.

As some may know, I first met Okpora and his brother Ighofose during our primary school days. Ever since then our friendship grew in leaps and bounds. The bond between us became stronger after we found out that our parents were very close friends. My late dad would affectionately refer to Okpora’s dad as “O Vico!” each time they met. Okpora’s dad, was the most cosmopolitan Urhobo man I ever met. The fact that Okpora took after his father’s fashion sense would therefore have been obvious to Blind Barthemeus of the Biblical era.

Like all true friends, Okpora and I sometimes had our disagreements (and there were many). Even though I was two years older, Okpora was always the bigger person whenever we had such disagreements. Without a second thought he would always be the first to reach out to me, regardless of who was at fault (and I was mostly at fault). Okpora had such a forgiving spirit and was a kind soul. He was always that brother you could count on. He had a genuine spirit of sacrifice for his friends and loved ones, a trait that is rare to find these days.

Always with a smile on his face, Okpora was full of life, love, charm, and cheer. He was never a man to give his wicket away hence, he had a good innings. He lit up any room he entered with so much positivity, humour, and an infectious energy. It is ironic that someone so full of life is now no more with us. It is indeed true that the good people among us are taken away too soon. Perhaps these beautiful souls adorn the gardens of heaven, away from the harsh realities of our world, where they suffer no more pain and hurt.

Although his time with us could be regarded by many as brief, Okpora’s life was surely eventful and impactful. He gave his time and resources generously, loved unconditionally, and lived his life to the fullest and on his own terms. Like Saint Nicholas, he was a lover of children and was very endearing to them. It is heart-breaking that now that he has children of his own, they would not fully experience what a wonderful person their father was. I pray that their memory of him will always be for good and that our Good Lord bring comfort to his lovely wife Onome, and the rest of his family in these difficult times.

Even as I mourn the loss of my dear friend and brother, I can proudly say it was a privilege to have crossed paths with him and I enjoin everyone to celebrate his life and memory. He has played his part on earth; a life well lived and has returned to his maker.

Till we meet again on the resurrection morning, sleep well and goodnight my bro!!!

ADEWALE ATAKE, SAN

Chris Oghene was a close friend to my husband Wale Atake. Pronouncing his name ‘Okpora’ always proved challenging to me at the beginning.

A friend of mine then in the University of Lagos, introduced me to Wale and Chris. I cannot remember Wale ever visiting me in the University of Ibadan without Chris by his side. Their friendship between them further led to my closeness to his entire family where every evening was spent at a pepper soup joint in yaba close to Chris’s abode at the time.

Once you became close to Chris you automatically became part and parcel of the Oghene family.

Chris was an ardent supporter of Arsenal. While my husband, as they say, was a diehard Man United fan. Therefore, it was not uncommon to witness heated Arsenal and Man United arguments between them especially during half time of any game.

I will surely miss the times I am called to intercede in their never-ending squabbles after a football game. Often, I will receive calls, as early as 5am from Chris complaining ‘Ewe your husband is not picking my calls because of very little argument we had over football’. I learnt early never to get involved in their issues because they always found a way of resolving their issues themselves.

It will be difficult to ever find a friend and brother like Chris again. Always so happy, so motivating, in good and bad times, always supportive of Wale and I.

He shall be sorely missed.

May God grant him eternal rest and bless him with his glory.

Mrs. Ewemade Atake