The few times we had met, you struck us as a very friendly person always with a big smile. You seemed so gentle and loving and so very humble. You were always so ready to shake hands with us and give us a broad smile. We were expecting to see you in December and were truly shocked by the news of your passing on. We are glad to know that you knew the Lord well and you are now in His Loving arms. - The Raj family

Uncle Buch! Jesus Christ proved to the world that it is not how long but how well, you lived your life as a great man, a loving husband and a caring father; a friend, a brother, and a great confidant. Your broad shoulders were large enough for all to lean on, your smile was charming and your words were reassuring. Your departure was extremely painful, still can’t comprehend, but we take solace in the fact that you are in a “good Place”, resting in the bosom of our lord Jesus Christ.
Ebubedike!! You fought your fight and you finished your race, above all, you served the lord. Halleluyah, you have won the victory, to God be the glory.

Barrister Buchi Okoli! Kind, compassionate, and a lot of fun. Your transition was a rude shock to us, but we are consoled by the fact that you are resting in the bosom of our Lord and smiling down from there. It is not how long, but how well you lived. That is the most important and enduring legacy. Continue to rest in peace in the bosom of The Lord Bar. Onyebuchi Okoli.

 And to Uche and the boys, always remember: Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" .

Oh Buchi, I don't even know where to start. When I heard of your transition, to say I was shocked is an understatement - I literarily went to bed and wished it was just a dream - just can't believe you are not here with us anymore. But I take comfort in knowing that you are at the bosom of our Lord.

You have been such a blessing & delight to be around; your warm smile and "large" laugh have always been contagious and a source of strength. You have been a wonderful husband to my sister & friend. I will never forget your generosity, inclusivity & the way you went out of your way to make people feel comfortable and not left out. I respected you for how smart & intelligent you were & you were really LARGER THAN LIFE.
Good Bye,MY FRIEND & BROTHER!!! Goodbye!!! We really miss you. I trust God to comfort & nurture your family you left behind.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

Uche, please take heart and may the God of consolation be with you and the boys at this time and always.

Regards, Ifeyinwa Arachie (nee Ndigwe)

Uncle Buchi! The news of your passing was a shock to me and my wife. We remembered with fondness the times we spent with you. Your tireless smile, wise words and charming personality ensured there was never a dull moment around you.

We miss you but are consoled because you've moved to a better place.

The number of lives you touch is truly an indication of the quality of life you've lived - you truly touched many sir. Uncle Buchi, you were an embodiment of the verse that urges us to express our faith through love. You always had a smile on your face, a welcoming presence and were always fun to be around. Although there are loads of 'whys' and 'hows', the most important thing is that you've definitely gone to a better place. A place of eternal rest and worship to the Almighty. We miss you! Enjoy the singing!

Buchi though we did not meet you personally we heard so much about you from your wife and mother inlaw, who is our family friend .we were happy when we spoke to her in october while she was in your house in New Castle , and she said she is happy that you and other sons inlaw are playing the role of a son and are standing in for Emeka her only son that died in califonia .so your death was a great blow and shock .well no one can question God .May he protect and provide for all you left while you RIP

Buch,I was lost for words when i got the text message that fateful day.Its still like a dream but one thing that comes to mind at this time is that God sees and knows all.He remains forever faithful.I pray that he will grant you eternal rest on his bosom.Indeed you will be greatly missed.My heartfelt condolences go to my dear sister and friend,Uche and the boys,family and friends.We will all miss you but Gods grace is sufficient.Good night,Buch!

Oga Buchi, so far and so near. Still coming to terms with your departure. You were larger than life here, wonder what you will be like up there. Precious in the sight of God is the death of His saints. Be rest assured the good Lord will keep your precious ones--He is the husband to the widow and father to the fatherless. One thing is certain Buchi, you will be sorely missed, but you are now part of the cloud of witnesses to encourage us down below on our earthly pilgrimage. Sleep well my brother.

Goke Aiyegbayo

When I heard the news I felt sick deep inside of me and to say now that I accept the reality of things that you are gone is a massive understatement uncle Buchi. I am overcome by emotions every time I picture your smiling face and larger than life presence and that is how I went to remember you uncle Buchi. The last time you visited us in Newcastle I picked you up from the airport not knowing that will be the last time I will ever pick you up from any airport wow wow wow!!! Two weeks before you went back to Nigeria you were in my car and we went to get gravel for the back garden of the house. We talked about a lot of things as we always do; jokes and all. You not only impacted me but also inspire me in a lot of ways. As I slowly begin to accept that you are gone; things will never be the same without you. As Christian I have hope and that hope gives me peace. I will miss you my friend,larger than life character, uncle and above all my brother, .......

Sometimes words don’t make up for the feeling we have and speech is limited in itself. My joy comes from the fact that you made everyone special and never stopped from bringing a smile to everyone you met each day.
I remember your coming to Sunderland to visit on my daughter’s birthday and it felt like you knew we may not see till the Lord comes or I go to join him. You surprised us all with your visit and since it was a birthday we still have pictures you joined us in taking. I still remember how you teased me for not remembering names and the wonderful time we all shared.
My brother and friend, we miss you and know you are with the saints above as you watch our journey here on earth. Till we meet again abide in his rest.
James, Uche and family

Gone too soon - it's so hard to understand that you're not with us anymore. Not long ago I was at your house talking to you and your mother in law - we talked a lot about Ghana and Nigeria and had a laugh. During the conversation, you said you were trying to bring your business here to be with the family. Little did I know that I wouldn't see you again. I know you'll be missed by everyone who knows you especially your wife and children. May you rest in the arms of the heavenly father until we see you again. Rest in peace my brother. From Charlotte.Addai and family.

Pastor Buchi, you are sorely missed....

Man of God, as I fondly called you. When I first heard the news, my mind went back to the 40th birthday party of a mutual friend where we sat together for about an hour and had the most interesting conversation. I can't believe you are gone... The assurance that we have as Christians is the knowledge that you have gone to a better place. You shall be missed, but it is well.. Adieu "coz"

My Barr, bro, pastor and friend. Words are inadequate to express the loss I feel. Another moment of mystery as to the brevity of our sojourn here on earth. You trod the right path through life and therefore I have no doubt that you rest in the Lord. Drawing on that strength I trust that Uche will stand strong and that we all will remain strong marching towards the day of re-uniting with you in the Lord. Rest In Perfect Peace.

We used to chat on fb and even though you haven't met me in person at that time you related with me well. The first and last time I met you was at Igbo-ukwu at Aunty Chinenye's traditional wedding. You were just awesome that day, I admired the way you related with everyone, you made everyone feel relaxed. When I met you, you spoke and played with me like we'v know each for long. Just during the short conversation we had, I discovered that you had a great sense of humour. The morning I heard of your demise I couldn't believe it. I was like, its not true, Uncle Buchi is full of life, how can he die just like that?? But I later woke up to the reality and accepted the fact that you gone. Rest In Peace, you will forever be missed.

Bros Buch, all along i was still believing am in a deep slumber and will wake up to shake off this horrendous nightmare . Days has gone by " 5th - 22nd " Dec and it has now dawn on me , that it's real . Bros still can't get over it that you've gone , an iroko has departed , a bridge , a ladder and balm that heals .
  where will people now finds solace , you are a mentor and guardian angel to many , you are joy to be with and fun at it's very best . you were loved at first sight and were appreciated by many that came across you
  Bros , in your short life , you demonstrated that life among mankind is all about what impact you had on people and what legacy you leaves behind . Be rest assured Bros that no one can denies you these attributes , for well ahead of time you knew that your sojourn in this world will be short and that is why you selflessly i mean selflessly tried to impact on who ever that came your way .
  Bros i love you and will miss you more than i can describe , though you are my first cousin but i say of you to my friends that you are my cousin brother .
  Bros you are so dear to me , your demise has traumatised my person but in consolation of the hope the Bible holds out , that we will have the prospect of seeing our dear loved ones again " by means of resurrection hope ; 1 thessalonians 4. 13-14 , John 5. 28-29 " i only can say is well , is well , IS WELL WITH OUR SOULS can't question GOD
  UC , BUEZE & EMY , my prayers are always with you , that God in His infinite mercy shall strengthen your inner man , same goes to Mama and the EZEOKOLI'S who has lost " Ababa nwa " a great son , EZEOKOLI of the EZEOKOLI'S , the string that binds , "uto nwanne" ,
  I promise you , though gone but will be remembered , till we meet again
  ADIEU BROS .......

Uncle Buchi! I can't believe you're gone! Met you a number of times back when I lived in Newcastle and you always had a massive smile on your face and you were so kind and supportive to us students back then! You have left behind a strong and amazing wife and kids but we know God was ready for you! May you always be in our hearts and your family in our prayers...

Uncle Buchi,
Who will call me Ceceee when I arrive church for praise and worship? We had Omugwo plans in place...... You were an encourager, a friend, a brother and a true uncle. You were a blessing to our home. I will miss you dearly but I take solace in the knowledge that you knew the Lord God and that we will indeed see again.... I cant say much because you dont prepare to write such tributes. Know that you were greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

When I received the text informing me of ONYEBUCHI Okoli's transition, my initial reaction was un belief, when his wife confirmed it, I was shocked, livid, upset with life to say the least. This was a husband and father relishing going to spend the Xmas period with his family. How can that be? What went wrong? However my spirit just said to me, he has gone home. How relieved I was. Mr Okoli, as I used to address him was every thing to those of us who met him in his short and very fruitful life. He was a trained lawyer, brilliant, and humble. Beside being a barrister, he was a counsellor, supportive, kind, with a huge sense of humor. He never leaved you the way he met you. Above all, he loved God Almighty with all his being. A devour worshipper, loved to praise God. Hence he named his Chambers - Praise Chambers. He hated in justice in the society, very compassionate and caring. I remember when I saw him in the National Hospital in Abuja , Nigeria in 2007, when I asked what he was doing there, he told me, I came to donate blood for my Sister in law. That was Mr Okoli for you. He was so proud of his wife and the boys. I know God will never leave them or forsake them. Jesus Chirist becomes the husband and father to them. How wonderful. My prayer is for God to comfort his wife, Uche, the boys, his Mother and the entire family. We are just separated for a while. The Master is coming back soon. I will miss his gap toothed smiles. I sincerely thank God Almighty for knowing ONYEBUCHI and for his life here on earth. In loving memory........

Till we meet again, gentle giant, thank you for saving me from the fireworks! God Bless you and yours.

Testimony in Honour of My Late Dearest Cousin

Onyebuchi? Meaning who is God? Of a truth no human is God.
Your swift departure out of this life shook me to the roots. I thought and talked ‘like people without hope’ for almost two weeks. Of course it was more difficult for me to understand because your late uncle Jerry who would have summarized your death in one word/phrase and given me solace has gone before you.During your life time late Uncle Jerry looked at your life and in admiration refers to you as “Buchi bu muo” in your absence and “Buchi muo k’ibu” in your presence. He saw you as a son endowed with many talents. 

I moaned and mourned until I came to my senses and began the play-back of your journey on earth, it dawned on me that sincerely your transition time to the other side of life was due only that we (family members and friends) were multi-blinded by your talents and good deeds. Buchi beayi, (as you were fondly called by many of us in the family) you are indeed my first cousin but our relationship is more of a senior brother and junior sister. We had wonderful relationship which I will always remember and be grateful for.

In the family, Buchi and I operated a mobile court. The court can hold anywhere as far as Buchi and I were there. Although he was the learned Barrister but I admired him because he trusted and would take my unlearned judgment.  Below is example of one of our cases.

Buchi: No we are going to do this and that………….
Chinyere: Buchi you are always in a hurry, wait, let us take it gradually
Family member:  Is what I wanted to say oooo
Buchi: Chinyere, tell me what and why we have to wait
Chinyere: Buchi, wait, what I am saying is……………..
Buchi: I don’t agree because …….
Chinyere: You don’t agree? Listen Buchi, what I am saying is ……… so that before God and man we will be justified (with this I have gotten him)
Buchi: Okay, alright, now what are we going to do?
Note: Buchi’s idea may be very good but he was always on speed! He will always say nkemelu ogaa (if you do it, it will pass). I think my gentle approach complements his speed.

Social Relationship: Buchi has friends that cut across age, gender, tribe, race and colour as a result can tell you good morning in the east, good afternoon in the west and good night in the north.

Errand Boy and Helper: (I utilized him in this regard). Buchi can communicate messages and convey loads virtually and physically. Buchi never considers his comfort when others are in distress. He will go the extra mile to assist. At times I will say Buchi you need to rest you have run around too much. Buchi’s response “Nne as if you know I need rest, am going to rest”. The next day when you call Buchi he has left Abuja to Lagos. I remembered when I had a terrible accident with my family on our way from home to Abuja. I sent a text message to Buchi just like few others. Buchi called immediately and asked if he can start coming to the scene. Buchi was more than willing to make almost 5hours journey to come and take us from the accident scene not minding that we can charter another car and go back home about 2 hours journey or proceed to Abuja.

Expert Eater: Buchi eats so well that he maintained the first position in the family from bachelorhood to manhood. We stayed together for 1 year during his law school days as a bachelor and always together even when we married. We enjoyed this skill because I like cooking and he likes eating and I can’t remember which food he doesn’t eat.  I kept telling him that am on the look-out for eating competition because such a great talent cannot just be wasted. The good thing about this talented eater was that right from infancy he subdued his stomach and body to food that they cannot betray him. 

Buchi Was Always a Boy: Buchi was according to an Igbo adage (okokpa umuazi) meaning adult children. Even as adult man he prefers behaving like a boy and at times we use to joke over that. When you tell Buchi that he behaves like a boy, he responds with ‘aja eme agha’ (what will man do).

Buchi was a Joker: Buchi’s jokes can change the gloomy. At times something you hold as burden, Buchi’s jokes takes them away. I stayed with Buchi during the first trimester of my pregnancy and this wonderful ‘brother’ was comfortably taking care of 3 pregnant women simultaneously. Among 3 of us I wasn’t finding it funny that time but Buchi was always there for me. 

Buchi beayi, no one is God really. I must confess I had wonderful relationship with you although would have loved to continue, however I am not God neither is any of us. You came for a swift purpose and that I think you have accomplished if not my God who spared your life (a traveller) during this 52 years would have spared it on Friday 5th December, 2014. It is very hard but with faith my senior brother, rest in peace till we meet at the resurrection morning. 

Chinyere Okafor
(nwunye okosisi)

Buchi, met you a few times in Newcastle. When you came visiting your wife-uche. Most of what I know about you I heard from her. How Uche loves you! She tells of all the times you stood by her. During her surgery, when you guys just got married and went visiting to the village, even during the period she was studying for her masters degree. She always held you in high esteem. However, I can never forget your height -you were a giant! And your voice. You will be greatly missed. Adieu dear one.

Buchi a very lively, friendly and Godly husband of Uche. It was with great shock I heard of your demise. It's been a while I saw you, Uche and the boys. Since your family moved from Kaduna, Nigeria to Abuja also in Nigeria. However I remember vividly like yesterday when Uche your wife had a surgery which went bad, you were not moved even when doctors report looked hopeless because of your faith in the Lord and the Lord showed mightily. My consolation is that God whom you served with your life and your substance will give rest to your soul and peace and provision to Uche, the boys, family and all those you left behind. Rest on the sweet gap toothed Buchi

D uncle as I fondly call you, I have been glancing at this page wondering on the exact words to use to describe you, still this page has not enough space for me to tell of your impact in my life. You were only 20 when I was born and my mum your sis told me how much you were there for her at that point of my birth to the point that throughout her childbirth years immediately its the D day - buchi will appear from school to take her to the hospital and be there for her. From knee high I know you have always loved me SPECIALLY till all through the years of my life , till your death. Just like yesterday you were there to give me out to my husband whom who showed brotherly love and calls "my guy" , you signed as my witness during my court wedding on 30-10-2014, we were together ever since we came back to abuja from the east ,we slept on same bed , cracked jokes and watched Scarface with obum, before you embarked on your trip to Lagos - Makurdi. I saw you on 1-12-2014 we joked as usual, we chatted till 4-12-2014 and on 5-12-2014 my world came crashing over your demise. The only eye in the family that watches over us like a mother hen, the only uncle that cares, my friends and neighbours are still asking "why uncle buchi" they felt your impact as well. I remember when crying one night , the holy spirit assured me he will console us, I can see that magical promise. Mama is doing fine gradually , aunty is strong Bebez and Baby Naks.(the boys are fine)(Thank you Holy spirit) You are larger than life, always there to fight for me and to help me through- thinking about all our plans and your promises , i can only say indeed Death you have lost your sting... I know you are resting in the Bossom of the lord where there's no pain, struggle, wickedness and pressures of life. Farewell the prince himself, farewell EzeUdoka lI, uncle you are forever remembered as i still feel your presence all the time. ...#BuchiLives. Thank you Holy spirit.

My dearest uncle, father and friend. In such a short time of knowing you, you took me as your own and you have been a blessing to me and my entire family. You were a man of virtue and integrity. I remember how you always knew how to make me laugh even at odd times. You had so much love to give and you were willing to share it with as many as possible. It's still hard to believe that I will from now on refer to you in the past tense. We love you uncle Buchi, but the Almighty God loves you more. Rest on in the bossom of the Almighty.

Commiserations to the Okoli's and Dilibe's for this great loss.Buchi has moved on to a better place to be with the almighty.I pray that our Lord will console you and give you the heart to bear the loss in Jesus Name.Amen.

You were such a great person,full of life and impacting lives.The few times we met you surely will say something that will make me laugh.This is still hard to take in but we thank God who is there for us all and especially your lovely wife and children,the Lord continue to comfort them at all times and grant them the grace to bear your loss...
You are truly forever missed.

I find it difficult to believe that you,ve gone, but we thank God for a life well spent. we shall meet again at the feet of our lord..

Uncle Buchi of the Okoli clan....i have no words just the pain and difficulty to accept this as the fact, finding it difficult that you are gone... God knows all . I shall be back with the full tribute when the penny drops, this makes no sense to me, i cannot just understand so this is it? God truly knows all, you are sorely missed ....

Just then, my phone rang at 1:45am precisely. " Uncle Buchi is dead" she said. I was speechless, spasm of fear ran down my spine as the words continued to echo. Uncle when i heard of your death i was too shocked to cry, not until now i write this tribute. We were at Enugu and Igbo-Ukwu previous two weeks, i even insisted i must take your wristwatch before you travel back to U.k by January and you agreed and we laughed. At first it was like a mirage but yet a reality that you are gone. As i starred at the little me in your wedding pix as the pageboy at your wedding i had always thought you will be there at my wedding too someday.
Nnam ochie as i fondly call you, you laid a legacy for the family, an indelible footprint on the sand of time. What more can i say than to take solace in 1Thess 4:13-18. For when the trumpet shall sound Buchi shall be raised and mortality shall be swallowed. And then shall it be said "Oh death where is thy sting?" For the worst tragedy of life is not death but an eternity without God. For to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. So Uncle Buchi lives, just asleep.
Farewell Uncle until the sun of resurrection is dawn.
Forever in our heart

Barr. Buchi, RIP. I met you just once in your lifetime and you left on me imprints of a gentleman who loved life, family, learning and people. The news of your demise devastates. Our solace is in the risen Lord, through whose resurrection we have conquered death. May the angels of God lead you to the most merciful Lord till we meet again in the resurrection morning.

My father was a very helpful and kind person to everyone that he ever met in his life; even those he only met once. Those who have heard of him were touched and deeply saddened by his early departure to heaven to be with the Lord. At first I couldn’t take in the word ‘dead’, but after a day or two it sank in. I had written a rap album and wanted him to be there when I recorded it and performed it,. After his death, I wrote a new song and dedicated it to him. He was the best dad anyone could ask for; especially to me, Chib, his first son. He is one of many who have inspired me to be the rapper that I am. He will dearly be missed and not forgotten. R.I.P Dad. Miss you always. I’ll see you later... Your son, Chib.

(Philippians 1:21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
I am yet to accept the reality that you are gone!

I WILL MISS HIM HE BEEN GOOD BROTHER AND HELPER TO ME IN THE PAST WE ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT LIFE IN GENERAL AND HELP WITH BIBLE STUDY AND WE ALL WAYS HAVE GOOD LAUGH TOGETHER ABOUT LIFE I WILL ALWAYS LOOK BACK THINK WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT BIBLE WILL MISS YOU

I still can't believe you are no more, its indeed a big lose. You were a man with a difference, kind, generous and humble. You took me under your umbrella and never for once made me feel like a stranger in your home though I was not related to you. You were a man with a big heart. So sad you will not be here to eat the fruit of your labour. You will be greatly miss. Good night Uncle Buchi

O bro m, Prince Onyebuchi Ezeokoli, till date I am still speachless and wishing somehow that I will wake up from this dreadful nightmare. Nnobi and Ezeokoli royal family has lost the single binding cord that held us together. A fearless but a gentle warrior, extrovert, friendly, social and like Obialukashanma my late mum said " Mmadu ora, ma ka esi eme nwanne". Buchi may the good lord grant your peace. Your are a true gem of immense value to everyone who came across you and in the Ezeokoli royal family. You were there in Abuja when we lost our sister Chinyelu Ogike (nee Ezeokoli).

Bros Buchi with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart I say " o bro m ka emesia, ka Chineke nabata gi na ndokwa nke ya".

The best business man is God, the best game changer is God, the best world planner is still God and GOD is always the winner!
Life is God's business ,he changes your location to win his game
Whether you like it or not...
Buchi moved to heaven for God to win
Buchi lives on...
We miss you here...

I kept going back and forth this page wondering what I will write about the impact Bro Buchi had on my life. My oga Buchi as I fondly call him, darling Aunt Uche's husband, a lovely couple I met during my Masters at Newcastle. Oga Buchi was my main man, ever bubbly, my uncle to harass. I remember when I moved back to Nigeria and had no car to use, he readily offered to borrow me one, not hesitating that I was based in Lagos not Abuja. Although logistics didn't allow me use the car eventually but the fact that he offered to give me, a non-relative, a car to use touched me. Everyone in my house knows Oga Buchy. Is it the hilarious road trip we embarked on from Port-harcourt to Abuja when we were returning from Dormene's wedding or our brief but always impactful encounters during my quick visits into Abuja that I will talk about? I'm pained I didn't get to see you during your last trip to Lagos. I saw the RIP posts on Facebook and broke done in tears in my office. Aunty Uche and the boys (as I call them) my prayers are always with you. It is well...Keep being strong...Jesus is Still lord!!!

My Brother. Words cant explain your departure. I still cry daily. You came back KD on Dec 1st and insisted we see. Told you i was so tired and lets see on Fri the 5th, when you return from Makurdi. You insisted i come over even for a minute, that you missed my jokes. I did! We had drinks together. Asked of your family and you said you just got off the phone with Uche. I left you to study your Briefs at midnite. We planned on connecting on friday the 5th, when you get back to Abuja. We chatted on 2nd and 3rd and whatsapped on 4th. Called your phone on 5th but it wasnt connecting. Got a text on 6th, that you have moved on. I am still shocked. We met last year and you introduce yourself to my friends as my best friend. We do share alot of similarities and i have learnt alot from you. I find solace in these words;

What Is Dying - Bishop Brent -
I am standing upon that foreshore, a ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "there! she's gone!"
"Gone where?" "Gone from my sight, that's all", she is just as large in mast and spar and hull as ever she was when she left my side; just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment when someone at my side says, "there! she's gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "here she comes!"
And that is dying.

Death may indeed be final but love we share while living is eternal – Don Williams jr

For certain is death for the born. And certain is birth for the dead; therefore thou shouldn’t grieve – Gita

"I'll see you forever. For you are a part of me. And I myself a part of thee. Inseparable in God. There is no tomorrow now. Though sun may rise and set. And sleepy eyes may slumber, still. Eternity now is set. It's stamped upon my heart and yours. It's seal : the Love of Christ. Which willingly I have received. And cherish more than earthly life. This soul awaits a body that will not die-. This soul awaits to see Him with it's eye-. This soul awaits our meeting in the sky-. For faithful is our God. Who once did die , but now's ALIVE : We'll see Him forever." David Severy

Bucha cha I am still speechless, you know how great I can be to give the right words in a situation like this; bros me am yet to find a word, phrase or the tale right enough for you in this. But guess what, I will find it and be sure I will tell it to the world.

My Uncle Buchi i can't believe i am writing this and i have not come to terms yet. I was really looking forward to seeing you before christmas as agreed. I really really miss you. You always had the right words to say in any situation. My wife and i always looked up to you and aunty uche. You would be truly missed by everyone. I will be back when i come come to terms. We love you

You were a pastor, friend and brother.....thank u for being you and reaching out even when it was not convenient.....I remember when you went with my family and I to bury my father in far Upu London and how you always make fun of the name of the village. I can't remember any charitable service back then in Int. Praise Church that you were not a part of......it came naturally with you. It's really not easy to forget you! I guess when a good man dies, his works outlive him.....May God Almighty console Uche and the boys and may they never lack help all the days of their lives. Rest on Onyebuchi Okoli, your goodwill will speak for your family.

Well finally I know what it feels like to truly loose a loved one...suddenly. Without goodbyes and preparations. At first, I asked God why. Cos you honored your parents more than any other and going by the Bible" Honor thy father and mother that your day may be long" I was so sure you'd surpass your dad in age. But God has proven to us he has different ways of showing love to his own. Including if he had to take them suddenly so they could share in the everlasting joy he has prepared for us. You were an epitome of a large heart. Who isn't leaning on you all over the universe? Cos you carried every one's issue like it were yours. Chichi's wedding brought us all together...didn't know it was for the last time though. Saying "We miss u" isn't enough cos its an understatement. I could right a whole book and still not enough to describe you. I was favored to come across a book you were writing titled "And God heard" where you described your life experiences with your wife esp as regards the birth of Chibueze-Your miracle and I understood the more the loving husband and father you are. Nobody can take that place in your wife and kid's life except God. Again, God has different ways of showing us love. He took you home at the best time he feels...so you'll be HOME. We love you and miss u. Too bad you won't be there to watch my kids Zizi and Jaden grow. Too bad they won't meet you.
You lived only for a while
Your presence we enjoyed for a while
Your legacy endures for life time
Your journey just a beginning of a life we'll all get to share
Our broken heart God will mend
Our tears God will dry
The vacuum none can fill
The emptiness none can fill
Your life tho for a while yet touched multitudes
Till we meet to part no more Uncle Buchi
Rest on

#BuchiLivesOn!

My brother, it's a shock to hear this. A lot of pain in the air on your unexpected exist. We have seen and cried enough. I know your Good soul is with the Amighty. We shall remain strong as this is what you will want. God, please have Mercy. The tears are Dry. We only have Solace in you and Only you we Trust. RIP my brother. Ije Oma. Kachifoo.

You were larger than life, always smiling, witty and an all-round interesting person. I enjoyed our banter whenever you were around to visit.
The news of your passing shook me deeply and I had and still have a lot of questions. Why? How?
I find solace in the fact that you knew your saviour and now rest with him. Sleep well, dear brother!

I never met you Buchi worked with your wonderful wife. She spoke of the love and pride for you and your sons.
Sleep well your work is done. My husband passed in August and your lovely wife was there to look after me. God has two wonderful men at his side
God bless you and thanks be to god for your wonderful family.

Uncle Buchi it still feels unreal. I just saw you in October and it was filled with lots of laughter as usual. Aunty Ify teased you, and you ended up making a proper English breakfast for me. I quite enjoyed the privileged treatment i received, thinking back now it was really God's plan for me to visit NewCastle then to see you for the last time. My friend i came with can't forget Uncle Buchi cos you always leave a lasting impression. I can't question God but I've chosen to remember all the memories, your numerous advice to me. You were an amazing Uncle. I keep on praying for strength for Aunty Bebe, Chibueze and Emeka. Continue to sleep in the Lord until we all meet again.

Buchi, we meet last at Chi Chi Weeding last month and i promise to visit you people in UK from Germany when Chi Chi joins his husband Frank next year, i can't believe that your no more. Even my Grand Ma Mama IGBO-UKWU is still waiting for you to come nextyear as u promised. I keep asking God why is it that GOOD people dosen't last, but i know for sure that God will give u enternal rest, ADIEU ONYEBUCHI