My grandfather (grandpa) was not a man I lived with everyday, but from the time I spent with him I learnt virtues that spoke much louder than the man who lived them. I never knew grandpa as someone who spoke a lot. His actions were his most valuable mode of communication.

I have to confess, I did not know much about grandpa until my last encounter with him. I learned of his time in the police force and realized his passion to serve. He told me how amazing it was to serve Nigeria through the Nigerian Police Force and how the country has changed since his time of service.

Grandpa’s strong belief in fairness and equalitarianism was one thing I always heard from my mom. I finally got to witness this virtue of his in a mini debate between one of my aunts and him. They were sharing views on politicians in Edo state and as grandpa discussed his points I observed that he did so and avoided being visceral. Although he did not support the actions of the person that was the main subject of discussion, he considered the good side of the person. The side most people tend to erase when arguing against a person. Grandpa recognized that this person was human just as we all are and deserved fair judgment.

Again, Grandpa was not someone I knew who talked too much, but when he spoke, his words sounded simple but always required some deep reflections. As the great 
philosopher - Plato - once said, “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.”

My grandfather truly loved all his grandchildren and so did we love him too. In Matthew 26:52 Jesus says, those who live by the sword will die by the sword. I also believe the in the reverse; those who live a peaceful life will also find peace at death. The manner in which God called grandpa is a reflection of what he stood for - peace.

Grandpa, on behalf of all your grandchildren, may your humble soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Oghosa Igbinakenzua 

DADDY’S LEGACY

There are men who make their mark in this world by growing up to be sports legends, famous celebrities, inventors, politicians, professionals in one field or the other, or maybe even the President.

Then there are also those who inspire family and friends to be kings of their court, simply by loving them.

The latter are the ones who make the biggest impact, albeit quietly, by the legacy they leave behind.

The Bible teaches us to love one another as that is the greatest thing one can do for another. Dad loved and was loved. The Bible also enjoins us to be kind one to another, tender hearted. Dad, you proved this was doable even in today’s world. You stood firmly for justice, equity and good conscience even when the odds were stacked against you.    

To me, you were an inspiration. The countless things you did for me and lessons you thought me over the years, have helped to make me who I am today. No thanks could ever be enough, except to make sure I don’t go below your standard, as a father to my own children.

It is impossible to express in these few words the height, width, length and dept of love and compassion, you demonstrated, but the impression you made in the life of those who knew you will live on. Though the sadness and pain of your exit is great, I know you would want us to focus on your legacy and the principles you lived by.    

In memorial, I say this to you, believe in Love, believe in Truth, believe in Honesty, believe in Trust because these things are real, my Dad was a living evidence, and if you were touched by his life, the best you can do is to PAY IT FORWARD. Be Kind One to Another, Love One Another.  That was Daddy’s passion. That is what he would want of you.

Love you Dad, always.

Obosa.

 A POEM FOR MY GRAND FATHER, 
  God saw you getting tired         
  when you went into comma
  so He wrapped His arms around you
 and whispered "come unto me"                                                                 
  you don't need to go back                                                                   
  to a sinful world so He gave you rest
  Gods garden must be beautiful   He only takes the best.
  Good bye Grand pa


                                                               
AIZENOSA IGBINAKENZUA

A TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF VIRTUE….MY FATHER

Birth is the beginning of mortal life, life is a journey and death a transition to immortality and eternal bliss. Dad you have played your part and lived a life worthy of celebration.
You were a man of virtue; patience, humility, honesty, love and charity were your cardinal principles. You did not only teach these principles, you lived them.
As a father, you were always there for us. I remember vividly how, as children, you used to bath us in the morning and tell us life stories, take us to visit places of interest, cook meals when my mum was not in the mood; how you will jokingly asked “Is daddy’s food sweet?” You never missed any of my visiting days at school. Fatherhood for you was not just having kids but being there for the family. Looking back you make me understand what quality time with the family is all about and how important the family unit really is.
You were honest to a fault and always told us to speak the truth at all times. You were always pained when you felt people were not justly treated. I recall your words of wisdom when I was leaving for my matrimonial home; you said, my daughter, "never do anything you cannot discuss with your husband". Those words have continued to echo in my ears and will remain a light for navigating the dark moments of marriage.
Whenever I got moody and full of complaint you always reminded me of how life was what I make of it. You always told me that I am responsible for my own state of happiness or sadness and that patience conquers all. No wonder you name me IZIENGBE (Patience).
Daddy, love for you was not a word but a way of life. You welcomed everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. I remember when you were in Enugu all alone in a house, how you brought in a family you never knew to live with you because you felt they needed a roof over their head. What about when were in Abakaliki? your house was described as the home of youth coppers. You never new them but you felt they needed a home. That was you! dad, extremely accommodating and loving. Dad, as you opened your arms wide for others when they were in need and sheltered those who were homeless, so the almighty God will open His arms wide for you now and shelter you in His peace. Amen
When I complain about human behaviors, you always reminded me of how imperfect I was and how no one was perfect but God. Daddy you taught me to be content and never envy any one. You were not a man of many words, but of principles and you did your best to imbibe those principles in us. As you go to rest in the bossom of the Lord, I make you one solemn promise, that I and my siblings will not disappoint you.
Rest-in-peace Dad, till we meet again.
Adieu!

YOUR DAUGHTER PAT IZIENGBE IGBINAKENZUA

MY DADDY   WHEN I MADE PLANS TO VISIT HOME ON THE 25TH OF OCTOBER TO SPEND THE HOLIDAY WITH YOU AND MUM. MY CHILDREN WERE EXCITED TO SEE GRAND PAPA AND GRAND MAMA SO WAS I. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I WOULD SEE YOU HALE AND HEARTY. I GIVE GOD THE GLORY THAT I HAD SUCH WOUNDERFUL OPPURTUNITY TO MEET , TALK AND LAUGH WITH MY DADDY. YOU TOOK ME INTO YOUR ROOM AND WE HAD A DISCUSSION ON THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SO FAR.   WHEN I MENTIONED YOUR PASSING UNTO GLORY TO A SISTER. SHE TOLD ME HOW BLESS I AM TO HAVE HAD A DAD FOR THAT LONG. SHE NEVER KNEW HER OWN DAD. HE PASSED ON WHEN SHE WAS ONLY 18 MONTHS. THEN I REALISED THAT I INDEED HAD BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS MY DAD. I HAVE SWEET, LAUGHABLE ,BEAUTIFUL, UNFORGETFUL MEMORIES OF A LOVING,GENTLE AND KIND DAD. I HAVE MEMORIES THAT SOME PEOPLE DONT HAVE. AM BLESSED.   YOUR ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMNET ARE STILL FRESH IN MY HEART. I REMEMBER WHEN I HAD ISSUES ON TAKING A DECISION ON A STAFF OF MINE. YOUR QUESTION TO ME WAS , WHAT WOULD BE MY REACTION OR DECISION IF THE PERSON INVOLVED WAS MY OWN CHILD.  DADDY YOU WERE A BLESSING TO ME.I CAN BOLDLY SAY YOU FULFILLED YOUR ROLE AS A FATHER,YOU LIVED UP TO  THE RESPONSIBILITY GOD GAVE TO YOU AS A FATHER.YOU BROUGHT US UP AS A FATHER SHOULD. YES YOU DID.   I WILL NO LONGER PICK MY PHONE AND CALL 'OBAZEE DADDY' FOR THAT'S HOW YOUR NUMBER HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED ON MY PHONE. DADDY YOU WERE A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN, WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS TO EVERY THING THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED IN THE HOUSE, AND YOU DID IT ALL BY YOURSELF.I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF YOU.   I GIVE GOD  ALMIGHTY ,THE GLORY FOR EVERYTHING THAT I EVER NEEDED AND EVER WILL NEED FROM A FATHER, I GOT AND I HAVE. I LOVE YOU DADDY, ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL. REST IN ETERNAL GLORY.   FAREWELL,DAD.
     
    JULIET EGHAREVBA(Mrs)

A TRIBUTE TO THE BEST FATHER-IN-LAW, EVER!

 

My father-in-law, Benjamin Kuoboyuwa Obazee, was a father per excellence. I called him Daddy, and he epitomized what a true father should be – honesty, humility, fairness and love.

 

He believed absolutely that whatever is his; is his and never claimed any credit for, or ownership over what was not his.

 

Contentment and truth were pivotal to his personal beliefs, even at the expense of his life and career. He was detribalized; highly accommodating and could live with anybody harmoniously, irrespective of tribal or religious differences or inclinations.

 

Daddy was my confidant in those difficult moments, especially after the demise of my biological father … when I desperately needed someone to speak wisdom into situations that I faced.

 

Daddy will always say it as it is, even when that meant going against his own daughter's interest. Now I just wonder … to whom will I turn at such moments?

 

When the cares and burdens of this world weighed us down, all we needed to do was visit daddy and we would immediately find some peace and insight. He was a peaceful personality; always concerned about the plights of his neighbours and ever willing to offer a helping hand.

 

Daddy, you have left a very big vacuum. If we say we know how that would be filled, we lie!  But we trust that God Almighty, our all-knowing, all-seeing heavenly Father will find a way to fill this great vacuum for us.

 

Daddy, we pray that as you go forth, your soul will, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. We love you dearly, daddy.

 

Adieu!

 

                        Elias Igbinakenzua