Daddy,today marks your 87th birthday, it breaks my heart to see that you are no more with us. You will always be remembered. I use this opportunity to say happy birthday to you.
Adieu.
Beatricx Ngozi Alu Echem,
"Ada Echem Onuu.

Papa Echem. We celebrate your life and the way you lived it. We celebrate the fruit of your life and the friends you gave us like Sister Ngozi Eni. Papa, you created fruit that is a blessing to the world. This your fruit is creative,generous, thoughtful and kind. Papa you lived a noble and productive life. Enjoy your rewards in heaven!!!

I got an alert that today is a special day for you, that worth celebrating;
My first thought is how do we celebrate you then, with all these ongoing lamentations;
Indeed, Celebration comes in different ways;
And this is one of such;
Even as you have departed mother earth;
Your day of entry mother earth is still remembered, and will continue to ring loud to all;
Imagine how loud it would have been to celebrate your Birthday with you, today;
Today, the family and friends jointly say Happy Birthday to You, as you celebrate 2016 Birthday with your Creator, the Lord Jesus;
Your family and friends will continue to celebrate you, Happy Birthday.
Dein Na Sime (Rest In Peace).

may you soul R.I.P.PAPA

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FATHER

     I got the news of your solemn departure with fear and trepidation. It aroused a lot of questions in my psychology. However, I do know that life is an enigma, that is, it is always lost at the point of celebrating our wishes and dreams. I am complacent that someday cosmology will give way to eschatology because nature must submit to supernatural even as death will submit to resurrection. On that glorious day, “amazing grace” will be our song in unism.
     Note worthy is the fact that we brought nothing to this world, in the same fate, we will go with nothing. Owing to the fact that 90% of us here today live is total psychological illusion is the reason for our insatiable quest to garner the stupendous immensities of life which ultimately define variety in whole and in parts.
     Papa, your lying in state is the best message for mortals who deferred their schedule to bear witness of your eternal commission to the fate of humans not withstanding their class in the society. Papa, I love and miss you but you are answerable to your maker who caused your existence via His possibilities. I am consoled by the blessed hope in Christ Jesus as documented in Paul’s epistle to the Thessalonians.
Go in peace, goodnight! 

Eni Clement Egwu

A Tribute to the Peace Maker!

Pa Echem was a Peace loving father, though he was on the quiet side.
Throughout the period he lived, I never heard of a dispute involving him of any kind. He was a perfect gentleman. R I P THE PEACE MAKER!.

A TRIBUTE TO A WORTHY IN-LAW

Every blade in the field, every leaf in the forest lays down its life in its season,
My family and I were shocked at the death of Pa Echem Onuu on the 24th of February, 2016; haven met with him in october 2015, when we visited home for the burial of my uncle´s wífe, ¨MRS COMFORT AGBOTI¨.
Pa Echem Onuu was a man of honour that embraced Christ in his life. He had a good christian attribute which I believe, he inculcated into the children and other members of the family especially, the first daughter, Mrs Beatricx Ngozi Eni.
He loved the family with a special love. He shared everything he had with the children; the dreams, the laughter and tears. His life entirely was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of the children´s special needs that endeared him so much to the children who loved and cherished him.
I hereby urge everyone of us to seek the road that makes death a fulfillment as it is in the life of Papa who after witnessing everything in this life chose to follow Christ. sure, he made the right choice.
To all survivor of Pa Echem Onuu, I say, cry no more, for ¨if tears could build a stair way and memories a lane, one could walk right up to heaven and bring Papa home again.¨
Papa is no more, but let us live in thankfulness that he was. And to those of us that share the same hope and faith with him, our greatest consolation should be that we shall meet with him again on that resurrection morning at the feet of our Lord and redeemer Jesus Christ to part no more.

Agboti Fred & Family.

TRIBUTE TO MY FABULOUS GRANDPA
  Grandpa, distance did not give me the opportunity to get really to know you, but your visit to us in 2014 was one of the best experiences I have ever had to spend most of the time with you. I know what bothered you most was the language barrier which you laid emphasis to my mom. It did not give you room to share many stories with us. I am trying to learn our language, but unfortunately, I will not see you again to talk to you in "Ehugbo dialect."
I remember my second trip to Nigeria, I woke up one early morning and saw you at the age of 85, sweeping your compound. In a surprise, I ran to my mom to come and observe what you were doing. I was amazed you had such strength to carry on with life.
I was so devastated when I heard the news of your death. I wish I had the chance to see you again before your death. 
Grandpa, I will always miss you, but I will hang on to your memories. I did not witness your abundant memories, but the little I have is enough for me. My mom shared many stories about you. You faced ups and downs of life, but you survived and was able to raise your children as much as you could. You lived a long and a healthy life.
I thank God I was able to meet you. Thank you for whom you made my mom be and thank you for having stood in the gap for the family.
Grandpa, jisie ike.
Your granddaughter,
Destiny Ijeoma Elum Eni.

Tribute to a grandpa that cared so much for his family

The majority of you know that my grandpa, Echem Onuu, passed away on February 24, 2016. It took me a while to think of specific occurrences when he impacted my life. I am grateful that he was able to visit us in the United States. I had the privilege to spend time with my grandpa. We went to Church together; he spent most of his time in my room. That was an excellent relationship, experience, and the first time I bonded with him.
Grandpa, It was fun with the little time you spent with us. You became part of my daily life. My siblings and I appreciate you. It is very devastating that you could not live any longer. I hope one day I will meet you again in Heaven. I love you so much, and I still remember the memories of having been with you. You showed us whom you were and my mom shared your stories with us. You were as fearless as an Eagle. You are my hero, you fought for our country during the Nigerian-Biafran war. I delight and give thanks to the Lord for your safe progress to Heaven.
I thank God for remembrance and sacrifice of the Family Faith Center, Assemblies of God Church, Montebello California for their prayer and efforts they shared with us at the time of our grief.
Grandpa, I miss you so dearly, but I will treasure your memories forever
Good bye great warrior,
Your Grandson,
Daniel Chibuike Ogbonnia Eni.

Tribute to my beloved Grandpa
Grandpa, you were a wonderful man. There are more than hundred words I could use to describe you. To mention but a few, you were kind, caring and generous. I could go on and on talking about you for the little moment, you spent with us in America. Even though you are gone, you have not been forgotten. Your memories are forever in our hearts. I know you are in a better place. Safe Journey Oke dim.
Your granddaughter,
Deziree Chizubem Ogeri Eni.

RIP PAPA....

TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDPA
Grandpa, we came to Afikpo to stay with you during Christmas period. We played with you, my mum served food and was happy we had you around.
Grandpa, we are sad that you left us without a message .
May God the Almighty grant you peaceful rest in Jesus name (Amen)
Grand daughter,
Chimamanda Chiekeziem.

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER
My loving father, Echemicable was a God-fearing father, peaceful and gentle, and jovial.
Echemicable, you were one of the strongest men that I have ever known. Though you encountered many trials and tribulation as you sojourned through life, you never allowed them to overcome.
Papa, you were a true, despite the hard times, with God's help you had to carry on.
If roses grow in heaven, please Lord pick and put them in my Dad's arms and tell him they are from me. Tell him that I love and miss him.
Sleep on Papa, Adieu, and may you continue to rest in the Lord's bosom.
Daughter,
Elem.

Tribute to my father In-law
I will miss you.
When we loose someone we love(no matter how old they are) it feels like time stands still, but we find succor in the loving memories we shared.
When I heard the news of your demise, my heart sank in deep sorrow. I expected you to live a little longer, but God knows the best.
You were an epitome of wisdom, peace, love and kindness. I admire that a lot about you. The last time I was with you, you prayed for me and my wife and you told us to take care of our family.
Papa, I miss you.
Fare well Papa,
Adieu, may your soul rest in peace Amen.
Son In-law,
Okechukwu Chiekeziem

TRIBUTE TO OKE PAPA
Papa if the choice of life and death were solely mine,papa I would have live on. When life takes a downward trail and raging winds creep in all is cost, looking well we see something still remains a memory so sweet and so comforting.
Papa will not forget your kindness. You have left a legacy that must be passed on from generation to generation. You are a hero live on.
Oke papa live in a place where peace and joy knows no end. Rest in peace.
YOUR NIECE
CHIOMA ORIOMA ONYA

TRIBUTE TO A
WONDERFUL TAILOR( PA ECHEM ONUU)
NAWAH for death. Just like dat. When I heard about your death,it was a shock to me. Because you were very strong when you came back from America. You have been a very strong and hardworking man. You don't allow people to do things for you. You are father for all. You care about every one around you.
When ever I come to village I always prefer to stay in your house and come with the cloths you will amend for me. Alot of memories about u. Is it when u traveling to America at airport you called me ogbonnie I answered you. You said to me ejijem America. I smile to u. I still ve picture I took you at the airport or is it when you came back.Alot of memories about you.
Pa you have gone but always on mind.
May Almighty God grant you eternal rest in his bossom
Adieu papa
Adieu pa Ngozi Echem
Adieu great tailor
Adieu nwaoke oma
YOUR NIECE
ONYA JUSTINA OGBONNIE UBOLLO

Today being 2016 Father's Day, the Brown-West do remember you as a Great Dad, who left mother earth to join the Heavenly host.
Today, is hard on your children, as others celebrate with their dad;
To my sister and friend, Beatricx, there is no better way to appreciate today's celebration of father's day than to embrace the Will of God and be thankful for the Greatness in your Dad and the sweet relationship you once shared with your dad.
To the family, be comforted;
To friends, stay strong and continue to be source of support to the family.

Dad, we all do miss you!
Rest in the blossom of the Lord Jesus!
Dein Na Mu!

From Daere and family
D

TRIBUTE TO A STRONG GRANDPA

Oh papa, you stood for strength, hardwork and love. Your love for your children, cousins, nephews, nieces and other relations was overwhelming as you would accept and accommodate any of them that came to you for assistance and help. i will not forget how grieved you were when you were informed of your sister's death (Late Mrs. Okoroafor Bridget). I wondered at how a strong and old man like you could still cry because of your sister's death.

Your stories and practical examples of hardwork is worth emulating. You are such a strong man that could do almost everything on his own. You were full of life and strength until your last days. I wouldn't have believed that you could go now. You even fought death until you realized its inevitability and so you threw in the towel. Thank God that you acknowledged Him even during your last days on earth. That's how I know that in heaven, you are. Adieu Echemicable. Rest in the bosom of the Lord till the last day.

Your Grandson
Ifenayichukwu Okoro

TRIBUTE TO MY GOOD FATHER IN-LAW
   I thank God for my father in-law, Mr. Echem Onuu. He is now home in heaven with God. If I am ever single and have the chance of marrying again, I will definitely go back to my father in-law and get married. Honestly speaking, I thank God almighty, who gave me my heart desires in marriage.
I also thank God that my father in-law lived his faith and loved the church. I am highly impressed and encouraged by the way he led his family. He loved, disciplined, provided and was there for them till the time of death. I am mostly thankful to God because of my wife, whom he raised. She is in many ways a replica of her father. I have witnessed his attributes in my wife. she learned, hard-working, honesty, homely, generosity, gentleness, accommodating, caring, importance of family, and the need to live life worthy of emulation. Though sometimes she does not listen, but I am benefiting every day his contributions as a father.
  My father in-law, distance did not let me obtain much from you. When you visited us in America, it pained me most that the time I had opportunity to reap your wisdom you can hardly hear me. My wife and I did all we could to restore your sight and sense of hearing.  I appreciate my wife whom you entrusted to my care. I promise I will continue to love and care for her all the days of my life. Thanks for your legacy that will ever live with us and thanks for the unbreakable cord you created in my family.
Goodbye my dearest father in-law.
John Ogbonnia Eni

Papa,

You are going to be greatly missed. I can remember when I was in school in Mater Misericordiae Hospital Afikpo, any time we had a ceremony, you were the person that would break the kola nut. I respected your powerful and honorable presence as you spoke to us before the opening ceremony. My friend inherited that aspect of your personality.

We love you. Rest in peace.

TRIBUTE TO OKE PA

Papa you were such a quiet and peaceful man, people like you never die totally, but leaves behind traces of their virtues which death cannot rub us as it only rubbed us of your person.

With all the good moments shared together, we thank God for your life.
  May the good lord accept your gentle soul that you may rest in him forever and ever AMEN. 
ADIEU OKE PA
Your niece
Onya Nkechinyere Etu

TRIBUTE TO MY GRAND PAPA

Oh! Grand pa, you left without saying a word of goodbye to me, I stood beside you when death snatch you away from us. It was a war I can not fight if not I would have fought earnestly with all my strength up till now I can not forget all the sweet and funny things you do tell me, I am happy to be privilege to stay with you for while before death snatch you away from us. Grand pa, Echemicable, I love you so much my hero.

May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more – Amen.

Adieu Echemicable
Adieu Grandpa
Adieu Horri
Adieu Nwoke Obioma
Your Grand Daughter
Miss Sali Ijeoma – Enya

TRIBUTE TO LOVING GRANDPA

Death is inevitable if not I would have fought the war, you left me when I needed you most to tell me the beautiful stories you always tell my sisters & brothers when death snatch you from me. Oh death you are so wicked who will buy orange, groundnut, popcorn & moi-moi for me.

Caring & loving grand pa, I & my sisters & brothers are saying bye-bye papa, we miss you bye until we meet again in heaven.
Rest in peace my loving grandpa
Rest in peace Echemicable
Rest in peace Nwoke Obioma
Rest in Peace Oke-pa
Rest in peace Efike man
Your grand daughter
Enya Joyce

TRIBUTE TO MY DARLING FATHER
Papa! We all know that a day like this will come, because the Bible tells us that there is a time to born and a time to die, but not so soon! Well, death is inevitable to all mankind. I recalled that Friday I called you to hear your voice just like other days, you said to Nne, I want to see you, and you are far but answered I want to see you very soon papa and I started calling him pet name but little did I know that his days are numbered. When I move down to see him a few days later, he was seriously sown in health. When I called him by his pet names he answered me but he was not happy unlike other days. My darling father change and I said God please let your will be done. I told myself so the end is like this, his face was looking at me and he said I want to cross. I said papa cross where! He reply Onwu (death), he brings my hand and check me. There know that the hour has come. It is true that death is a debt we all owe, for mankind. According to Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 that says “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven, a time to e born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest”. Indeed, you death is a painful thing to me especially when I remember your love and care you showed to me. I cannot question God for taking you home to rest, but I pray that the God Almighty will grant you eternal peace in His bosom.
My Hero Farewell
My Mentor
My Loving Father
Echemicable
Dorathy Chimezie Enya

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER IN-LAW

It’s hard to believe you are no more. Death is an inevitable prince we must all pay. You have fought the good fight and won the battle with your salvation in the last hour of your breath. You are a conqueror. You were a father and not just an in-law to me. It was always a wonderful pleasure and great delight coming to Ngodo to see you. But now you are no more and no one can fill that vacuum. You always created time for me and the moment we spent together ever in the late nights of some days talking, will never be forgotten. Though, the pain and sorrow from your departure is still fresh in my mind, I thank God for a life well spent. You made life possible for everyone around even with the little you have and a source of strength to everyone that listen to your words of wisdom.

Thanks you dear in-low as you rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Adieu English man
Adieu echemicable
Adieu gentle man

Son in-law
Elder Martin O. Enya

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED GRANDPA
Papa, I was groaning in pains when I heard about your death, devil where is your strength? Death you have done as the scripture says there is time for everything, death why do you snatch a way papa that always buy things for me when ever his coming back from market papa now that you are gone who will buy for me those things and advise me but one thing I know is that you live a Christianity life, sleep to that glorious day, but every remember you sleep till we meet to part no more, may your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Adieu Papa
Adieu Echemicable
Adieu Oke Nna
Adieu Nwokeoma
Adieu Efike man
Your Grandson
Enya Godwin Obinna

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED GRANDPA

Papa, it was like a joke when I heard that you are gone. Papa, you made me comfortable when you were alive. I wanted to give you lots of gift in the near future, but death did not allow it. Papa, you were a blessing to your grand children, you proved that you are a father, we, your grand children loved you, we demonstrated it when you came visiting at our house, I do bring food for you to enjoy. I miss you so much grandpapa. May your gentle soul rest in his bosom in perfect peace. Amen.
Goodnight Grandpa.
Adieu Horri
Adieu Grandpa
Adieu Nwoke Obioma
Adieu Efike man
Grand Daughter
Miss Ebere Enya
 

Inne Trader Union
                                  No. 24 Eke Market Road
                                  Afikpo North
                                  Ebonyi State
                                  4/5/2016

Mr. Benjamin Oti Echem
Ezi Idam-Ugo-Ngodo Villa
Afikpo

Sir,
                 CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

I, Chairman and the entire members of Inne Traders Union and the entire good people of Afikpo environs, write to commiserate with you and the entire family on the demise of your father, Late Horri Echem Onuu. He lived a very upright life and he was a pioneer member of this union and remained firm on the policy of Inne Traders Union Afikpo on till his death on the 24th of February 2016 (Afor).
At this period of sorrow be assured that we share your grief, since death is the lots of all mortals about which none of us can question God.
May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give you and those affected by his death the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Accept our sympathy.

Elechi Uche       Anthony Ibe Uro
Chairman      General Secretary
Inne Traders Union           Inne Traders Union
Afikpo – Ebonyi State       Afikpo – Ebonyi State

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED GRAND PA
Dear Grandpa my mouth is full with words that I don’t know were to start. I remember when I was a little girl how you use to advice me on what to do and blessings you used to give me and my younger ones always bring success to us. Papa you are so kind to me that I can’t never forget you. The life you lived on earth was so loved that everybody admired you. You lived a very good life and worthy of emulation. You tried to organize us your children and make sure that we are educated. You attitude, conduct, personality and the aura you possess is unquantifiable. Your attitude towards humanity is what keeps us acceptable. We love you, I love you but God loves you most. May you rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Adieu Papa
Adieu Echemicable
Adieu Grandpa
Your grand daughter
Henrietta Olachi Ekuma

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER IN-LAW

It is very painful and hearten-breaking when one looks around to discover that a beloved is no more in existence. No wonder the biblical allusion that “there is time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die”.

Papa, it is true you are gone but your legendary attributes of hard working, eloquent, fearless and honesty can never be forgotten so soon by many who came in contact with you while alive. 

To me, you lived a fulfilled life notwithstanding all odds of life and the plans of enemies. Their master (satan) came to steal, kill and destroy. No wonder they tried to made away with your life which off course, they failed because God was always by your side. 

Now, I believe is your appointed time with God to have eternal rest till we meet to part no more.
May your gentle soul rest in peace. Amen. 

Adieu Papa
Adieu great man

Eucharia Ifeanyichukwu
Daughter in-law

Tribute to My Lovely Daddy

How do I find the words to pen a tribute of farewell to my lovely father?
Papa, with a trembling hand, I’m doodling on a piece of paper and muttering this tribute. 24th of March will always remain a sad day to me in my life. It’s particularly difficult because you were someone of many parts to me, all of which I love dearly, you were not only a father but a friend to me. You were my defendable favour, my partner, loyalty and selflessness personified.

You were an integral part of my life. Papa, you mean a lot to me. Death, you are so cruel by taken away my father from me. Papa, what I cherished most in your life was that you lived a life worthy of emulation by all and sundry habitants of the earth. You don’t joke with the things of God. Infact, I am overwhelmed to have you as a father.

Even though I grieves in my heart on a day like this, you are no where to be found. It is a great loss on my part but I have no doubt you are already resting in the bosom of our Lord, your maker.

Papa, may your gentle soul rest in peace - Amen.

Adieu Oke nna m
Adieu Nwokeoma
Adieu Ezinna m

Ifeanyichukwu Echem
Son

TRIBUTE TO OUR LOVELY GRAND FATHER

Grand pa, your death has left a great vacuum in our lives. Your care for us has gone. Who then shall we play with when we visit home?, who shall we eat and dine with?, who will give us money? who will be singing sweet song for us like.
Nkita anugu Oyibo
Kanno gide na ime Jesus

And so many other humorous moments with you.
Death you are so wicked to have deprived us of grand papa’s jokes, love and care. Grand pa, we miss you dearly. Just that we cannot question God. 
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Adieu Papa
Adieu grandpa
Grand Daughters

Ifeanyichukwu’s Children

You lived a noble life. You came, you saw and you conquered. I have no doubt that these good traits were ingrained in your children. Its my honor to know you and to be counted as one of your in-laws.

I pray that God reward us all with the longevity He gave you.

Rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more.

TRIBUTE TO A COURAGEOUS FATHER!!

Papa, It is hard to believe you are no more. If death is something that has to do with physical strength and strong mind, it would not have succeeded in separating you from us.
Your demise has really created an irreparable vacuum in our lives. Well, since God your creator has decided to call you home now that we needed you most, we have no option than to say safe journey.
Papa, you were loving, compassionate, peaceful, gentle, kind, generous, tolerant and courageous. A father to all.
I just want to say thank you for accommodating my sister-in-law, late Mrs. Bridget I. Okoroafor and allowing your children to take good care of her while her ill-health lasted.
I am consoled by the fact that you live a fulfilled life and died in the Lord. Till we meet on that resurrection day.
From: Mrs. Maria E. Item

Pa Echem onuu was a great community leader. He was industrious , peace loving ,kind hearted, caring,and very accommodating. His exit has created a huge vaccum in the family and the Afikpo community at large.Oh death where is thy string. May the good lord grant papa eternal rest in his bossom. Amen

Who will ever challenge death? Nobody,except the creator of life and death:The Almighty God.If it were love and affection,you got them while alive from your family and extensions,children,and grand kids.Your recent visit to Beatrice, your loving daughter and the son-In-law,Mr Eni,were testimonies of the bonds of love from you to them and them to you.Your love are living memories to those left behind especially the grand kids.May the Almighty God grant your soul eternity in JESUS NAME, AMEN.

TRIBUTE TO PAPA
Papa,the shoking news of your departure really sent a goose pimple all over me,it was not that i considered you immortal but i was not expecting it now cos you were always strong even the last time i visited with mum.I still cannot believe that you are gone that we cannot see you again.
   Papa i have always admired your calmness and humility,you never worry anyone.I will miss you,your sense of humour and your most soothing dictum of "oga adi mma" a sermon which you never fail to hum every now and then.And most of all i will miss screaming papa!papa!!papa jokwa and watch you innocently ask "Onye"?.Its hard to think that we cannot hear some of your funny statements again.Papa i find it extremely difficult to write about you in past tense because i always look forward to seeing you anytime i visit home.Death has snatched you away from us physically but your memory will make up for your sudden death.
   Papa you've gone but not forgotten.Continue resting in the bossom of the Lord.
Your niece
Obianuju Onya.

Papa Nebor m, what a ray of light you were to my dear friend, Beatricx and her children/family!! You were also very lucky to have known such a generous, loving, smart and hardworking daughter. It is safe to say that she received all impressive attributes from you. You were the wing she flew with. I cannot begin to imagine the sadness and sense of loss your passing created in the hearts of your loved ones. I am consoled by the fact that she now has another advocate in heaven to plead her earthly cause. May your generous spirit rest with the lord, Amen. Adieu gentle papa, till we meet again

Death is an inevitable end that every human being is sure to experience.We all know this fact.papa the news of your death came to my family shocking.It is with heavy heart and pains I write this tribute in your honour.You were a hardworking,diligent and caring father.It is true that God has called you to your internal resting place in heaven,while we mourn your passing,we also celebrate and cherish the time we spent with you.You lived a very happy and peaceful life and passed onto glory peacefully.Adieu papa rest in the bosom of the Lord.GODSPOWER INYA AZOKE and family.

Yes, Late Pa Echem was truly a man of peace, a community leader and a devoted Christian. No doubt his departure has left a vacuum both in the Echem's family, ngodo community and indeed Afikpo in general. Our prayer is that God in his infinite mercies may grant him eternal rest and give all he left behind the fortitude to bear the irrepairable loss. La nudo papaa!

A TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL COUSIN
I am reminded of the year 1959,precisely december 1959,it was on your account that i travelled to calabar for the first time.When you invited me to calabar,you were still a struggling young man but you took very good care of me.Then you were learning tailoring which was your means of livelihood those days.It was then i saw you as a kind,generous,simple and hardworking man.I dont know where to start from because i have so many good things to say about you.Do i talk about your diplomatic nature,your fearlessness,your wisdom,courage and straight forwardness?those who had an opportunity to come close to you can attest to these.You are just too good to be forgotten.
     I always look forward to seeing you anytime i visit home,though the last time i visited,you barely recognized me due to your poor sight and difficulty in hearing but i still said a short prayer thanking God for the gift of life.
    I have no power to ask God why because he knows it all,i am thanking him for giving me such a wonderful man as a cousin.I will take solace in the memories i have of you and wish you safe journey to the world beyond till we meet to part no more.
    Adieu Papa
    Adieu Nna Ngozi
 Mrs Justina Ubollo Onya
        (Cousin)

TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET AND WONDERFUL DADDY
   Dad, it took me time to write this tribute because it is hard for me to embrace that I will not see you again. I know the inevitability of death, and I knew it would happen sooner or later when Ogbo Echem called to tell me your latest condition. I heard you gasping and struggling for air; it occurred to me that the hour has come for your transition to glory. You graduated from the school of life and finally decided to meet your maker. My greatest concern is that death could not give me a break nor show mercy other than turning my life upside down and setting me back with life achievements. Each time I try to recuperate here comes another death. Daddy, I know that there are hidden things we do not see in challenges of life, and I will not forget what you told me during your visit to the United States. " Owogu nke nkporo di ejegie" It will all come to pass. If it pleases God, it is well with my soul.
   The stings of death nevertheless are felt no matter when and how it happens. The distance from you pained me most. I felt that I was not close to seeing your last breath and worst when my daughter Destiny cried out loud she would like to see you at the time of your brief illness. Her sense of thought and crying for you broke my heart. I was as sick as a dog, did not go to work for several days because I lost my strength and dispiritedly thinking about you. I was lifted up in spirit when Pastor Dale Aguas told me that your grandson Daniel made a prayer request for you. It came to my mind that you were in Gods' hands. I also recalled all your conversations recorded on my cell phone. Your thoughts will remain unassailable wisdom, treasure, and legacy to my children and me. I thank God, our bedrock who gave you the chance to see America and your grandchildren. Daddy, You were so important to me, as well as your grandchildren. I shared your homework and stories to my children. Your presence brought closure and made you more valuable to us. I believe that was the most powerful good thing that I did for you. I tried to do everything a daughter could do for a father, and I drew satisfaction that I took good care of you, and I am alive to bury you instead of you burying me.
   Daddy, I chose to celebrate you for what you molded me to be and for the world to know what a wonderful man you were. You did set a high bar for me. Oh, what a sweet dad you were? On a much serious note, more words could not do justice to the doubtful man I grew to love. You made it clear that where there is love, there is a miracle. You treated and respected me as a woman and always said thank you to every single thing that I did for you. My first favorite toy from you as a child was a xylophone. You taught me how to sing and play, and I enjoyed every bit of your sing-song voices. I still recall how you played with me when I was a child. You were my mom and dad all in one. I cherished your sense of humor, integrity, generosity and infectious smile. You lived memorable moments and fulfilled your dreams of giving back to those in need. I appreciate your gentle and peaceful demeanor and commitment to my well-being. Speculating how you walked the distance of Mater Misericordiae hospital now and then when I was in School of Nursing to bring food to me showed your greatest love. Daddy, your beautiful web of love surrounded and bound us together. In a more classical mode, you quitted alcoholism, embraced God to the fullest and deposited the best gifts of faith in the bank for me. You separated none of us; you showed love and responsibility to each and every one of your children till the time of death. You were such a prominent figure in my up bring. I appreciate your kind gestures. Thanks for all that you did for me. Thanks to my able and great aunt, my sacred encounter, Justina Ubolo Onya Ogbu. Aunty, I love you to the fullest. Thanks to "Ugoeze" Mrs Agnes Ewa Elechi Who is always there for my aunt. Thanks to my babysitter Mrs. Theresa Elum Azoke. Thanks also to my late aunts and uncles- Mrs. Comfort Eze Agboti, Mrs Esther Igu Okokpa(Oke Nma) late Mrs. Rose Osinachi Egwu, Mrs. Bridget Ijeoma Okoroafor, Mr. Augustine Uwa Okokpa, and Mr. Onya O. Onya who collaborated with you to make me the best woman I am today. You all made life easier for me growing up without a mother's love. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace Amen.
   Daddy as you reunite with your wives, Regina Orieoma Echem and Joyce Ogeri Echem, my regards to them. Tell my mom that I love her, and her grandchildren who she never lived to see are missing her.
Pa Echem, Echemical, Echemicable, I cannot replace first your handsome face, smile and special things you did for your children, grandchildren and others around you. Not only did your sons inherit your name, but they also inherited your lands. Benjamin, your first son, also inherited the membership benefits from Inne trade union. That's how good you were. The Bible declared that "a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children,-proverb. 13:22. Your epitome of love had no limits.
   The family was paramount to you. You taught me so many values realizing that family comes first no matter what. You made it clear that family is the solid rock for my high points. You made family your priority and found the silver lining in every difficult situations. You stated that it is not important where I am going or how I get there, but it is much important where I came from and whose daughter I am. You made me realize that resilience and perseverance are the keys to triumph. When I left Nigeria for the first time, you had no much words for me. You told me that I am "OHAISU CHILD" ; "that I will ever remain eating raw yam with my eyes." Daddy, you made a difference, you touched many lives in the family. You accommodated, and have made enduring impressions to everyone who transversed your path.
Even if water made cocoyam like it was not food, You were able to cope with the difficulties of life and remained the beacon of light to us. You never put any of us in trouble and so did your children. The little things you did made you great to the best of my knowledge.
   To end up my tribute, I don't want you to think you were a perfect man; only Jesus lived a perfect life. I love you for the respect you shared among us, and you cared for your children beyond the extraordinary. You are gone but not yet forgotten; we are apart, but your spirit lives within me forever. God bless you as you rest in the bosom of our God Almighty. Daddy, until we meet again by the precious grace of God, may He hold you in the palm of His hands.
Adieu Nnaa Alu Echem onuu,
Papam nkweri ihem nko oma, larue n'udo- my father that loved me so much, go in perfect peace.
Your beloved and ever expected daughter,
Beatricx Ngozi Alu Eni,
-Nee Echem-