Dear Daddy,

Another year has rolled has rolled by since your funeral in 2018. I remember how we tried hard to make it one which honored your memory and celebrated your legacy. We strove to do things the way we thought you would want them done. I think we succeeded to a large extent. I hope you and all our critics will forgive our oversights.

Although you fell silent some months before your passing, you strove to communicate how you wanted things to be done. I saw in your eyes the frustration of a master craftsman whose tools have failed him, a musician whose instruments no longer worked. You were an energetic man, a ‘motor boy’ as Mum once described you in the slang of the 60’s. You always strove to improve the status quo, always on the go to somewhere, to set up something, to help someone. Your BP went down when you were busiest- crazy but true. So, when those fatal heart attacks slowed down your brilliant mind and body, slowed down your hectic schedules and scholarly contributions, you understandably felt deflated.

Your next best thing was to tell stories! I grew up on a rich diet of your true-life tales – who did what, when and where, why it mattered and how it affected our society or family. You were always objective and quite generous in your character assessments. You easily overlooked shortcomings, understood weaknesses and forgave even the gravest offences. I used to think this lack of reckoning was a flaw but I have since learnt that it was your strong suit. You did not burden yourself with pain of past betrayals but chose to see the best in people. You were a sincere man Dad, without guile. Even your mistakes were honest and your failings genuine. This counts for much.

I miss your wise counsel. Can’t count how many times I have yearned to get your advice on one thing or the other since you passed, especially cultural and academic matters. You excelled at both. I have had a few wins I sorely wanted to share with you, a few blunders I wish you could show me how to erase. You taught me to be unpretentious, now I wonder if the world still needs humility? I say my mind as you did but wonder if sycophancy wouldn’t be more appreciated? I work hard but maybe eye-service is the new meritocracy? So never again will we sit and discuss our issues? To reason things out in light of the Word of God and the wisdom of our ancestors?

Oh, how I miss you Dad.
Ugogbuzuo Ochakee!
Ocho Udo Nri!
Obinyelaku!
May God continue to give grace to your posterity for greater exploits and honour. May the good name you left for us remain untarnished in Jesus name.

Your daughter, Chineze.

Nwoke anaa! Never to share in this temporal life's pursuits and interests again.

But time does not change. We crawl, walk, run, slide, soar, sometimes limp, sit and then pass away. We are the ones passing, not time.

Everyday is a new day. A thankful day, a celebration day, a joy day. It all passes too quickly. I pass too quickly. Be wise! I must be wise. All that glitters fade easily...and quickly. Time remains. Is that not where eternity begins.

All living will go this way. We must then be wise for and to salvation. Life is long but painfully brief. Just enough of a heave to catch a breath and seek the Way, while there is moisture in one's breath.

We brought nothing in and can carry nothing out. Save the hope of salvation! If you discover truth and Truth settles on you, happy, blessed, and to be envied are you. All else is grass. Waste. Emptiness. 

Adieu Prof. F.A Obiokoye "Ocho-Udo Nri, I heard of your demise but was grateful to God for your good deeds and achievements which you accomplished in your life time. I remember in 1976, how you helped my widowed mother to make sure I went to secondary school, that help has today helped in molding me into what I am. Ugogbuzuo, you will always remain evergreen in the history of Umunwakugwu family, we lost a rare gem who believes in live and let live. A man who always stands for truth. 
My consolation is that you are able to bring up bright and brilliant children who will continue to propagate your good works.
Rest in the bottom of God, until we meet again.

A tribute to late Prof A.Obi-Okoye by Okika Ezekiel ,Publicity secretary NPU  
I have known and related with your family for a very long time not only because we hail from the same community but also because of the same faith we share.
Your faith in Jesus Christ was not hidden. The history and growth of Christianity in ancient city of Nri cannot be complete without you .
As a community leader you helped in stabilizing the ancient city of Nri when it faced its greatest threat in history. You laid the foundation for the peace and development we are witnessing today.
I am pretty sure your works will follow you as you rest in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Okika Ezekiel (Publicity secretary, NPU)

Prof Amandianeze Obi-Okoye, Ugogbuzuo, was a good man. In the dark days of Nri he was amongst the few who stood to be counted. He suffered so much injustice for his stand and believe but through it all remained unbowed and unshaken. A solid man who stood by his words and walked his talk. I have no doubt in my mind that if Ugogbuzuo spent have the time he spent in the pursuit of Nri welfare on any business or profitable venture he chose, considering his brilliance and doggedness, he would have excelled tremendously. But it is the mark of the goodness in him and his unquantifiable love for Nri that he willingly chose to spend his time, energy and resources on the peace, growth and development of Nri in all ramifications. I grew up hearing of Amandianeze Okoye from Osadebe in his song "Nri Sports Club" and wondering who this great man was and eventually getting to meet and associate with him and being inspired by his drive and love for Nri to tow his line. As I write my deepest pain is that he left this world before I could make amends to a hurt I inflicted on him (albeit done without malice nor intentionally but following his footsteps in the pursuit of the development of Nri) by destroying his fence while constructing the road passing his house. I believe that he will look down from heaven and see the beautiful road when completed and forgive me in the deep knowledge that I could have not done otherwise. Ugogbuzuo, the candle you kept aglow is glowing brighter and brighter. Nri is moving in the direction you helped steer it and getting stronger and stronger. You will forever be remembered in Nri as a man who came, saw, fought and conquered. May your truly gentle soul rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord and in the knowledge that your fight was the right fight and that you and your team won. Adieu Sir.

Posted on behalf of Elder Albert C. Egbuniwe
Tribute to my most Cherished Brother and Friend 
We have learnt to abide by the words of God that in everything that happens to us, we have to give thanks to God. We give thanks to God believing that God who has allowed this happen will happily receive you in His bosom. Moreover, considering the time that this sickness lasted, I know that you have surely confessed you sins to God and asked for His mercy and forgiveness upon you.
We became so close as brothers and friends right from infancy and that had made possible for me to visit you in all the locations where you were posted as a primary school teacher then. You saw the world as a place where your heart design must be accomplished despite the lean resources to attain your educational height. In-spite of these obstacles you determined to make these desires become reality. You passed through many hurdles to attain the most respected height as a professor. You labored with surpassing zeal and tenacity- which is the base of your successes in life.
Apart from achieving your heart desires in academia, you did not loose sight of training your children, so much so that none of them is without a good academic certificate; they are all graduates!
I saw in you the spirit of love and truthfulness in dealing with your fellow human beings. You did not waiver or shake when you stood on the part of truth. That character of yours made me associate with you as a brother and a friend. 
For a long time now, you have prepared yourself as a vessel for the Lord, confessing the Lordship of Jesus, practicing the faith, and disassociating yourself from being a member of Ozo titled holders, a title you took in the mid-eighties. Your love for humanity and your faith in Christ are reasons I am convinced that you are in the bosom of our Lord and have received the crown of faith you fought for.
Go well OCHOMMA OBODO YA AND OCHO UDO UMUNNA, until we meet to part no more.
Elder Albert C. Egbuniwe and family

Posted on behalf of Ichie F. M. O. Uzoegbo and family

Exit of the Trail Blazer Professor (Chief) Amandianeze Felix Obi-Okoye.

Prof. (Chief) A. F. Obi Okoye, the news of your demise came to me with the rudest shock! You were an ideal patriot and a great achiever in the field of education. You were an erudite scholar, a renowned writer and an accomplished lecturer. In the area of social and human relations, your effort and contribution in the building and handover of a befitting science block by year age grade-Udoafulukwe, to the Nri Community cannot be easily forgotten; the science block was donated to the Lake-city Secondary School Nchake, Uruofolo village, Nri.
As a great philanthropist, you helped many young boys and girls to secure admission into tertiary institutions and universities. Because of your strong belief in human capacity building, you could not bear to see young people waste away; you exerted yourself to see good come to others.
You served as Secretary-General of Nri People’s Club; because of your strength, courage, strong will, optimism, and dynamism, you were elected Secretary-General of Nri Progress Union (NPU) and later became the President-General of Nri Progress Union; you were a member of the Board of Directors, Nri Micro-Finance Bank Ltd. Prof, you asserted yourself in important issues without fear or favor; you were not intimidated by chauvinism. You were always in the fore front of the struggle against anti-societal ills. Ocho-Udo, you were a Nigerian who abhorred injustice in all its ramifications. You were charitable, honest, accommodating, and kind. These were your traits and practices, worthy of praise! Your death, my friend, is a colossal loss for Nri peoples in particular and Nigeria in general.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 says our bodies will return to the dust of the earth and the breath of life will go back to God who gave it to us. It has now happened so for you.
Felix, you were my best and intimate friend, age-mate, mentor, and a good neighbor. I will continue to miss your company, honest advice, and jolly jokes. Our solace is that you lived an exemplary fulfilled Christian life. Your children will relive the legacies that you left behind. It hurts that you are no more! The good Lord knows why He called you home to rest.
Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more!
Adieu Ugogbuzue, adieu my best friend!!
Ichie F.M.O. Uzoegbo and family

Posted on behalf of Mrs. Theresa A. N. Obi-Okoye (Wife)

My lovable and loving husband, my companion of many years, and the father of our children, your passing to glory is still a huge shock to me.

Our children and I draw consolation and strength from God’s word; He is our Comforter and our Strength at this time. We know that your death in the Lord is precious in His eyes (Ps116:15). Though we mourn, it is as a people who have hope. Christ is our hope and He does not make ashamed. Thus, our confidence in the Lord is the victory that overcomes the world and the pain of the present time.
I especially call to memory our days of togetherness, the joyful living, the varied challenges, the many triumphs, and finally, our embracing Christ; He became to us an Author and Finisher of sorts, building us, protecting us, nudging us along the faith path.
Our life together took us to different parts of Nigeria and the world. Notably, we have spent time in Onitsha, Jos, Perth (Western Australia) - where you did your PhD as a commonwealth scholar, and Awka. We transited many parts and places and, in the end, settled in Christ. What a journey it has been!
Many times, I worried you would wear out fighting other people’s fights, bearing other people’s burdens, in the kindred, the Nri community, at work, and in Anambra state. You had a good heart, a hospitable soul, and enough energy to light up a room! very many times you were the life of your circle. These were some of the threads that made you a notable man! A great man.
Although this is a painful time for me and I do not understand it all, I give the Lord thanks for His manifold mercies and all the good He has brought our way. I and the children God gave us are grateful to have shared our lives with you. You were indeed a light, now dimmed.
I am gratified that you found grace to confess Christ to the end. Your race has ended; we must now continue to run ours! Glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who causes us to walk in triumph in all things!
Adieu Felly!
Mrs. Theresa Obi-Okoye
Wife

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER, ON TEACHERS DAY 2018.
My Dad slept in the Lord roughly a month ago, on the 30th of August. His passing shook me to my core and for weeks thereafter, I couldn’t speak of it, couldn’t think about it, and certainly couldn’t write of it. But today being teacher’s day, as I reflected on the teachers who most impacted my life, I realized that my Dad, Professor Amandianeze Felix Obi-Okoye outranks them all.
Dad lost his own father at a very tender age so schooling was a struggle despite his exceptional brilliance. Little wonder he esteemed his hard-earned education so highly. By Gods grace and with the help of some of philanthropic kindred, townsmen and the church, Dad cleared his standard six exam with flying colours, the best in the region.
Dad passed his love of education to all his children. We lived in a house full of books, stacked high from floor to ceiling in every room. I read them all before I was 12. Children’s books, cartoons, fables, myths and legends, periodicals, academic journals and text books, if it was on the shelf, I read it. And so it was that Daddy took me round the world at an early age, right from the confines of our home.
He held me to high standards, corrected my grammar at every opportunity, whether I was speaking English or Igbo. I proofread articles that he wished to edit and was reprimanded if I ever failed to make appropriate corrections. Merely passing an exam was out of the question, he expected me to excel as he had, to make a mark. He taught me to value truth, hard work and family; to shun greed and ostentation. “Say your truth and be free, tow the line and be a slave of conscience” he would say. Daddy taught me to be comfortable being different, to form and hold my own opinion, to respect myself, to fight for a cause I believed in. His high expectations propelled me in every endeavor that I undertook. 
When I complained how exacting my Dad was, a post graduate student of his looked at me in disbelief. “We call him Daddy”, he said, “everybody loves him, such a jolly good fellow. He brags about you in class you know, his smart lawyer daughter who would soon become his colleague in the academia.” And though I fought it, years later, I found myself inexorably drawn to teaching - and loving it! 
I would watch in awe as my affable father transformed into a great orator before my very eyes. Dad would hold classrooms spellbound during lectures, hold town meetings riveted to his words, hold political gatherings captivated and convinced of his leadership. He served his society passionately and selflessly, a visionary leader and yet, a humble and approachable man. It seemed that every knock on our door was someone seeking a bit advice, encouragement, the sagacity for which my dad was renowned.
You are my hero today and always Daddy. The ‘teachingest’ teacher who ever lived. You’ve raised and mentored leaders of thought in our society and accross the nations: the crowning glory of every great teacher. Countless times and in many places, inside and outside the country, I’ve been asked, “I bu nwa Amandianeze/Are you Felix’s daughter?” and my affirmative nod is invariably met with squeals of delight and glowing accounts of your pedagogy, your wit, your candour.
It is an to have honor to have been raised by you Dad. I miss you so much but rest assured, you've left a profound heritage inside each of us. Generations, young and unborn, will hear of you and marvel at so blessed a man.
Ochu-udo, Ezigbo nnam, ugwu gi si na Chi! Your time on earth shone brightly, a flame lit, emblazoned and sustained by God Himself. And when your time was up, in His mercy, God prepared you for transition into the greatest glory of all - eternal life in Christ Jesus. Ugogbuzuo nnam achakeee n'ime Chineke!
Your grestest fan and loving daughter,
~Chineze Obi-Okoye Ibekwe, PhD (Law)

Posted On behalf of Dr. A. C. Obi-Okoye
Prof. Chief Amandianeze Felix Ekegboogu Obi-Okoye was my first brother and second child of the five survived children of our late parents, Chief Obinyelaku Okoye and Iyom Catherine Mgbafocha Obi-Okoye, of Umunwakugwu Kindred, Uruofolo Village, Nri in Anaocha LGA, Anambra State.
Amandianeze, like all of us his siblings, had a very humble beginning in life having lost our father in the mid-fifties when he was in junior primary at then St Mary’s Anglican Prim. School, Nri. He was a very brilliant pupil, passed his standard six external exam in Distinction, and won scholarship to Anglican Teachers Training College, Alor. He taught for 2 years, then got admitted into St Marks College, Nibo/Nise in 1966 and graduated in 1970 because of the Nigeria/Biafra civil war. He taught for 6 years at O’sha before gaining admission to UniJos in 1976, graduating 2,1 in 1979. After his Masters degree, he won a Commonwealth Scholarship Degree and obtained a Ph.D from Murdock University, Perth, W. Australia, returning to Nigeria with his family in 1989. He was a lecturer at College of Education, Nsugbe, and at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. He left no stone unturned in helping his kinsmen secure admissions into these Institutions and in advancing employment opportunities whenever possible.
Amandianeze married/wedded former Miss Theresa A N Abana during the civil war, and are blessed with 8 children, all university graduates, working in various disciplines. He took Ozo Nri Title in 1985, choosing Ugogbuzuo Ochekee as his title name.
My late brother was a man of the people, very well liked, a mentor and a community organizer. He was always engaging in progressive ideologies. He was at different times President, Nri Students Union, pioneer Chairman, Udokafulukwe Age Grade Nri, Organizing Secretary Nri Sports Club and is its last member to pass on; Secretary NUT Onitsha Zone, a member of the Select Abuja Peace Delegation, Chairman & Head Umunwakugwu Kindred, Secretary of Nri Constitution Drafting Committee 1997/98, Secretary General NPU (1998-2001), President General NPU (2001-2004), was a former Nri Microfinance Bank Board Member, Secretary ASATU, etc.
Amandianeze played very significant roles in advancing peaceful development in Nri Community and was conferred with the Title of Ocho-Udo-Nri by EzeNri His Makesty Obidiegwu Onyesoh in 2012.
My first brother, Professor, Chief Amandianeze Felix Obi-Okoye, was a great man, a problem solver who never looked back in helping people with quality advice or financial assistance. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loved his community very much. He will be missed by so many.
Adieu my brother and may Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace In The Bosom of the Almighty God.
From Dr. Ambrose C Obi-Okoye.
(Oba Gbulugbulu Na Nri)

A calm, self assured mein is what meets the eye on first contact with Professor Amandianeze Felix Obiokoye. Among his peers, he stands out like a " Colossus " his contemporaries pay obeisance to him for his uncommon guts. And generally I agreed that a "Chronicle" of the " Great Nri of Aniocha in Anmbra State can not be completed without recognizing the grave contributions of Professor Amandianeze Felix Obi-Okoye because if there were no stories behind headlines, great people will not make news. Such news becomes historic when it is written about people with wisdom knowledge and understanding in achievements made in their chosen fields.
 History, they say replete with stories of people who literally shaped their own world, great personalities who influenced society in various ways . One of such rare gem in Nigeria is Professor Amandianeze Felix Obi-Okoye. HE IS GONE! HE IS GONE!! How would we speak your name in years to come? I believe you will be known as " Philosopher! A warrior! Preacher of good & Vendor of good ! A man who gave Nri & Obi-Okoye her true face .   Oh God give us men like this!
Men of honour!
Men of sages!
Men with strong faith
Men with great mind
Men who can turn shame to fame, shame to shade
Men who can stand Before a demagogue
Men like Professor Amandianeze Felix Obiokoye! Hilary Zig Ziglar! John Wesley! Lelarnd Foster Wood! Ralp Waldo Emerson! Baltasar Gralian ....
Not men with Professions and little Deeds!
Mingle in selfish strife,
Lo! Freedom weeps!
Wrong rules the land and
Waiting justice sleep!    Farewell Papa!!     From l Daniel (Billy Ocean)Unilever Kenya

Words fail me describe the great man that you were. Dad was a man of peace, standing always for the truth and against oppression. He was a rallying point for so many; his peers, the old and young all looked up to him. If ever a spokesperson, arbiter or middle man was needed for 'mission impossibles' at the family, umunna, community ,work and other levels then he was surely the man to look for. He fought for justice and the cause of others with so much impartiality. Many times we had guests who had come to appreciate him for resolving conflicts, paying school fees, securing opportunities and the like. He believed that a Christian should be known by good works.His oratory prowess, articulation and record keeping skills were second to none.
Dad, you taught us your children hard work, diligence and focus. You laid the good academic foundation which we enjoy today. 
Dad, we would miss you but we rejoice that you left a lasting legacy and have gone to be with the Lord free from the cares of this world. Rest on!

Thank God for a life so fullfilled. This i say because of the legacy of Righteous choices i see the children take, this could only have been because of the kind of tree they are extracted from.
Rest prof.

To understand my dad you have to start with one simple premise, he was not meant to exist. Since he did he was going to matter!
His father died in his early teens. Before that he had lost several brothers and sisters to sickle cell. Of the five siblings that survived he was the second of five. In a culture where families don’t survive without a patriarch he did and thrived as did his siblings. He left elementary school after his father’s death to farm some of the family lands, so it would not be stolen from his widowed mother. As a result, he could not attend high/secondary school. When his siblings where older and he in his early twenties he started to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. He wanted to be a teacher because he saw poverty as a lack of educational resources and, a lack of finance. He took his GCE A-levals, passed and without ever going to high/secondary school was admitted into college. He went on from there to earn a commonwealth scholarship for a PhD in English and Literature. My dad retired as a professor of English and Literature. Most of his life was dedicated to helping others. He saw his increasing influence as a way to serve his community.
So many great memories of my dad! Some I appreciated more as an adult than I did as a kid.
I remember getting a homework paper that I had forgotten about until it was due the next day while in Manning, Western Australia. My dad offered to help as I expected after he finished telling me how to approach the paper. He then asked me when it was due. I told him tomorrow knowing he’d help. My dad was a doctoral candidate and he loved to teach and write. He told me to leave the homework for me and give it to me in the morning.
Sure enough the next morning my dad delivered; three pages of well written article and an outline.
Only problem was it was clear that a fourteen-year-old could not have written that.
It wasn’t accidental. He wrote to show me it was possible and provided the outline so I could follow it and write my own but he was sure not going to let me copy his work.
I remember asking my dad why he worked so hard to help so many people, especially in the education arena. He told the story of this wealthy man from my home town. The man had an elementary school education and still managed to become a wealthy businessman, so he didn’t see the need for his kids to get an education beyond elementary school. What did my dad do? He would trick the man into financing one project or another and he combined it with his money to put the man’s kids into secondary and tertiary education.
My dad was for all; fought for education, peace amongst brothers, peace in our communities, truth and accountability. He sometimes admitted to me and close friends when he got something wrong but always believed that you forgive a lot to get a lot. He was not a true politician, but he knew the art of compromise (for the greater good) without damaging one’s character.
At one point during his sixties my dad had three professorial jobs in two states, just an abundance of energy and reluctant to let obstacles move him. He and my mom met during the civil war and she knew immediately he was a rising star. At his death, even with so many accomplishments he is still a rising star!
My dad mattered to his wife, my mom. My dad mattered to his kids, in-laws and grand kids. My dad mattered to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. My dad mattered to his Nri community. My dad mattered to his Igbo and Nigerian communities. My dad matters across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans where he learnt and taught. My dad matters in education. My dad matters in history. My dad’s legacy matters through us and all who have been touched and will be touched by his sacrifices.
Lessons from Dad
• Probably the most important lesson I learnt from Dad is tomorrow is not given, it is promised that if you apply yourself it will be bright.
• Truth and character are worthy legacies
• Christ at the start, Christ in the middle and Christ at the end, Jesus Christ always
• Forgive much to gain everything
• Being a man means doing whatever it takes for those that depend on you
• What you allow will touch your life, what you don’t will not even touch you but it might shake the ground around you
• Cherish what you have, but don’t be complacent about it
• Time is valuable, use and master it
• Honor
• Integrity
• Don’t wallow on a loss

What other legacy can a man leave, that will be better than raising a generation of individuals that would keep making the world a better place.
Daddy, we didn't know you in your active years, but we could tell the kind of person you were based on the good work of your off-springs, who goes about in the world showcasing the good deeds they learnt from you. The facts of your good deed on earth speaks for itself through the people you left behind.
May God Almighty grant you rest forever in his Bosom. Jee Nke Oma Onye Nkuzi.
                         ___Barr. & Barr. (Mrs.) Uche and Maureen Nwafor.

My dad was a jolly good fellow who loved to contribute to make good things happen; Prof had a large heart and got into many fights to make positive change. He loved a good laugh and didn't shy from lending a helping hand.
From a youth, he was a light to his community and a shinning example of a progressive. Prof worked hard to excel and was an inspiration to many; no doubt he continues to inspire. He mixed early with people much older than himself, no wonder then he was ahead of his peers!
Prof grew up a teacher and remained a teacher at heart all his days. He loved the arts and culture and grew to be acquainted with the culture of Christ, in Whom he now rests. indeed, a light dims...