First impressions are usually indelible in our souls, not always. But stays when such impression was so memorable and lively.
It was a vey unusual encounter the day I met Prof. Ezepue. I was not so scared that a female mate friend will be so bold to invite a male friend to their house. Judging from my late father’s experience ; Onye chibe gi nya bu Ozo.
The encounter was so frightening when I saw a face that cannot be matched with his words. ‘ Nna a, baa …….Nno! Sounded Greek to me. And did not made the soft cushion to be soft to me . But not too long I sat. I saw in a person so different from any other father I have met. The whole room was filled with laughter. I laughed that I forgot that I was actually with my female friend’s Dad. The story of how he went to Biafra war with apt demonstration made me wonder so actually ‘ Na enwere ndi ekere mbosi Uka’. People created with full ingridents of life and all the angels at a work that day.
For anybody who came across Prof, will know he is a rare gem. He was not a conventional being just like any other person. His specie comes in a lifetime. Humility met with intelligence, His sense of humor was second to none. A heart that accepts every character just to bring out the best in the person. He was our age to stay with us. But then in all he did he impacted all the knowledge of life in us.
He made me a member of his family in unimaginable manner. From the encounter, her daughter became nothing to me rather than My blood.
I won’t forget the day he cracked a joke about that my first visit, ‘ Izu, honestly I have never known that the banana and groundnut you brought to the house that day was to chase my daughter. I felt you came to be part of us because she had told me you are a prayerful Christian. Na I bu Nwa Mary. If I have known I would have given her to you in marriage. But never mind another of my daughter is still around if you are still interested ‘ I laughed infectiously.
And till this moments put smiles to my souls whenever I remember it.
You saw life meaningless and lived it futfilled.
You loved everyone around you happy, you infected it much.
You did not believe morals should be thought with frown face.
In the peak of every Joke, there is a lesson passed.
You had a face that is in contrast to your personality.
You can detect the heartbeat of the very commoner.
You are in every class and made problems meaningless.
By approaching the difficulties of life with vanity spirit.
You loved family.
You loved humanity.
You infected them so much with your love and care.
To your lovely wife, who have been with you for a lifetime. May God console you Mum. Mike has gone back to the Father.. To Chinedu(St. Dumo), Ify, Emeka, Ogo, Ike Eh and Oge. I will say we lost a great treasure. Not forever because we will all be with him in heaven one day.
As the earth mourn, Heaven is rejoicing that a good man came back home.
Eternal Rest grant unto him O! Lord…. And let perpetual light shine on him.
May he Rest In Peace, Amen.
Ka Odi, Nwachinaemelu Na Ogidi.