Tribute to Sir. S. S Oleru - From Pastor Chisom Terex-Okere (Christ Embassy Egbu Group)


Daddy, I thank God for the opportunity to know someone like you. Your life typified forthrightness as well as godliness with contentment and you truly lived a fulfilled life.
I clearly remember how excited you were whenever we had opportunity to share the word of God with you. I will always hold dear those special moments and the many stories you used to tell with so much detail and clarity. The acuteness of your mind was not eroded by years, coupled with a good sense of humor.
I'm glad that you confessed the Lordship of Jesus and held on to Him till the end. Sleep on till resurrection morning. I'll miss you sir!

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED UNCLE- NDA SILVA

By Andee Iheme, fnipr

I knew Uncle Silva from a distance. His reputation as an outstanding and dogged trade unionist and defender of the downtrodden went before him. On one or two occasions that I sat through his visit to my father, Patrick Iheme, Nda Silva came through as a very articulate conversationalist in both English and the Owerri dialect of the igbo language. He held strong views on national issues and was unapologetic about his Christianity.
The gap that exists in my knowledge of Nda Silva, is adequately filled looking at his children. For a man who gave all his children the level and quality of education they have, he must be applauded, even in death, as a quintessential father who valued education. With Nda Silva gone, he still lives in the legacies he left behind even as evidenced in his children. Today, these kids have taken Nda's legacies a notch higher by contributing immensely to the socio-economic growth of Nigeria as entrepreneurs. In the health, educational and other sectors, they have made Egbu people and entire ndigbo proud indeed.
On behalf of myself and family, I pray that Nda Silva's soul finds repose in the bossom of the Lord. May God also console his immediate family and other relatives. Adieu Nda Silva.

   In loving memory of a great man, a man of wisdom, kindness, and strength. His gentle direction and steadfast love helped shape many people into who they are today. He will always occupy a particular place in our hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, grandfather; your memories will always be loved.
La nke oma papa.

"God indeed has renewed every aspect of your life"
The last time I saw my uncle was in December of 2022. We had a happy get together. As a direct person he was, he instructed his helper to keep what I brought in a safe place. ( Ma a nukwala akuko sha i choga ya a choga), he uttered.
Ndam was charismatic, intelligent, fearless and a very direct man. He never minced words. Ndam and his late wife, ndam Grace believed strongly in education. This can be seen in the way their children have proven themselves in their different professional fields. We have a Hospital today in Egbu because of their son. I do thank the children in celebrating him last year in a special way.
Ndam, you lived your life. The Olerus and other relatives will greatly miss you. May you rest in peace.

Thank you for the great memories Grandpa. The joy to always have us, and the enthusiasm about our progress. Oh how blessed I am to get 34+ years with you. I enjoyed your stories, your refreshments, the memorable car rides with you, and many more.
You gave us culture, inspired our expressions, were the focal point of the great African extended family reunion. You were home to us all.
The pride that was written all over you whenever you were with any of your grandchildren tops my fondest thoughts of you. You were proud of us.
Lastly, thank you for the honour you gave my mom. She served you with love. God has called you Grandpa, to rest with your ancestors. What a heritage. God rest your soul.

I love you forever Grandad.

In the annals of time, my venerable grandfather, at the age of 96, has gracefully departed, leaving a legacy of sagacity, fortitude, and familial love. His intellect, akin to a guiding beacon, illuminated minds with profound wisdom accumulated over decades. A raconteur of the highest order, he delighted in regaling us with tales of youthful exploits and daring adventures, affectionately addressing me as "King David," a moniker that spoke of his lofty aspirations for us.

Even in the twilight of his years, he maintained a keen awareness of the world around him, ensuring no one underestimated his cognizance. His pursuit of excellence was unrelenting, and he wore his pride in our academic and professional achievements like a badge of honour, always eager to share our successes with anyone who would listen.

Amid life's tribulations, he remained steadfast, a paragon of resilience and unwavering determination. His fatherly embrace forged bonds of love and integrity within our family, providing solace and strength through the trials of life.

Farewell, dear grandfather, your departure leaves a void, yet your legacy of wisdom, storytelling, and celebratory pride in your protege.
shall endure, a testament to a life well-lived and cherished eternally.

From
David Elyon (Grandson)

Good Morning GrandDad,

I remember one of my recent visits to you in February 2024, with Kingsley Oparaeke; your first grandchild. You two were chatting away, and I made to capture that beautiful moment with my camera. As soon as my camera light came on in the living room, you asked what that light was. I said it was my phone camera light.

And you said: “oh no, you want to capture me slumped in my chair like this, people will now think your GrandDad is weak.”

We all laughed, and I said: “No GrandDad, not at all. In fact, let me delete. I will capture you when you sit up.”

Then you said: “You know, I’d soon be 100 right? I’m now like a baby” And we all laughed again.


I would miss your humour and the storytelling of your vast life experiences. You took pride in seeing people grow. You encouraged effort. You were so proud of your grandchildren. You sang our praises to everyone that interacted with you. As one, who had the honour of sharing some of life’s timeline with you, I consider myself blessed to have watched you age most gracefully. Many would give the world to be blessed with such a long and healthy life. And just like Elijah said to Elisha;
“...if you see me when I’m taken from you, it will be yours”,
I am most comforted that the Universe and the heavens conjured to have your daughter, Mrs Ogugua Ugoji, witness your peaceful transition, as your transition caught us all unawares. And thus, through her we tap into the blessing.


Walk, Great Son of Oleru, through the halls of your Ancestors, in whose mighty company, you shall not be ashamed.


Yours Truly,
Goziem Ugoji,
Grandson.

Grandy dad!! You lived well. I was confident you'd be raptured because even in your aged body you were as vibrant as a young man. The eloquence of your speech, your attention to the finest details of your house, your disdain for laxity and stagnancy... Papa you were truly one of a kind. I remember avoiding your company as a little girl because you'd always ask me questions on algebra and I hated it... Eventually I got acquainted with your pattern and would prepare myself before coming to you. Amidst your rigidity and strictness you were kind, always open to our company. I won't ever forget the "kola" you presented to anyone that stepped foot in your house- fresh groundnuts and soft drinks... Ah... Nostalgic!!
I love and truly miss you sir!
Rest well great man!!
Adieu the great emeritus!!
Adieu granddad



-Your granddaughter
Dr Jessemiel Elyon

In loving memory of my dear grandad,

Though I was little when he was around, his impact on me was immense. With his contagious laughter and playful spirit, he lit up our lives like no other. Whether it was a silly joke or an impromptu game, he always found a way to make us smile. His legacy lives on in the joy he brought to us, his children, and in the cherished memories we hold dear. Rest in peace, dear grandad, your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.

Oh What a world,

Lead kindly light amidst this world.

Nnayi SS, is one of the rear gem ever lived.
You person,carisma,love and Passion is more than per excellence within the Umuezeorji,Mpama village,Egbu community and beyond.

I still remember this at your door step: Nun sibi ce alis.and how you will always recognize me in your resounding voice by saying : Is that Ancient?

You will be ever remembered because you fought a good fight and now the battle is done.

Rest on Nnanyi SS as your soul is in perfect peace.

Ga ije gi nke oma.

ANCIENT

He is without a doubt the most observant, attentive and knowledgeable man I have met. Compassionate and humble, he represents the man I wish to be. With a contagious smile and infectious laugh, he turns heads every time he talks
Rest in peace Nna Anyi S.S

Kingsley Chiemeka Emeribe-Oleru

My dearest grandad. He lit up every room he went in to. He supported each of his many grandchildren no matter the distance. As a child I looked forward to him coming to Texas every year-especially during the summer time. Whenever he was in town and I had a home track meet, he was in attendance. I will miss him dearly. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Love, your favorite track star.

For my Grandpa:

Your legacy cannot be overstated. You were exemplary in your career and your family life. Although we lived on different continents, you always welcomed me warmly when we came together. Thank you for your leadership, great conversation, and kindness. I will always cherish the memories we shared.

Love always, your granddaughter Nicole

Dear Grandad,
Here we are again, reminded of the fragility of life. Writing this tribute means accepting that you are no longer with us. Everyone says you lived a long and fulfilled life; while I agree, why am I so sad? Could it be because your presence was a comforting embrace, a source of strength in good and bad times? A man of honor, dedicated to God and his family. When I express my opinions confidently, I remember you fondly. Holding my hand in the living room, reminding me softly but firmly of whose Granddaughter I am. You were the loudest one in the room about your children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Many memories to share, but I will keep them safe in my heart.

To you Grandad, thank you for the wise words shared that lit my path forward with clarity and grace. Thank you for teaching us the value of hard work, integrity, loyalty and kindness. Thank you for your love that knew no bounds, reaching out to each of us with warmth and understanding. As I reflect on the moments we shared, I am filled with gratitude for the legacy you left behind. Now I have these stories to share with my children, your great grandchildren, stories about a man who inspired me to live with purpose and compassion. 

Thank you for 96 years; what a blessing.
Rest in God’s bosom, knowing that you are forever loved and cherished.

With love,
Ekeoma Elekwachi (Nee Ugoji)
Granddaughter.

To my dearest grandad, I’m so grateful for the moments that we shared, and I know you are with us always in spirit. I thank God for the robust life that you lived—you still had your strength and your wit until your last breath. I’ll never forget drinking Fanta together in front of your compound and the incredible stories and wisdom that you would always share. You will continue to be remembered as a man of magnificence and your footprints will live on forever. There are no tears here because I can only beam with joy when I think about how you carried out your nearly 97 incredible years on this earth. Rest easy, grandad, until we meet again.

-Your 1st granddaughter

Sir S.S Oleru a.k.a Grand dad was a great man. Ever so present during my childhood. We celebrate the life that he lived and I am grateful to God for letting me be a part of it. A beautiful and rewarding 96 years that is. I have many fond memories of Grand dad. Some that I hold dear to my heart include him calling me “Dummie, Dummie” short for Dumebi, his never ending supply of mineral and ground nuts, his love for multiple electronic gadgets, his welcoming attitude towards guests and him always showing photos of his grandchildren and family to anybody who visited him. He always wanted the best for his grandchildren, and he was a strong advocate for all of us to pursue higher education. Mpama, Egbu will not be the same without him as a void has been created in his absence. Nevertheless, we take solace in knowing that Sir S.S Oleru lived an enriched and maximumly fulfilled life in good health and wealth.



His Grand Daughter,

Amaraoma Chidumebi Ugoji

In loving tribute to my grandfather, a beacon of positivity, whose infectious laughter lit up every room. With unwavering integrity, he nurtured his children, instilling in them the courage to achieve greatness. Fondly remembered for his captivating stories, each tale a tapestry of humor and wisdom. Your legacy of love and laughter will forever guide and inspire us.

~ Kingsley Nnamdi Oparaeke | First Grandson