Daddy,
Today you would have been 88. They say time heals all wounds - I'm still waiting.........

Nneka

Happy birthday Uncle Chike, may God continue to bless and rest your soul amen.

Happy Birthday in heaven Uncle! I miss u!

Okey & Eleanor Nwadinobi


Our Provost: a
lawyer, clergyman, entrepreneur and a friend in deed

In our journey through life, we pass through several circumstances and in the process come across different types of people. These people come in different modes and character. As we get older, we learn to differentiate our friends based on the areas of our lives where they fit in best and satisfy our needs. The Very Rev Chike Nwizu satisfied most needs from friends to me.

My first contact with The Very Rev Chike Nwizu, Provost Emeritus, Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Achi Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was like reconnecting with a loved member of your family you hadn’t been in contact with for a very long time. The Very Rev Chike Nwizu new my father very well and treated me not like a friend’s son but like a biological son. He indeed, claimed quite a number of us as his sons. To each of us he gave a special name. My special name from him is Chinyelugo. I didn’t just like it but liked the affectionate way he pronounced it.

Provost played different roles in my life. As President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, he hired our Company, Dawn Functions Nigeria Ltd (ECCIMA), to provide advertising and research services. It was from this business engagement that I developed a long lasting and beneficial relationship with ECCIMA and it took me to the zenith, as President, also.

I was a casual church goer to All Saints Church, Abakiliki road, until the Very Rev Chike Nwizu approached and drafted my young family and I and a few others to become pioneer members of the congregation of The Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Achi Street, Independence layout. From his prodding and encouragement, I became a church warden and grew to become a member of Church Council and Synod planning Committee, for several years.

Provost, as we fondly called him, baptized 3 of our children, dedicated our office and home and was always there to pray and spiritually uplift us. Entertaining us in his home was always a pleasure and joy for him. He was there for me and my family, always. The father figure was always there. He stood firmly by me at all times, including the challenges I faced in my business concern. He intervened as a lawyer and a priest and resolved all issues in such a remarkable way that endeared to both parties to him.

We were indeed special to him. He pronounced Eleanor’s name in a very unique way as Eli-anor in-spite of being teased by his daughter, Nneka. He was indeed a pillar of support.

Provost was truly a good man, he was outstanding and was a man of the people. We will miss him.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Okey & Eleanor Nwadinobi.
Thursday June 10, 2021

Thanks for your inspirational service and total dedication. Good night.

Your departure is hard to contain.
You have run the good race, it's time to receive your crown of glory.
May God grant your soul eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.
Adieu.
Rest in peace.

Uzoamaka Nwofor nee Irono

Dear Rev Chike Nwizu
Very sad to hear your sudden death..
Your achievements, accomplishments is really exemplary and speak loudly for themselves.
Cathedral Church of the God shepherd Enugu, was your baby and you nurtured it to full adulthood.
Your generosity, philanthropy and kindness were visible for all to see.
May you rest in peace till we meet again

YOUR EX-WORKER
NURSE EDITH CHIOMA AJOGWU
*TO A FORMER BOSS TURNED DADDY*...
DADDY YOUR DEMISE CAME AS A SHOCK TO ME BECAUSE YOU WERE MORE OF A DADDY THAN A BOSS TO ME. YOUR CARE, PASSION AND UNDYING LOVE FOR YOUR FAMILY, PASSION, WORK, AND MINISTRY TAUGHT ME WHAT TRUE LOVE REALLY MEANS . DADDY, AM MISSING THOSE STORIES, HYMNS, MORNING DEVOTIONS AND YOUR UNENDING SMILES. YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME AND PUSH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WAS SECOND TO NONE. I KNOW YOU ARE THERE WITH GOD WATCHING US. I HOPE TO MEET YOU THERE SOMEDAY BUT FOR NOW, YOU WILL FOREVER BE ALIVE IN MY HEART.

To My Dear Uncle, The Very Rev. Chike Nwizu.

I remember that night you walked into the orthopedic ward in all your grace to come visit my Dad who was admitted at the hospital for a broken femur. You estolled me for being at the hospital and told me how glad you were. What touched me most was the heart felt prayer you said for his speedy recovery and went the extra mile to pray for every other person in the ward. That was my proudest moment of being your nephew.
Uncle you have been the piller of Nwizu family and has helped so many members of the family achieve greater heights with just a note.
We will miss your fatherly advice and your prayers.
Rest on sir.
Your nephew
Ikechukwu Nwizu.
(Ifeakanwanne)

Growing up, I always viewed Uncle Chike as the stern strong head of the NFRC (Nwizu Family Ruling Council) as we joked about our uncles back then. I remember the Xmas holidays in Nnewi, where he and his brothers (my uncles), would spend a lot of time together on the verandah of his house in nnewi, playing scrabble, talking or having their meals. At the beginning , it was just his house and my dad, his brothers and their families all found a way to pack themselves into that one house . Before other houses starting springing up in the compound. That generosity of accommodating all his siblings and ensuring that they all came home for Christmas is the major reason that the Nwizu family ended up as a close knit family. I even remember the times my cousins would fight and have to stand before the NFRC to explain the cause of the fight . And when we had to act plays or have musical shows for them . All part of the unity .

Growing up, I started viewing my uncle as a more loving and caring uncle . One who attended all the events in the Nwizu family . Always willing to support in anyway possible . I also understood more that how he was then glue that held things together .

We will surely miss you uncle and you go to join your siblings and cousins who all departed recently .

Goodbye Uncle Chike as you go to be with the Lord .

GRACE GROUP CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD ACHI STREET INDEPENDENCE LAYOUT ENUGU
07036430899, 08033826933

14th June, 2021.
TRIBUTE TO THE VERY. REV'D CHIKE NWIZU,

Writing a tribute in honour of provost as fondly addressed is not an issue, because everyone has one or two remarkable things to say about him.

Despite his position in the hierarchy of the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd then, he was down to earth, taking time not only to know members of the church, but also locating their homes.

He was an aggressive soul winner, welcoming and admitting new converts and giving them seeming minor responsibilities to give them a sense of belonging.

Very Rev'd Chike Nwizu was warm and receptive, even where he may not vividly remember the name of someone, his looks never betray his imagination.

A smart lawyer and an articulate accountant, with a firm resolve to do the right.
His tutelage and mentorship was most sought.

Man cannot stop the move of the Almighty, else we would have wished you stay longer, but we should be consoled in the words of st. Paul in 1 thes 4:13-18.

You shall be greatly missed!
Good night to the one and only Provost of the Cathedral!

Written by Barr. Lady Diana Adeoye (JP)
Deputy Group Leader.

Signed:                                                                  Mrs Chioma Puja (JP)                                             
Group Leader                                                    

Secretary
Mrs. Nkem Nwanze                                                                                 

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED GRANDPA: THE VERY REV’D CHIKE NWIZU (NNABUDE)

My dear Grandpa, you were a hero to my family especially my Mummy. If not for you, Grandpa, my mother would have been at Nkwo Nnewi, selling oranges. But God used you to get her admission into the university. My siblings and I are ever grateful to God for this.

Grandpa, when you were alive, my siblings and I had nice moments with you. We usually visit you and Grandma during the long vacation. Any time we visited, you would give us enough biscuits, cake, coke, chicken, groundnuts and other snacks. Besides, you would pray for us, encourage us to remain good children and work very hard in school.

We enjoyed our last visit to you. It was during your 87th and last birthday celebration on 31st October, 2020. You were very strong. I could remember vividly what happened the day we left for Awka. You gave my Mummy a wonderful name, Adaugo, which I cherish so much. I did not know that would be the last time we shall see you.

On 31st March, 2021, when my Mummy came to pick My siblings and I from school, we observed that she was crying. On enquiry, she disclosed the news of your death to us with heavy heart and tears. It was very painful to us. Death! You did your worst.

Oh death! You came like a thief and stole my lovely grandpa. I thought that Grandpa would have been alive to celebrate his 90th birthday, and 60th wedding anniversary with Grandma. In addition to seeing my Mummy become a professor and also celebrate my 10th birthday with us.

Grandpa, we love you so much. We thank God for the good life you lived. I am convinced that the Almighty God, who loves you most has taken you away from this sinful and wicked world to where He is in paradise.

Beloved Grandpa, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Your beloved Granddaughter,
Chinemerem Joy Nnyigide.

MY JOURNEY IN LIFE WITH THE VERY REV’D BARR. CHIKE NWIZU: MY PRIEST AND MY PRIDE

I consider this the most difficult task for me to handle in a time like this. Honestly, the sad news of your demise on 31st March, 2021 came to me like a big blow. I felt as if my world has ended. Since then, words have continued to fail me in my numerous attempts to express the memories of my journey in life with you, and the wonderful times we spent together.

Ezigbo Nna m, the Almighty God specially designed and brought you on my path in the year, 2003, precisely through my cousin; Chiamaka Egwuatu and my mentor; Hon. Ik. Samben Nwosu both of St. Christopher’s Anglican Church Ndiakwu-Otolo, Nnewi when I was seeking for admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. As soon as I disclosed my interest to you, you made frantic effort to facilitate my admission. Eventually, through the wonderful assistance and consideration of your dear friend and the former Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN, the admission was secured to the glory of God. But when it was very difficult for me to accept Igbo studies as my course of study, you intervened promptly, related my feelings and reactions to the VC, who strongly promised you that if I made First Class honours upon my graduation, that the University would retain me as a Graduate Assistant.

Immediately you whispered this to me, I did not hesitate to accept the course and of course, the admission. I became more encouraged to study the course because of that promise and my interest in teaching as a profession. Throughout my stay in the University, you and your beloved wife, Mummy Chiemeka Nwizu did not only keep in touch with me, you mentored me and monitored my academic progress. The care and love you showered on me motivated and contributed to the actualization of my dream and my successful graduation in 2007 with First Class Honours. To God alone be all the glory. Amen.

The journey did not end there. You did what was very amazing to me before I left for my National Youth Service. You boldly utilized a very great opportunity the Almighty God provided for us in 2008, specifically at the elevation ceremony of Rev’d Canon Prof. Israel ‘Kelue Okoye as a Venerable in the Anglican Communion, at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, to express your excitement to the Vice Chancellor and gladly informed him and the University Management with him that I eventually graduated with First Class Honours. You equally ceased that opportunity to remind him of his promise and passionately pleaded for my job. That passionate plea you made to the VC and the University Management was well received. Consequently, in 2009, I was offered an appointment in UNIZIK. You were that good and perfect gift Apostle James describes in James 1:17. May the Almighty God continue to bless the day I found you. Amen.

Ezigbo Nna m, you were my pillar and pride. You really made an outstanding contribution in my life. You embraced and adopted me as your daughter. This explains why I refer to you as my destiny helper. You were the light God placed on my path to illuminate my darkest path. You were a special gift to me and my generation. It would be a grievous mistake to write the story of my academic success and progress without mentioning you because God placed you at the centre of my life to change and transform my life positively and greatly. Your moral support encouraged me to complete my Masters and PhD progammes in record time. I remain grateful to God.

My beloved Nnabude, you were endowed with heavenly virtues and values. You were very humble and humane. You had a heart of gold. This made you to care immensely for the poor and rich as well as the young and old that came in contact with you. Your attributes and principles which are care, confidence, faith, honesty, love, among others, have really impacted positively on me and kept spurring me to soar higher in the academic environment.

Ezigbo Nna m, the last time I spent with you was quite memorable, precisely on your last birthday, at your 87th Surprise Birthday Party organized by your beloved daughter, Aunty Nneka, together with your wonderful son-in-law, Uncle Amechi Onowu, Uncle Uche, Ven. Timothy Agbo, and your wonderful friends and well-wishers on 31st October, 2020. You were full of life. My children and I truly shared wonderful time with you. Even though you did something symbolic during my stay with you, after the birthday celebration, precisely on 2nd November, 2020, I never knew that that would be the last time we shall ever see and stay closely with you. After the usual family morning prayer, you called back your grandchildren present and the caregivers. You recounted the very cordial relationship that has existed between me and your family so far. You also reminded them that I have really made you proud in my career. On that note, you gave me a special name, Adaugo, in the presence of Mummy Chiemeka, your grandchildren, my children and the caregivers. I humbly received that name with mixed feelings because the manner and the atmosphere at which you pronounced the name made me feel it was a parting gift. But I could not think aloud…

My beloved Nnabude, I love and cherish you dearly. You were my precious gift from God. In describing my relationship with you and your lovely wife, I usually say that, “The Very Rev’d Chike na nwunye ya, Chiemeka Nwizu bụrụ azụ, mụ na mmadụ agaghị eji ha tọ”. Meaning that you are very precious to me and I am “jealous” about you. But you passed on the time I needed you most. In my last visit, we fervently prayed and trusted God for your 90th birthday celebration and 60th wedding anniversary with Mummy Chiemeka. I reminded you that you would be present at my Inaugural lecture in the university when I must have risen to the rank of professor. Alas! These dreams and good wishes could not come through because of your sudden death.
Ezigbo Nna m, your demise has kept me cold because you left me without a word and I had no time to say good bye. My heart bleeds whenever I remember that you have passed on. However, Ecclesiastes 3:1-6 has remained my consolation. Besides, I am consoled by the very good and fulfilled life you lived. You died a lovely and fulfilled family man. Above all, your legacies, principles and immeasurable impacts you made in the life of many people are really speaking volumes about you.

My beloved Nnabude, as I mourn you, I wish to let you know that you are forever in my heart!

Continue to live on my beloved Nnabude!
Rest on Ikeotuonye!!
Go in peace, Nna Adaugo!!! Until that resurrection morning, when we will meet to part no more.

Your lovely daughter,
Dr. Nkoli Nnyigide (Nee Awugosi).
Adaugo

On behalf of His Grace, The Most Rev'd Dr E. O. Chukwuma (OON), the Sub-Dean, The Priests, the Cathedral Standing Committee and the Cathedral Church of the Good shepherd family, we hereby condole with the entire Nwizu family on the transition to glory of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother, the very Rev'd Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu (First Provost of the Cathedral).

The Very Rev'd Chike Nwizu was a father to many. Until his death, he was known as a man that stood for the truth even if he had to stand alone. A disciplinarian with the aim of bringing out the best in those he worked with. With his fatherly care and wisdom, he was able to build a formidable church that grew in the fear and knowledge of God. Cathedral family will definitely miss a hero because he was the instrument that God used to plant the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd and from there expanded to become an archdeaconry and the seat of the Archbishop. Our greatest joy is that he remained a believer of the Gospel of Christ despite the falling away of many.

We pray that the Lord comforts and gives you His peace at a time like this even as our beloved Daddy continues to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus until resurrection morning.

Shalom!

Ven Davidson Udodi                    Mr. Okwuchukwu Nwokocha
Sub-Dean                             Secretary

Rest in Peace

TRIBUTE TO VERY REV. CHIKE NWIZU

With sadness, we received the news of your demise, ‘Provost’ as we fondly called you. Even though Oby sometimes addressed you as ‘uncle.’ You, on the other hand, called me NkeOby. We didn’t expect you to leave us this soon, but God called, and you had to answer.
Provost, you were one of a kind. You were a kind and gentleman, very humble with no pretenses. Always smiling and very accommodating. You provided support without being asked. You were a father figure to a lot of people, and we were two of the people that enjoyed that fatherly figure.
Death is inevitable, and we are on a relay race on this earth, and you have completed your race. As we all know, for us to live with God, our creator, we must pass through the gateway, which is death. Hence we must take solace in the words of the scripture that life is changed and never ended.
Your death is painful, but we must accept it as an act of God. The vacuum it created will be difficult to fill. Still, we will take consolation because you excelled in all activities during your life, especially in your service in God’s vineyard.
We pray that Almighty God will grant us the fortitude to bear this loss. May God give your gentle soul peaceful and eternal rest. Amen.

Nkem and Oby Okeke

TO MY DEAR UNCLE- THE VERY REVEREND CHIKE NWIZU

I hate not knowing for sure what happens when one dies, but I believe in the life after death, and the fact that you are in heaven with the almighty God where kind hearted, dogged and faithful men like you belong. 

I recall in 1996 when I was on my way to the UK for an MBA program, you offered your prayers, blessings and advice. You even blessed me with a Bible and referred me to Joshua 1:8 which has stayed with me until this day.

That singular gesture made me love you even more. I am sad that you have gone the way of mortals, however we continue to take solace in the Lord and the fact that your legacy and memories of you will be safe in our hearts forever.

Sleep well Rev, until we meet in heaven.


Ada Amaku (Nee Nwizu)

My Dear Uncle Chike,


You had a big heart. You had more than enough love for everyone . You were a unifying force in the family. I will miss your baritone voice saying, "Ona mooo"

I smile a lot thinking about you promising me as a kid to deal with Osy or Ada for upsetting me.

I also remember that my dad would always go, " Kedu Nnabude, nweta Nnabude na phone " whenever things got too much for him to handle.

I will miss you always showering me with God's blessings .

Sleep well Uncle Chike

I know you are with Jesus

Ona Ndu

GOOD NIGHT DADDY
The Great Iroko has fallen!
A great Man, Father, Mentor, Helper, Adviser and Backbone lies lifeless.
What a World! Death, the only end to life on Earth.
Time to Born and Time to Die
We the entire family of Ogubunka Chukwuma and the staff and Management of CHUKSTAR PRESS ENUGU up to this moment is still in grief over the death of our Daddy The Very Rev. Chike Nwizu, a man that meant so much to us. It is with utmost dismay we received the death of your demise Daddy and to be frank we have not recovered from the shock for it was least expected.
Daddy, you have been all in all a Father, Advocate, Mentor, Counselor, Sponsor and Pillar could ever been to us. God through you made our feet strong at all times. Where do we start and where should we stop? Oh Death; where is thy sting!!! We wish you would have lived more years Daddy for losing you is indeed the great blow to us. We are consoled by the fact that YOU ARE IN HEAVEN RESTING IN THE BOSSOM OF THE LORD.
We sincerely mourn with You Mummy Chiemeka and the entire Nwizu Family. We pray you take solace in the fact that THERE IS THE RESURRRECTION MORNING of which on that day, we all shall see again. May God’s Spirit console us in this irreplaceable loss – Amen.
Rest on Daddy
Rest on good and honest Mentor
Rest on God’s General
Rest on the Man with many crowns and accolades 

Elder Chuks M. Ogubunka & Family
Chukstar Press Enugu

TRIBUTE TO THE VERY REVEREND CHIKE IKEOTUONYE NWIZU
(1933 – 2021)

It is with great sadness that the National Executive Committee and Members of the Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School Owerri learned of the death of Very Reverend Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu. We write to express our sincere condolences on his passing. He was surely respected and beloved among you, the Church of Nigeria , Anglican Communion , particularly for his leadership in liturgical renewal in the church and strong commitment to ministerial formation.

You must know that he was equally respected and cherished for his leadership in the Old Boys Association. Very Reverend Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu served with distinction as a trustee of the Association. In that capacity, he was one of the founding members of our distinguished association. Very Reverend Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu had a strong commitment to the growth of our Old School and the Association.

We extend our sympathy most especially to Mrs. Nwizu and the entire family who mourn and pray for peace and comfort at this difficult time.

We join you today to celebrate the life of Very Reverend Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu, keeping his memory and vision before us.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Signed,

Dr. Joseph Nnorom Mr. Augustine Uzoho
National President National Secretary

ON BEHALF OF YOUR SECRETARY, JOY TOCHI AND FAMILY

TRIBUTE TO AN ICON

Daddy, it still seems unbelievable, yet a great shock to me because your transaction to glory happened right before me on that fateful Wednesday 31st March around 12:20pm- a day I will not easily forget.

My last official discussion with you as your Secretary was on Monday 29th March. You were deeply engulfed with the passion to present your Books, which had been scheduled for May 27th, 2021. Your drama and insistence on the use of a particular picture, which you said would make people think that "CHIKE NWIZU was dead" did not come clear to me at all. Daddy, you were active until you last breath you taught the value of hardworking.

The privilege of working with you was more of a relationship between a Father and Daughter, than official. You consistently prayed for God's blessing upon my life, you were so appreciative for any assignment accomplished. You meant well for all your rebukes and corrections. Daddy, I truly found a father in you, your memory will linger as long as life is.

Your transaction was saintly and peaceful, especially as you passed on, in Lent. Yes, our hearts ache, but our joy knows no bounds because you died the death of the righteous.

Adieu Man of Peace
Adieu Nwokeoma

Joy Ani
Your Secretary

OTOLO NNEWI WELFARE ASSOCIATION (ONWA)




TRIBUTE TO THE VERY REV. CHIKE IKEOTUONYE NWIZU


We the entire members of ONWA deeply regret the passing on of our beloved brother and elder, The Very Rev. Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu . The Very Rev. Chike Ikeotuonye Nwizu was regarded as the ONWA Spiritual father and was among the pioneer members. Many people watched as Chike transformed from an administrative secretary of the renowned universal insurance company of Eastern Nigeria to an Industrialist at the end of the Nigerian civil war to law student to full lawyer to defend the oppressed combining it with priestly work settling family disputes of which many ONWA members and many other Nigerians benefitted.
We are believing God to grant us and his loving family the fortitude to bear this sudden exit to eternity.
Adieu great bother! May your gentle soul rest in peace.


Mr. Zelunjo Onwuagha Engr. Enugozie J. Jiagbogu
Chairman Secretary

It was shocking to me when I got a text message from Chidi Nwizu that his father, the indefatigable Rev. Chike Nwizu had left this world. I was sad and had the audacity to question God. Why, why, I bemoaned.
He was like a father to me. I grew up knowing all the members of the great Nwizu family including their extended relatives.
A devoted, loving, charismatic, God fearing and philanthropic person. He exuded confidence and displayed pragmatism in all his endeavors. The Rev. Chike Nwizu was humble and magnanimous. He easily interacted with the poor and had the trust of the rich.
He was a do it all person. At a young age, I equated him with leadership because all you heard or read is that he is the president or chairman of many organizations.
Papa Uchenna, uncle or the Rev are the names I called him was a true friend of my late father. He was my dad's confidant and he often contacted him for major decisions.
I remember the advice and prayers he showered on me when my parents informed him that I will be moving to USA in the late 80's. He was gifted as an ordained clergy. I still have the Bible he gave me as gift when he chaired my wedding. This is still one of my priced possessions.
The last time I saw him was in 2016 and he was still full of energy. I was shocked when his son, Uchenna, informed me that he was a full-time legal practitioner with an active law office until his last day on earth.
May God grant him peace. Adieu the great Rev. Good night uncle.

Chukwuma Oguejiofor.

*TRIBUTE TO AN ICON OF EXCELLENCE*

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints Ps. 116:15.
This scripture offers me a great deal of encouragement to write this piece of tribute to a man of great accomplishments in diverse spheres of life.
The Late Very Rev'd. (Barr) Chike Nwizu Rtd. (Provost Emeritus) a great man of God was an unassuming personality, a father of fathers, kind hearted philanthropist, an accomplished legal icon, a business mogul of great repute, a prolific writer, a faithful and loving husband and above all, a priest of the Most High God.

I am indeed bewildered by the demise of a great man God, a personal friend and confidant.
I could recall with sense of nostalgia the great moments you shared with my family.
My dear Very Rev'd.Chike Nwizu now late presided over our house warming ceremony and declared the house open.

It is on record that you were the first Provost of the Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd. A very loving and caring gentlemen.
Knowing your family and relating as families have been quite rewarding.
Just on Sunday before the news of your transition on Wednesday, l visited you and it was a delightful moment.

May l express my heartfelt condolences to the entire family for this great loss and to your amiable wife in particular who has been sick for quite some time now and you have constantly stood by her, caring and attending till your demise.
In the course of your sojourn on earth, you positively impacted on the lives of many within your reach.

We shall surely miss you great in view of your sterling legacies, sacrifices and invaluable contributions to the service of God and humanity.
Adieu Sir! Rest in peace till we meet again to part no more.

Yours: MRS. NNEKA EZULIKE & HON. JUSTICE IFEOMA JOMBO-OFO.

Dear grandpa

In my memories of you, one of the things that struck out to me was how much grit and strength you had. Even in your 70’s I remember you working very hard in your occupation during my time in Nigeria. When you came to the states while our family lived in Utah, I was surprised at how physically active you were as you walked around our rather large neighborhood on your own on an almost daily basis. In your 80’s you even ordered a treadmill for physical activity despite your worsening health and my father’s caution. No matter how old you got, you never let go of your strength and your ability to push yourself.

You were also a deeply God-fearing man. Waking up in the morning every day to pray and to sing hymns and have us grandchildren join you. And with that wisdom you gained from God, you imparted on your children great wisdom. One of the lessons you passed on to my dad who in turn passed on to me is what it means to be coming of age.

During my time in Nigeria, it always seemed like everyone around knew your name. Despite this, you remained humble. You asked of me many favors when you would visit our family in Oregon and there was not one time you did not say thank your or failed to show gratitude towards me for driving you around, making your food or taking you to the doctor’s office. I deeply appreciated this,

I miss you grandpa and may you rest in peace with God in heaven.


From, Tochukwu Nwizu

My dear Godfather and Uncle Chike

For as long as I can remember, you have been a strong presence in my life, my thoughts, my consciousness. This great uncle who could be so stern but was ever so loving towards me.
I loved having you as a godfather. You always had a kind word, a funny joke, a great belly laugh for me.
You held the family together through strength of will and love. You and aunty welcomed us all into your home time and time again. 
I was amazed by your determination to finish law and practice even at an advanced age. It showed me early on that I could do anything, I just needed to be determined.
I'll miss you uncle. Miss your laugh and bushy eyebrows. Miss you asking me about "that agenebode fellow", miss your unique gait and gravelly voice, miss the comfort that came from knowing you were there- a phone call away, miss walking into the house in Ekulu or Nnewi and seeing you sitting in your chair in the veranda.

I bless God because you lived a full life and left a great legacy.

Thank you for all the lessons, love, kindness and discipline.
You are forever in my heart. 

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED BOSS THAT TURN TO BE A FATHER
It was like a dream to me when I heard you are no more .I could remember vividly how you prayed and discuss with me two days before you was called by God.I couldn't control tears as am writing this tributes knowing fullywell I can't see you again .You thought me that there is nothing one can do without prayers .I learnt what humility is through you .you taught me many things which is keeping my marriage now.You are a man everyone will like to work with.
 Oh death,why did you snatched away my my great boss from me now I needed him the most ? You was wonderful boss to me and I can never regret knowing you,Daddy as I fondly calls you .You will be forever be remembered sir .Keep resting in the Almighty till we meet to part no more .Adieu great boss ,Adieu great father, laa nke oma.
ENUDU CHIZOBA PAMELA

MY FATHER

   "That man is a success – who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has fulfilled his niche and accomplished his task. Who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."

                Unknown

I have started this tribute several times in my head but have not been able to actually sit down and put it to paper, because it still feels so unreal. Just last week, I was wondering the proper salutation for bishops in the letter I was writing so I said, “I’ll ask daddy” and just as I picked up my phone to call, it hit me! The letter I was writing was actually your death notification.  HOW CAN IT BE THAT YOU ARE GONE?!

For a greater part of my life, my father was the standard by which all men were measured and for the longest time, I believed he was infallible. I recall one of my aunties worrying when I was a teenager that I would never marry because I was too close to my father! We were so in tune then that we could speak without words, all it took was a glance, a certain look and we knew what it each other was trying to communicate.

Growing up, my father was the motivation for each endeavour, each success and the deterrent against bad choices and bad behavior. The deciding factor for each choice/action was – how would daddy feel about this? What would he say? I viewed myself as a reflection of my father and that was the source of my identity – I was bold, I was confident because I was my father’s daughter. My father never failed to tell me I was beautiful, intelligent and priceless, he believed great things for me so I believed it too.

My father was a businessman so he travelled a lot but whenever he was home, he tried to be a part of our lives. I used to look forward to the visiting days that he would come because I knew I would get whatever I wanted.

My father believed that girls should be protected and adequately provided for, so as the only girl my father spoiled me; watching my daughter now with her father, I can better understand my mother’s vexations! As a little girl I was very talkative, I could talk for hours and my mother didn’t have the patience for it, but my father would let me talk to my heart’s content. Years later, I overheard a conversation between my parents where my mum was asking my dad how he had the patience to listen to me go on and on and he replied that he wasn’t actually listening but that he would interject from time to time with an ‘hmm’ or ‘really’ to make me think he was listening and to make me happy!

As I think back on my childhood, I am so grateful to God for my parents, my father and mother were so very different yet they complemented each other so beautifully. This beautiful balance helped in making me the woman I am today. My mother taught me that a woman should be strong and independent, she taught me to ask questions and to figure things out for myself. My father taught me that a woman should be looked after and cared for and that it was okay to allow others to help you. My mother allowed me to make mistakes and let me know that my mistakes did not define me; my father’s love did not give room for mistakes. My mother taught me to be cautious, my father taught me to enjoy the moment and dare to take risks.

My father loved us greatly but sometimes that love came with expectations that we could not fulfill. He wanted great things for us but sometimes the lines grew blurry between what he wanted and our own desires, especially as we grew older.

My father lived his life fully, he put in his all in everything he did whether work, business or pleasure. He was a father to so many and touched numerous lives; he gave generously even to complete strangers. So much so that I used to chide him and he would smile and say, “God will provide.” 

My father was a great example to us of how a man should love and care for his wife. He loved our mother so devotedly till the end and prayed for her every midnight unfailingly.

He was a man of great but simple faith, and often when I try to caution him to take it easy, (especially in recent times when his heart was getting weaker) he would chide me and say – ‘I’m fine, onwero ihe ga eme m, you of little faith.’  Truly you overcame so many odds and time after time, you proved the doctors wrong. You were told in 2019 to go and put your house in order because your heart was gradually failing. You came home and declared to everyone who enquired after your health – I am fine, and proceeded to build an office in your compound and continued your practice. That is why it was so incomprehensible that fateful Wednesday afternoon when I watched you take your last breath!                                                                                                                                                              
Words are not enough to describe what my father meant to me, he was my champion, my pillar, and a great part of my identity; his passing has left an aching void in my heart.

As Harlan Coben said, "This is the price you pay for having a great father. You get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you get the tears at the end too."

So though my tears might be much, my thanksgiving will all the more richly overflow to God for blessing me with such a great father.

Chienyem

 

TO MY GRANDPA (BEST I EVER HAD)

Death has never been so painful. A lot of people have died but none has hurt me as much as your death hurt me grandpa. You were a man worthy of emulation. No man is perfect but you were so close to perfection. You were so disciplined and full of love, I thank God for giving me the opportunity of being your grandson and I’m very thankful for all the wisdom and knowledge that you shared with me.

My Grandpa was a blessing to me, I’m blessed and grateful to have been given he’s name by him to bear. He showed me that I could excel in anything I put my mind into. He treated everybody (both internal and external) with love, even when he tried acting like he wasn’t bothered he couldn’t because he cared a little bit too much about us. He introduced me to the word of God and he always maintained he’s relationship with God right up till the very end. He worked very hard and always was time cautious and punctual in whatever he was doing. He did good and always wanted and encouraged others to do good. He was always happy when any of us did anything good and often give us gifts of encouragement. He stuck with my grandma right until the very end, praying for her at least four times everyday with different timing and length. He was very generous to both family members and non family members. He’s love was immeasurable.

31st March, 2021 the lord took you away from me and I’m yet to know why. All I know is that your my guardian angel right now and your watching over the family and I from heaven. You were always taking drugs every night to numb the pain you felt on a daily but I know that now your free from all pain and suffering and that you are finally with the lord, reaping the fruits of your labor. I will always miss you grandpa, I will miss your teachings, your advice, your scoldings which were corrections, your crooked voice while singing, your laughter, your presence, your silence, I will miss it all Grandpa. I love you with all my heart. I pray that as you watch over me, I will never disappoint you till we see again. So help me God.


Your beloved Grandson,
Chike Nwizu.

To My Grandfather by Georgia Harkness

A giant pine, magnificent and old
Stood staunch against the sky and all around
Shed beauty, grace and power.
Within its fold birds safely reared their young.
The velvet ground beneath was gentle,
and the cooling shade gave cheer to passers by.
Its towering arms a landmark stood, erect and unafraid,
As if to say, “Fear naught from life’s alarms”.
It fell one day.
Where it had dauntless stood was loneliness and void.
But men who passed paid tribute – and said,
“To know this life was good,
It left it’s mark on me. Its work stands fast”.
And so it lives. Such life no bonds can hold –
This giant pine, magnificent and old.

Thank you Grandpa for the strength and love you poured into our family and those who crossed your path. Rest well. 

FROM ANENE NWIZU, GRANDSON

DEAR GRANDPA,
Growing up in the United States and for a short time Nigeria I’ve noticed a distinct difference between the people. The people i’ve met in Nigeria believe in hardwork, grit, determination and a sense of community. My grandfather was a prime example of these beliefs. I have heard many stories of the sacrifices and decisions he chose to make for his family and the people around him. My family and I would not be able to enjoy the life we do if it wasn’t for the labor of my grandfather Chike Nwizu. For this I am eternally thankful.

Your Grandson,
Anene Nwizu

ON BEHALF OF ENGR. NATH & CHIEF MRS. ELIZABETH U. ONWUAGHA AND FAMILY

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY Of VERY REV. CHIKE NWIZU ( NNABUDE. ) , THE EPITOME OF INTEGRITY AND BENEVOLENCE .

NNABUDE, You were known for your uprightness, discipline and forthrightness. You disseminated love, kindness and generosity. You did not have much of the material wealth of the world but you catered for others with the much you had , with all your energy, time , wisdom and resources . You
shouldered other peoples’ problems as if the problems were yours personally .
On 21st February, 1984, when you heard that PAPA EMMANUEL ONWUAGHA , my father-in-Law and his driver had an accident with his car , while coming for his check-up from Mbawsi, (in present Abia State ) , to Enugu, you traversed Enugu and beyond, to locate the hospital he was taken to. (His remains had been taken to an Okigwe mortuary , you eventually learnt. ) Your efforts in that matter, has remained indelible in the minds of Akunnaya and me , till this day . What you did for us, you had done for others at various times and in other circumstances . You were an Angel to many people.
Every Christmas, for several years , you sent me and Nath , (your juniors ) a Christmas Card and two robust chicken . I had not reciprocated your kind gestures in the humble way I had planned and now you are gone.!.
To affirm your confidence in Adaugo Onwuagha, you sent your grand child, Kosisochukwu Nwizu for her Secondary education , to our Providence High School, Enugu . Kosisochukwu who is now a lawyer, has proved one of the feathers on the cap of the school, in conduct and academic excellence.
The exemplary love with which you attended to the health problem of my friend /your wife , Christie , has placed you on the highest pedestal on God’s scale of evaluation..
The enviable NWIZU Dynasty, was the baby of your love and astute actions .
Fare thee well NNABUDE . You were a ROLE MODEL . Our consolation is that your loss on earth , is Heaven’s gain !

By Chief Mrs Elizabeth U. Onwuagha
(For Engr. Nath Onwuagha and Chief Mrs Elizabeth Onwuagha’s Family)

To my dear uncle (my “learned colleague” as we fondly referred to each other),

It has taken me a long time to be able to pen this tribute to you. You were indeed a rock, a strong force to be reckoned with and we all loved you for it and looked up to you.

The generosity with which you and aunty opened your home to all of us transients who had one or more reasons to pass through Enugu, never ceases to amaze me. Homesickness was kept at bay, because home was also Oba Close, Ekulu.

You gave me my first and only graduate internship with the Centre. During that time, we wrote letters and traipsed around various schools in Enugu seeking to effect change by changing the mindset of the young.

I loved your hearty laughter, your smile of welcome, your kindhearted spirit, your generosity, the always offered glass of red wine and how you more often than not, started prayers with the song “Thou art Worthy”.

I will miss you but I thank God you graced our lives and were with us for this period.

Life is indeed like a passing mist. Here today and gone tomorrow.

Farewell my dear uncle, keep on resting in the bosom of the Lord.

Kenechi Ezezika (nee Nwizu)

ON BEHALF OF MRS AGBEDO EDITH AND FAMILY.

TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED DADDY.
Daddy, your death is still a shock to me! I never believed you would go this way, Daddy, you have just left us when your presence is needed most in our lives. I still have the thought that you're not gone forever because your complete absence from us will have negative effect.
Daddy, if it is true that you are gone, it simply means we have lost a man of peace. A man that always wanted the best for everyone. A man who had equal love to everyone. Daddy, you were good both in and out. Daddy, you were the best boss ever everybody will desire to work with.
Daddy, before your death, you made some promises to help me achieve my aims of life. Now, you are no more but God knows the reason for your departure. Daddy, there was a question you asked me what would you tell people you learn from Chike Nwizu?
 Today, I am telling the whole world that you never for once stepped out without having your prayers said even when you're dying you still asked us to go and pray. Daddy, who will lead us in our morning devotion? Daddy, who will celebrate service for us in your house again?
 Daddy, you have lived a character that everyone should emulate. Daddy, my weeping for your demise will be for eternity. Go well, rest in peace.

From Chukwudum B. Nwizu (Ugonwanne)

TRIBUTE TO MY BIG BROTHER, MY PROVOST, THE VERY REVEREND CHIKE IKEOTUONYE NWIZU (NNABUDE)

My dear brother when I heard that you had passed away I wept profusely as the news was quite hard to bear. For one I did not get to say a proper goodbye. When your daughter and son-in-law facilitated a video call between us – about an hour before you passed on – you were barely responsive. I felt you should be allowed to rest and that later in the day we would talk. It did not even cross my mind that the Very Rev. Chike, a man of strong faith, the 87-year-old man who survived Covid-19 twice in the space of eight months, would succumb to this particular ailment. Alas the good Lord decided otherwise. It pained me that I did not say farewell, that I did not say one last thank you for all you were to me and that I did not hear your final instructions or wishes.

Beyond my personal sense of loss and regret for not telling you ijeoma, I was concerned about the significance of your death to the Nwizu family. Who can fill the void that you have left? As a family, we benefited, in numerous ways, from your extraordinary nature. Indeed we are blessed to have had you as one of our own. You played the role of a father to me and your other younger siblings when our parents passed away, you were generous and loving, you always sought to foster unity in the family, and you were a source of inspiration with your high level of dedication to everything you did and to the people closest to you.

One area in which you showed remarkable devotion was in carrying out our late father’s dying wish. On our father’s deathbed he said to you “Wilson, my child, do not let the fire that I have lit quench”. You took this charge to heart and were fully committed to carrying out our father’s final instruction. First you promoted a spirit of camaraderie and unity amongst family members anytime there was an opportunity to do so. For instance you encouraged all your siblings to come home, to Nnewi, with their families every Christmas. And we all cheerfully looked forward to the trip even when there was no proper accommodation. Speaking of accommodation, you graciously made room for all in your house before some of us later built our own houses. I still remember when your whole family was restricted to one room in your own house just so that all your siblings and their families could be accommodated. Thank you so much for this. Furthermore, you made provision (while there was still space) for each of your brothers that was ready/willing to build a country house, on the land our father left for you as his oldest son. And when there was no more space, you and Nwakaibeya provided some land outside on two separate occasions. This show of love and sacrifice, as well as other similar acts, brought our family closer and made us more united. You also were of voice of reason and played an active role in resolving conflicts amicably within the family. You knew when to be gentle but also when to be tough. Nnabude (as you were fondly called) you were a true leader and encouraged us to show brotherly love to one another and to, whenever possible, promote the interest of the family; not just the Nwizu family but also the broader Ezeliora family.

In addition, you encouraged us to be good Christians. Your exemplary character was quite some motivation. You also insisted we all attend morning prayers everyday we were in Nnewi and made sure we attended church service, as well, on Sunday. I’ll never forget how you’ll walk round the compound early in the morning ringing the bell signifying that it was time for the morning prayers (one of the many practices I copied from you and adopted in my own household). You even had a chapel built for the purpose of the morning fellowship. You were particularly interested in the young ones; being patient and taking extra steps to ensure that they were carried along and understood what was happening in morning prayers.

You were not just excellent when interacting with us as a family unit; you were also wonderful to me on a personal level. I benefited from your love, generosity and dedication in more ways than I can remember and certainly in more ways than can be written in any book. From the little things to the big things, in challenging times and in less challenging times, you were always there for me. Not just when I called on you but also when you sensed I needed or would benefit from your input. You, along with our late brother Nwakaibeya, put me through school when our parents passed away, and this was done gladsomely. I remember once, as a student in the United Kingdom, when you visited. You casually inquired how I moved around and I told you it was by public transport (which, by the way, wasn’t a bad way to move around). I didn’t make much of the conversation and was therefore pleasantly surprised when you bought me a car before you left back for Nigeria; my very first car in life. Thank you so much. There are a plethora of other examples. I remain grateful to you for singlehandedly supervising the construction of my houses in Enugu and Nnewi. All I had to do was to send money across. And when there was a delay in the money reaching you? You always stepped up and used your money. Also, on a number of occasions you strongly repelled my attempts to refund you for the costs you incurred. Such devotion and generosity! Furthermore, as far back as I remember, each time I visited Enugu and you were in town, you insisted that I stay in your house and you always were a pleasant host. At times I made several visits in a year, staying up to two weeks in some instances and your hospitality never wavered. You also extended this warmness to my wife and each of my four children who at one point or the other went to school in Enugu; you were always there for them in a way I could not be. In fact you are a big part of the reason they went to school in Enugu. We were all confident that their loving and extraordinary uncle would be there for them if a need ever arose. And indeed you were.

Your dedication to your wife, particularly in the last 10 years of your life when she was ill, was nothing short of exemplary. It’s one thing to fulfill the part of the marital vows that says “for better or worse” it quite another to do so with the level of love and dedication you showed. For you it was much more than an obligation that needed to be fulfilled. To begin with you went to great lengths to seek the full restoration of her health. You sought the best medical advice and made attempts to get an audience with a “great man of God”. Even though I was vehemently opposed to this last move, your level of commitment and willingness to go the extra mile was nonetheless inspirational. Beyond exploring how she could be cured, you made sure she was properly taken care of. She had good caregivers and was, as much as possible, exposed to her familiar routine such as attending morning prayers and relaxing in the balcony every evening. You even insisted that she remained beautiful and that she continued applying makeup. Right until your dying day you never lost hope that her health would be fully restored. Everyday of your almost 60 years of marriage, you showed her the same level of affection that you did when you were newly weds. This was nothing short of remarkable and an inspiration to people of all ages.

But your devotion wasn’t just to the people in your life but also to all that you did. Everything you did, you did with your whole heart and you were generally successful. From life as a clergyman to life as a businessman (and everything in between including being the President of Chamber of Commerce and District Governor of Rotary) you were remarkable. You even went back to school in your late fifties/early sixties to get a Law Degree. I saw first hand the effort you put into juggling the demands of Law school in Lagos and your duties as the Provost of the Cathedral Church in Enugu. You would work so hard during the week, making the almost 2 hours commute from my Ikeja residence to the Law School in Victoria Island, and then go to Enugu and fulfill your duties in the Cathedral over the weekend. You did this religiously for about a year. I wondered how a man in his sixties, who was by and large already successful, would get the motivation and energy for this type of running around. You were indeed a source of inspiration to many.

My dear brother, I will miss you sorely. I will miss your kindness. I will miss having you as a source of inspiration. I will miss receiving valuable advice from you. I will miss the lengthy and pleasant phone calls where we talked about all sorts. I will miss my big brother! As I ponder on the fact that I will not see you here on earth again and feel sad, at the same time, I give glory to God for the good life you lived and how He used you to bless and inspire those closest to you and indeed many others. Fare thee well; rest in peace my beloved brother till we meet to part no more.

Chukwudum. B. Nwizu (Ugonwanne)

The Indefatigable Nnabude!

So you have really gone the way of your ancestors???!!!!!

Only recently, to mark and celebrate your 87th birthday, I had the delight of recording a video tribute, along with my wife, Ije, whom you fondly called “enenebe adanye na gutter”, much to her enchantment. This was in October 2020, and I hadn’t the foggiest idea that seven months after I will be writing this posthumous tribute. Well, such is life, as I have had to learn.

As a kid, I believed one had to be renowned to be featured in a newspaper. Little wonder that in 1975, while in Government College Umuahia, when one of my seniors summoned me - “Nwizu O”, as I was then called, and showed me a news item in the newspaper, featuring your photograph, and said, or more like warned “you should better not claim you know who this man is”, I promptly and proudly informed him you were my uncle, and even ventured to ask if he could leave the newspaper with me for a bit, my undeclared intention being to show some more people in my hostel and earn some more bragging rights.

Fast forward to 1982, my second year in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, when, at the invitation of my mom, you talked my dad out of letting me take to campus the brand-new car he had bought for me. I can still recall how, in painful silence, I listened to you in our home, eloquently and convincingly articulate your points, and concluded by advising strongly that “he was only a teenager, and certainly not mature enough to be left with a private car in Nsukka, unsupervised”. Your clincher that evening was when you asked my dad if he would be able to live with himself if anything were to go horribly wrong with me on account of that car. The poor man was bereft of speech, and I knew right there and then, with a sinking feeling, that it was all over, and the car wasn’t going anywhere near Nsukka. My dear uncle, I was very displeased, to say the least, as I considered your actions that evening, nothing short of a hostile intervention. But it didn’t take long, in fact only just a matter of a few months, for me to fully realize you were coming from a good place, and meant very well for me, as indeed that car could have very easily ruined me at that point in my life.

Moving on to the budding years of my career as an engineer/contractor, I can recall with gratification how you benevolently introduced me to a friend of yours, the late Frank Mbanefo, the renowned consulting architect. You physically took me to the man’s office, where you were very well received, and that access you provided turned out to be quite rewarding for me.

Chike Nwizu has remained a household name, on account of your achievements and leadership roles in different spheres – the Church, Rotary International, the Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneurship, mentorship, etc.
You had the incredible ability to multitask, to be involved with numerous productive activities at the same time, without actually dropping the ball on any.

Your indomitable spirit was something else. Your can-do disposition was simply undaunted by any task. Little wonder you did Law School successfully at over 60 years of age, and simultaneously with the full weight of your other laborious responsibilities. After which you went ahead to set up a law practice, and continued to practice law, among other engagements, right into your octogenarian years.

You grieved like every human would, but showed true mettle in the face of adversity, occasioned by the tragic loss of two sons. You also showed deep faith as you cared for your ailing wife with such remarkable devotion.

Finally, it has been said, and I quote “physical death is the inevitable end of all human-kind and the grave is the final resting place for the body”, but not your spirit, Nnabude, which I trust has been received by God, through the perfect sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Adieu, Nnabude!

Obiora

Staring on my laptop for over 10 minutes now. How do I describe these emotions? How do I put them to paper? If only I didn't have to do this.....I can't believe I am writing this tribute to you, daddy. I still find it hard to believe that you are gone. 
I left the hospital that morning thinking to myself "daddy would pull through this, as he had bravely pulled through the others, including the deadly Covid 19. Moreover he would never leave mummy.." I never ever believed it was the last I would be seeing you.
Despite your failing health, you were so strong, so strong it was almost like you were going to live forever. You stood so strongly by mummy's side, with strong faith that God would heal her some day. Your love for her never dimmed. Caring for her with all your strength, might and resources. Even to travel out of Enugu most times was a problem for you, as you never wanted to leave her side. You had the strong will to stay back, but I guess God has a need for you over there. And his will prevailed. Did God decide to take you home before her, to save you the disappointment of not seeing her healed before He would call her to glory? I do not know. But I know that part of your strength came from the faith you had, that you would live to see her healed, so I believed strongly that fateful day, that I was going to come back to the hospital after work and see you getting better, not knowing that God had a shocker for us. 
Daddy, despite your age, you were indeed larger than life, and so "strong spirited". So, that you would be leaving us now, was unthinkable and unimaginable. 
As much as our reality seems to be staring at me, the shock is still overwhelming. The reality that you are no longer there, to teach, to admonish, to advise, to give a listening ear......is one that I still don't know how to face.
The truth, that I would no longer hear "mummy I want to go and greet grandpa" is really hard to believe.
The Very first time I met you, August 2009, I had a lengthy and hearty conversation with you, and the impression you left on me was partly what influenced my decision to become a part of your family. Indeed, I saw in you, a father, a mentor, worthy to emulate.
Where is daddy, that used to call me to come share a bottle of red wine with him? And if I declined, he would say "Drink. Mmanya gbue nwanyi, óbųrų uru di ya." Where is daddy, grandpa, that used to share his meals with everyone around him, that always had sweets and tom-tom in his bag for the little grandkids?
You were dogged, always believed that everything was achievable. A goal getter. I remember 2012, when I told you I had enrolled for my MBA at ESUT business school, you so much encouraged me, and much to my surprise and admiration, few months later you announced with pride to me that you had also bought the form for an MBA program. Nothing could dissuade you from starting an MBA degree program at 79 years of age; Plus, you reminded me that you read Law at almost 70 years. You diligently went for lectures at ESUT business school, combined it with your Law practice and all the other activities you were involved with, and still kept sleepless nights reading for tests and exams. At your age!!
A hardworker you were; never afraid to take the bull by the horn, for anything you wanted to achieve. Unfortunately, at some point during the program, mummy's ill health took a dive for the worst, which weighed you down so much and demanded a lot from you, that you couldn't continue the program. And yet, you stood strong, and encouraged others in their own trials and challenges. An astounding personality you were.
A strong man of faith...You always admonished me, to be a woman of prayer, to always pray and never relent. "Always ask yourself, what would Jesus had done in this situation...." was your constant quote to me. You always encouraged me to cast all my cares upon the Lord, quoting Mathew 11.28, for me. In such times, you really lifted my spirit.
So we would no longer hear these worship songs again in succession, the way you used to sing them, during family prayers...1. We are saying thank you Jesus... 2. Ekene nine otito nine diri Chineke......, 3. ka anyi kene chineke ekene..... Chaiiii...
So much to remember you by...so much to say...is it your steadfastness to the family morning devotion....till your last, you kept ringing bell every morning for morning devotion....
Truly, you have left a big vacuum!! The silence created by your absence speaks volumes. But then, what can we say...it has pleased God to bring you home at this time, and we thank Him for the good life you lived, for the life of service you lived, and the numerous lifes you touched.
I and the children truly miss you.
Though hard to say, but I say, jee nke oma, daddy!

The Rev! Jee nke oma!!

FROM NWIZU UCHENNA

THE REV! NNABUDE!

It is still so hard to believe that you are no more. I had always believed that you would checkout in your nineties, so you can imagine the shock your demise brought on me.
If somebody had told me that on Tuesday as we were carrying you downstairs to take you to the hospital, that that was your last time out of the house, I wouldn't have believed.

What can I say about my Dad, a Colossus, a man of faith, a loving and caring man. A man who always put God first in all things. One that believed in climbing to the top of all endeavors he put his mind into. Your name soon aptly described you, IKETUONYE (Strength of one person). You so much believed in getting things done right that most times you undertook too carry out the whole team by yourself.

You were the strength behind the Nwizu unity. You so much believed in peace and love, making sacrifices for the greater good of all. Your ability to love was greatly shown by how you so much took care of our mother, your wife for years, and till the end had faith she will get well despite all the medical opinion to the contrary, you were so much a man of faith.

With your passing, I marvel at the many lives you touched in different ways. A lot of people have come with testimonies as to how much your were there for them in their different adversities. With your departure, you have left such a huge void that cannot be filled. I thank God that you lived a fulfilled life and was active to the very end. You are by all means a definition of a week accomplished man.

You will surely be missed by me and also, all those that you left behind. You lived a good life and was close to your Heavenly Father, so I am not too worried because I know you are home in Heaven.

The Rev! Nnabude!
It is well with your soul. You were really a father to all. I know that you are resting in peace.
Je nke oma, Ezigbo Nna m

Your Son,
Nwizu Chike Uchenna

In 2000, I arrived at the Enugu airport. I do not now recall how and why I was required to show my ID to the man behind the counter, but I did. The man looked up at me and said to me. 'Nwizu? Nwizu of the legal profession?"
I was surprised. I said 'yes'. And wondered at how it is that daddy, in the three years since I was last in Enugu had reinvented himself. How it is that he is now... ' Nwizu of the legal profession’?

Such was daddy s legacy. There will be much said about him in the many tributes written, but the one thing I will say of him, one thing I learned (at least I hope so). from him was his uncanny ability to bounce back. He had an indomitable spirit

I recall one of his last trips to the US. He was so sick the doctors told him his prognosis was poor. He was advised to go home and wrap up. Not daddy. Their statements slid past him like water on a rock. Even when we tried at home to explain the concept of DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), he preferred to take any and every fighting chance available to him. And he indeed began the fight. Every day following that doctor’s visit, daddy would go for a walk with his four-legged walker. Every day he would push himself harder and harder. When I come home from work, he would brag to me ‘Nne, .... I walked for 20 minutes today’ He pushed himself daily increasing his walking endurance to 45 minutes. And without fail, each time I walked in through the front door from work, he would meet me with updates on how long he walked.

On one occasion, he was gone for more than an hour. We became worried and went looking for him. We were so panicked. We couldn't reach him on the phone because his phone didn't have any connectivity outside our home. Finally, Chidi found him in a neighborhood far away from ours. He had walked so far away he could not trace his way home.
Daddy!
When Chidi brought him home he walked in through the front door with a boyish grin and said ‘Achalugo...I am so sorry. I didn't mean to panic you'.
When I returned to Enugu later in the year, it was daddy who came to pick me up from the airport wearing a powder blue Ankara shirt and trousers with that boyish grin again. This time, he was totally unaided. The walker was gone. I was surprised. He was supposed to be taking it easy.

Daddy lost two sons in their prime. I never once heard him complain about that. I never heard him express disappointment at God. Not once did I see him feel sorry for himself or wince at what would have been. He never expressed feeling he got the short end of the stick. He simply acknowledged his loss and moved on.

Such was his spirit. And that to me is his most important legacy. He showed us how to move on. I have often wondered how he did that. I was always curious about how his mind worked. I never did find out, but it seemed to me that in his life, he always traveled light. He simply set his mind on the tasks at hand. He focused on finishing his tasks.

It is mind boggling that daddy practiced law till the very end. Though he joined the law profession late in his life, he practiced it to the fullest, I suppose even more than people who started in their youth. I once teased him.... ' daddy you are everything., priest, lawyer, entrepreneur and even school dropout'. Not many people know this, but daddy enrolled in an MBA program in his late 70s. He dropped out when mummy became sicker.

These days, it is the simple things about him that I miss more. Whenever I reach up the kitchen cabinet to get some cashew nuts, I remember him. His favorite chair sits right at the end of the kitchen island. When he is here, I typically would reach up, grab the cashew nuts, turn around and give it to him. It is the simplest of things. These days, I miss that movement. I do not know why.

When I open my ever-full deep freezer, I remember him. He always made sure I was fully supplied with azu, egusi , ugba and abacha. I have been so amply provided for that though he did not visit last year due to COVID restrictions, I will not lack these for another year.

We are grateful to God for the life he gave him. We are grateful for the blessing of watching him up close.

Rest well. Daddy. You gave life your all.

Ucheoma Nwizu

                    My Moment with my Father

As I go down memory lane, I pause to look at 2 photographs. The one is the earliest I have with my dad. The other the last.
One was taken in August 1966, the other January 2020. The time in between is the moment I spent with my father. All 55 years of it.

In that moment, we broke roasted yam and roasted corn, we savored ‘ube’ and feasted on luscious mangoes. We shared ‘afufa’ lathered with ‘okwo ose.’ We sipped wine together, he doing most of the sipping. From him, I learnt the chemistry of palm oil, ‘Exeter’ corned beef, salt and pepper re-enacted many a Sunday morning.

We talked politics and religion. The politics of Nigeria and of America. His religious journey through the Faith Tabernacle Congregation to the Anglican church and all the layovers and diversions. From his father’s Christianity to finding his own faith.

We laughed over little things and nothing's. ‘Osuofia’ and ‘Benny Hill’. His plate at dinner when he laid a foundation of rice, added the ‘green vegetables’, onions, and tomatoes, then covered with stew or soup, and finally crowned with avocado pear. And he will give me a side look, to make sure I saw his creation. We laughed at the story of how he rode on a bicycle from Oguta to Owerri for an interview, all 26 miles.

We cried when he lost his sons, and I my brothers. I had never seen him so weak, vulnerable, confused, as he muttered to himself ‘I am finished.’ But he wasn’t finished. Not by a long shot. Now I have sons, I shudder when I feel how it must have been for him.

As boys are wont to do, I watched him, his gestures and mannerisms, I listened to him, his words and silences. And in the midst of that I sought to make him proud. To know he will be pleased made the effort, the sacrifice, the rigor worth it. Gifts I was glad to give.

We had our agreements and disagreements, I agreed when over breakfast at ten years of age he suggested I could be a doctor. We disagreed when over lunch decades later he suggested I could be an Anglican priest. As I sit writing this, my eyes got to the one piece of furniture he bought for our home. A clock. We fought over that clock, I saw no need for it, he bought it all the same and I begrudgingly hung it. I have looked at it a thousand times since. He was right.
But he was not always right, after all he was flesh and blood. Times I wondered why he just couldn’t see it. Times when he did and let you know so.

He taught me the word “sincere”, I was nine years old, and he asked “are you being sincere?” to which I responded that I did not know what the word meant. And he explained. The same way he explained countless things over the years. Conversations that will start with me saying “Maka gini….” And he will pause, place his right hand on his chin, and we would travel the road of understanding.

He taught me to “have faith” and to go on with life. No matter what. Not to be daunted by events or how great the challenge or be deterred by how long a task will take. I hear him time again in prayer telling God how “we have toiled all night and caught nothing, but at thy word…”
He could not carry a tune. Starting songs during family devotions, he will drone on as we scrambled to identify what strange strong this was, until mum walked in and saved the day.

He had strange expressions, a loud “Oi” when trying to get someone’s attention, to “okoruwa” when something was befuddling and “ubosi tolu unya” for the day before yesterday. I always chuckled when I heard him use those stock expressions.

He looked after my mother. How difficult her illness must have been for him. But he never sought pity, or decried the loneliness. He always hoped and prayed she will get better. I thank him for that love.

I called him daddy until our last chat, he called me Azubike. Once in a while I will call him Nnabude, lately he called me Ugonnaya.
And now that voice is silent.

He was a great man, as men count greatness.
But to me, he was always a father.
So, I thank God for this moment we shared, all 55 years of it.
And the moments we had together.
And through us, he yet lives.


Chidi

ON BEHALF OF CHIMEZIE NWIZU AND FAMILY

TRIBUTE TO VERY REVEREND NWIZU IKETUONYE CHIKE (NNAWUDE), THE PROVOST

I called Nnawude on the 29th of March, in the course of our discussion he told me that he was having breathing problem. Since he has had this problem, I advised him to seek the treatment he had before. A day after I was about to call him, I got a phone call telling me that he had joined his ancestors. What a shock!

Nnawude has been more than a brother to his younger siblings. Our parents died quite early and he took over in a robust way the affairs and cares of all his siblings. In doing this he showed an unmatched commitment to issues that concerned us. Anytime any of us had a serious problem, he tackled it vigorously as if it was his own problem. I remember how he used to sow fine clothes for me whenever I visited him, even though I had a job.

He has a remarkable influence in my life. After many years in America, I desired to marry. He recommended a very good and well behaved girl to me. The Lord blessed the family through her and later took her into his bosom. Nnawude again recommended another good and well behaved woman to me. I recently spent three weeks in the hospital after a major surgery. Nnawude called everyday to know how I was doing. Indeed, he was more than a father than a brother to me.


Nnawude has great leadership qualities; these have been manifested in my family, church, rotary, red cross. He is a leader who is endured with compassion which is not common with leaders today. Nnawude's life was a blessing to many. He's impacted positively to all those who interacted with him.

When he was in the secondary school, he was known as a strict disciplinarian. There he showed his ruggedness in boxing and long distance racing.

He has been a very generous giver to the less privileged, the church and his family members.He had an unmatched capacity for hardwork. He could do many things at the same time and do each of them well. Nnawude has suffered some losses and setbacks in his life; these he handled with equanimity and unmatched faith and hope in our God. I have many times been amazed with his unwavering faith even when others around him had sort of given up.

Nnawude shew himself as an epitome of love for his wife, family and others. Foe more than five years, his wife has been undergoing a serious health challenge. In her state, many men would have abandoned their wives or found new partners. I must mention at this point, his unadulterated support for our village. His financial and material support have been legendary. He provided spiritual direction and encouragement for the supervising clergymen. He coerced and appealed for financial support from both his family and friends.
As a result there was substantial development in the church. No wonder he was conferred as "pillar of support" for St. Christopher church Ndiakwu, Otolo, Nnewi.

We will miss him greatly, we have accepted his death as the will of the Almighty and with the consolation that he is resting peacefully with the bosom of the Lord.

Go well in the name of God who created you and in the name of Christ Jesus who died for you.

Adieu Nnawude
Adieu Provost
Adieu my dear brother

Until we meet again in the Lord's bosom where there will be joy, peace and laughter.

Chimezie Nwizu
(Younger brother)

FROM NWIZU MMESOMA, GRANDDAUGHTER

TO MY GRANDPA LOVE

It’s been two months and 18 days since you left us to be with the lord, the tears have died but the pain is still there we miss you soo much we all know death is unexpected but yours was more than unexpected, like not now, we thought you had some years left in you enough to at least see ur great grand children or child . I felt cause grandma is still alive that you can’t go now cause you longed for the day she’d be better and for your sixtieth wedding anniversary. Many things we thought you would see and meet but I guess God had other plans. I will forever miss you, can’t believe Palm Sunday was the last day I saw you and the last time I hugged you and said goodbye not knowing it was really a good bye. A lot of things would really change now your not hear but all we do is to move on and as they say “TIME HEALS” and all we need is time to heal the pain in our hearts. Good bye Grandpa. For now.

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAREST UNCLE

Uncle, your sudden demise on the 31st of March left me numb and distraught. You called a few weeks back, on the 7th of March to be precise with urgency in your voice. ‘IB please can you come to Enugu, I will like to see you even if it means coming and going back to Port Harcourt the same day.’ I visited you on the 9th where we discussed the things you wanted to sort out, although you were weak you were still strong enough to entertain me. I did not know that it was a farewell dinner.

My emotions were mixed, first came the pangs of sadness and pain when I was called immediately you passed, which were quickly watered by moments of satisfaction when I recalled your life of service to humanity laced with all the virtues of humility, diligence, contentment, undiluted love for all and most importantly, your unwavering reference and commitment to the Almighty God.

Uncle, thank you for your love and care for my mother, your only sister of blessed memory, thank you for loving my children and husband, and thank you for your love for me. May your gentle, loving soul rest perfectly in the bosom of the Almighty.

It is sad to say goodbye to you, however, as mortals this situation is beyond us. You fought a good fight but your Creator has decided to recall you from your eventful sojourn on Earth.
Fare thee well and Goodnight

Your beloved Niece,
Nkechi Ibiene Nnwoka

FROM OLUEBUBE NWIZU, GRANDDAUGHTER

GRANDPA
We all miss you so dearly and we all cried when we heard about your death, but God consoled all of us. You changed many peoples lives positively and made alot of friends. You won souls for Christ and everyone has faith that you are in Heaven with God and Jesus enjoying yourself.
You are our Guardian Angel watching over us and protecting is. You had the fear of God in you. You were a role model and mentor to people.
Just three more years and you would have reached 90 years old. We all thought you would have lived to see your children, your great grandchildren. It was hard for us all to calm down. But deep down, we all know that God knows why he took you away from us. he is working His ways out, doing His will and he will continue in Jesus Name. Amen. R.I.P.

Your grandchild,
Nwizu Oluebube

FROM MUNACHI NWIZU, GRANDDAUGHTER

HOW I FEEL ABOUT MY GAMPA
Gampa, I love you. I am even still speechless that I want to cry. I just that you are in Heaven resting and I know you are with God. There are times when Kosi, Bubu and Kene tell me that they were saved from small accidents like falling or scratching themselves because you were protecting them. And I know that is true. What I feel about you is true Gampa. And I don't even know what you say again.
But all I have to say finally is that I miss you and I love you. After all I have written down. Just know that I still miss you, I still want you back and I still love you so so so so much.

Your Granddaughter,
Munachi Nwizu

FROM KENECHUKWU NWIZU, GRANDSON

GRAMPAAA,
I miss you grampa, please watch over us, please do not leave us. Stay with us and be with us. I will do whatever you tell me to do from Heaven.
Grampa, I miss how you used to give us things like food, clothes, gifts etc. I miss prayers with you.
Grampa, I love you and I will never forget you.

Your Grandson,
Kenechukwu Nwizu

TRIBUTE TO OGO NGOKO M,THE VERY REV CHIKE NWIZU

When we first met in July 1965 none of us knew what the future held – that the future would bring us together as co-in laws to the family of Ndubuisi Odogbo of Okpuno egbu, Umudim Nnewi. I was an undergraduate from the University of Ibadan looking for my first vacation job, and you were Company Secretary at Universal Insurance. About 10 years later, I met your sister in law Chika who has been at my side since then.

How times have changed! I was based in Ibadan when Chika and I met, and part of the courtship was conducted over the phone – the old wind up type which could not do direct trunk call dialling. Speaking to Chika during university holiday meant calling her on the phone; the trunk call had to be booked with the operator, who then notified you when the call came through. Unfortunately for you and your wife, the calls came through mostly at night when you were already in bed. As the phone was in your bedroom, this meant several unintended sleep interruptions. I apologised profusely, but you did not mind. That was an example of your generous nature.

When those sleep interruptions eventually led to our marriage, you were an eager supporter and encourager. You always made time for us during your many business trips to the UK where we were based after our marriage. You always came with gifts. And in the 1980s when we returned to Nigeria you helped us settle down. You didn’t mind when we criticised the long services at All Saints Enugu which tried the attention span of our children and their friends. You helped look after some of our affairs when we relocated to the Middle East.

When I saw you early in March after my brother George’s funeral, none of us could have known that it was for the last time. You didn’t look particularly unwell. I took a ‘rain check’ on your invitation to dinner as my time in Enugu was very short, promising to take it up at a more auspicious time. But that was not to be.

So “The Provost himself” as I used to greet you, is no more. Your many achievements and accomplishments speak for themselves. You were not an angel – but you made a difference where it mattered, and acknowledged it when you offended and were confronted. I just want to appreciate here, who you were – your generosity and your tireless devotion to your wife, especially in the last decade with her serious health challenges. You have left a legacy that will surely endure.

Rest in peace The Provost himself..until we all meet yonder.

Dr Emmanuel Udezue,
Consultant Physician, UK

Tribute to my brother-in-law, Nnabude.

It does not matter how long I put off writing this tribute. It has to be done.

Our mother had many sons but only two daughters; my one and only sister, Christy Chiemeka Nwizu (Nee Ndubuisi-Odogbo) and me. Our sister was the eldest in a family of eight. You became part of our lives when you married her. I cannot recollect my childhood without you in it. You played the role of a big brother to the rest of us, a role that you performed to an extreme as you almost forgot that you were and in-law and not the first son. I guess that it was a reflection of your caring nature.

I was little on your wedding day and ended up as the flower girl, together with Ona, Dr Nlogha Okeke’s eldest daughter. One of the pictures taken on that day remained a topic of conversation between us for many years. You always said that I spoilt that picture with my stance and lost look. Soon after you married my sister, I was removed from Adani where Papa was running the health center and leprosy clinic and brought to Enugu to live with you as I continued my education. That was a big contrast - from the calmness and freedom of the village to life in a big city!

Growing up, you were ever present in my life. It was you that visited me when I was in boarding School, bought me my first record player, made sure my provision cupboard always measured up and that I had enough pocket money. When I got admitted into the University of Nigeria, Calabar campus, you made the long trip to visit combining it with your Rotary conference. When I met my husband, Dr Emmanuel Udezue in 1976, you encouraged the union and never minded the constant phone calls from him that kept you and my dear sister awake at night during the summer holidays of that year. You supported and showed pride in my works both as a broadcaster on both radio and television and later as a journalist for the Saudi Aramco newspapers and a Justice of the Peace for England and Wales. You were always motivated and always stood by family members who are same. Thank you.

I thank God that we were able to understand ourselves better and resolve some matters before my sister became ill. Thank you for that visit to our home in Bournemouth, England in 2010 to join your wife, who was spending some weeks with us. Who will forget the trip to the Isle of Wight with my family? For me, that was the essence of life and living; genuine understanding and the expression of unhindered love. I guess that in the scheme of things, you and I share some traits that allow full life functioning only when matters are fully sorted out.

Thank you for being there for my sister in her sickness. Your one prayer and ours was for God to preserve you and keep you strong for long enough so that you could continue looking after her. Well, I guess that my sister is stronger than you! My promise to you is that though so far away from home, I will continue to support and encourage Uchenna, Chidi and Nneka as they work to keep her safe and comfortable.

So rest in perfect peace my dearest brother-in-law while I share nothing but genuine love with you. Rest on Nnabude.

Mrs Chika Norah Udezue (Nee Ndubuisi-Odogbo)
Bournemouth, England

TRIBUTE TO THE VERY REV. CHIKE IKEOTUONYE NWIZU


I came in contact with the Very Rev. Chike Nwizu as a Pastor’s warden in All Saints Church, G.R.A., Enugu in July 1975 when I was posted from Federal Mortgage Bank in Lagos to Enugu. From there we established close friendship.

I found him a highly creative and versatile human being, I wondered how he was able to be involved in many activities ranging from Rotary Club Int’l where he rose to become a District Governor to NACIMA where again he rose become the President of Enugu Branch of NACIMA and at the same time managing his own private business which had blossomed exceedingly well. In addition to all of the above, he became deeply involved in church activities, volunteered to be ordained as a non-stipendiary priest in the Anglican Church.

There again he put in all the energy and deft in his managerial ability to propel the Diocese such that the Bishop of the Diocese had to select him to be the pioneer Provost of the Cathedral of Good Shepherd when the new Cathedral was ready to take off.

In spite of the heavy load he was carrying, he went ahead to read law which he completed successfully and went to Lagos Law School for his call to the bar. All that did not disrupt his administration of Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd even for one day.

It was through his ingenuity that the present Bishop was installed, despite opposition from some quarters. He supported the new Bishop who has done a wonderful work of evangelism in the Diocese.

My friendship with the Very Rev. Nwizu came to a climax when marriage brought us even closer.

The new of his demise came to me as a big shock because I have lost a friend, a spiritual leader, an in-law, a legal adviser and a confidant. May his soul rest in peace.



Sir Chief S.O. Chinwuba

LATE DR. SIR NLOGHA OKEKE FAMILY
TRIBUTE TO THE VERY REVD. BARR.CHIKE NWIZU

The family received the news of the death of the very Revd. Barr. Nwizu with a shock.

The relationship between the families of Chike Nwizu and Nlogha Okeke began through the Chamber of Commerce Movement. When Dr. Okeke returned from the United States of America and decided to start a Chamber of Commerce Movement in Enugu it was Mr. Chike Nwizu that encouraged him. He was then not a minister of religion nor was he in the legal profession. His office served as a base for the plans and the recruitment of the founding members of the proposed Enugu Chamber of Commerce That small beginning resulted in the establishment of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) and also in a close and lasting relationship between Nlogha Okeke and Chike Nwizu.
After that initial contact Chike Nwizu went through the necessary preparations for the Christian Ministry and for the legal profession. These were done in record time.

After Dr. Okeke’s legal adviser, Barr. Nwanya died, he appointed the Very Revd. Barr. Nwizu the legal Counsel to the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre and also to the family.

When Dr. Okeke died in 2007, Nwizu ensured that he had a most memorable burial. Dr. Okeke’s family particularly his widow, lady Ifeoma , can never forget the support he gave the family.
The Very Revd. Barr. Chike Nwizu was a very intelligent and hard working person. He was involved in many areas of human endeavor and he excelled in all of them. To mention just a few.

After qualifying as a lawyer in his legal profession, he returned to the Enugu Chamber of Commerce which Dr. Okeke had firmly established. Within a few years he rose to be the President.
He was involved in the Rotary International especially District 914 Enugu branch of which Dr. Okeke was the Charter Secretary He excelled in that Movement to the rank of Governor.
He was the last Provost of the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd. Through his committed service he saw to it that the Cathedral building became a reality and through his doggedness he ensured that the Bishop of the Cathedral Church was enthroned in spite of the presence of stiff opposition from a significant quarter.
He was until his death the President of Dr. Nlogha and Ifeoma Okeke Foundation (NIOF) a foundation formed after Dr. Okeke died, to uphold his legacy.
The Very Revd. Barr. Chike Nwizu was indeed a very remarkable human being. I pray that his children will uphold his legacy.

Our condolences go to his dear wife Chiamaka who he gave devoted care and to all his children.
May his soul enjoy peaceful rest in the Lord, Amen.

Signed:
Lady Ifeoma Okeke
For and on behalf of
Chukwuemeka, Ona, Nnanyelu, Ifeoma, Nkechi