DANA PLANE CRASH VICTIM- BURIAL/LIFE AND TIMES OF CHUKWUEMEKA REGINALD OKERE (1964-2012)
LATE CHUKWUEMEKA OKERE (AGM FCMB) VICE PRESIDENT DOZIE OWERRE,ABUJA
INTRODUCTION
31st of August 2012 was a very sad and sorrowful day in the city of Owerri and its environs as the remains of Chukwuemeka Reginald Okere,the AGM of First City Monument Bank(FCMB) was laid to rest. So many tears were cried,so many tears rolled down the cheeks of both old and young,women and men,boys and girls,children etc as they watched the convoy of cars that accompanied the ambulance. Chukwuemeka Reginald Okere an Indigene of Umuokomoche village in Umudibia autonomous community in Nekede Owerri West LGA of Imo State was born on the 14th of May 1964 and lost his life in the ill fated Dana air crash that occured on the 3rd of June 2012 in Lagos.
His body left Aladinma Mortuary at exactly 8am and moved straight to his Maternal home at Umuorie Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State for a brief stop over. From Naze,the body was convered straight to his home town Nekede.
GREAT MOMENTS ON EARTH
EMEKA IN HIS HOME TOWN- UMUOKOMOCHE NEKEDE
AT MATRICULATION WITH HIS PARENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA
GRADUATION IN UNN
CHUKWUEMEKA'S NYSC DAYS IN KONDUGA BORNO STATE
MARRIAGE/WEDDING
EMEKA WITH HIS BELOVED WIFE CHINYERE ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE DAY AT OLOKORO IN ABIA STATE
ON HIS WEDDING DAY WITH THE WIFE
WITH MUM(MRS DORATHY OKERE), AND ELDER BROTHER MIKE OKERE ON WEDDING DAY
R TO L EMEKA WITH YOUNGER BROTHER AND BEST MAN ON WEDDING DAY
MRS DORATHY OKERE THERE,ELATED AS SHE DECORATES EMEKA AND THE WIFE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY
R TO L. EMEKA WITH ELDER SISTER MRS ADA AGBASIMALO ON WEDDING DAY
EMEKA AND BELOVED WIFE
FIRST CHILD KAMSY ARRIVES
EMEKA(EXTREME LEFT) IN A BANK FUNCTION
EMEKA WITH HIS HAPPY FAMILY. OH! WHAT A UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
NAZE COMMUNITY(EMEKA’S MATERNAL
HOME)WELCOMES CORPSE AND PAY LAST RESPECT
CORPSE ARRIVES ONYIRIUKA'S COMPOUND IN UMUORIE NAZE AND IS GREATED WITH TWENTY ONE CANNON SHOTS. THE YOUNGER BROTHER HON. UJUNWA OKERE IS WELCOMED BY THE NAZE PEOPLE
EMEKA WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY THESE PEOPLE HERE. I REMEMBER HIS CHRISTMAS GIFTS EVERY DECEMBER AND HIS SOFT VOICE THAT RELEASES THOSE JOKES THAT CAN MAKE ONE LAUGH AND LAUGH AND LAUGH.
THAT'S MR PETER OSUJI, AN OCTOGENERIAN AND THE OLDEST MAN IN THE COMMUNITY PERFORMING THE BURIAL RITUALS AND FINAL FAREWELL AS CUSTOMS DEMANDS.
HON UJUNWA OKERE IN TEARS THERE AS THE RITUALS CONTINUE
MRS JOY ONYIRIUKA-THE UNCLE'S WIFE AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS IN A SORROWFUL MOOD. I REMEMBER VIVIDLY WELL ON THE NEWYEAR DAY OF 2011 WHEN MRS CHIDINMA OBICHERE(EXTREME RIGHT) DID HER TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE IN NAZE ,CHUKWUEMEKA OKERE WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT GRACEFUL OCCATION.WOW A GREAT MAN!A HERO!!AN IROKO!!AN EPITOME OF BRILLANCE IS GONE. R.I.P
SAD MOMENT THERE AS.MRS JOYS ONYIRIUKA AND MRS ELIZERBETH EJIRIKA(EMEKKA'S COUSIN) MOURN
EMMANUEL OHAEGBULAM (AKA OWOGOWO) THE 'ONYE ISI ALA NEKEDE RENDERS THE VOTE OF THANKS AS THE CORPSE PREPARE TO LEAVE NAZE FOR THE HOME TOWN UMUOKOMOCHE NEKEDE
CORPSEARRIVES HOME TOWN- UMUOKOMOCHE UMUDIBIA NEKEDE
NEKEDE YOUTHS INFRONT OF THE AMBULANCE ,BEATING THEIR 'OGENE' AND SINGING MOURNING SONGS
CORPSE ARRIVES EZE'S PALACE
HRH. EZE MORRISON S.J. EKE PAYS LAST RESPECT AND HONOURS CHUKWUEMEKA WITH THE TITLE OF 'AKA NE DOZI AKU 1 OF NEKEDE'
EMEKA'S IMMEDIATE ELDER SISTER MRS EDITH EJIOGU IN TEARS HOLDING THE LATE BROTHERS PORTRAIT
MRS EDITH EJIOGU THERE WITH HER SON CHUKWUEMEKA EJIOGU
MRS BETTY ANYANONU IN TEARS THERE,SHE IS BEING CONSOLED BY HER ELDER SISTER MRS CHIDINMA MBAWUIKE. REALLY REALLY SAD!
WHAT A MOMENT THERE AS THE AMBULANCE IS STOPPED ON ITS WAY BY THE NEKEDE YOUTHS. CASKET IS PULLED OUT,LIFTED UP AND THEY MOVE ON SINGING
REALLY REALLY SAD
CASKET ENTERS OKERE'S COMPOUND
UJU OKERE LEDS THE YOUTH TO THE COMPOUND OF THE DESEASED
CASKET ENTERS CHUKWUEMEKA OKERE'S COMPOUND
NEKEDE YOUTHS 'POUR' THEIR ANGER OUT.
ANGRY NEKEDE YOUTHS
MR CHRISTOPHER OKERE ANOTHER OCTOGENARIAN THERE PAYING HIS LAST RESPECT.HE IS THE OLDEST MAN IN THE OKERE FAMILY NOW
DOZIE OWERRE ABUJA CHAPTER LED BY THEIR PRESIDENT MR OBINNA NJOKU(2ND FROM RIGHT) -"WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS WHAT YOU MEAN TO US, EVEN THOUGH YOUR GONE WE STILL A TEAM ,THROUGH YOUR FAMILY WE'LL FULFILL YOUR DREAMS. REST IN PEACE OUR BELOVED VICE PRESIDENT"
MRS ADA OKERE AGBASIMALO, EMEKA'S ELDEST SISTER BIDS BROTHER FINAL FAREWELL
VERY VERY EMOTIONAL THERE AS ADA AGBASIMALO SALUTES LATE BROTHER WITH THE NEKEDE YOUTHS BEHIND HER -"NWAMURUAMU LAA NU UDO" MEANING 'THE BORN CHILD GO IN PEACE'
IKECHUKWU ONYIRIUKA THERE,THATS ME! "I KNOW YOU'RE IN HEAVEN SMILING DOWN,WATCHING US WHILE WE PRAY FOR YOU, EVERYDAY WE PRAY FOR YOU, TILL THE DAY WE MEET AGAIN .MEMORIES WILL DEFINITELY GIVE US THE STRENGTH TO PROCEED. REST IN PEACE BELOVED COUSIN"
THAT'S MR MICHAEL OKERE (MIDDLE) - ELDER BROTHER OF THE DECEASED
EMEKA'S MOTHER MRS DORATHY OKERE LED BY HER SISTER MRS BEATRICE AJOKU AND DAUGHTER EDITH EJIOGU .AS SHE STEPS IN EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE GOES DOWN IN TEARS CRYING AND WEEPING AS THEY WATCH HER. SEE WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY IN THE NEXT PHOTO.
-EMEKA ELE EBE INO?(MEANING WHERE ARE YOU?) ELE EBE INO EH! TEARS!"NNA MY SON,EMEKA NWAM! REGGY 'KEM! OH GOD!!(TEARS) YOUR SUCH A GOOD MAN THAT I JUST CANNOT MAKE ANY SENSE OUT OF ALL THIS,EXCEPT THAT JEHOVAH HAS A GOOD PURPOSE FOR ALLOWING IT TO HAPPEN. MY PRAYER IS THAT YOU WILL BE AMONG THOSE THAT WILL RISE WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS. GO WELL MY SON, GO IN PEACE AND REST IN PERFECT PEACE"
THAT'S MRS EDITH EJIOGU THERE WITH THE HUSBAND Dr (BARRISTER) SAM EJIOGU PAYING THEIR LAST RESPECT.
THAT'S CHINYERE IRONKWE OKERE,THE WIFE OF THE DECEASED. VERY VERY SAD MOMENT FOR HER THERE. THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH,TAKE HEART.
DR BRUNO MBAWUIKE THE HUSBAND OF EMEKA'S SISTER CHIDINMA THERE ON WHITE. HE LOVES PHOTOGRAPHING,LOL
MRS JOY ONYIRIUKA MY OWN MOTHER PAYING HER LAST RESPEST
GODSON ONYIRIUKA THERE,BEHIND CHUKWUMMA OPARANDU. BOTH ARE LATE EMEKA'S COUSIN .
THAT'S MRS IRONKWE EMEKA'S MOTHER INLAW. SHE IS REALLY REALLY DEJECTED.
EDITH EJIOGU STANDING AS SHE TRIES TO CALM AND CONSOLE HER SISTER CHIDINMA
EDITH EJIOGU STANDS AND STARES AS HER SISTER CHIDINMA MBAWUIKE PULL OUT A PERFUME. SEE WHAT CHIDINMA HAS TO SAY IN THE NEXT PHOTO.
"EMEKA MY BROTHER YOU WERE SUCH A HANDSOME, SIMPLE,NICE,HONEST,DOWN TO EARTH YOUNG MAN THAT MADE EVERYONE HAPPY AT ALL TIME. THE LAST TIME I VISITED NIGERIA FROM USA YOU REQUESTED FOR YOUR USUAL GIFT....TEARS TEARS.PERFUME! PERFUME! NOW I HAVE THE PERFUME AND YOU'R NO MOREEEE....TAKE IT! HAVE IT! I LOVE YOU,I LOVE YOU SO MUCH TEARS! TEARS!. IF THERE'S ANYTHING LIKE REINCANATION, IN YOUR NEXT LIFE YOU WILL SURELY BE MY BROTHER........SOBS,TEARS. RIP EMEKA, RIP MY BELOVED BROTHER TEARS,TEARS" . BETTY THE YOUNGER SISTER STEPS IN TO CONSOLE CHIDINMA.
SIR MALACHY ONYEUKWU(RIGHT), A KNIGHT OF ST MOLUMBA HE'S AN INLAW FROM NAZE
EMEKA'S NIECES AND NEPHEWS(THE ANYANONU'S-OSITA,CHINONSO AND AMARACHI) R-L
MR ERNEST ONYIRIUKA EMEKA'S UNCLE FROM NAZE
THE BEAUTIFUL FAIR LADY BEHIND IS NKIRU OPARANDU AND THE LADY CONCENTRATING AND READING THE BURIAL PROGRAMME IS UGOCHI OSHIA,THE DAUGHTER OF PROF S.O ONYIRIUKA AND THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK-- BUMPS OF LIFE. BOTH ARE COUSINS TO LATE EMEKA. EMEKA'S DYNAMISM CAME INTO PLAY ONCE AGAIN IN 2006 WHEN THE AUTHOR HAD HER TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE AT NAZE. EMEKA TRANSFORMED HIMSELF TO THE MASTER OF CEREMONY(MC) ,AND HE DID THAT IN GRAND STYLE. WHAT A UNIQUE PERSONALITY!
PRAYERS BY OFFICIATING MINISTER
FUNERAL BIBLE LESSON BY KAMSY OKERE- EMEKA'S DAUGHTER
FUNERALORATION
FAMILY TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF REGINALD CHUKWUEMEKA OKERE(AKA NWAMURUAMU) 1964-2012 BY B.U.N OKERE'S FAMILY
His eldest sister Ada, still in deep shock and pain, laments
and concludes thus: “Reggy, you are very close to me. Your death has shown me
that anything can happen to anybody, anytime, anywhere, anyhow. So may God's
will always be done. You came to do good, and go. You accomplished that. I am
so happy I immortalised your name in Chapter 19 of my new book, “The Forest
Dames.”
His eldest brother
Mike, having participated in the gruesome corpse identification process in
Lagos, remained dazed and speechless for days. He still has this to say: "Emeka's death is still like a mystery to me. The identification and search for
him made me conclude that life is vanity upon vanity. Stark reality dawned on
me the day his colleague took me to his FCMB Abuja office, where I saw his desk
and chair but he was conspicuously absent. Other staff milled around carrying
one file or the other but Emeka was not there. Then I asked, what happened to
my brother? Why did that crash happen? Well God, I cannot question You because
it's only Your will that will be done. Emeka, you are a reliable brother to me
but since you have answered your own call, there is nothing I can do. I accept
what I cannot change. Rest in peace my dear brother".
His elder sister Chidinma in Texas just cannot stop crying.
But she was able to utter these words: "How can Emeka VANISH like that without a
word to his loved ones? It's unbelievable and truly a devastating blow to me. I
have called his phone several times without response. This is just not right.
This is not Emeka. I wish he did not board that EVIL DANA AIR PLANE. Now I know
that death is REAL. It's still like a mirage to me that I will not see him
again in this world. What would I say to his young kids Kamsi and Duma who love
and adore him so much? Oh God, You who allowed Emeka to go so soon, please
uphold my faith and hope. Emeka's death has really got me. This incident is a
true TEST of my faith but I hold onto your word that says, “Seek not out things
that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength”
Sirach 3:21-22. This particular death is too HARD for me and it's above my
STRENGTH. All I ask the Almighty Jehovah is to let Emeka find true LOVE,
solace, and perfect peace in His loving arms".
Emeka's other elder
sister Betty is still shivering from shock but she has managed to say: “Since
Jehovah allowed His only son to die an excruciating death for a good purpose,
who am I to regret that He allowed you, our gentle Emeka to die in that crash?
Jehovah will comfort us. I have resurrection hope for you.”
His immediate elder
sister, Edith braces up before our mum, in the day time and cries out her eyes
on her husband Sam's shoulder, at night. Hear her: “It is indeed a blessing for
me to have had a brother like you, Emeka. Infact knowing Emeka is a blessing.”
At this very point,
after Edith, Emeka would naturally have come in, but for this huge vacuum his
demise has created. We cannot but give God all the glory.
Then comes Ujunwa,
Emeka's immediate younger brother and, our last born. Uju weeps in the inside
and pretends to be politically strong on the outside. This is what he has to
say: “It seems like yesterday to me, when we were growing up. Emeka, you showed
so much love, respect, care and affinity to our bonded and unbreakable family
unit. I am holding on to that and will always remember your sense of humour,
your intelligence, honesty, humility and above all, your brotherly advice. I
confess that I was really moved by your death and cannot believe you are gone
but I surrender all and take solace in God that you lived a good life worthy of
emulation. Your legacies we will uphold and never let you down. If there is
anything like reincarnation, honestly I will like you to be my brother again.
Nothing can wipe my
tears. I still love and cherish you, even in death.”
REALLY REALLY SAD!
Our wives Ngozi and
Udo are so very humbly pained by their dear brother in-law's sudden death that
they weep and weep. Emeka's widow Chinyere and children Kamsiriochukwu and
Chidumam mourn the loss of their dear husband and father, the warmth of their
home.
The tears of Emeka's
nephews and nieces who love him a great deal, continue to flow: these are
Obiora, Ikenna, Oluchi, Kelechi, Chibueze, Amarachi, Chinazor, Chika, Chinomso,
Osita, Samuel, Chijioke, Nwamaka, Chidiebere, Solace, Treasure, Chigoziri,
Cherish, Fortune and Nkemdinma.
We remember Emeka as
a lover of the good life, a lover of truth, a lover of intellectualism. He is a
connoisseur of good books and music. He had a huge collection of musical
records, some of which were released even before he was born. He knows
something about everything and does a lot of research and reading. Emeka
remains relevant to us.
We remember him as
Ome nwanne, Onye obioma, Ocho udo, Onye ezi okwu, Onye ezi omume, Onye achoghi
nsogbu, Onye choro oganihu, Onye ma akwukwo, Mmanu oha... Hei Reginald
Chukwuemeka, ole ebe i no eeehhh? Ole ebe i no?
We all join hands in
our unbreakable family unity and say, 'Adieu good one! Go, fulfil God's purpose
for you!!! Bye!'
VERY VERY EMOTIONAL THERE AS EMEKA'S IMMIDIATE ELDER SISTER MRS EDITH EJIOGU KISSES THE CASKET TO BID BROTHER FINAL FAREWELL AT THE END OF THE ORATION OH!
TRIBUTE FROM THE WIFE
MY SWEET HEART.
What an unexpected exit ! My Deary D, my heart,is faint and
weak , I miss you beyond and human imagination . Kamsi and Duma hold strong on
to Gods words[1 thess. 4:15-17] . Your numerous words of wisdom and good
counsel have come into play and I appreciate and cherish every moment we shared
together . You have made me a stronger person ,to act with wisdom rather than
with emotions and imaginations . Our vow createda bond in our family that men could not
understand . You remain my best friend, confidant and better half. I will go
down this path with you a million times over.
Nwa amuru amu as mama would always call you. In your
lifetime you have achieved milestones that those who have lived 50, 60 , 70 years and
beyond can never dream of achieving but in all these you remained humble . You
exhumed virtues beyond human comprehension , values you told me you learnt from
your late father. You lived alife that
represents that having a good name is more desirable than great riches ;to be
esteemed is better than silver or gold[prov 22:1]. You once told me a few
months back that " what you leavebehind is not what is engraved in stone monuments ,but what is woven
into the lives of others". You lived with a purpose , meaning and
happiness. You touched a million lives all across the globe not necessarily
with silver and gold but through your wise counsel, standing for the truth ,
offering a shoulder to lean on, falling and standing up again and a listening
ear. Your belief in education , hardwork , dedication and your attachment to
Godly Virtues rather than worldly valuables have inspired thousands of
individuals who have chosen to go that path . Always learn how to fish rather
than accepting fish from people ,a lesson we have instilled in our children. The
testimony of your life are life long lessons for us the living .
Kamsi ,Duma and I have a million and one things to say to
you all at once, questions to ask ,issues to clarify but as you always say;
"believe in yourself , God does not give us that which is beyond our
capabilities ,don't be scared to make mistakes because you have it in you,you
are a special breed and that's why God made us a family" . And as God has
shown us throughout this period of grief that it is well , you are at peace
;that you have shown me and want us to trust, believe and have faith more than
ever before in Him . I will cherish my last words with you before that
unfaithful accident , a treasure to last with us till we meet with you again .
We do miss you sweet heart but what we do have now is the wonderful memories we
shared ; your morning music ,your excellent planning skills, your dedication
,care and love for us ,our Saturday morning family time ,the rides , your
favourite tunes from Yanni , Alfa Blondy ,Sinachi, Chima Eke etc , making your
tie selection for work , the kids wearing your suit when you get back from
work, saturday morning pillow fights etc. The list is endless . A huge part of
our daily activity and routine has been cut off . We will ensure to stand by
what you believed in ,the kids are holding on to all the wise counsels and
advice daddy gave. You live on in our lives and in the lives of all the people
you touched. We would fulfil all our dreams and aspirations, all the plans we
have made shall also come to pass not by my power but by the special grace and
power of God because He holds the key. He alone knows why He took you away from
us now . He alone can answer all the questions we have , He alone fights for
the fatherless and widow[Psalm 68:5] . I will hold onto you Lord for strength
,help when troubles come , my safe heaven,my hope of tomorrow.
My Love ,rest well in the bossom of the lord .
CHINYERE,KAMSI AND DUMA
DR AND MRS BRUNO MBAWUIKE AT THE FUNERAL
L-R GODSON ONYIRIUKA ,KINGSLEY ONYEAGORO AND CLEMS DC ONYIRIUKA ALL COUSINS OF EMEKA
MR GODDY ONYIRIUKA THERE AND CHINAZO AGBASIMALO WITH A WHITE BAG, BOTH ARE UNCLE AND NIECE RESPECTIVELY
MRS ADA AGBASIMALO THERE WITH HER LITTLE NIECE KAMSY SHORTLY AFTER KAMSY RECEIVED THE FUNERAL COLLECTION
THE AUTHOR ONCE AGAIN TALKING TO HER LITTLE NIECE. I WONDER WHAT SHE'S TELLING HER! LOL THE
BURIAL
DOZIE OWERRE GROUP PAYING THEIR LAST RESPECT AS CASKET IS BEING MOVED TO THE GRAVE SIDE
THE WIFE AND CHILDREN AT THE GRAVE SIDE
MR MIKE OKERE THERE-" ASH TO ASH,DUST TO DUST,EARTH TO EARTH
CHINYERE OKERE THE WIFE IN TEARS AS SHE BIDS HUSBAND FINAL FAREWELL
R.I.P CHUKWUEMEKA REGINALD OKERE
L-R CHUKWUEMEKA EJIOGU, CHINONSO & OSITA ANYANONU AND OBIORA AGBASIMALO. ALL ARE NIECE AND NEPHEWS OF LATE CHUKWUEMEKA OKERE.
THE YOUNG MAN ON YOUR SCREEN EXCHANGING PLEASANTRY IS OBIORA AGBASIMALO. IN 2007 HE WAS ON THE HOT SIT OF A LIVE TV SHOW( WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE). HE HAD TO CALL HIS VERSATILE UNCLE EMEKA OKERE TO HELP HIM ANSWER ONE OF THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS HE ENCOUNTERED ON THE SHOW.WOW! A RARE GEM IS GONE SO SOON.
ENGR. CHUKWUMMA OPARANDU THERE. EMEKA WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF HIS WEDDING
THAT'S ENGR. EMMANUEL AGBASIMALO WITH THE WIFE ADA AGBASIMALO
THAT'S THE IMO STATE POPULAR BONGO MUSIC ARTIST CHIMA EKE AND HIS GENERATION BAND. EMEKA AND HIS SISTER ADA AGBASIMALO CONTRIBUTED IMMENSELY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ALBUM THAT BROUGHT CHIMA TO LIME LIGHT. CHIMA IN ONE OF HIS TITLE TRACKS CALLED "JOMARAJO" PRAISED AND HAILED EMEKA OKERE, ADA AGBASIMALO ,KEMA CHIKWE AND SOME OTHER PROMINIENT OWERRI CITIZENS.
MRS DORATHY OKERE- EMEKA'S MOTHER
MRS DORATHY OKERE RECEIVING THE C.E.O OF JOINT ONE MOTEL KADUNA,MR JOHN ONWUCHEKWA
MRS DORATHY OKERE RECEIVING VISITORS SHORTLY AFTER THE BURIAL OF HIS SON
GODSON ONYIRIUKA THERE,POSING WITH LATE EMEKA'S PORTRAIT." I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME . NDA REGGY REST IN PEACE TILL WE MEET AND PART NO MORE"
MRS ADA OKERE AGBASIMALO(EXTREME LEFT) RECEIVING DR(MRS) NJOKU(EXTREME RIGHT),THE RECTOR OF THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE
HON UJUNWA OKERE THERE WITH HER SISTER AND THE POLYTECHNIC RECTOR
THE VIVACIOUS AUTHOR OF THE FOREST DAMES THERE WITH THE POLYTECHNIC RECTOR. SHE'S GOT THE RECTOR ABSOLUTELY ENGROSSED IN HER TALE. LOL. SHE ALSO HAS TWO OTHER BOOKS- WAVES OF DESTINY AND BOW YOU MUST
HON UJUNWA OKERE(RIGHT) WITH HIS GOOD FRIEND HON. VICTOR MURUAKO(MIDDLE),THE FORMER OWERRI WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN.
BIOGRAPHY OF REGINALD CHUKWUEMEKA
OKERE(1964-2012)
A shining star dimmed on the 3rdday of June 2012. And as a result, we were
robbed of an epitome ofbrilliance,
decency and dedication, humility and honesty, respect and gentility, integrity
and focus, intelligence and hard work, kindness and godliness. Emeka had a ready
smile for everybody. Now can we ever forget Reginald Chukwuemeka Okere? The
answer is a resounding NEVER! Oh, that Dana air crash of Sunday 3rd June 2012?
How we wish it did not happen! But glory be to God for His will!
The seventh out of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs B.U.N.
Okere, Reginald Chukwuemeka is an accomplished man, having started his primary
education at Anglican primary school Umudibia Nekede and completed it at Zik
Avenue Primary School, Enugu. His secondary school studies took place at
Government College Owerri, from where he came out with division one, after
which he proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and graduated in
Management with a Second Class Upper. He served the Nation under the National
Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme, in Konduga Borno State and did his first
post NYSC job with his big inlaw Engr. Agbasimalo's firm, Marudeni Engineering
Company where he demonstrates huge administrative and management skills as he
handled big projects and finances and produced desired results, to the extent
that it became a joyful pain to the Managing Director when he was leaving for
his first banking job, with First City Merchant Bank (FCMB). He lived within
the household of Engr. & Mrs. E. O. Agbasimalo, not as an inlaw but as a
son and became a mentor and role model not only to the Agbasimalo children but
to all the children of his other siblings and to several relations springing
from the Okere and Onyiriuka families, in-laws, friends and peers. Now that our
mentor and role model is gone, we mourn him. But we mourn him with restraint,
convinced that the Almighty called him to a place where he will know true peace
and love.
Emeka's quest for more knowledge got him back to the
University of Nigeria Nsukka, school of post graduate studies where he got his
MBA. He got another Masters degree from Ogun State University and yet another
from Lagos Business School (LBS). Emeka had several certificates from
international correspondences and seminars. He worked with First City Merchant
Bank dutifully and to the best of his ability and later moved to Diamond bank,
where he rose to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM). When he
retired from Diamond bank in 2011, he went back to FCMB, now First City
Monument Bank. His long standing good working relations built on trust, and his
clean records spoke well for him and he assumed his position as AGM in FCMB. He
was on his way to an official assignment from Abuja to Lagos when he met his
death on the ill-fated Dana flight, leaving us with a deep sence of loss.
big brother rest in perfect peace,your death was a very big shock to me,but what can i do? i can't question God because blessed is the name that giveth and taketh.
I am from Nekede and I have a lot in common with Emeka from school attended, interest, having an inlaw mentor and a banker. I never knew Emeka in his life time nor do I know any of his family members but I still shed my tears as I drop these lines. May God comfort all he has left behind because he alone can supply comfort.
i stumbled into this,i dont know this man neither do i know his family but after going through this i cannot help but shed tear and cry like a baby. This is a very big loss to Nigeria. May his gentle soul RIP,only God alone know why this happened.
May the soul of Ndaa Regi and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace... we love you but God loves you most, continue to rest in His bossom!
This is very painful. May his soul rest in perfect peace. This is the best way to immortalize someone. Emeka will live forevermore .
ReplyDeleteSo sad RIP .
ReplyDeleteAwwh! Very very detailed, I ve never seen a burial like this in my life. This is real celebration of life . RIP Chukwuemeka Okere .
ReplyDeleteRIP,a short lifetime that was well spent. I believe the almighty knows the reason why it happened.
ReplyDeleteNda Reggy ga nke-oma, go in peace
ReplyDeletewe miss u a great deal boss,rest in perfect peace,Amen
ReplyDeletebig brother rest in perfect peace,your death was a very big shock to me,but what can i do? i can't question God because blessed is the name that giveth and taketh.
ReplyDeleteSAD SAD SAD. THE OKERE'S TAKE HEART.SUCH IS LIFE.I BELIEVE ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY IT HAPPENED.RIP EMEKA.
ReplyDeleteRest in Perfect Peace. Our prayers go to your wife and children and your mother and brothers and sisters
ReplyDeletesad moment for the family. RIP
ReplyDeleteRIP
ReplyDeleteRIP bro
ReplyDeleteI felt it when I read throw his biography.May his soul RIP.
ReplyDeleteMay his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
ReplyDeletewhat a painful memory,may his gentle soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteMay his soul rest in perfect peace ,Amen .
ReplyDeleteMay his soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace ,Amen.
ReplyDeleteIt's well,may his soul rest in peace ,Amen.
ReplyDeleteI remember that, how awful. My prayers are with his family. Rip.
ReplyDeleteI am from Nekede and I have a lot in common with Emeka from school attended, interest, having an inlaw mentor and a banker. I never knew Emeka in his life time nor do I know any of his family members but I still shed my tears as I drop these lines.
ReplyDeleteMay God comfort all he has left behind because he alone can supply comfort.
this is so sad he is my uncle. may he be safe in heaven.
ReplyDeleteHE IS SAFE IN HEAVEN MY DEAR...
ReplyDeletei stumbled into this,i dont know this man neither do i know his family but after going through this i cannot help but shed tear and cry like a baby. This is a very big loss to Nigeria. May his gentle soul RIP,only God alone know why this happened.
ReplyDeletehmmmm,this life! absolute vanity. RIP
ReplyDeleteRest in peace. Truly a great man. My heart felt sympathy goes to the family.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace bro, God loves you more
ReplyDeleteThe big bros R.I.P
ReplyDeletewe miss him may his soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteHe is forever in our heart, till
ReplyDeletewe meet again to part no more
Nda Reggy. Sleep on till we meet to part no
ReplyDeletemore. What a great lost. We will mourn u 4
ever.
Nwanne omam keep resting in the bossom
ReplyDeleteour Lord. Honestly onwu emela
UMUOKOMOCHE he na uwa, aka di ole hara
nwara ya? but God knows the best.
I dont knw the deceased bt picture speaks
ReplyDeletelouder than voice. Hmmm!! The secret things
belong to our God(deut.29v29).also read
ecl.11v5
RIP. THE WIFE AND FAMILY SHOULD TAKE SOLACE IN GOD ALMIGHTY
ReplyDeleteMay the soul of Ndaa Regi and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace... we love you but God loves you most, continue to rest in His bossom!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry RIP
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteHmmm...!Sobs...
ReplyDeleteWot a world. May his gentle soul continue 2 rest in peace. so gentle he was.
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to a man who was
ReplyDeleteso obviously loved, cherished, and sorely
missed by so many
REST IN PEACE.THIS IS VERY TOUCHY
ReplyDeleteRIP.IT IS WELL
ReplyDeleteWhat a painful lost, may his soul rest in peace. Amen
ReplyDeleteForever in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace. What a beautiful tribute to such an impressive man.
ReplyDeleteThis life is vanity. Nda Emeka may your soul continue to rest in Peace till me meet again and part no more.
ReplyDelete