Former Electronics Market PG, Okoye Buries Father Amidst Tributes
By Uzo Ugwunze
It was pomp as the creme de la creme thronged Omimi Uke community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra state, as a former chairman, Electronics International market Onitsha, Dr. Izuchukwu Okoye, buried his father, late Chief Boniface Amamchukwu Okoye.
Among those who paid tribute included, the National chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa, member representing Onitsha North 1, in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka, member representing Onitsha South 2, in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, and former member representing Orumba North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo.
Others were, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Mr. Samuel Ike, caretaker committee chairman, Onitsha International Electronics market, Chief Dona Obi, former President General, Onitsha Bridgehead market, Chief Sunday Obinze, former chairman, APGA ward 3, Chief Simon Ezeabata, Price Uzoma Ubaoha, chairman Board of Trustees, Association of Music Film Production and Marketers of Nigeria, and a pharmaceutical business magnate , Chief Nebedum Onyeka James.
In his tribute, the APGA National chairman, urged Izuchukwu to take heart stating that he was saddened by the sudden death of his father who he said was a remarkable personality that touched most souls with his kindness, wisdom and warmth.
Also, the two LP lawmakers present, Umennajiego and Azuka, urged Izuchukwu to take heart adding that by their reckoning late Okoye was a good man who lived upright life worthy of emulation.
Senator Tony Nwioye representing Anambra North Senatorial District and Hon. Emeka Idu, representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, also in their tribute said they sympathized with him on the death of his father adding that they were aware of what he was going through.
The eldest son of the family, Chief Chidozie Okoye, said words were not enough to describe his late father’s achievement’s and life worthy of emulation he lived while on earth.
He said that his father’s dedication to Christian faith was unshakable recalling that he was never envy to people’s achievements but rather feel happy and advised on how to sustain the tempo.
Speaking, the former Rep’s member, Ezenwankwo, said that Izuchukwu was his bosom friend adding, “We are here not to mourn but to celebrate longevity,” adding that late Okoye lived a life worthy of emulation.
“Izuchukwu is my good friend and he should emulate his late father who also dedicated his life to God. God will give the family the heart with which to bear the loss.
On the present economic quagmire he advised Nigerians to be patient adding that with time it will come to pass.
Earlier, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Industry, Mr. Samuel Ike, urged Izuchukwu and his family to take heart adding that his late father lived a life of emulation.
“I am here to sumpathise with Izuchukwu, he is my good friend and did his best as former chairman of Onitsha International Electrics market. You can see the large number of people here because of him, that shows he is good like his father.”
” I Pray God to give the family the heart to bear the irreparable loss, the late Okoye made his mark in the sand of time prior to his exit,” he stated.
The chairman of Onitsha International Electronics market, Chief Obi described Izuchukwu as a nice person that made the market what it is today, even as he sympathized with him over the loss of his father.
“We sympathize with him over the death of his father even though that it is better for son to bury his father than the reverse,” he stated.
In his post burial speech/tribute, Izuchukwu, who is the second son, commended all and sundry for being physically present at the father’s burial despite their tight schedules and prayed God to protect them back to their destinations.
He described his late father as an epitome of goodness and justice stating that testimonials abound to attest to this character of a man who lived the life of a saint.
“I have no doubt that my father accomplished the duties and responsibilities of fatherhood without fear or favour. He treated everybody that came around him and issues with equity and fairness irrespective of parties involved,” he revealed.
Also Izuchukwu’s wife, Mrs. joy Okoye, described her late father in-law as a kind hearted man who always wanted to eat her food whenever she came calling in the village and asked her to make more babies since her children have grown up.
“You were a man whose kind gestures are worthy of emulation. I will forever miss your company and fatherly advice, in the next world you will remain my father in-law,” she prayed.
Aged, 89 years, late Chief Okoye was was born in Uke, Idemily North Council Area, to Mr. Okoye Akuchukwu and Mrs. Nwanyi Eke Gold in the nineties. He was the second child of his mother. His growing up was an uphill task as he lost his father at a very tender age but became an accomplished business man later in life.
He got married to Mrs Martha Okoye, ( nee Maduekwe) and the marriage was blessed with four boys and two girls, Chiagozie, Dr. Izuchukwu,, Tochukwu, Ifechukwu, Chikaodili Ezionwu and Ozioma.
