His Excellency Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife CON, PhD Harvard
As we mark the anniversary of your passing, I am reminded of the profound impact you had on my life, the entire family and the lives of countless others. Your legacy of love, kindness, and generosity continues to inspire us all.
You were a true lover of people, always believing in the potential for change and growth in everyone. Your pragmatic approach to life was balanced by your kind and truthful nature, which earned you the respect and admiration of all who knew you.
Your love was profound and genuine, and you were always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. You were a true philanthropist, always giving of yourself to others without expectation of reward or recognition.
Your attributes are a rare find in one person, and I feel blessed to have had you in my life. Your memory will continue to be a blessing to me, and I will always cherish the time we had together.
As Diana Ross so eloquently put it, “And I will always love you.” Rest in peace, dear husband. Your love and legacy will never be forgotten.
Some of my favourite memories of you include: Your unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting transparency in Nigerian politics. Your passion for education and your dedication to helping others achieve their goal. Your kind and gentle spirit, which inspired countless people to be their best selves. Your generosity and philanthropy, which touched the lives of so many people in need. Your love and support, which meant the world to all of us in the Ezeife Dynasty and kinsmen and to so many others from Igbo-ukwu, Anambra, Ohaneze Worldwide and because you’re detribalized, same to everyone that crossed your path.
You may be gone, but your memory and legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
My Lasting Memories of You in the Hospital.
I will never forget our clubbing at the very prestigious Ikoyi Ckub, Apapa Club, almost all the different continental and intercontinental restaurants in Lagos and anywhere we find ourselves in some parts of the world. You were a free giver of joy and very pleasant good times which made the gap in age inexistence. You were to me a FINE BOY NO PIMPLES. 😘💪🏽😘
THANK YOU BAMI! ESEUN, URUESE, DALU, NAGODE.
I will never forget the days we spent together in the hospital before you passed. It was a difficult time, but your strength and courage inspired me every day. I remember the conversations we had, and the wisdom you shared with me.
I remember the conversations you had with Ochendo S.N Okeke, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, and Prof. Charles Nwekeaku, when they paid us a visit in the hospital. In your words: “When Ugoeze brought me here (FMC) I didn’t even know where I was, you know nobody should be afraid to die,” it’s just like you’re sleeping, very peaceful. My response was Okwadike, don’t say things like that and you said: “but it’s true.” in your usual anecdotal way. Those words have stayed with me, and they continue to bring me comfort. I will never forget that and the very day at this very time as I write now on 14th December, 2023, the unexpected and inevitable happened in my own very eyes and face, you actually passed on ahhhhhhhhh!
Though the pang of the excruciating pain is heavy. BUT WE CANNOT ASK NOR COMPLAIN. WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY AS THEY BELONG TO HIM ALONE.
As I continue on my own journey, I am reminded of the love and support you always showed me as best of friends. You spurred me on from my first degree (even after I returned from the UK and you declared the course I read not suitable for us) (hmmm! my true and genuine counsellor) to my current pursuit of a PhD. I am grateful for your love and encouragement, and by the special grace of God, I will continue to make you and my children and our entire family proud.
Please pray for me that my PhD program will end in praise. I know that you are watching over us from heaven, and I am grateful for your continued love and support.
We love you, and truly appreciate your love for family. Continue to rest in God’s bosom.
Written by H.E. Ugoeze Grace O. Ezeife, FITPN
