In Loving Memory of Obi

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since you left us. Though you’re no longer here with us, your presence still lingers in our hearts and memories.

We remember your laughter, your kindness, and the way you always knew how to brighten a room. Your spirit continues to inspire us everyday, and we find comfort in the cherished moments we shared with you.

As we remember you today and everyday, we find peace in knowing that you are watching over us. We miss you deeply, but we know that your light will never fade from our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Obi.

You will always be in my heart ❤️

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAREST BROTHER OBIORA

A year ago today, you left us to be with God in heaven. We will always hold your memory in our hearts and will never forget the love we shared. Continue to rest in the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

May the soul of Obiora and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen!

A year has passed since you departed this world, but the memory of your laughter, kindness, & spirit continues to warm our hearts. Rest on Jerry!

Hope you're having a heavenly birthday bash up there, Jerry! Miss you but raising a toast in your honor. Rest on!

TRIBUTE TO A GENTLE GIANT

Dear Uncle Obi - I will always cherish your kind ways, great sense of humor, and infectious laugh. Thank you so much for always having a kind word and act for me and my brother. We love you but God clearly loves you more. May you rest in God's perfect peace.

Love,
Nneka Ezenwa Chiazor + Family

TRIBUTE TO UNCLE OBI GABBY

We had hoped against hope that the sad news of your demise will be reversed. The reality stares all of us in the face and we must accept the fact that a man such as you shall never walk in this realm.

Uncle, thank you for showing kindness to Linus Okechi, our father, when he was alive. Thank you for choosing to relate nicely with him and for trusting your Estate in Enugu to his care.

Uncle Obi, you were a man filled with so much love for others. The smile on your face dispels the fear that comes with your intimidating profile. Indeed, a Star has fallen.

To your wife and children, time shall heal the deep wound in their hearts. We ask the good Lord and our Blessed Mother Mary to continue to comfort them.

Again, Akama has lost a rare gem! Rest on, our beloved Uncle Obi Gabby, in the bosom of our Lord.

LINUS OKECHI's FAMILY

Obiora, you are gone but never to be forgotten. Your presence was larger than life as was your glorious smile and laughter. You were a complex man who always wished to share ideas and thoughts. I am grateful for the many hours we shared.
All that have known you are lucky to have enjoyed your person. You leave behind an amazing family. With Gabriella as your loving partner you raised three amazing children and I consider myself as being so fortunate to have known you through your lifelong journey.
You will always remain in my heart.

My cousin Obi,

You left us too soon. We are heartbroken at the turn of events and your sudden departure from this earth. It is surreal, given that we were together a few weeks ago, watching soccer and discussing life. Words cannot describe the pain and void you left in our hearts. Your gregarious smile and laughter are something we will not be able to experience again.

As we come to terms with your loss, we will remember the good times and treasure the memories. We take solace in knowing you left an indelible mark on our lives.

Rest-In-Peace

Valentine Ofodu and Family

TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN GERALDO

Geraldo, as I often call you.

All I can say is that an icon has been lost and I lost words to explain how sorrowfully I feel.

Your death brings grief,sadness and despairthat no one can describe.It’s unbearable,unbelievable, unacceptable and brings mood swing .

God be with you until we meet again 
Obi, Eternal rest grant unto you and may perpetual light shine upon you.

Your Cousin Ngo Zeigbo Anidiobi

I will love you forever, daddy! Thank you for a lifetime full of memories. Thank you for instilling in me your light. I am beyond proud of the woman that I am becoming and I attribute that confidence to the strong foundation you provided for me. Your wisdom, sacrifice and perseverance taught me how to see the world through your lens of love and openness. You always put your family first; providing each one of us with opportunities and the courage to dream and attack the world because we knew we were supported at home. I loved talking to you in the mornings while sharing a cup of coffee or sitting on Facetime with you as you pondered on complexities of the world. I appreciate your curious mind and how you challenged me to be my best self through instilling discipline and hard work, while simultaneously supporting me with comfort and love. Always reminding me to never lie to myself, set goals, learn from my mistakes and always move forward.

Though he may not be physically with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we all held dear. He lives on in the laughter that resonates in our home. Let us remember him not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles that reflect the light he brought into our lives.

Nwokem, as we fondly address each other.

I will forever cherish the memories we had, especially during the many visits to Nigeria with stopovers in Lagos. It is sad and painful to come to the realization that you are no longer with us (at least in the physical). But I will rather not mourn like one without hope as I look to that glorious resurrection morning when we shall see again.

Sleep in Peace Nwokem.

In Loving Memory of Obi:

In the landscape of our lives and journey upon earth, there are lots of inexplicable situations in ourselves beyond our control. Our families and relatives are chosen according to the will of God, which cannot be challenged or changed. However, God in His infinite wisdom has ordained our mission in live for all eternity. It was very clear to me at a young age that Obi's star shone brighter than most. His gift/star was one that illuminated always to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His selflessness was a guiding light, a reminder of the boundless capacity of the human heart to give without expecting anything in return. With a love that knew no bounds, he etched himself into our souls, leaving a permanent mark of care, kindness, laughter, sweetness and camaraderie.

Obi, my cousin, and confidant, was more like a younger brother and stood steadfast by my side as a pillar of support through every twist and turn. His genuine enthusiasm for our cherished conversations made him my favorite "gist" partner, as we reminisced and reflected on our family, childhood and life.

Obi's legacy is one of love and devotion. The way he embraced me and my children was beyond words. I remain eternally grateful to Obi, his beautiful and gracious wife Gabriella, children and mother in-law. For him, we have a profound appreciation that continues to wrap us in warmth and love. His light shone brightest when he demonstrated what it meant to be a loving supporter and a beacon of strength for all of us.

One memory for me that shines especially bright is the opportunity he gave me to pray alongside him and his wife during his last moments in the hospital, to seek God's mercy together through prayer. I was devastated to know that we might never see again in this world. This act of trust and love spoke volumes about his character and the bond we shared. Though, his last days were very painful to all that loved him, it was comforting to know he was at peace with God. Scripture says in Romans8:28 "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to His purpose."

Obi, you will be missed beyond words, but your light will continue to guide us. In our hearts, you will forever remain the embodiment of selflessness, love without measure, and the epitome of unwavering support. Rest well, dear cousin, and thank you for the gift of you in our lives.

With heartfelt love,
June Scola George

Mourning A Beloved Friend, A Brother Indeed! 

By David Iloanya.



It was in mid-July, 2023. Just home from work, I was taking a shower when my brother-in-law, Nwanneka, called to inform me that Obi Chidom was quite ill in the hospital, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A profound sadness engulfed me. My beloved elder brother, Peter Chika Iloanya—a doctor—had just passed on to glory on April 17, 2023, from the same illness. I was lost for words. This cannot be true, I whispered to myself, recalling that Obi and I had recently spoken regarding my late brother’s “Service of Songs” which he planned to attend.


From the moment he was introduced to me many years ago, I took to calling him 49ers, a nickname inspired by his size and build. We spoke frequently on the phone. I sent him many highlights of my daughter’s basketball games to elicit his insights on how the game is played. He was something of a basketball aficionado. He taught me how the game is played, skills that needed development, how players get selected for professional ranks—in short, the ins and outs of the game. He would always ask after my daughter, anxious to learn how she was doing in sports and life overall. He often spoke to her as well, giving her tips and guidance to be a better and more productive player. He constantly updated me on his son’s and daughter’s basketball careers. Whenever I rang him, he would exclaim, “Davido! Kedu ka I mere?” his signature baritone voice inflected with excitement. He was always happy, engaged and connected. We would talk at length until he was called for lunch or dinner, or to some other tasks.

I was at work on Monday holding my usual weekly meeting with staff when my daughter called. In a mournful, fading voice she asked, “Daddy, did you hear the news? Uncle is dead.” “What?” came my terse response, uncertain who she was referring to. “Who?” I asked in an emotional tone. “Arinze’s Dad,” my daughter replied.

I was silent for a full minute or more, my lips visibly shaking. Then I let out a dejected gasp. I was in utter disbelief, incapable of taking in the message. I found myself unable to concentrate on my meeting. My staff seemed confused, wondering what had happened. I had no language to convey to them that I had lost a most dear friend.


As the reality of the tragic news permeated my consciousness, I was drawn to reflect on an immemorial poem by John Donne, a renowned 17th century English poet. Published in 1624, Donne’s poem includes the remarkably poignant lines: “…Any man’s death diminishes me, / Because I am involved in mankind, / And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; / It tolls for thee.”


Obi was in many ways an extraordinary human being, capacious in his desire for the success and happiness of others. A man who naturally radiated happiness, he related to people in an open, honest manner. He modeled a spirit of charity in his engagements with others. He was not a man of artifice, but rather genuinely supportive of those in need.

I am yet to overcome my shock and the sadness that settled in my heart following Obi’s sudden departure. My grief is compounded by the fact of the proximity of his death to that of my elder brother. For me, it’s a double dose of pain and bereavement. The depth of grief is so shattering that one’s tongue feels tied, one’s sense of equilibrium unsettled. It is altogether impossible to understand or process my emotions.
 Obi’s departure has left a veritable emptiness in the lives of the family and friends he showered with exceeding kindness. His death is bound to foster despondency in numerous family and friends who cherished his charisma and reciprocated the love and kindness he shared with disarming ease.


In our countless conversations, Obi often conveyed to me how blessed he felt for having a close-knit family and dependable circle of friends. Whenever I was around him, I witnessed and felt his generosity of spirit. To be in his presence was to experience a moving depth of love and humanity. He treated others in a manner that suggested his belief in their intrinsic regality.


“49ers” was a man of steadfast integrity, a brother’s keeper. A hard-working man, he never complained about any challenges or tasks. He constantly sought to inculcate moral rectitude in youngsters and to instill the necessity for a sound work ethic.

Part of Obi’s greatness lay in his everyday deeds, a harvest of small but consequential acts. He was always responsive to his family and friends in their times of need. It was no surprise that he earned their devotion and gratitude. He was a devoted husband, a doting father, a warm-hearted uncle, and a cheery friend.

“49ers” lived a good, fulfilled life. In death, he has earned an imperishable legacy. The tremendous outpouring of tributes and condolences since his passing bears witness to the richness and fullness of the life he led. There’s no greater splendor than to have countless people come forward to testify to one’s virtues, bearing witness to the many ways in which one reached out and touched others’ lives. That’s the Obi I was privileged to know. His impressive legacy, and our recollection of his splendid deeds, will ensure that he stays alive in our hearts.


The Almighty God who spoke the world into existence does not make mistakes. We praise God for the gift of Obi’s life. May his legacy continue to stimulate and enliven all of us who knew and loved him, and who received the warmth of his great love and kindness.

Let’s keep celebrating Obi’s impactful life, his gregariousness and infectious cheer.
He will be missed. May his soul rest with God in Heaven, Amen‼️

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR NEPHEW OBIORA CHIDOM

YOU MEANT SO MUCH

Words fail me as I write this tribute still difficult to believe you are no more in this quick world . Mere words cannot explain the shock that you passed on. What a ride shock. O!death where is thy sting?
Obii you were a young kind hearted, peaceful man that showed love and concern to anyone that comes in contact with you. You never discriminate from the poor and the rich.
I remembered vividly our past years as youths, you always stand for equitable and transparent and you were loved for this.
Now where Obiora stood before,a lone picture takes his place O! death you are wicked and heartless
No one can question GOD. He does everything according to His wishes
So umamuluamu rest on in Christ Jesus till the Resurrection day we all shall meet again
Good-bye
AGBAGIDI NWOKE
DUWAAMMA

Bene Ofordu