dibueze chinyere asika ofr. complete funeral tribute booklet

H.E. (Dibueze) Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika OFR

Tributes to an Icon

(June 19, 1939 – May 3, 2015)

Remarkable. Unforgettable. Irreplaceable.

SERVICE OF SONGS UKSt Matthews Church, Thornhill Crescent, Islington, London N1 1BQ

Friday, July 3, 2015. 6pm prompt

SERVICE OF SONGS USASaint Peter's Igbo Anglican Church, 1300 Brunswick Ave., Trenton NJ 08638. Saturday, July 11, 2015. 6pm prompt

NIGHT OF TRIBUTE/SERVICE OF SONGSInternational Conference Centre, Abuja. Wednesday, July 15, 2015. 6pm prompt

EGBU SEND-FORTHEjiogu Compound, Egbu-Owerri.

Wednesday July 22, 2015. 7pm – all night

AIRPORT RECEPTIONSam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri.

Thursday July 23rd, 2015. 9.30am

FLAGSTOP/PRAYERSEjiogu Compound, Egbu-Owerri.

Thursday July 23rd, 2015. 12.00 Noon

LYING-IN-STATE22 Niger Drive, Onitsha GRA.

Friday July 24th, 2015. 6am – 10.00am

FUNERAL SERVICE All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. Friday July 24, 2015. 10.30am

Internment follows immediately

RECEPTION:22 Niger Drive, GRA Onitsha

OUTING SERVICEImmanuel Anglican Church, Ugwunaobankpa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha. Sunday July 26th, 2015. 9am

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Enyi DibuezeNne Igbo Gburu GburuIya Meto of Ibadanland

Ochendo OwerriAdakaibeya

Lolo of IkeduruEkwe of NkwerreEzindo of Ezeagu

Iyom of AwkaNda Chinyere

Mummy

CONTENTSBORN TO PROMINENCE PAGE 6

CITATION PAGE 8

CURRICULUM VITAE PAGE 10

TRIBUTES/CONDOLENCE LETTERS

President Muhammadu Buhari PAGE 16

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan PAGE 17

General Yakubu Gowon PAGE 18

President Olusegun Obasanjo PAGE 20

Mrs Bola Obasanjo PAGE 21

General T.Y. Danjuma PAGE 23

Alhaji Ahmed Joda PAGE 25

Governor Willie Obiano, Anambra State PAGE 27

Governor Rochas Okorocha, Imo State PAGE 28

Ofce of the SGF, Imo State PAGE 29

Gov. David Nweze Umahi, Ebonyi State PAGE 30

African Peer Review Mechanism PAGE 31

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu PAGE 32

Dep. Senate President Ike Ekweremadu PAGE 34

Jim Ovia PAGE 35

Godwin Emeliefe PAGE 36

MD Zenith Bank Apamgbo PAGE 37

Adaora Umeoji PAGE 39

Dr. Gabriel Okenwa PAGE 40

Peter Obi PAGE 41

Governor Theophilus Orji PAGE 42

Achike Udenwa PAGE 43

Senator Chris Anyanwu PAGE 44

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur PAGE 46

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim PAGE 47

Chief EK Clark PAGE 49

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu PAGE 50

Engr Ebele Okeke PAGE 51

Senator Joy Emordi PAGE 52

Senator Ugochukwu Uba PAGE 53

Senator Ben Obi PAGE 54

Uche Azikiwe PAGE 57

Prof. Pat Utomi PAGE 58

Dame Beatrice Ekwueme PAGE 60

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha PAGE 62

Enukora Joe Okoli PAGE 63

Dr. Lawrence Anukam PAGE 66

Amb. Fidelia Njeze PAGE 68

Chika Balogun PAGE 69

Peter Jack PAGE 71

Ify Umenyi PAGE 72

Otunba Basirat Nahibi PAGE 73

National Council of Women Societies PAGE 75

Commonwealth Human Ecology Council PAGE 76

SIC Okoli PAGE 77

South-East Council of Traditional Rulers PAGE 78

Eze Njemanze PAGE 79

Stephen Oronsaye PAGE 80

Eze Ohazulike PAGE 82

Chief Mrs Anene Afolabi PAGE 83

Ezenwa Onyewuchi PAGE 84

Prof. Marie Umeh PAGE 85

Eze Egbu PAGE 86

Ohanaeze Business Counsel PAGE 88

Compol (Barr.) Lawrence Alobi PAGE 89

Prof. Ukwu I Ukwu PAGE 91

Mrs Comfort Ukwu PAGE 92

Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu PAGE 93

Dr Koyi Ugboma PAGE 95

Otu Odu of Onitsha PAGE 96

Eunice Obianwu PAGE 97

Nig. Women of Integrity & Divine Initiatives PAGE 98

Chief Joe Nwegwu PAGE 99

Lady Dr Chinwe Nzegwu PAGE 100

Igbo Youth Association PAGE 101

Ado Committee of Friends PAGE 102

Redeemed Christian Church of God PAGE103

Barrister Chuka Uba PAGE 105

Nwolu Odiamma PAGE 106

APC Ofce of Dep. Nat. Women Leader PAGE 107

Oz Giwa-Amu PAGE 108

UNTH Enugu PAGE 109

Agbalanze Onitsha Cultural Association PAGE 110

Prof. Jerry Bender PAGE 111

Amb. Cletus Amaraegbu PAGE 112

Onitsha Improvement Union PAGE 114

Max Gbanite PAGE 115

Holy Child Students Association PAGE 116

Abuja Graduation School PAGE 117

Lady Beatrice Aduba PAGE 118

UNTH Foundation PAGE 119

Immanuel Anglican Church Children PAGE 121

Iyom Dorothy Okide PAGE 122

Dozie Owerri PAGE 123

Nwachi Caroline Megafu PAGE 124

Terri Emezi PAGE 124

Short Messages of Love PAGE 127

Sister Helen Onyiuke PAGE 134

Living Christ Mission PAGE 137

Donu Kogbara PAGE 139

Chris Amadi PAGE 140

Princess Ngozi Nnaedozie PAGE 141

GOWEM PAGE 142

Owerri People’s Assembly PAGE 143

Chief Sir Engr. Uchenna Acholonu PAGE 144

Prof. Ebenezer Okonkwo PAGE 145

Omobola Onajide PAGE 145

Emeka Keazor PAGE 146

Joseph C. Ibekwe PAGE 147

Sir Rowland & Lady Cordelia Ekechi PAGE 147

Reginald Ofodile PAGE 148

Umuada Igbo Nigeria PAGE 149

John Adeleke PAGE 150

Chief C.I. Nwapa PAGE 151

Lady Dorothy Nwokedi PAGE 152

Chief Maurice Ebo PAGE 153

Mrs Abimbola Sowemimo PAGE 154

Lady Regina Anionwu PAGE 156

Tochukwu Ikezue PAGE 157

UN-POLAC PAGE 158

Eze Ezeilo PAGE 159

Chidi Uwajumogu PAGE 161

Tributes from Personal Staff PAGE 162

Soul Mates PAGE 164

Ojinnaka Obodoechina (Obi) Asika PAGE 167

Nwaezebuona Nkiru Asika PAGE 170

Amalunweze Uju Asika PAGE 173

Nwando Asika PAGE 175

Yetunde Asika PAGE 176

Grandchildren PAGE 181

Mrs Funmi Bakare PAGE 184

Chief Joy Ezeilo PAGE 185

Kelechi Ejiogu PAGE 187

Augusta Ogechi Ordu PAGE 188

Chiaka Ojogwu PAGE 188

Pastor Ngozi Nnadi PAGE 189

Ambassador Dr. Kema Chikwe PAGE 190

Nwaeju Njie PAGE 191

Ibe Ejiogu PAGE 192

Ugboaku Okasi PAGE 194

Ukwuoma Chukunta PAGE 195

Akufor Atukpaw PAGE 196

Oluoma Ejirika PAGE 200

Nnenna Kalejaiye PAGE 201

Anagam Ononuju PAGE 202

Chimdi Ejiogu PAGE 203

Uche Ejiogu PAGE 204

Nedum Ejiogu PAGE 205

Obii Pax-Harry PAGE 206

JohnBull & Julie Onyeukwu PAGE 207

Dr. Regina Amadi PAGE 208

Austin Egejuru PAGE 209

Barr. Maxwel Onyeukwu PAGE 209

Apostle James Odirionyenma PAGE 210

Akpe Chulo Asika PAGE 215

Nnayelugo Nworah Asika PAGE 216

Odera Onwi Bazuaye PAGE 217

Adiba Asika Osemene PAGE 219

Maureen Asika-Enahoro PAGE 220

Nebolisa Emordi PAGE 221

Amalunweze Nnenna Onyewuchi PAGE 222

Chiazo Asika PAGE 223

Barr Ngozi Asika Agbapuonwu PAGE 225

Rev. Dr. Ekeleme Ordu PAGE 225

Akukalia Odiari PAGE 226

Rev. Tabiri Chukwunta PAGE 228

Dr. Pax Harry PAGE 229

Nze Herbert Chikwe PAGE 230

Dr. Victor Ordu PAGE 230

Nini Okey-Uche PAGE 231

Obinna Ejiogu PAGE 232

Somachi Kachikwu PAGE 232

Ama Ejiogu PAGE 233

Nma Agba PAGE 234

Ugonna Ibe-Ejiogu PAGE 235

Data Pax-Harry PAGE 236

Short Messages of Love PAGE 237

Appreciation PAGE 242

The Eastern Nigerian Mail, July I, 1939“MR. N. O. Ejiogu of the Government Middle School has been receiving congratulations on the delivery on Monday June 19 of a female child by his wife.”

The Eastern Nigerian Mail, July 29 1939“In connection with the OMUGWO Ceremony in honour of his new-born baby, Mr. N. O. Ejiogu of the Government Middle School gave a very sumptuous entertainment to a host of his friends in his home at Egbu on Saturday, July 15.The grand function, which was very largely attended, started at about 4.30 pm. Mr. J. H. Dick, Travelling Teacher, acted as Chairman, and Mr. F. N. Ejeogu was Master of Ceremonies.In his opening remarks, the Chairman expressed the very deep personal interests he had taken in attending the function. He also revised the pleasant memories of his long association with Mr. Ejiogu, who he rst knew at school as his own class pupil, and whose excellent character and scholastic aspirations have always impressed him.

The only toast, that of Ejiogu's family, was proposed by Mr. J. K. Nzerem, who… heaped more laurels on Mr. Ejiogu laying particular stress on Mr. Ejiogu's wide-spread popularity .. among all classes of the of the Owerri people who have known him as a rst class patriot and a man of impeccable character. Mr. Nzerem also referred to the august personalities present at the function as an indication of the high esteem in which Mr. Ejiogu is held in social circles.

In responding to the toast Mr. Ejiogu thanked both the chairman and Mr. Nzerem for the kind things they said about him which he thought he really did not deserve. He also thanked the invitees for … coming to Egbu to honour his invitation.

Drinkables of all sorts and several dishes were profusely served whilst also a band (entertained)… The merry gathering dispersed at 6.30pm. Prominent among those present besides those already mentioned, were Dr. T. A. Kester, Messrs E. Nkune, D. O. Ewo, E. E. Moma, B.A. Okafo, J. K. Osuji, Chief G. K. Amadi-Obi, S. N. Sikibo, L. B. Gam, R. A. Ogan, V. O. Obowu, E. E. Fiolari, J. A. Umofa, J. N. Emeriwonu, D. Nwosu, B. Iwuagwu, E. I. Njoku, W. W. Acholonu, A. M. Emone, F. S. Obichere, G. K. Njemanze, K. Y. Briggs, J. O. Ibo, L. N. Emerole, N. A. Oparaugo, J. O. Emenyeonu and T. D. Osuji.

BORN TO PROMINENCE

Papa Nathan Ejiogu & Mrs Esther Ejiogu

CITATION

H.E. DIBUEZE CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA OFR

H.E. Dibueze Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika OFR was a public servant, political powerhouse and patron of the arts. She began her diverse professional life after an outstanding academic career. One of only 4 females in Nigeria to win a scholarship from the African Scholarship Program in American Universities program (ASPAU), Dibueze Chinyere Asika held a Bachelor's Degree in Politics & Government from the prestigious Mills College in Oakland, California and a Master's in Information & Library Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, making her one of the rst African women to have studied and worked with computers.

Her early professional life included positions as Assistant Librarian at University of Ibadan, Nigeria and Research Assistant at the Institute of Development Studies at University College, Nairobi, Kenya. When her late husband, Ajie Dr Ukpabi Asika CFR, was appointed Administrator of the war-torn East Central State of Nigeria in 1967, Dibueze Chinyere Asika stepped up to her new responsibilities and after the war, she worked with her husband to rebuild and rehabilitate the State and its citizens. She concentrated largely on development issues, specically the mobilization and empowerment of rural womenfolk through the innovative and highly successful Otu Olu Obodo organization.

After the change of government in 1975, Dibueze Chinyere Asika joined a socio-economic consulting rm where she worked for the next ve years. During the 2nd Republic, she was an active political strategist and she was appointed by then Governor of Anambra State, late C.C. Onoh, as his Special Advisor on Women Affairs – becoming the very rst political appointee on gender issues in Nigeria.

After the coup that ended the 2nd Republic, Dibueze Chinyere Asika returned to private business and development issues. She was a director of several companies, a member of the British Institute of Management, a member of the Institute of Directors in the UK, and a member of the World Development Movement, an NGO focused on Third World development.

From 2002 – 2007, Dibueze Chinyere Asika served former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his Senior Special Assistant on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). In 2007, she was appointed Chairman National Steering Committee, of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), leading the organization in its mission to evaluate the progress and challenges of governance in Nigeria. In April 2008, she was asked to join the National Steering Committee of the Vision 2020 group and in April 2009, she was inaugurated into the National Working Committee on the Drafting of Social Security Policy for Nigeria.

Dibueze Chinyere Asika was also a patron of several civic organizations, including Chairman,

Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), Nigeria and Patron, Global Organization for Women Empowerment, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the empowerment of African women. In 2006 she was conferred with an honorary Doctorate by the Institute of Journalism and in 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan conferred her with the Order of the Federal Republic, one of the nation's highest honours.

Dibueze Chinyere Asika was inducted into the prestigious Otu Odu Society of Onitsha in 1994 and also held chieftaincy titles from across the country including the titles of Iya Meto of Ibadanland, Ochendo Owerri and Nne Igbo Gburu Gburu.

From 2013 - 2015, Dibueze Chinyere Asika served on the Board of Zenith Bank PLC as a Non-Executive Director. In November, 2014 she was appointed as Nigeria and ECOWAS sole representative onto the Eminent Persons Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) of the African Union and in April 2015, a few days to her death, she was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Eminent Persons Council.

She returned from South Africa excited about this new role, but on the morning of Sunday, May 3rd, 2015, the Lord called her home. She died as she had lived, peacefully, with dignity and with a smile on her face.

She is survived by four children – Obi, Nkiru, Uju and Nwando; ve grand-children and numerous siblings, in-laws, relatives and friends. Her death has left a void that is very difcult to bear and almost impossible to ll. But hers was a life lived to the fullest and so we celebrate that life today.

The Lord giveth. The Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

CHIEF (MRS.) CHINYERE E. ASIKA. OFR.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONSŸ Cornelia Connelly College (CCC) Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

(1954-1958)Ÿ West African School CerticateŸ Queens' College Lagos. (1959-1960)Ÿ Higher School Certicate LondonŸ Mills College, Oakland, California, USA. (1961 - 1964)Ÿ Bachelor of Arts (Government with minor in Social

Anthropology)Ÿ University California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA. (1964 –

1965)Ÿ Master's Degree (Library Science & Information Technology)

ACADEMIC HONOURSScholarship for academic merit throughout Secondary School Education

Federal Government Scholarship towards an honors degree at the University of Ibadan based on the result of Higher School Certicate Examination

ASPAU (African Scholarship Programme in American Universities) Scholarship to Mills College, Oakland California. Only 300 students selected from the African continent and only 4 women.

Award to participate in the conference on International Affairs by a World Affairs Council of Northern California.

Federal Government Scholarship towards a Masters degree in Library Science.

HONORARY DEGREESHonorary Doctorate degree by the Commonwealth University, Belize. (2012)Honorary Doctorate degree from Institute of Journalism, Nigeria (2006)

NATIONAL AWARDSOrder of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR), 2010

CURRICULUM VITAE

Chinyere 1964

Teenage Chinyere

mailto:[email protected]

PUBLIC SECTOR APPOINTMENTSŸ First Lady of East Central State of Nigeria. (The

present day South East Zone) (1967-1975)Ÿ Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State

(Chief C.C. Onoh) on Women Affairs. First political appointment on gender issues anywhere in Nigeria. (1983)

Ÿ Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on the New Partnership For African Development (NEPAD) & Chief Executive Ofcer, NEPAD NIGERIA. (2001-2007).

Ÿ Member, National Steering Committee of the APRM. (2005 – 2007)

Ÿ Member, PDP Presidential Screening Committee for April 2007 General Elections in Nigeria. Chairman, National Working Group of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria. (2008 – 2009)

Ÿ Member, National Steering Committee of Vision 20:2020. (2008 till date.)

Ÿ Vice Chairman, National Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria. (2009 till date)

Ÿ Member, National Working Committee on the Implementation of Social Security for Nigeria.(2009 till date)

Ÿ Vice-Chairman, Eminent Persons Panel, African Peer Review Mechanism, African Union (2015)

PRIVATE WORK EXPERIENCE: Ÿ Taught History and Geography to fth form

students of the Government Technical Institute, Enugu. (1961)

Ÿ Clerical Assistant, Foremost Dairies Inc., San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Collected Data relevant to the Introduction of Foremost Dairies products (Samco) into Nigeria (1963)

Ÿ Research Assistant to Professor Wendell P. Jones, Dept of Education, University of California at Las Angeles (UCLA). Collected demographic and ethnographic data on Africa for teaching of comparative education (1964)

Ÿ Student Professional Assistant, Neuropsychiatry Institute Library, University of California Medical Centre, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). (July 1964-Jan. 1965)

Ochendo Owerri

B.a.hons From Mills College

Honorary Doctorate

Ÿ Student Professional Assistant, Government Publications Section, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). (1965)

Ÿ Research Assistant to Professor J.S Coleman, University Of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). (1965). Project: Coding for computer analysis of biographical data on the Nigerian elite.

Ÿ Assistant Librarian, Ibadan University Library, (1965). Attached to the African Section of the library and solely responsible for the University Map collection.

Ÿ Information retrieval for academic staffŸ Acquiring, cataloguing and classication of all

maps (about 10,000 copies)Ÿ Supervision and training of a junior professional

assistant.

Ÿ Administrative Assistant at the Institute for Development Studies, University College, Nairobi, Kenya.(1967)

Ÿ Cataloguer at the American Library of Congress. (1967)

Ÿ Librarian, National Library of Nigeria, Lagos. (1968-1970)

Ÿ Appointed Chairman, Eastern Nigeria Library Board.

Dibueze and NEPAD Team

Campaigning For NPN

Unable to accept for political reasons. (1971)Ÿ Director of various companies. (1975-1979)Ÿ Project Director of Multivar Systems a rm for techno-economic consultancy. Designed feasibility

studies for over a hundred small-medium scale industries. (Oct.-Dec.1983)Ÿ Director, Techno-Transfer Ltd, (1984-1989) Ÿ Director, Sigma Systems, Lagos. Supply of computers and peripherals to various government

institutions. (1990-1994)

Ÿ Director, Bladi property and Investment Company Ltd. (1990 – date)Ÿ Director, Dibueze Integrated Services Ltd. ( 2007 – date)

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:Ÿ Non-Executive Director, Zenith Bank (2013 – 2015)Ÿ Vice Chairman, Governing Council, Abuja Graduate School (2010 – date)Ÿ Founder of Global Organization for Women Empowerment (GOWEM)Ÿ Founder, Gowem Co-operative Society Ltd.Ÿ Chairman, Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), NigeriaŸ Millennium Development Ambassadors Award Ÿ UN – POLAC Ambassador for PeaceŸ Patron, Otu Suwakwa Igbo InitiativeŸ Life Fellow of Agriculture Graduates of Nigeria, AGAN

Administrator Ukpabi Asika And Chinyere

East Central State duties

On Board Ship To U.S.A. 1961

East Central State Years

Ÿ Patron, Senior Citizens & Elders Forum, NigeriaŸ Patron, Nigerian Mental Health OrganisationŸ Patron, Federated Holy Child OrganisationŸ Patron, Diamond Sisters, OwerriŸ Patron Onyeaghalanwanneya Women's

OrganisationŸ Patron, Nigerian Girls GuideŸ Patron, YWCAŸ Founder of Chinyere Asika Disabled Living

FoundationŸ Founder, Otu Olu Obodo. This was the rst mass

movement which galvanized women in every community in the former East Central State to participate in governance and grassroots' project development.

Ÿ Patron of several other organizations too numerous to mention

Iya Meto and Olubadan Of Ibadanland

Chinyere at NEPAD

SSA of NEPAD

Celebration Of LifeCelebration Of LifeCelebration Of Life


CHIEF (MRS) CHINYERE ASIKA, OFR:

AN UNCOMMON BELIEVER IN NIGERIAA TRIBUTE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL DR. YAKUBU GOWON, GCFR, FORMER HEAD OF STATE AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

I met Ajie Anthony Ukpabi Asika before I met his wife, Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Asika. The circumstance of my meeting Ukpabi was most inauspicious, as I was shopping for an Administrator for the newly created East Central State at the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War. I never thought I would get anyone, much less an Igboman, who would be man enough to consider the offer. The name of this young, pipe-smoking young lecturer at the University of Ibadan was suggested. When I met him, he not only considered the offer, he was ready to start work immediately. I cautioned against it by telling him that if he were to be my brother, I would have counselled him against doing so. He took up the job against my advice.

If I thought Ukpabi Asika was 'crazy' to jump at a position that placed him at cross-purpose with his brothers and sisters from Eastern Nigerian who itched to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I did not know how to place his wife, Chinyere. One had thought she would have dissuaded her husband from crossing swords with his 'Biafran' brethren. I was pleasantly shocked when, on arrival from Tanzania, she, like her husband, plunged headlong into efforts at keeping Nigeria as one strong, undivided nation.

Ukpabi and Chinyere formed a solid Eastern team that strongly believed in Nigeria, much against the popular belief of their people. Chinyere was strong-willed and she associated courageously and without reservations with her husband's views on one nation for us all regardless of whether one was from the East, West or the North.

She exhibited her determination by boosting the condence of her Igbo kinsmen and women that chose to remain in and with Nigeria instead of returning to the East or Biafra. In like manner, as First Lady of East Central State, she ensured support for her people who lived within and outside areas liberated by Federal forces in the theatre of war. Her public service initiative, Otu Olu Obodo, helped rural women to achieve some form of self-empowerment. Without doubt, she suffered personal anguish at the suffering of her people.


She was a dedicated wife and mother. She ensured that she made the home front conducive for her husband to put his heart and soul in one Nigeria at a very difcult time in the nation's history. As a mother in war time Nigeria, she not only ensured that her children were well looked after, she took on the added responsibility of taking good care of other children, some of whom were orphaned during the war.

In spite of the noble role that she played alongside her husband during the Nigerian Civil War, she, like her husband, was much maligned, as both did not escape vitriolic attacks from individuals or groups that felt they should have been on the side of Biafra. Her husband lived a great life in spite of these needless negative perceptions. Like him, Chinyere excelled in life in spite or even maybe because of the opposition to her belief in humanity.

When the war ended, the Federal Government, under my leadership, was encouraged, among other things, to declare a philosophy of 'No Victor, No Vanquished' because of the compelling need to fully appreciate the individual and collective contributions of the Asikas and other Easterners who shared their belief in One Nigeria. We dared not do anything that would have badly reected on their persons and character. Our programme of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (3Rs) also ensured that, in the long run, both husband and wife got credit for their contributions.

In contemporary Nigeria, the platform for the expression of her love of Nigeria and humanity increased considerably. At the outset of Nigeria's 4th Republic, Her Excellency, Dibueze Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Asika, CFR, was appointed as pioneer Senior Special Assistant to the President on New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) before she became the Chief Executive Ofcer, NEPAD Nigeria and Vice Chairperson, Eminent Persons Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism of the African Union. She also founded Global Organisation for Women Empowerment (GOWEM) to rehabilitate and give more opportunity to the womenfolk.

I believe that the people of Eastern Nigeria and, indeed, all Nigerians truly should be grateful to both Ajie Ukpabi Asika and Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika, who are now reunited in the bosom of God Almighty, for the simple reason that Nigeria is now better off with the Igbos as part builders of our great nation.

On behalf of my dear wife, Victoria and our country, Nigeria, may I once more express the sincere appreciation of a grateful nation to the Asika family for the gift of two lives who, for the love of God and country, gave their all not just to keep Nigeria together and developing but to ensure that generations of Nigerians have a nation they can rightfully call theirs, though tribe and tongue differ.

Rest in eternal peace, Dibueze Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Asika, CFR.


Mum, you were indeed a family lady, excellent and amiable. You have toiled, laboured and compensated for your good children and people around you. A titan has been lost, a bridge builder, a doyenne of the Asika family and all of us.

Life well spent that ended well in Christ.

Mum, you were such a passionate and accommodating mother who was a go-getter and who always left no stone unturned in any assignment. Mum, you were an icon, you lived a good life and your legacy lives on. Soft spoken mum with strong words of golden advice. As an encourager, your words always ring like a bell in my ears "hold on tight to your husband keep on praising him, don't let anyone discourage you. It is what you have you treasure, be ringing the bells on to their ears to let them know that you love your husband". As you usually said, you toiled so hard to look after your husband, Sir Ukpabi Asika, to the last until he gave up the ghost. I admire your courage and integrity so much. You were so rm strict, loving, humble and never liked to be at the centre of attention. I remember, last time we were together at Onitsha during the chieftaincy ceremonies of all your children, Obi & Co, you did so much when I was with you in Abuja. I overstayed with you because of your love and care.Many wonderful memories of you as a role model, guardian and friend will carry me through to the end, Your keen attention to the achievement of family is impressive. You have left an indelible impression in every life you touched. Thank God for your life mum. Ma sun olufe laya Olugbala re. O di ojo ajinde. Didun ni iranti Olododo.

"Bola how is Oga", as you always called my husband. Ma, you are simply unforgettable.

MRS BOLA OBASANJO


By General T. Y. Danjuma GCON

Tribute to H. E. Dibueze Chinyere Asika OFR


Mrs. Chinyere Edith Asika was the widow of Mr. Anthony Ukpabi Asika, the civilian Administrator of the East Central State of Nigeria from 1967 to 1975. She died on May, 2015.

At the time of his appointment in August/September, 1967, Nigeria was engaged in a civil war, the purpose of which was to keep Nigeria one united country. Essentially this was a war between the Igbos of Nigeria and the rest of the federation. It was a time when few, if any, Igbos wanted to identify with anyone who supported one united Nigeria. As General Gowon, then the Head of State, said when Asika accepted the role of the Administrator of the Igbo enclave, only a mad man would agree to play this role.

Yet Mr. Asika accepted to play the role and went on to play it exceptionally well, fully aware of the fact he was regarded by the overwhelming members of his ethnic group as a traitor. To those who knew Mr. Asika and his wife, it was clear that Mr. Asika could not have discharged himself in the way he did without loyalty and full support of his wife Chinyere. I was a close and observant witness.

Mr. and Mrs. Asika worked in unison and shared their dreams, especially their abiding faith in the unity of Nigeria. One of the many dreams of Tony Asika was the establishment in the nation's capital of a National Cemetery. I know that he would have preferred to be laid to rest in that Cemetery. However this was not to be. I believe that it would be tting for his wife to rest ceremonially in the Abuja National Cemetery (which is now a reality), even if only symbolically along with other worthy warriors of Nigeria.May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Ahmed Joda CFR,OFR CON

Ahmed Joda, Dibueze, Ufot Ekaette At Ajie's Cofn

Dele Cole, Dibueze, Osita Chidoka &Mrs Bola Obasanjo

Ajie Receiving CFR from President Obasanjo


Chief Mrs Asika, Mrs V. Gowon, Ukpabi Asika, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Obi & Nki

Dibueze & Mrs Victoria Gowon

Dibueze and PresidentOlusegun Obasanjo


Dibueze With Chief Dr and Mrs Ekwueme (Dec. 2014)

Dibueze and Ahmed Joda


June 22, 2015

The Asika FamilyOnitshaAnambra State

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

On behalf of my family, I write to condole with you and the entire Asika family on the death of the matriarch of the family, who was a mother to all of us, Her Excellency, Chief Chinyere Asika.

Death, no matter when and how it takes place, is often a painful experience, especially when it is that of a respectful matriarch, valued for her contributions to nation-building. It creates a deep wound in the heart which only time and submission to the will of God heal. Mama's death is certainly a huge loss not only to her family, but also to those who knew her closely. It is even sadder that it took place at these trying times, when her motherly advice and care are needed by the country.

Though Mama may be physically no more, we are comforted by the fact that she lived a purposeful life and left the legacy of honour. This legacy will live on through the activities of her children in various walks of life. We share with your family and loved ones, the pain of her death.

We shall certainly miss her presence, but we cannot question God, whose Will remains supreme at all times. We can only pray to Him to welcome Mama into His kingdom, and your immediate family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Once again, accept our heartfelt sympathies and assurances of being with your family at this time of grief.

Peter Obi, CON



Amb. Dr Kema Chikwe, Richard Branson and Dibueze

Dibueze, El Rufai, Obasanjo, Igwe Achebe & Obi Asika At Commissioning Of Ukpabi Asika Park, Abuja

Dibueze, E. K. Clarkand Igwe Achebe



East Central State Banquet


TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA

Mrs. Chinyere Asika was the wife of a family friend, Dr. Ukpabi Asika of Onitsha in Anambra State. She was the daughter of Chief Ejiogu of Egbu in Owerri, Imo State. I came very close to her and the husband in 1968 in Lagos when the husband Dr. Ukpabi Asika was appointed the Administrator of the old East Central State with Headquarters in Enugu. But unfortunately he operated from Queen's drive in Lagos as a result of the civil war.

Chinyere, as we all fondly called her, was a very woman with a sound educational foundation from Queen's College, Lagos. She supported the husband throughout the period of the war until it ended in 1970. Thereafter, they moved to Enugu in the same position as the Administrator of East Central State. I came very close to the family and their families in Ontisha and Owerri. Each time I visited Enugu both as Commissioner of Education and Finance Mid-west State, they played host to me at the Government house. She was very open hearted, kind and very respectful. Most of her father's children stayed with her at the Government House Enugu. She played a leading role when the Mid-West Government under Col. S.O. Ogbemudia decided to assist some secondary schools in East Central State particularly Queen's school Enugu, Okunano Grammar School Enugu and University of Nigeria Nsukka. She participated actively at Queen's school Enugu when I requested the students of Queen's school and our students from Mid-west State who accompanied me to sing the National Anthem for the rst time after the Nigeria Civil War. She stood by the husband at that ceremony and we all shed tears of joy.

She was also my daughter's guardian when I transferred her from a well-established secondary school in the Mid-West St. Theresa Ughelli to leave with the students of Queen's school Enugu in 1970. My daughter now Mrs. Rebecca Okorodudu was then Rebecca Clark and I still remember one of her friends Dr. Joyce Ugwegede now Medical Director in the Federal Ministry of Defence. She was indeed a mother for all children and women. She founded Otu Olu Obodo a woman empowerment Organization which was very practical and not amboyant. The Organization took care of the children, women empowerment and character building unlike what the First Ladies engaged in. I later saw her in her true colours when she played a prominent role during her father's burial at Egbu, Owerri.I was present at the all night wake-keeping and the funeral service at the Egbu Anglican Cathedral, Owerri.

I must not end this tribute without taking special recognition of the role she played when the husband was seriously ill both in Nigeria and in London. She indeed stood by her husband and that prolonged his life. Now it has pleased the honour to God to take away.

She participated greatly in the development of our great country. She was a Special Assistant on Women Affairs to Governor C.C. Onoh, then Anambra State. She was Special Assistant to the Former President Obasanjo and she was in charge of NEPAD a job she did very creditably. She was also a member of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA), a Southern Nigeria Organization with Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and Myself as co-leaders. She was also a Director of Non-Executive Director of Zenith Bank.

She came to me one day that she had decided to move back to Onitsha to take care of the family affairs. Her passing on came to me as a great shock because we were in constant touch and she had never reported any illness to me.

I pray for her eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

CHIEF (DR.) E.K. CLARK OFR, CON


VIPCONDOLENCES

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VIPCONDOLENCES

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TRIBUTE TO MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA

The Matriarch is like a great Oak tree. When she comes down on Mother Nature's call, there is big crashing sound as leaves kiss the earth. Then there is silence, and those who found shelter below it are orphaned. Those of us that were adopted and became family, like all connected by blood, must now make do with a savoring of memories from the times before the ages beckoned.

Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika was a special and truly remarkable consort to a sage I learnt much from, Ajie Ukpabi Asika. Ever reliable, always there, she would stand with strength when physical fortitude began to be of challenge to him. I visited several times in London, in the early days of the time of ailing, and she would provide colour commentaries as Ajie and I pretended to watch Tennis matches on television while we analyzed how the English assessed literature written in their language and acknowledged Chinua Achebe. It was different from when in Lagos, she and her friends would get on someone's case who had wronged one of them. Ajie would say to me that we better go outside before our ears are put to suffocation by their anger. But it was in Abuja I saw this one woman as an Army, tending to a severely ailing life partner and projecting his will. Once I arrived and she hailed him, “Ajie oka di ugwu, your son has come”. Ajie who was hardly recognizing people at that stage smiled and pointed to the TV set, indicating he was keeping up with me on TV.

In the years since Ajie joined the ages she has held forth. You could call on her and get words of wisdom. As she joins her soul mate on the other side, we hold on to the memories.

Farewell mother of many.

Pat Okedinachi Utomi


General And Senator Mrs Danjuma With Dibueze

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General Yakubu Gowonand Dibueze

Dibueze in a handshake

General Danjumawith Dibueze


Truly, an extraordinary woman!

A tribute to the great amazon of our time – Chief Mrs. Chinyere Edith Ukpabi Asika, OFRIf there is any occasion when words fail to dene and describe, it is indeed now, that we are gathered to come to terms with the reality that Chief Mrs Chinyere Edith Ukpabi Asika is here no more. If my memory is not failing me, as I am not growing any younger, it was William Shakespeare, who said that there is attery in friendship but Chief Mrs. Chinyere Ukpabi Asika does not need any attering.

A tribute to such an extraordinary woman is a no mean task; a woman who was the strength of the life of so many going far beyond her steads, a woman who was beyond description, the rock of her family, the gentle heartbeat to her 4 children and grandchildren, tears to her parents, the joy to her soulmate Ajie Dr Anthony Ukpabi Asika, the inspiration at the various places she worked, the last being NEPAD, on whose mission she only returned from South Africa, a night before, to receive her death, the pillar and support and love to her friends and mentees (yours sincerely being one).

I was not disconcerted to call Mrs. Chinyere Ukpabi Asika, 'Mummy', because she was one to me, as she was to countless others from all parts of Nigeria and beyond. I used to think I was the only one that close to her, but soon realized that there are several others who perhaps were even closer, men and women of all walks of life, big and small, that she, like a magnet, attracted to herself, mentored and inspired to aim for the skys so that they may fall at least among the stars.I have known Mummy to be generous as she was kind, patient as she was understanding, loving as she was caring; always obliging, advising, accommodating, advocating and inspiring anyone and everyone around her. Her company and presence was like a blessed assurance.She was always welcoming of strangers, always willing to give even her last kobo to assist anybody in need; her dining table was always set to feed everyone present. You could hardly tell who her biological child was because she was mother to all, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Igbos claimed her as Nne Igbo nine – mother of all Igbos, I'm sure the Hausas, Yorubas and other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, had their own equivalent pet names for her.

My meeting with Mrs Chinyere Asika, as we were not bound by consanguinity, was essentially a chance one and had to do with my wedding in Enugu, 29 years ago. Some interplay of fate or divine providence through General Gowon, thrust it upon her late husband, the inimitable Ajie Dr Anthony Ukpabi Asika to chair my wedding in 1986. I must confess that the Late Ajie was not the type of person you become fast friends at rst meetings. For he was deep, reserved and ponderous; at least that was my rst impression. But if you dared come close enough, you would soon discover that behind that façade was a humble and amiable person waiting to be discovered and ever willing to mentor you.

I've been privileged to know and relate with the Asikas and their in-laws, the Ejiogus, as my best friends and close family ever since.

Chief Mrs. Asika was just the opposite of the husband in terms of social graces. She was a natural magnetor. She shared her life and resources and indeed everything she possessed with people to make them happy and make life easier for them, a trait she carried as a scion of the famous Ejiogus of Egbu, a small village in Imo State where she hailed from. By the way, Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika was the rst daughter of the foremost educationist of the old Eastern Nigeria, Chief Nathan Ejiogu.

Mummy was a great Motivator! always full of ideas, espousing potentials and possibilities that anyone around her could pursue for their maximum benet. She actively encouraged those of us, then in the diaspora to come home to Nigeria which she always described as the land of opportunity. With her vast and incredible knowledge of history and current affairs, she was not the one to hear about any companies of criticism of Nigeria. She will be quick to take you through a comparative


history of other nations, to convince you that Nigeria is not doing badly and quite simply the best country in the world.Mrs. Chinyere Asika will remain a mystique to Ndi Igbo and the Nigerian society. The role she and her husband Ajie, played in the Nigeria Civil War and after, will always evoke emotions, but I am privileged to know that the situation of the Igbos after the war would have been far worse if it had not been for their very close relationship with General Gowon, General Obasanjo, General T Y Danjuma, Ahmed Joda and numerous others then on the other side.The history of the Biafra war will never be complete without their own side of the story and will help guide the future generations of Nigerians to hold rm, never again!

Unfortunately, Ajie was not able to tell his own side of the story before departing, as they say, this sinful world. But I am aware that Mummy was eager to tell her story which will make an interesting read in her forthcoming autobiography to be published in the near future by her children. The book will be clearly demonstrative of her sacrice for this nation, an uncompromising great patriot she was!

Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika was not just a woman, she was an extraordinary woman. Every human being is unique and as psychologists tell us, not even identical twins are identical. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika was more than unique. She was cerebral, gentle, kind, loving, happy and lived a totally fullled life, and departing, left huge footprints on the sands of time.As Christians, we are not permitted by our faith to mourn any loss as if it is the end of life. Mummy was a devout knighted Christian. She lived an exemplary Christian life. Her attitude was 'do as I do, and not do as I preach'.

Though we are not the judge, but vox populi vox dei – voice of the people is voice of God. I am convinced that the good Lord who gives rest after work, will grant Mummy an eternal repose for her great work on earth.I will leave off with the reassuring poem of John Donn…

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure; then from thee much more must ow, And soonest our best men with thee do go, Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell, And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then? One short sleep past, we wake eternally And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

Yes death be not proud…for this world is not our home, we are pilgrims here and merely passing through.Adieu Mummy, till we meet again where death has power no more.

By Dr Enukora Joe OkoliExecutive Vice Chairman – Abuja Graduate School


NEPAD Continental Executive visit to NEPAD Nigeria

Dibueze at NEPAD

Igwe Achebe With Dibueze

Dibueze and Mrs Obasanjo



Lawrence Anukam 2

Mama Extraordinaire

Her Excellency, Dibueze Chinyere Asika, mother of Obodoechina, Nkiru and Uju and many more; sister to many; condant and friend to even many more; wife to One: Ajie Ukpabi Asika, you came, you denitely saw plenty and you absolutely conquered all.

Your life was larger than life in parts and ethereal in simplicity in other parts. You embodied what the next generation of women should seek for, nd and keep: A HARDWORKING DEVOUT FAITHFUL COMMITTED FEARLESS COMPASSIONATE WOMAN.

I will look out for the book that will tell the full and accurate story of your life to use as one of my valued library reference books for my female daughters and aburo's, to teach them that dogged determination and pursuit of academic excellence (excellence in every good endeavour actually) coupled with faith in God, oneself and others will denitely produce a great life.

I listened to you speak a few times and I still marvel at the aptness of your insight to issues. Must be that your brain was very good at ling life's "lessons learned reports" and cataloging them so well that the library brings up the most relevant le for any information it was being asked to process.

I will remember you with very fond memories and pray that the next generation not only learn from your truly amazing life but do even better in their lifetime to be change agents and leave a sweet fragrance when in the distant future they exit the stage like you have done.......

Rest in Peace mama Obodoechina, Nkiru and Uju........ Mama Uwa.

Chika Balogun.


Dibueze as SSA NEPAD

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Ukpabi And Chinyere Asika

Olu Odunjo, Dibueze, Jacob Nwokolo, Obasanjoand Gladys Eneli

Dibueze on duty,East Central State Years


TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM, A MATRIARCH, MY MENTOR & MY AUNTY BY MRS. IFY UMENYI

How do I start writing this tribute to my Aunty when up till now I have not come to terms that she is no more and I will return back to Nigeria never to see her or hear her welcome me in her house or acknowledge my voice on the phone with such love and affection.

My Aunty, how would I have believed that my visit to you with my friend, Eng Ebele Okeke, on the 17 March 2015 in your luxurious country home in Onitsha was a farewell visit. But to think of it, I honestly thank God for having afforded me such a beautiful opportunity as we had such a wonderful time gisting and laughing as usual over many issues as well as the events of the moment.

The person of Chinyere Asika must have been many things to many people, a mother, a mentor, a friend, an adviser, a peacemaker, a godly woman. For me, she was all that to me and more and what I fondly called her, "My Aunty".

I am still to come across a person of such esteemed status, very well connected but still very humble and quiet. She was accommodating, true friend to small, big and mighty, gave listening ears to people's concerns and when necessary, pulled her strings to make things happen. My Aunty, you were a Mother Excellency to those of us who were privileged to have gotten that special place in your heart. You answered and moved with me each time I called on you. I will remain ever grateful. Your legacy will always speak for you, "NNEOMA", "NNEDIORANMA".

Aunty "mu", a virtuous woman! You exhibited so much love, loyalty, trust, and joy. Your life impacted so positively on all that encountered you. You came, you lived well and you triumphed. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes', says the Spirit, 'that they may rest in their labours, and their works follow them.'" (Rev 14:13).

May our faithful Lord receive you in His bosom and grant you eternal rest, Amen.

Congratulations my Aunty and Goodnight.

Love you always,

Ify Umenyi (Mrs).



H.E. LATE CHIEF MRS CHINYERE UKPABI ASIKAGRAND MATRON

WOMEN ADVANCEMENT FOR ECONOMIC & LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT IN AFRICA (WAELE/ARCELFA)

The Joy Of Your Living Was In Your Giving, And In Everything You Put Others First & Yourself Last.You Served Your Family, Community & The Nation With Dedication & Utmost Loyalty.Many Times We Called On You For Advice On How To Move WAELE/ARCELFA Forward. You Made Yourself Available Even When It Wasn't Convenient For You.Anyone Crying To You For Help Was Sure To Be Answered No Matter The Trouble You Had To Take To Solve The Problem.Your Concern Towards African Women Advancement Was Unprecedented.In Your Comfort, You Remain Simple & Humble, Never Yearning For More Than You Absolutely Needed: For Your Joy Was Not In Accumulation. Mummy You Are Our Shining Light & Our Role Model.Your Faith In Almighty God Was Unassailable & HE Stayed True To You.WAELE/ARCELFA, Thank You Most Sincerely For Your Contribution & Dedication Towards African Women Emancipation. We Hold You Dearly In Our Hearts.Our Joy Is That We Know You Are Resting In Perfect Peace.

Sleep On Mummy, In The Bosom Of The LORD. ADIEU!!

Signed:Otunba (Dr) Basirat Nahibi. OONFounder/PresidentWAELE/ARCELFA

VIP

H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika with H.E Rt Hon Joice Mujuru, Vice President of Zimbabwe during WAELE/ARCELFA ''African Women Emancipation Conference'' 2010 in Abuja

H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika adressing delegates during WAELE/ARCELFA ''African Women Emancipation Conference'' 2010 in Abuja

H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika presenting certicate of participation to delegates during WAELE/ARCELFA ''African Women Emancipation Conference'' 2010 in Abuja

H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika, WAELE/ARCELFA Matron discussing with Saharawi Ambassador during WAELE/ARCELFA International Conference on the ''Struggle of Saharawi Women for Freedom'' Abuja, Sept, 2011

H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika with Arc Mrs Fatma Moma & Baroness Caroline Cox during WAELE/ARCELFA ''African Women Emancipation Conference'' 2010 in Abuja


TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (MRS) CHINYERE ASIKA (NEE EJIOGU)

Through Her Excellency, Mrs. Kema Chikwe I was introduced to my now close friend, Chinedu Ejiogu ('Nedum). In the course of time as our friendship developed I told Nedum about my encounter with his late Father, Chief Ejiogu as the Chief Inspector of Education of Eastern Nigeria, and later with his elder Sister, Chinyere before she got married to His Excellency Chief (Dr) Ukpabi Asika.

Chinyere and I together with two other young boys Nnoli and Onyegbule were privileged to be given teaching appointments at the then Government Technical Institute Enugu in 1960 just before the Nigerian Independence. The merit for the appointment was our expected performance at the higher school certicate examinations which if successful was equivalent to the B.Sc Inter (intermediate) 'academic qualication'. That was regarded as no mean achievement for young lads of 18 and 19 years of age which was about our age range at that time. Apart from Chinyere who could be said to be born with a 'silver spoon' in her mouth the three of us (boys) from very poor parentage, were privileged to have attended the best Government secondary schools (Umuahia, Owerri and Akpo) on merit, on government scholarship. We met every day in the academic staff room and were known to be very loud even amongst the older teachers some of whom were full graduates. The appointment lasted for 9months whilst we waited for admission to Universities to pursue our various degree courses.My knowledge of Chinyere was limited to nine months but the impression she cast on me and probably the other two boys was profound and indelible.

In those nine months it was not difcult to envision the leadership qualities of this woman among men. Apart from her charming personality and very cheerful disposition her benevolent kind gestures were missed by all of us when we left for the various institutions of higher learning later in October of the same year.The very few days Chinyere could not attend classes the staff room lost it glamour. We missed the cakes and goodies she brought from home which made our lunch break worth looking forward to.I am grateful to Chinedu for this opportunity to write a short tribute as I am the last of the group since with the passing on of Chinyere I am now alone left to tell the story of the Staff Room Jokes of the Government Technical Institute, Enugu! This is not for now. But I want to particularly remember and thank her for recognizing me 10years after when she had become the 1st Lady of Eastern Nigeria after she got married to His Excellency Dr. Ukpabi Asika. She accorded importance to a little fry like me in a public function where only big time politicians were given seats and publicly recognized.

Since 1971 when this happened I have always remembered the event and I will always cherish meeting her and to recall her kindness, humility, unassuming but strong leadership qualities.I later learnt from Nedum of her involvements in NGO's tailored to the needs of the poor and underprivileged. This is Chinyere! We are all wishing her a peaceful repose in the greater beyond.Nedum, Kema, and the rest of the family I have not known so well please accept my sympathy and take solace that your Sister and matriarch of the Ejiogu and Ukpabi families has played well her part and is handing over the baton to a solid team to continue the relay.

Tribute From: Mr. S.I.C. Okoli (Colleague at Government Technical Institute (GTI) Enugu in 1960.


Dibueze with Gov. Peter Obi SSAP and SGF discuss

SSAP, Chief Asika welcome NEPAD Business Group Chairman, Alex Ibru


Sister,The CAPTAIN of your ship steered youFrom harbour to harbour, from city to cityShowering fame, knowledge and dignity on you,HIS beautiful beloved creation

He gave you GRACE to touch lives on your journey And steered you into the hearts of all

Here HE anchored youForever

Hallelujah

Anene

Ps. Kene Lum Bro Tony

Like the Thornbird, you kept the best for the last

YOU DANCED

You swayed to the rhythm with an invisible partner, like a swan - elegant and coolEvery movement was led by your partner. Your face was radiant. Sheer bliss marked every stepThe prompting for the dance came from someone invisible.

Who could this be? Who could bring so much joy into your heart? Perhaps you went down memory lane. Temporarily living a life you had experienced

YOU DANCED

Your smile said it all. Like a new bride, ecstatic in the presence of her spouse. The music was intoxicating. Every step and sway was in tune with the rhythm. The song (MIERSA) must have invited a heavenly being and your invisible partner to Egbu.Clothed in pink and blue

YOU DANCED

You raised your hands to heaven in thanksgiving. The invisible partner twirled you around and the dance turned into a waltz . Your eyes were transformed - soft and misty like I have never seen before. There was silence. Even the boisterous Turkey was silent. Your brother Ibe and I were hypnotized. Oblivious of our presence

YOU DANCED

Heaven connected to earth and produced a picture. An angelic picture of Chinyere Asika and her last dance.A picture I will remember till the day I die.

Surely you will dance again with your invisible partner (Brother Tony). Then this dance will go on and on and on FOREVER.

H.E. Chief Mrs Anene Afolabi


A Tribute to A Trailblazer for Women's Education, Women's Mobilizationand Female Empowerment in Africa: H. E. Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Asika!by Dr. Marie Linton Umeh

Visiting Mr. & Mrs. Robinson Ezeife in Victoria Island, Lagos in the 1980s was a serendipitous experience. An evening stroll precipitated the Ezeifes' introducing me to H. E. Ajie Ukpabi Asika and his wife, H. E. Mrs. Chinyere Asika. What a prominent couple with a beautiful home laced with Nigerian art work, carvings and sculptures tastefully decorated throughout the main parlor and dining room! After we exchanged greetings and I enjoyed light refreshments, Mrs. Asika described the symbols and cultural signicance of the various objets d'art in her home. Little did I know that this meeting was the beginning of an extraordinary friendship! The second time I met Mrs. Asika was during Professor Obioma Nnaemeka's "Women in Africa and the African Diaspora" (WAAD) Conference at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1992. Practically all of the international and continental participants bought Nigerian artwork, Benin bronze statues, carved ivory ornaments, carved ebony wooden stools, paintings, and sculpture, to take back to their families and friends in America, Europe, and the Caribbean. To avoid delays at the airport and possible seizure of souvenirs by customs' ofcials, Mrs. Asika, who was a Curator at the National Museum in Lagos, where contemporary and traditional collections in archaeology and ethnography are held, wrote letters of permission for us to leave Nigeria with our gifts. In 2000, I ew to London to interview the Asikas for my biography on the novelist and ction writer, Flora Nwapa Nwakuche. The former Administrator of East Central State and his wife gave me excellent summaries of Commissioner Flora Nwakuche's accomplishments. During my research at the Melville J. Herskovits Library inside Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in the archives of Nigerian daily newspapers, I found Mrs. Chinyere Asika at work in mobilizing the women through post-war programs and rehabilitation and resettlement schemes from 1970-1975. Journalists wrote descriptive editorials featuring Mrs. Asika helping to build maternity homes for women, comforting and counselling stressed men, women and children, and establishing temporary orphanages for displaced Biafran children. These articles demonstrated some of the powerful roles she played in restoring hope, life, stability and peace into psychologically challenged and economically-strained families. Mrs. Flora Nwakuche, Commisioner of Establishment, named the pontoon, “M. V. Chinyere” launched in Oguta on June 4, 1974, in recognition of Mrs. Asika's philantrophic work in stabilizing families in worn-torn East Central State. Besides the Nigerian daily neswpapers i. e., The Renaissance, Enugu, The Daily Star, Enugu, The Daily Sketch, Ibadan, Daily Times (Lagos), The Guardian (Lagos), to name only a few, Chinyere Asika's heroic roles during her lifetime are chronicled in magazines and journals globally. “Women's Umbrella” is one of the chieftaincy titles bestowed on H. E. Chinyere Asika for her leadership roles in uplifting her compatriots. Other honorary tributes for her diverse humanitarian roles are found in H. E. Kema Chikwe's two books, Women and New Orientation: A Prole of Igbo Women in History (1994), and Women of My Era (2003). In her 1990 SWISSAIR Diary, Flora Nwapa Nwakuche wrote: “What a lovely couple…my next book will be dedicated to the Asikas.” The last time I met Mrs. Chinyere Asika was in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003. I presented her with a working copy of my biography on Flora Nwapa Nwakuche; she promised to give me photographs for the book. In 2011, she received the published edition; she sent me a congratulatory note. The former First Lady of East Central State, Nigeria, H. E. Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Asika (1970-75), is a champion of “Women's Education” and “Gender Equality” globally. She proves the saying, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” I stand on her shoulders. “Your Excellency Chinyere Asika, your memory will be eternal.”

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TRIBUTE TO GOD'S GIFTHow do I write a tribute to Chinyere? How do I begin to write about this 'GOD'S GIFT' to humanity, to Nigeria, to Ndigbo, to family, colleagues and friends; this jewel of inestimable value? All her life Chinyere impacted strongly and positively on all persons of goodwill who came in contact with in different many capacities and circumstances. I can testify to this from personal knowledge and experience.

For fty-eight years my family and Chinyere's have been were by strong ties of close association, friendship and public service. Her husband, Ukpabi Asika and I rst met fty-eight years ago as undergraduates and classmates at University College Ibadan and were immediately attracted to each other by our love of rigorous intellectual discourse and our compatible views and personal idiosyncrasies We soon spearheaded the formation of a small group of radical thinkers notorious for its late breakfast meetings, and were fully engaged in student and national political debates and agitations. We both left Ibadan in 1962, he for UCLA, I for Cambridge, but kept in touch. We both returned to Ibadan in 1965 in the midst of the Nigerian national crisis.

He and Chinyere, whom he had met at UCLA, had set up home and as a bachelor I became their constant visitor, only too happy to enjoy the home comforts so cheerfully and generously provided by Chinyere. One evening I called as usual to see, evidently feeling at home, a young lady, who had only that morning guided and directed me in my search for documents at the National Archives on the same campus. They had all three been together at UCLA! Ukpabi and Chinyere played Cupid and we soon became a foursome. We weathered the national crisis together. I had the privilege of being Best Man at Chinyere and Ukpabi's's formal Church Wedding at Egbu, while Eyiuche and I got married in Enugu in April 1967. But the national crisis soon came to a head, with the creation of the 12-state structure on May 27, 1976 by the Federal Military Government and the proclamation of the Republic of Biafra three days later by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former Governor of the Eastern Region, who happened to be Eyiuche's rst cousin. Ukpabi and I took our independent decisions on the best course of action, he accepting appointment as administrator of the new East Central State, I going on to serve in the Biafran Armed Forces. But, as Gowon, Obasanjo and Odumegwu-Ojukwu came to know, nothing could fracture the bonds of mutual love, respect and trust between our two families.

When the civil war ended I was incarcerated in Lagos till April. Chinyere provided succor for my pregnant wife and my rst son, facilitating their visit to see me in prison. The rst post-war government of Ukpabi Asika was rooted on the three Rs: Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reconstruction. He appointed a Cabinet consisting of nine 'ex-rebels' (including me), and three 'ex-vandals'. Chinyere had the delicate task of managing 'Women Affairs', mobilizing all the women of the State, from both sides of the past struggle, for the epic task. She set about this by inaugurating and building up a formidable organisation: OTU OLU OBODO (Association for


Community Service), providing a model for other rst ladies across the country. CHINYERE e empanelled, as the organization's rst line of command the wives of Commissioners and top public servants. They not only mobilized women for community development but also sensitized women to their essential role monitoring the activities of public ofce holders and ofcials, and giving voice to their concerns and needs for relevant sustainable development. This made some of us uncomfortable, but kept us on our toes!

Chinyere's greatest contributions were yet to come. With the 1975 coup the Asikas left Government House and relocated to their private residence in Enugu. Here in short order Chinyere created a calm and dignied ambience for life after ofce. The Ukpabi-Chinyere home retained its serenity and became a haven for old friends. When her husband became the Ajie of Onitsha, she played her complex traditional roles with dignity and elan.

The progressive incapacitation of Ukpabi through stroke brought out to full notice her true greatness as loving wife and self-sacricing care giver. All the time she maintained her husband's linkages, and continued promoting his ideas and ideals. She continued to build up a family worthy of both of them, children any one can be proud of. Truly, a Jewel of inestimable value.Life still had more challenges, and more triumphs, for Chinyere Asika, this time in the public domain.

Her leadership and management skills came to general public notice when she was appointed Senior Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD. . As a Governance Consultant I was privileged to work with her on the NEPAD project, and was deeply impressed. Chinyere was in control of her environment, sure of her purpose, certain of her goals and systematic in her pursuit of them. She was the quintessential bridge-builder, establishing functional linkages with and bringing together a whole range of organizations and institutions across sectors and levels relevant to NEPAD work, from the Africa Business Forum and the Manufactures Association to the Trade Guilds and Market Women's Organisations. Under her leadership the NEPAD NIGERIA OFFICE became the model country ofce for NEPAD and the Africa Union.

Under the Yaradua-Jonathan regimes Chinyere remained a treasured Adviser serving on the Central Committee of Vision 2020 and was essentially an Ambassador at Large for the Administration. It is striking, but perhaps appropriate, that, as I understand, she died on duty, following a meeting in Lagos to discuss her latest ofcial mission in South Africa.

What more can I say? A lot, but let me conclude with a word to the Ukpabi Asikas, to Obodoechina, Nkiru, Uju and their children. It is given to few to have had two such illustrious parents as your mum and dad. From your record of success in your various elds of endeavor, it is clear that your legacy has already inspired and motivated you. We hope you will continue to do them proud.

NDONUMay the noble soul of Chinyere Ukpabo Asika REST IN PEACE

Ukwu Iguwo Ukwu


MY TRIBUTE TO CHINYERE - MY FRIEND

Chinyere and I rst met at Los Angeles in 1962 when she came in from San Francisco to do her masters course. She moved in with me and we lived together until she got her own at and moved out. When she moved out, we saw each other often and our friendship blossomed. Chinyere was very cool and we got on very well.

I soon nished my course and returned to Nigeria while she stayed on till she got married to Ukpabi Asika. I started work at the National Archives and visited her immediately she told me they had come back to Ibadan and were working at the University of Ibadan. I met my husband, Prof Ukwu, in their house. I was aware that my husband was a good friend of Ukpabi Asika.

Chinyere and I took up from where we stopped and soon after got engaged, and got married afterwards. My husband was the best man at their wedding. We were preparing for our wedding when the war broke out. My husband and I came back to Enugu while they stayed on in Ibadan. The war raged on for two and a half years and they had their rst child during the war, while we had ours in Biafra. I went to Lagos to look for my husband and while I was there I met Chinyere again and stayed with her. She resettled me in Lagos and looked after me during the period. I was able to locate my husband when he was in the Prisoner of war camp.

Ukpabi Asika was administrator of East Central state and when my husband came back, he was made a commissioner for industry but later on for Finance. Our friendship bond grew because we met regularly at Government functions till we became more like sisters.After the coup, we all left ofce but my friendship with Chinyere still continued. When her husband fell ill and was taken abroad for ten years, Chinyere took care of him religiously and my husband and I visited them there, and kept in touch until he came back. On his return, we visited them in Abuja often. Tony died a few years after he came back with Chinyere.My grandson died in April and I called to inform her. She told me she was travelling to South Africa that morning and on her return she would come and see us. Imagine my surprise, when I heard Edith was dead. It took some time for me to believe it was Chinyere. I remember calling her cousin, Joy Ezillo, to conrm it was Chinyere. I am still trying to get used to the news, hopefully one day I will.Chinyere was a good, devoted friend and sister. I will always remember her. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

From Comfort Ukwu


Enyi Mrs. Ifechukwukwulu Eunice U.Obianwu 10 River Layout Aba

To: Ojinaka Obi Asika and sisters Nkiru Enyi NwaezebuonaUju Enyi Amalunweze

Letter of condolence

I write to commiserate with you and the entire Asika family on the exit to eternity of your dearest mum, HE Edith Dibueze Chinyere E. Ukpabi Asika OFR which occurred on the 3rd of May 2015.I know that your mum's death is a great loss to you and women in general .As exemplary as she was, she was also an inspiring woman of great integrity, diligence, knowledgeable and seless in various capacities.

Chi as I fondly called her has been my friend since our secondary school years, married at Onitsha and as members of Onitsha Anglican Women Association, home and abroad; members of women's guild and mother's union. We have remained friends to the glory of God till her untimely death.

Your mum, Chinyere was also a great achiever who could analyze a situation with incredible swiftness and accuracy without fear or favour. As we mourn her transition, let us also celebrate the legacies she left behind and give thanks to God almighty.My daughter Ifeoma Ina Obasi, her God daughter and my entire family miss her dearly .May God be with you all as you give her the deserved nal respect.

My prayer for you and the entire Asika family is that of comfort and peace. God bless you and protect you always. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Adieu ChinyereAdieu Dibueze.

On behalf of Late Barr. Eric Obianwu's Family


TRIBUTE TO A NATION BUILDER AND MY BELOVED MENTOR

TRIBUTE TO A NATION BUILDER AND MY BELOVED MENTORA great Iroko tree has fallen. My great leader your sudden death was a great shock to everyone that knows you. Death is inevitable; the almighty God knows the best. With mixed feelings and disbelief as if it was not real but it is true Aunty you are dead. I couldn't imagine after all we discussed about the new program you were into, that led you to South Africa, the next news would be your demise. My biggest Aunty your death is a very big shock and blow not only to me but to the entire nation. You were a great pillar, a peaceful and a loving friend to all, especially those whose lives you touched, like your (GOWEM) Global Organization for Women Empowerment Nigeria, (OAWA) Onitsha Anglican Women Association and others, too numerous to mention. I thank God for the life you lived on earth. I remember when we stayed together; laughed together, ate together at conferences, carried out political and religious activities together. You have run and nished the race; I miss your motherly and friendly advice which you always gave me whenever we stayed together. All your advice will never depart from me; I will always remember you and the family you left behind in my prayers. Aunty you were a great woman, my leader you treated me like a sister, just like you did to everyone that comes across you with respect and love both young and old. You gave a listening ear not to fulll any righteousness but actually to give attention and support to everybody. Aunty I love you but God loves you most. Sleep well my leader, my lovely friend and my mentor till we meet to part no more. Good night Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika (OFR)

Adieu Her ExcellencyAdieu Bridge BuilderAdieu Great LeaderAdieu Rare GemAdieu Lovely Friend

Signed

Hon. Lady Dr. Chinwe Gloria Nzegwu (JP, NMMA)President OAWA (Abroad)South East Co-ordinator GOWEN (Enugu Branch)


Dibueze and Dr Mrs Mangzha

Dibueze and Chike Offodile JrDibueze and Lady Regina Anionwu


TRIBUTE TO A WOMAN OF INESTIMABLE VIRTUE-CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA, OFR (NNEIGBO-GBURUGBURU)

To everything on earth, there is a time and a season. Time to be born and time to die.It was like a dream on the 3rd day of May, 2015, when the news ltered in that Dibueze, the mother of our own Obi, Nky, Uju and Nwando – Chief Mrs. Chinyere Edith Asika had passed on. Nneigbo-Gburugburu, your death is still like a big joke.

Death you are indeed a respecter of nobody, you have no boundary, no friends and no enemy. You hit once it is time. Mummy, your departure is a big loss to your family and to those of us who shared in your motherly care and love.We will forever miss you but you will certainly live in the hearts of all of us who crossed paths with you directly.

You were a unique mother, bridge builder and a leader. You lived a life worthy of emulation, and you have left an indelible footprint in the sands of time.You retained me as a your lawyer in Abuja, even when you had never known me from Adam. And you trusted me so much to the extent that you entrusted enormous responsibilities to me without any fear or reservation. Indeed, my relationship with you has been positively impactful and morally enriching.

I am condent that you have crossed triumphantly to Heaven where you will share eternal joy with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your death is a further conrmation of Williams Shakespeare's quote to the effect that 'Death is a necessary end that will come when it will come” Adieu Nneigbo! Adieu Dibueze! Adieu Great Mother!

Barr. Chuka UbaMama's Young Lawyer.


Mrs Chinyere Ukpabi-Asika, An Amazon, Truthfully!!!There are occasions we walk in and it seems the breath of life is sucked, sucked completely out of us. You don't know what it is, but you realise you, you are in the absolute presence of greatness. No matter how intelligent you think you are, no matter what your experience in life is, no matter where you are coming from. You are subdued!

In her presence there was no failure, in her presence you were the unmovable mountain, for in her presence you discovered whom you are, in her presence you were unstoppable, in her presence you realised you were God's chosen child!

In her presence the high and mighty seemed subdued before her, she never was one to aunt her being, she never intended to show herself. She tried, in subduing her background to just be you, whilst trying to hide an unbelievable calibre of knowledge, knowledge of whom you were, are, only because she wanted to show you, show you who she was, a messenger, messenger of love!

In her presence, you found yourself, in her presence you could be you, in her presence time stood still. In her presence you begged for more. More of you, more of her time, more of the simple concept of time, in her presence you craved knowledge, knowledge of life, knowledge of your existence, knowledge of this priceless epitome of grace!

My darling Aunty, whom I always craved to call "mum", you came and went the way of an Amazon.

Nda. Aunty, "Mum" Chinyere Ukpabi-Asika (First Lady of the East Central Region of Nigeria), (Servant and Believer in and of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) a lady of grace, truthfully an Amazon of Beauty, Peace, Unity, Rest in Peace, rest in the the bosom of our Lord, sleep on!

love,

Ozolua A Giwa-Amu (OZ)


Chinyere is one of the most extraordinary friends I have ever known (Note I said “friends” and not woman). After the rst time we met my wife (correctly) remarked “She is amazing – her smile lit up the entire room!” It was true, her infectious smile lit up hundreds of rooms. When she and Ukpabi began to date most of their common friends took pity on her because they feared that her bubbly personality would be totally eclipsed by Ukpabi's indomitable personality. They were so wrong!

He not only refused to overshadow her but he came to depend on her in so many ways! I adored the way they expressed their love in public, not giving a damn what people thought! Their love was severely tested just prior to the outset of the Biafran war. I was so touched by the letter he wrote to me (June 1, 1967):

Chinyere is still here with me, but I don't know for how long. Her appreciation and commitment to a Nigerian reality is unhappily, but understandably, different from mine. Understandably, but alas tragically for me, she does [not] wish to be cut off from her family and to be put in opposition to her people. On the other hand, I now recognize and accept the necessity to ght, more actively, for the survival of my country and hence in apparent opposition to my family and my Ibo kinsmen.Fortunately she resolved to stay with Ukpabi instead of returning home to her family/people!Chinyere had unlimited patience that she demonstrated in so many ways. Once Tammy and I decide that we wanted to buy some Nigerian cloth and Chinyere volunteered to take us to a large cloth market. She told us that she would not only take us to a large market but would introduce us to the woman who basically ran that market “who never carried less than $1 million under her clothes.” She told us to pick the cloth we liked and she would translate.

After bargaining for many months all over Nigeria I thought that I was pretty good at it – until I met this woman! She started at 200 shillings and I countered with 5 shillings. For the next three hours Chinyere had to translate our mutual “hard luck stories” why we were so poor that we couldn't give in to the other. I couldn't believe how patient Chinyere was translating for 3 hours. She did lose her composure occasionally when every 20 minutes or so the woman spliced in the only English she spoke “white cheapskate.” Finally after being stuck for almost an hour at 20 vs 17 shillings Chinyere suggested I give her 20 since we had other places to go. To my shock she refused to accept my 20 and said “I enjoyed bargaining with you so much please give me just 17.” With a big hug the “white cheapskate” left with his beautiful new cloth admiring the incredible patience of his dear friend Chinyere.People who knew her only as a couple could never appreciate how truly intelligent she was. She got the highest grades in graduate school and was on her way to an illustrious career which was sadly interrupted by the war and later her children. Fortunately she loved and was so fullled by her children that I don't think she regretted the absence of a career. Those who knew her well knew how intelligent and competent she was. Thus, I was not surprised at all when I read that President Obasanjo appointed her to be one of his close advisors!I will always treasure our friendship, her wonderful personality that touched so many. I feel so fortunate to be among them!Warmly,Jerryfrom Gerald BenderExpert on Africa and U.S. foreign policy toward the continentAssociate Professor Emeritus of international relations, USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Tribute from Gerry Bender


Stella Obasanjo, Dibuezeand Victoria Gowon

Holly, Abigail, Chinyere, Olu Odunjo & Aunty Gladys Eneli

Comfort Ukwu, Dibueze and Friends


H.E. CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA, OFR, (DIBUEZE); FROM EZEAGU WITH LOVE.

I am compelled by special privilege to tell the world how grateful we are as Ezeagu-Igbudu-people for the remarkable, and unforgettable gift given to us by this irreplaceable, elegant, and quintessential rst lady of the then East Central State, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika, OFR.My rst encounter with the First Lady was immediately after the Biafra-Nigeria war when I went to St. Brigids primary school Asata to collect what was then called relief being given to returning refugees. While standing in-line, we were received by this majestic-lady whose smile was so infectious that it gave us the assurance that we were home at last; safe from the bombardments of air raids. Her smile was so warm that most of us waiting to collect various items forgot why we were there in the rst instance. It was a smile every loving and caring mother will give to her long lost child, it was indeed very comforting; I held on to it for many years.

By act of providence my mother took me to visit a friend of hers, a lady I grew to know as Aunty Joy Ezeilo, the wife of then Magistrate Malachy Ezeilo from Aguobu-Owa; Ezeagu-Igbudu in the then Udi Local government Area. The magistrate was also a good friend and colleague of my father, Tony Gbanite, as he was fondly called by his friends. Incidentally my father was recalled by the Administrator, Ajie Dr. Ukpabi Asika, as the deputy chief Information ofcer of the ministry of information, to help rebuild that ministry and instil condence into the hearts of ndiigbo by propagating the mantra of 'no victor, no vanquished'. During that visit Aunty Joy mooted to my mother that she wanted her to organize some like-minded women to welcome the First Lady to Ezeagu; my mother asked why? The First Lady is my cousin, and I want her to visit my husband's place, replied Aunty Joy. My mother swung into action, mobilized a select group of Ezeagu women. The buzz became so loud that their husbands wanted to be part of the action too; and in 1971, the august visit took place. The visit was the rst of its kind by the rst lady to any community within Enugu vicinage. Our brothers from Udi who missed out on the event were so jealous to the point that they threatened to sanction Ezeagu for not letting Udi into the action. During that maiden visit, the First Lady in her speech challenged Ezeagu people to consider having its own local government by breaking away from Udi. That challenge was held on to by the great aunty Joy and my mother. The Idea was sold to my father, who contacted his intellectual friends from Ezeagu namely, Barrister Tony Mogbo (a commissioner then), Negro Anya of blessed memory, the then Igwe Ozobu of blessed memory, for discussions. It was later agreed that the membership should be expanded to include Chief Nnachetam of blessed memory, Chief Ozoekwem. To avoid any disruption of this venture, Leaders of thought from Udi like, Chief C.C. Onoh, Prof. Odenigwe (commissioner then), Justice Aniagolu, Justice Nnaemeka Agu, and a few others were consulted. They gave their permission and a plebiscite was held. The birth of Ezeagu as an independent local government area became a reality in 1973.

At this point it's imperative to mention that without the initiative of aunty Joy Ezeilo, my mother and others who mobilized the women, who now go by the name 'Ezekwesili-Women'; the noble men of Ezeagu; and to a greater part, the inuence of the then remarkable, irreplaceable, and unforgettable First Lady, H.E. Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika on her husband, Ajie Ukpabi Asika, Ezeagu local Government would not have been established.Therefore if all those who served as local Government Chairmen of Ezeagu in the past, and current; all former governors of the states carved out of old East Central State suffer from what Nedum Ejiogu, my good friend, and sibling of the late Chinyere Asika, calls 'retroactive-resentment'; those of us who know our history will always love our dear First Lady. Therefore permit me to say to Ndaa Chinyere, as a son and representative of Ezeagu people, I say we love you, Adieu, and thanks for ever.

A.U. Max GbaniteDefence & Security Expert


4th May 2015The Ukpabi Asika Familyc/o His Royal Majesty, The Obi of OnitshaOnitshaAnambra State

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

It is with great sadness that we received the shocking news this morning of the sudden death of Dr/Mrs Chinyere Ukpabi Asika, who has creditably and graciously served as Vice Chairman of our Governing Council till her untimely death. We lack the words to express our sense of loss for her great wisdom and contributions on our Council.

As a pioneer member of the Council, she played an active role in crafting the mission and vision of Abuja Graduate School, and has never relented in pushing the management towards achieving the milestones for the institution. Although she was of the quiet and humble disposition, she never felt rufed by any situation. She would take her chance to present her arguments, espousing endless possibilities which enlightened everyone. Dr/Mrs Chinyere Asika was a great teacher and educationist, a patriot, a woman of substance and had utmost respect of all her colleagues on the Council.

No doubt, she is a great and irreparable loss to Abuja Graduate School. May God Almighty grant her gentle soul eternal rest and perfect peace.

For and on behalf of Abuja Graduate School

Signed:-Professor C A Onwumechili Hon. Shehu Garba (Sarkin Noma)Chairman, Governing Council Chairman, Board of Directors


TRIBUTE TO A GREAT WOMANCHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA O.F.R

The news of your mother's unexpected call to glory was shocking. The good lord gives and takes as He wills without our human consent. But be comforted, all of you that she gave you an excellent opportunity to become whatever you will and thank the almighty God for her life. May her kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the lord.

Lady Beatrice Nonye Aduba J.P (MOTHER OF FAITH)

Award of Mother of Faith to Chief Mrs chinyere asika .O.F.R on 15th August 2009 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Onitsha.

Thanksgiving service Sunday after the investiture as Mother of Faith at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Onisha.


Dizueze and GOWEM Women

Dibueze at an event (2014)

Elly Okoro, Dibuezeand Lily Udeozo


TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA, DIBUEZE, ADA UGO NDI IGBO JI E JE MBA.

I was shocked when I learnt of the death of Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika, more so because I had always known her to be of excellent health. Death in itself can be cruel but what has occurred to Ada- Ugo- e- ji- e- je- Mba can best be described as a transition to eternal glory. I had not met Chief (Mrs.) Asika till the 80s, but we had heard of the stunning and cerebral First Lady of East-Central state, who was from a very illustrious family and was married to the only civilian governor and probably the most intellectual member of that regime. We had heard of her humility, love for humanity and love for her people and culture. When Chief (Mrs.) Asika chose the title DIBUEZE, it was to show her love and respect for her husband as well as to impart into the women folk these same virtues as one of the pillars of Igbo family life. In later years when illness had drained her husband, she still sat him up on his throne in the sitting room holding court.

We became friends as members of the Igbo socio-cultural group ''Eziokwu bu ndu'' an afliate of the NPN, there she was an excellent and indefatigable mobilizer, Chief (Mrs.) Asika was not a woman leader, she was a LEADER! Her leadership inspired so many around her regardless of status, religion, ethnicity, or education she was subtle and yet rm, she never compromised on her principles but always listened and acknowledged if the argument was superior. She also made sure she assisted family and friends; I cannot count how many things she did for me or members of my family, including giving my son a job or even people I introduced to her.

When she was appointed by Pres. Obasanjo to start NEPAD, she assembled bright and willing hands and began from her living room!! From there she built one of the brightest gems of the Obasanjo regime, as the dimmers of positive light began recruiting banal evildoers to resist her from within and outside her ofce, she smiled and continued her good work, even when she was offered a second tenure she declined. That was vintage Chief (Mrs.) Asika.

Chief (Mrs.) Asika had a dream of the promotion of the African woman and she lived it, she organized co-operatives to empower women with farms of their own and the needed capital and implements to start-up. GOWEM her brainchild, has been a vehicle for direct empowerment and will continue to keep her legacy alive. She contributed to the promotion of IGBO culture and heritage in Asia, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.

Ada-ugo-eji-e-jem-ba arranged for her daughters to be initiated into the IGBA ODU (IYOM) society, one of the things she felt seriously about, was the younger generation's disdain for their culture; she always dressed in beautiful attires that depicted her proud Owerri/Onitsha heritage. Over time, she acquired along with her husband one of the largest collections of Nigerian Traditional and Modern art.It is to her credit that her children are very successful professionals and groundbreaking entrepreneurs and her extended family are all in good terms because of her motherly antics of always keeping the peace and nipping potential conicts in the bud.

Adieu your Excellency-Chief (Mrs.) Edith Chinyere Asika (DIBUEZE,ADA UGO E JI E JEM MBA IGBO

Iyom Dorothy Okide


Adieu Enyi Nwanyi (Nne Igbo Gburugburu)

Diyi Bukwo Eze! As I fondly called and in your gentle soft voice on answering the phone would reply "Nwachi Kedu? where are you?" and before I could respond you would quickly add, 'Lagos, USA or London?' and we would both erupt in laughter. When I responded that I was away from Onitsha. "When will you be back?" you would ask and then go ahead to share your itinerary. I would cut short my trip on many occasions to be around whenever you visited Onitsha just to enjoy your warm company and friendship.

Dibueze you were a complete woman. Reserved, soft-spoken, unassuming, kind, beautiful, circumspect and most importantly a true friend. One of your many enviable qualities which I admired so much was your ever present disarming smile.

My sympathy goes to the Ejiogu family for this sudden loss of their amiable co-ordinating minister of a sister (Ada Ejiogu).

To Obodoechina, Nkiru, Uju and Yetunde you have lost a condant, friend, mum and your encyclopedia. May God grant you the strength to get through this very difcult period.

Accept my Condolence,

Nwachi Carol Nkiru Megafu

Edith, is this how it ends?It began when your dad brought you to our house in San Francisco. He said you were to attend the prestigious Mills College, but they had not yet opened and he needed a place he trusted for his daughter to stay till then. Of course, we agreed. When Mills College resumed, we took you there and settled you in to resume classes. Some weekends you would come and stay with us in San Francisco..Ah, yes! You also met your husband, Tony, in our house. The South African students brought the famous singer, Miriam Makeba, to our house to join our B. Y. O. B. party. Tony heard about it and came from Los Angeles. The rest, as they say, is history! I hope you and Tony enjoyed your birthday last Friday.Vaya con Dios, Edith.

Ms Terri EmeziAwaka, Owerri


Dibueze, Princess Ngozi Nnadozie And Dr Menakayah

Dibueze, Champion of Women


Kema Chikwe, Lily Udeozo, Dibueze, Ifeyinwa Chigbo, Chief Joy Ezeilo

Oby Tabansi, Dibueze, Chief Joy Ezeilo and Friends


Our dear Dibueze,The surprise of your departure adds to our knowledge of the enormity of our very mortal hollowness. You left with practically no fuss and kept that enigma of the rst lady as an intellectual, another example of a rst lady with a spirit of self effacement and plain hard work.We thank God for your life and the warmth you always accorded from those distant days at Government House Enugu and very remarkably just last Christmas,when you kept announcing to Nneka "this is my son"!Farewell,your Excellency,you have played your part as symbol of a woman of great conviction standing with love and pride where many would falter in such historic circumstances . We mourn the end of an era and pray the Great Lord to bless your soul in His bosom.Omelora Tony and Dibueze Dr Nneka Nnachetta

Ogbue Tony NnachettaHonorable Commissioner for Youth and SportsAnambra State Government

Tribute to a very special Aunty and a great woman from Dr. Chito NwanaDear Aunty Chinyere,It breaks my heart that I will not hear you call me “my doctor” again. You were my big Aunty. One of the things I loved most was just being in your company because I was comfortable to talk about anything. You enjoyed when I brought Nathan over as he made you laugh so hard especially when he tried to imitate those dancing on the TV. When I made the decision to open Tabitha Medical Center and was concerned that doing so in an unfamiliar environment may be challenging, you encouraged me and gave me your full support. You registered at the medical center, attended our events and from that day you started calling me “my doctor”. You were so good in following all my instructions, which made you my best patient ever!You are a remarkable woman, mother, aunty, mentor and friend. You will always be remembered for your peaceful nature, humility, rare kindness, and loving heart. Your legacy will always live on. Rest in God's Embrace. Love you always,Chito Nwana


Great Souls never die.Chief Mrs. Asika trailblazed through life, an icon, dynamic then and now. I'll miss our vibrant discussions , her enduring passion for our country was engaging and inspiring. Her love for family even more so. May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord. Amen.Obi, Nki & Uju your mum will be sorely missed by many near and far. God will continue to guide & keep you in His favor. Amen.Angela Agidi

It is with deep regret and shock that I received the sad news of the passing on of our GREAT AUNTY.Aunty in her life time was very accommodating, cool ,unassuming and a bridge builder.She remained calm in all situations and could proffer solutions in most difcult situations.She was an academic and a wonderful critique.She was vast and could discuss any subject with sound knowledge of the subject matter.Anty was a great mother, grandmother, sister, not only to the immediate family members but also to all those who came across her.Personally she was my mentor and guided me until I reached the pinnacle of my career as the Managing Director of the defunct Nigeria Airways.Her home was a melting pot for a lot us regardless of ethnicity or religion,age, or background.She was a mum, grand mum ,AUNTY to all and made your day complete any time you visited.She will be missed by all.Aunty, sleep well and may God Bless your soul.Amen.JONATHAN JIYA.

Your Excellency, mother of the new Igbo nation, like all humans, you have obeyed the call to higher glory. But we recall with joy that in your compassion for the land,, you kept the home front intact and gladlly released the great man of the "Enough is Enough" fame to guard the gates and prepare the home so that upon the return of the chicks they can have a place roost. What a mother? So humble you were and did not strut podiums as proof of your rst ladyship. Big-hearted mother to my wonderful friends Nkiru and Obi, yes, it was time for you to go because night falls even on the ubiquitous sea. Sail on. Sleep on, mother. The light of your love, compassion and courage shines on in our hearts.May light perpetual shine on her gentle and loving soul. Goodnight, Your Excellency.Arnold & Pamela Udoka and Family, NationalTroupe of Nigeria, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Dear LeviHer Excellency Chief Mrs.Chinyere Asika OFRThank you for your e-mail. We were so sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Chinyere Asika. I know she was a valued chairman of the Board of Trustees of CHEC Nigeria whose contribution to CHEC was very much appreciated. We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Caryll StephenCHEC, London.


Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika was indeed an epitome of motherhood. She was a mother to all irrespective of your leanings. She carried everyone along in the discharge of her duties as the CEO of NEPAD Nigeria. Everybody enjoyed being close to her because she never discriminated. Her wise and motherly counsel any time any day was more than enough to keep one going in a day. She was very seless, always sympathizing with people. She as also very dedicated to her duties.Mama Chinyere, we miss you dearly. But we are comforted with the fact that you are resting in the bosom of our Lord who sees and rewards all that is done in secret. May the Divine Sun shine brighten your gentle soul into eternity, Amen.Chukwuemeka Linus IwunnaPress Secretary/Head, Media Unit (NEPAD Nigeria - 2006-2008)

We have lost a rare gem, achiever, gallant, graceful, excellent and gorgeous lady of all times. A wife, mother and grandmother with a difference. We saw her performance as she passed through this place. May God give us the fortitude to bear this great loss and bless her children, AMEN.Sincerely, Sunday Uhiene.

The late Chief Mrs Chinyere E. Asika, OFR, had a heart of gold and earned the title MOMMY from all her staff at NEPAD-Nigeria Agency in the Presidency, where she served the FGN as the pioneer Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD Affairs. She also earned the Chieftaincy Title of Nne-Ndigbo Gburugburu and Nne-Ndigbo Global because she was always there for all her staff, especially those of us who lost our biological mothers very long time ago.Let me point out that until her demise, the door to her Maitama residence in Abuja was always physically open for all visitors, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. She gave listening ear to all visitors. Most of them came to ask for all kinds of assistance which she readily rendered to them, including xing food for the hungry. Under Chief Mrs Asika's leadership, during the regime of President Obasanjo, NEPAD-Nigeria ( A Technical Arm of the African Union ) rose to its highest level and had the highest international recognition, including those of the United Nations and the African Union. Like the legendary boxer Mohammed Ali, Chief Mrs ASIKA is the greatest of all ! She lives in our hearts for ever !Dr. R. P. Ugo, Director of PRS Dept, Pioneer Staff, NEPAD-Nigeria, The Presidency, Abuja, Nigeria, July, 2015.

My Dearest Nkiru and Obi,Thank you for allowing me into your family and introducing me to your lovely mother, Mrs. Chinyere Asika. I recall sitting down with her when we rst met and she asked me what difference can you make in Nigeria? What is the legacy? Why have you decided to pursue business in Nigeria and with my son?


I was silent for about two minutes before I could respond. Shocked and thrown, I was not expecting this level of conversation but I answered her. Immediately, I knew she understood and was able to relate. We bonded in that moment. Since that day, I knew I earned a special place in the heart of your family. Your mother guided and advised me to see things from a different perspective. She encouraged me and educated me on the meaning of patience. The sweet memory of her time with me is treasured. May the blessed memory and inspiration of Mrs. Asika forever enlighten your hearts and may her love and strength support you all. Rest in perfect peace Mrs. AsikaEryca Fremantle

I remember talking to you on a saturday by 647pm,you where in lagos to come into Abuja next day sunday and for us to meet on monday,only to hear to of news of you being received by the Lord.You were a great mother and sister to all,your house and telephone were always oPen to all, as you always had a listening ear to nd solution to peoples problems but God wants you nearer him. Adieu Sister we miss you. Dr Eloka Menakaya

Dear Sister,

The news of your death came to me as a shock but I believe that is the way God wants it. We Pray for you to rest with the Lord because there is better than this world. We pray for ourselves to be able to see you once again at the end of time. Your life is just beginning with the Lord. Rest in peace to part no more.Thanks, Rev. Sr. Amaka Asika cssp.

My Mummy Guardian role model, why did God has to take you now that we need you most. But nobody can ask God because his own way is not like man, Rest with the Lord mummy till we meet. Amen ADEU MUMMY. From Abraham Akuson.

Unforgettable mother. She touched my life in many ways and I will forever remember u mama. Donatus

TRIBUTE TO LATE CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA OFRThe word of God says that in all situations we should always thanks Him. We thank Almighty God for a life well spent which you have imparted to thousand of lives through your caring, Loving, Peace, Obedient, Faith, Humility Nature and Service to God our Creator. An illustrious, Peace, Loving woman who has contributed greatly to the positive development, of her family,


community, tribe, Nigeria and Africa-No wonder when God asked you home on that faithful Sunday morning, it was a peaceful call and peacefully you answered. Though you are gone in your mortal body, your memory ligers on, we love you but God loves you more.Rest on in perfect peace till we meet to part no more.

From Samuel Musa & Family Okene, Kogi State (Grace's Parent)

GLOBAL GLORY IS GONE!!!Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ejiogu-Asika, An Astute And Amiable Angel Of Amelioration. That good, great and glorious gift of GOD to humanity and society: A GLOBAL GLORY! The global question, how wonderful woman and marvelous mother of Africa she was? It's ignoble to ask, because she came from the unique and special specie of divine anointed race: THE EJIOGULITES (The Sunshine of Owerri). The Ejiogus are blessed race, as the Asikas are great creatures, so it's right and just to acknowledge her uniqueness humanly and blessedness amonst women!May the good God grant the immediate families the grace to bear the demise of Her Excellency, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika.The Holy Heaven Is Rejoicing As The Global Glory Is Gone!From Leader: IMO YOUTHS INTEGRATED (IYI) +234 7034522555.Mazi Omerenwanne Uzoeshi.

Please accept my sympathy for the passing of your beloved mother. What a shock for you and your family but I give God the glory that her passing was sopeaceful. May her soul rest in peace. May all our passing be peaceful in the name of Jesus. AmenPlease extend my sincere condolences to the entire family.With love and Best Wishes,Titilola Annan

Dear Obi, Nki and Uju, Words cannot express my shock on the passing of your lovely mother. Our love and prayers are with you all at this very difcult time. We also pray for auntie Chinyere, thanking God for her life; a life well lived. May she rest in perfect peace. Please accept our deepest condolences. Wishing you all peace and strength of the Lord.With love,Ete & Abi Ayida

Sorry to hear about your loss, Obi and Uju. Sibi and I send our heartfelt prayers to you and your families. The only thing about this transition is that you will feel her presence in your lives now


more than ever. Without the physical limitations she can be with you in ways she could not before.Blessing.RKM (Rob Marriott)

Hi Obi,Bolaji told me the sad news. Please accept my sincerest condolences. No matter how one prepares you're never prepared enough for the shock and suddenness of such a loss.You are in our prayers and thoughts. Please pass on my sentiments to Uju and Nki.With deepest sympathy, Bayode, Claire and Septimus

HiI'm so sorry to hear that. Had she been ill...she seemed quite sprightly when I saw her last in Dubai? Anything I can do to help?Please pass on my condolences and much love to Nki and Uju.Our thoughts will be with you....Fondest,Nick Nahum

Yesterday my dear, dear childhood friend Obii Pax-Harry lost her beloved big sister also beloved mother to Obi, Nkiru and Uju Asika and little Nwando… I've known Aunty Chinyere for as long as I've been in England. This family have loved me and treated me like one of their own through school, university and everyday life. I'm completely devastated for their loss.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the Ejiogu, Asika and extended family as well as my prayers for God to give them strength to deal with this massive loss. Be strong - hold onto the memories.....if you have a minute please read Uju's blog......she expresses so movingly and eloquently everyone's sense of loss whether we've been through the devastating loss of a parent or not....Rest in eternal peace Aunty Chinyere.Rose Nsibambi

Obi, the one thing I remember about coming to your house in Enugu as a child was the awesome, easy going environment. The parlour was ALWAYS lled with kids, watching music videos (or the latest movie out on VHS!). A second parlour was lled with your Mom, and a good mixture of Aunties - their jist and laughter ltering out to us, letting us know that they were around o, and watching o, just in case . . . (smile). That juxtaposition of "monitored freedom" was a delicious delicate balance that only someone like your Mom could pull off. We all looked forward to your return visits every summer, knowing that we would be entertained . . . and protected in the Asika household.


So, I join with others to say how wonderful Auntie Chinyere was. She was an awesome woman, and will be missed by many. I hope that the knowledge of how much she touched others will give you all some solace during this hard time. May she rest in peace! Hugs, Chinyelu Christal Ogene

Aunty Chinyere Asika nee Ejiogu. Our wife and aunty. Mum's kid sis ...what a rude shock .. when you were to have guided and advised us through the trial period .... you just slept off. May God receive your sweet loving soul. Life sef.Ify Kema Obianwu

This candlelight is for the 1st lady of East Central state Nigeria, Honorable Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika (Dibueze) who slept in the Lord a few days ago. If anything, the people of Eastern region Nigeria, please light up your candles in honor of this illustrious woman whom with her husband worked wonders in their leadership of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria.1st Lady Dibueze, Chinyere Asika has gone home to join her husband Honorable Ukpabi Asika the great. Igbo people, wherever you are please join the Ejiogu family of Egbu Owerri and the Asika family of Ogbeoza village Onitsha and Nigeria in general in paying this homage.Thank you.Emilia Egbuche

My Friend and Brother from another Mother, Founder and CEO Storm Records and currently Special Adviser on Social Media to President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi Asika has lost his mum who was also a Special Adviser to President Obasanjo and Wife of the Late Governor of former East Central state Ajie Ukpabi Asika; Mrs Chinyere Asika. May her Soul rest in Peace. My condolences to the Nkiru Asika and the entire ASIKA Family.Fidelis Duker


Dibueze At A Function (2015)

Mother of many

Dibueze, Ajie And Gladys Eneli


Tribute to Auntie Chinyere - By Donu Kogbara

VERY few of the people around us have signicant impacts on our lives. And I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to my beloved late auntie, Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika, who recently passed away.She was not only one of the most intellectual and accomplished women of her generation but one of the kindest.

When I separated from my husband, my small son (Oliver Midgley), and I were living in an ofcial residence in Abuja that was attached to my father's job (he was an INEC Commissioner at the time). Then Daddy died and we had to move out of the house because the new Commissioner who was replacing him needed to move in. And I was at rock bottom and my wits end because I couldn't afford to rent a place of my own.

Furthermore, in addition to being completely broke, I was bereaved to the point of near-total emotional collapse… as in disorientated and feeling like a limp, broken rag doll. I'd adored my Darling Daddy and missed him so much that I could barely focus on getting out of bed in the morning.

Recovering from the trauma and earning a credible income was a distant dream at that juncture.Auntie Chinyere gently but rmly stepped in at this point and rescued me and Oliver from despair, homelessness, starvation and humiliation. She was from the same par t of Imo State as my mother and close to some of my Igbo cousins and decided that it was her duty to “adopt” me and Oliver.

She invited us to stay with her until I stabilized… and then made it her business to ensure that I stabilized. She provided a sanctuary by putting a roof over our heads. She kept us alive by feeding us. She lifted my spirits by giving us dignity and going out of her way to nd me work to do.

Furthermore, she patiently tolerated my bad habit of smoking incessantly, listened when I needed a shoulder to cry on, sympathetically produced endless handkerchiefs whenever I wept, constantly cracked jokes to cheer me up, kept reminding me of my talents, never stopped encouraging me to fulll my potential, sided with me if anyone upset me and never expected anything in return.

In a nutshell, she was a wonderful woman, compassionate friend and amazingly witty and entertaining companion, as well as an immensely supportive pillar of strength and wise, no-nonsense advisor who told me off when I messed up or was heading in the wrong direction. I owe her my survival and an enormous debt of gratitude.

When I heard that she died suddenly, without any fuss and bother and with a smile on her face, I was delighted that she had left us in a manner that reected her personality and attitude towards life. I will never forget her.

May she rest in perfect peace in the bosom of Almighty God.

Hugs and kisses galore from DONU, OLIVER AND THE KOGBARA, MIDGLEY AND OBI FAMILIES


TRIBUTE TO H.E. CHIEF (MRS.) CHINYERE ASIKA; OFR, (NDAA CHINYERE ASIKA)

I am still in a confused state of mind as my hands are still quivering to hold a pen to write this foot dragging tribute to Ndaa Chinyere Asika (Mama Asika as my son Kamsy calls her), whom the Almighty God used to transform my whole life. When I reminisce about death, sometimes, I seem to be at a loss, in spite of the fact that I have witnessed deaths of close members of my immediate family. Death has continued to be a mystery on this planet Earth.

It is still an illusion to me, to contemplate that I will be doing a tribute in memory of Ndaa Chinyere at this age of hers, when all expectations were that Mummy (as she was warm-heartedly called by members of her staff in the then NEPAD Nigeria Ofce) with other African Eminent Persons were about to reposition the New Partnership for Africa's Development vision of Good Governance as captured in its agship of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) once again, having been selected in South Africa as the Vice Chairperson of the African Eminent Persons of APRM Steering Committee.

In all modesty, my rst encounter which was my rst time of meeting Nda Chinyere one on one, was in 2004 at her house in Maitama, Abuja at about 8pm (courtesy of Bro. Reginald Ihebuzor). The cordial reception and the warmth of this elegant personality can better be imagined than real. On sighting this Royal Elegantly Ebony built Madam, I immediately gloried the God Almighty for such a creation and quickly remembered the song of a popular musician in the mid '70s' called “77”, in his album titled; “three most beautiful women in Nigeria”, the artist named them as follows: “Victoria General Gowon, Chinyere Ukpabi Asika and Agnes 77”. Nda Chinyere's physical beauty is a far cry to her innermost person in relationship with people, her humility and love to all groups of people is unquantiable and worthy of emulation, Ndi Owere, Igbos and Nigerians in general who in one way or the other came in contact with her will attest to this assertion. Mummy, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on NEPAD (2002-2007,) as my boss never discriminated against any staff irrespective of his/her tribe, religion, colour or creed. She was there for all the staff and her achievement as SSAP to the President on NEPAD speaks volumes for anybody to see. The zeal and dexterity, in which she discharged her duties in NEPAD vis-à-vis APRM, left an indelible mark in this African vision. The NEPAD story cannot be complete without mentioning the name Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika, OFR, the pioneer Chief Executive Ofcer of NEPAD Nigeria and the rst SSAP to the President on NEPAD, who initiated the implementation of NEPAD Action Plan of African Heads of States and Government in Nigeria. She was an epitome of what this developmental vision is all about.

Nda Chinyere, it has dawned on me now that you have transited to Higher Glory, having physically remained motionless without a word since that faithful Sunday morning of May 3, 2015, having returned two days earlier from South Africa on ofcial assignment. Nda Chinyere, from all indications and considering the way you spoke to some of us very close to you, you seem to have completed your race in this planet Ear th for passing on peacefully without pain.

You came, you saw and you conquered. Since that rst meeting of 2004, you were everything to me and my family, a mother, a sister, a boss and above all a role model of impeccable character in all spheres of human endeavour.

Mummy, as you embark on this journey back to Our Creator, we pray to the Almighty God who knows why He called you at this time, to receive your Soul in His bosom. Rest in Perfect Peace, Nda Chinyere.

Chris AmadiPA to Nda Chinyere (2004-2008)


TRIBUTE TO MY AUNTY AND 'MUMMY' HER EXCELLENCY, CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA.

Aunty,When on 3rd May 2015 I got a call in the evening about your Passing ,I called practically every member of your family to conrm it though no one was answering or there phones were busy until i got your PA, Agustina. It was for me very very shocking because we spoke on the night before from London after I had checked in to start coming back to Nigeria. I recall vividly your telling me that you just came back from a conference in South Africa and wants to rest some days in Lagos before coming to Abuja. You then asked me to see you early in the week to escort you to somewhere. Aunty little did I know that it was my last conversation with you.

You were more than an Aunty to me. You were my Mother. I was always in your house which was just across the road from my place. I usually stayed till very late being the last person to go after the numerous visitors you had daily. Your house was a MECCA of some sort for all sorts of people looking for assistance for all kinds, jobs, solving personal problems of other people, getting contacts, intermediation, money e.t.c and you calmly and patiently attended to every one both the lowly, high and mighty in the society . If I want to leave, you will refuse with the words that you have a message for me and that my house is just behind yours. After every one has gone then we begin to chart and discuss like daughter and mother ,rst asking me about the children, my business and all the things you know that I'm working on,then motherly advices ,after which the Economy will be discussed and all things i did not know was going on in Nigeria ,then to politics and international news. After this ,you will go over your iternary for the week and the ones you will invite me to, by this time the clock will be ticking to 11o clock P. M. or over before I hug you and leave for that day. The same routine continues tomorrow or next when i visit you again.

Mummy you left me devastated, wondering what happened to you, but i cannot question God as He knows better. I wonder what i will do now without you in my life, which shoulders to cry on, who to tap great wisdom of life from, who to learn intelligently from concerning personal, family, National and international issues etc, who to look up to as a Mother, Aunty a friend and a mentor in one.Her Excellency Aunty Mrs Chinyere Asika ,you were an embodiment of so many good things ,you were very hospitable, caring, simple, humble, super intelligent ,very active, very beautiful in shining Ebony black skin, very fashionable, very patriotic, a good listener, have very calm disposition, a great leader of various women groups, a great investor, a special Nationalist, a deep technocrat, a quiet achiever, an embodiment of knowledge, a quintessential personality, an Icon of your times, and a rare Gem.

I and my family will miss you so much but as you have laboured so much in the Lords vine yard, you have gone to take that REST which your maker the Almighty God have called you to.To your children Obi, Nky, Uju, Nwando, your grand children, siblings, and all your relations, may the almighty God give you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss but be comforted that she lived a very good life and achieved great ts.

Mummy, continue to rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, ADIEU great Woman.

Princess Mrs Ngozi Nnaedozie and family.


A TRIBUTE FROM GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT TO OUR CHERISHED MUMMY CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA

To you who are gathered today,Though you may know mummy well,But to us she is not just a woman but a mother worthy of emulation.She was the Big tree with Thousand Branches,The Iroko that sheltered Assorted Birds,The River with many tributaries,The ocean that never dried up.

Mummy was an umbrella that sheltered many Women,The mother of all and sundry,The light in the dark horizon,And a gentle voice that spoke against injustice.She led NEPAD to its enviable heights,Stood by her husband in time of need,Her home was a haven for all to roost,And she welcomed all with a heart full of smiles.

Gradually it has dawned on us all!That our mummy has gone indeed.Who will insist we have lunch together again?And who will give us those smiles that came from the heart?You never wanted War or Rancor Mummy,You chose to play the fool, for Peace to Reign,You made costly sacrices for others joy,A subtle Feminist you really were!

To all of us, you have left a Legacy,That will be cherished till eternity,We will not let your dreams die off easily,Especially in your Golden outt called GOWEM!Goodbye dear mummy, So Kind,Farewell Great woman of Valor,ADIEU! Our Great woman of Substance,As we needed you here, so also does Heaven!

Prepared: LADY CORDELIA EKECHI. FOR: GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT (GOWEM)


A TRIBUTE TO HER EXCELLENCY CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA

What could one say about a lady, a giant of a lady, who has earned all the world praises? What could I say about the sudden and shocking demise of our sister, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika? It hurts; it just hurts.

Our beloved First Lady of, then, East Central State of Nigeria, the state after the Biafran War/Nigerian Civil War. Chinyere and her husband, His Excellency Governor Anthony U. Asika, were God sent for the Ibos just at the end of the War. They did many great things to save and help the Ibo people, which were not recognized by many. Chinyere was the First Lady of all rst ladies, an ambassador of goodwill, a strong and powerful lady. She was a brilliant lady. She was a lady any man would have liked to watch his back. The entire Ibo people have lost a great woman; Egbu “London” has lost a great woman; entire Owerri people have lost a great woman; Imo State and Nigeria, have lost a great woman and a leader. Oh, the mighty has fallen.

Chinyere was my sister, cousin, and great friend and advisor. Our sisterly/brotherly relationship, started with our two fathers. My father used to take me along to visit Papa Nathan, Chinyere's father. Her father and my father were bosom friends and treated each other as good brother and friend. On doubt, in 1960, I traveled from Owerri to Enugu, when Papa Nathan, as we called him then, was an Education Ofcer, just to tell him that I was going to America to further my education. He was very happy; he gave me a fatherly advice and blessing, and I left.

After the war when Nigerians were allowed to travel out, Chinyere came to New York as the First Lady of East Central State. We met for the rst time. We were happy to see each other; thanks to both our fathers. Before she left New York, I gave her a letter to my father, Wilfred W. Acholonu. Then, she said forcefully, “I hope you put money in that letter.” I said I did. Chinyere personally delivered the letter to my father. Since then our relationship, as brother and sister, grew stronger and extended to her lovely, brilliant children: Nkiru, Obi and Uju and some of her siblings in U.S. Chinyere and I wanted to keep our family relationship going. To her children, I am Uncle Uchenna.

Through Chinyere, I got to know and/or meet some of Papa Nathan's children and grandchildren. Many of those children were not even born when I left Nigeria for U.S. I could still hear Chinyere when she said that I didn't make enough effort to know her relations. Chinyere also introduced me to some good and inuential Nigerians, like my good friends Prof. Cyril Enwonwu and his lovely wife, Kate. Chinyere met my wife when she came back to New York in the 1990s, when she visited her rst daughter and the husband.

Chinyere, my sister, I will miss you greatly. I will miss our deep Ibo language conversations we used to have on the telephone. Nigeria will miss you. Your children will miss you greatly. Knowing you, I have no doubt you have already given them everything they need to move on in life, while we pray for them for God's blessing and guidance...

My wife, children, and grandchildren, join me in celebrating the life of my good sister and friend, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika, and our deepest heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren and the entire Ejiogu and Asika families.

May Her Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace ~ Amen.

Chief Sir Engr. Uchenna C. Acholonu, The Aku Udo of Owerri, & Lolo Lady Victoria M. Acholonu, our children and grandchildren. July 24, 2015.


A TRIBUTE

Deep in our heart, a memory is kept; of one we loved and shall never forget.

Some ten years ago, during my sojourn along the corridors of the Federal Government Agencies, and by chance, I was led to the house of her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Asika, OFR, in Abuja, to promote our products to her NGO.

I had braced myself up to meet a detached lady who had enjoyed the trappings of First Lady Royalty. But when I entered her sitting room, I was shocked to see her talking and cracking jokes with common and lay folks; even more common and more lay than me.

As I watched and listened, they were humorous and cheerful words to make one feel at home. The chat was frequently interrupted by telephone calls from outside, of people seeking one assistance or the other from her Excellency.

I whispered to my guide “is this how down-to-earth her Excellency can be?” He whispered back That's her Excellency. From that day she became a rare vessel of honour to me. The closeness, deepened so much that we leased some land together, in Abuja, for an Industrial development. Never selsh, always loving and kind.

Your Excellency, your life is a beautiful memory. Your absence shall be a silent grief.

Adieu

Prof. Ebenezer OkonkwoUniversity of Port Harcourt.

I give God the glory for the life of my bosom friend Chinyere. A friend adept in love and self sacrice. Where do I begin to narrate what I have benetted from her idealistic self sacrice when she took up my children's wellbeing in Enugu, to enable me to be the only female member of the press crew accompanying Gen Gowon to the Commonwealth Conference In Ottawa, Canada.

I had the opportunity to interview the Singaporean President, the Canadian Premier and the representative of the African continent in the Commonwealth debate on Rhodesia. Chinyere not only cared for my children as her own, the youngest who was 8 shared her bed and the eldest at 15 was in an ofcial car.

There is not enough space to talk about Chinyere's sense of duty to husband, friends, extended family and nation. After so much sadness for my loss, I can claim solace knowing she is in heaven with Anthony Ukpabi because he went before her to where there is no suffering and they no longer will part.

This is from Omobola Onajide who can always testify to the love and loyalty of her departed friend.

Bola Onajide


One of the most difcult and wrenchingly emotional tasks I have carried out in the course of my work of the last few years was my 12+ hour interview with you. The experience of hearing you talk about Ajie's last few years and the immeasurable sacrices of love you, Nky, Uju and Obi showered on him. Your life, your experiences, your work speak for the immense quality that was your person. You lived by the courage of your convictions, like Ajie you never shirked from the onerous responsibilities that expediency and providence foisted upon you.

One day your story shall be properly told. I am truly, truly proud to have beneted from your motherly kindness, wisdom and condence. I know you shall rest in peace at the side of the man who you loved, respected and supported without equivocation, for the better part of your life.

Uju, Obi, Nky and Nwando I join you in saying thank you to God for giving you four - mostly and the rest of us also- this wonderful woman, for whatever length of time. It is impossible not to mourn, but let us just be thankful for this incredible gift that she was. May her soul rest in peace, her work is done.

from Emeka Keazor


TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA

I want to thank God for the life and times of Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika. She lived a life that touched many people in many positive ways. It was a privilege for me to have worked closely with her as a Member of the National Working Group of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) between 2007 and 2008. We travelled together as a team throughout the country in the course of the national assignment. She was our team leader and I assisted her in taking notes of proceedings of all the validation sessions in the locations we visited, which she used to write her team report. She provided guidance and leadership to our team and ensured we were properly taken care of.

Her Excellency was committed and supportive of programmes and projects that enhance the well being of women and youths. I recalled with gratitude when she provided scholarship for some youths to attend the 2010 Summer Youth Leadership Academy which I host in Abuja annually. She paid for those young people to attend the four-week Academy without even meeting them personally. She simply believed in and gave to worthy causes. My wife and I were at her 70th birthday dinner in Abuja on June 19, 2009 and dance and celebrated with her.

We will greatly miss you Ma, but the good works you did and the lives you touched will remain as living testimonies of the fact that you lived a worthy life. Adieu, Your Excellency.

Joseph C. IbekweCEOFled International Leadership Institute,

A TRIBUTE TO MUMMY CHINYERE ASIKA (OFR)

The news of your death was shocking and devastating to us. Our minds went blank for a moment but by the Grace of God, we have accepted the reality.When we remember how we met, the care you showed us, the advice, the joy, your laughter, your philosophy, your perseverance and dedication to Service; our hearts tell us indeed we have lost a Mentor. You were a good listener Mummy, a Motivator, a Good Coordinator, Planner and a Role Model. You were truly a light in the dark Horizon.

Your kind and gentle Soul, your Heart of Benevolence, your Courage and Charisma, your Honesty and Outstanding Virtues are the things we will sincerely miss.You were a sincere Woman with a sincere Heart. You were born into Royalty; you married into afuence and yet died in Decency. As long as our memories last; you will be deeply and fondly remembered by all of us.Though it is painful to say Goodbye Mummy, but we are proud to know we once had a Mummy like you and we are certain that you are in a better place.Adieu Great Woman of Valor and Rest in Absolute peace!

From Sir Rowland and Lady Cordelia Ekechi & Family.


QUEENLY! In the 1970s in East Central State, Mrs Chinyere Asika, the rst lady, was hailed as Chinyere nwanyi Asika (Chinyere, wife of Asika). However, she was no insubstantial appendage. She was in herself exceptional, a lady of proven intellect and spirit, a high scholarship laureate and prominent activist even in 1960s – 'swinging' decade – America.

Obviously courageous and resilient, Mrs Asika was also cordial, benign, indeed motherly. I recall our encounters during her husband's illness in England, and in later years in Abuja and Onitsha. Never stinting compliments, she continually dispensed pleasantness. An engaging conversationalist, she also manifested an attribute which is rare in our nation: being a good listener.Mrs Asika's presence and sympathy at my father's demise last August were heart-warming. She invited me to the title ceremony of her daughters, daughter-in-law and niece last December. It was a sumptuous and joyous occasion. It appears now to have been her grand farewell to the Onitsha community, a community in which she belonged by marriage for a half-century.Mrs Asika's life span exceeded the Bible's 'threescore and ten' by nearly six years. She would not descend into apathetic old age. Her stance reected that of England's great 19th century Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson, expressed in Ulysses: 'How dull it is to pause, to make an end, to rust unburnished, not to shine in use.' Mrs Asika was a sparkling septuagenarian: active, articulate, effervescent.

I thank the Almighty that she has been spared a death preceded by prolonged inrmity, involving dependence and indignity, physical anguish and mental torment. I pray the Almighty grants her soul eternal peace and bliss.Ada Pa Nathan Ejiogu, Dibueze, nwunye Ndi Ichie Ume, nwunye Ajie Ukadiugwu, nwanne Kema Chikwe, nwanne Anagam Ononuju, nnukwu nwanyi, woman of substance, queenly wife of our royal kindred, adieu.

REGINALD CHIEDU OFODILE


Your Excellency, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika CFR, your death on May 3, 2015 came to Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora as a shock.Oh! the wife of late Administrator of East Central State of Nigeria, Ajie Ukpabi Asika, has passed on.While in office, Late Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika inspired rural women of the former East-central state through her pet project, Otu olu obodo.Our beloved national patron during the administration of His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, you served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) until your death, you were a director at Zenith bank.Anytime Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora call upon you, you are always there for us and supportive.Oh! Our able National patron is gone“The reality of living is proved by certainty of dying”.The holy scriptures provided in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, 1-2 and 71:2, provides as follows,“Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He set the time for birth and time for death…” but the day you die is better than the day you are born” (Good News Version).An accomplished philosopher John Calvin also note that,“The time of every man's death has been fixed by God. We are only free from risk until God is pleased to call us away”The English poet, John Dryden said, “And when fate summons, monarchs must obey”Your Excellency, our beloved and able National Patron, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora saysAdieu! Adieu!! Adieu!!!May your soul rest in perfect peace…AMEN

Chief Lolo Dr. Kate Uzoamaka Ezeofor President-General/Founder

Dame Kate ChibuzorNational Secretary


A TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE CHINYERE I nd it difcult to begin this tribute, without somehow also including Uncle Tony (or “Uncle Ajie” as my brother David would say), from the very start.

For many years, whenever in Lagos he occupied a small apartment in Ikoyi, and what it lacked in size was more than compensated for, by what always appeared to be a permanent and huge circle of friends, from all walks of life (from the academic, to the political, professional and business “First XIs”, to the lowliest “linesmen”, of all creeds and all tongues).

My brother and I would drop by to see him, exchange greetings, get a brief quizzing on where we were with our studies (....that could usually be glossed over in a sentence..."erhh, OK uncle"), and then join the gathering on the big 'L' shaped sofa that also consumed the sitting room, for Ajie certainly did not discriminate where youth was concerned. All the while, Auntie Chinyere was the almost mythical being whom we spoke to intermittently, “ring tone” allowing, from her various bases in Enugu, Onitsha or deepest darkest Surrey, if I remember rightly. Fast forward to October 1987, arguably the most traumatic month of my life, when, to all intents and purposes I became “orphaned” in Nigeria (upon the death of my father). Ironically I promptly gained a handful of 'fathers' and 'mothers' and pride of place in my heart went to Auntie Chinyere, now almost permanently living in Lagos with Ajie, and a stone's throw from Ajie's old haunt in Ikoyi.

First and foremost (….well we are often told that it's the way to a man's heart, after all), I had “pole position” access to the dining table most evenings. Secondly, I was made to feel like a DNA-card holding member of the Ejiogu as well as the Asika clans. Thirdly, if I thought that wisdom personied stopped at Ajie, I was to nd out that their combined sitting rooms, always alive with vibrant conversations from a crowded mix of family and friends, was the real and enviable “Senate” of Nigeria ( with no dispute as to its leadership!!!). Fourthly, and perhaps this should have been listed earlier, she was a mother to me and to all. I'm afraid that Obi, Nki and Uju, just had to cope with sharing her. I witnessed many occasions where, in interacting with her siblings (yes, especially those two certain younger brothers!!!) she was more mother than elder sister.

A couple of years ago my daughter, Adunni, and I visited Auntie Chinyere at Nki's residence in Lekki, and facing a now grown teenager whom she had not seen for some time, Auntie reminded my daughter that she was her “Grandmother”. She was also a mother to her communities, especially grassroots women's groups (her “constituents”), and she never relinquished her sense of trusteeship for the upliftment of others, crowned with her choosing to take on the responsibility of her beloved last child, when well into her 60's. It is normal for such sad but meritorious passings to be described as “celebrations of life”. In Auntie Chinyere we may now add “celebration of (a) wife”. Ajie's long period of illness at the tail end years of his life, carting them from Lagos to London and nally back to Abuja, and between medical 'pillar-to-post', would have exhausted most mortals, but Auntie Chinyere managed to turn it into something inspirational. God Bless, Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Asika nee Ejiogu, and thank you for being the person that you were. Truly one of life's treasures. John Adeyemi Adeleke (for myself and on behalf of the family of the late Chief Adebayo Adeleke)June 2015


MRS. OGBUEFI CHINYERE ASIKAA TRIBUTE BY THE NWAPA FAMILY (OGUTA)

It is normal for people to die since “all must die” anyway. What is not quite normal may be the circumstances surrounding the death. But in the case of Chinyere, it is on record that she lived well and died without regrets.

She came from a great family; the Ejiogu family of Egbu Owerri: a family she loved and cherished and welded together and she got married into a family at Onitsha from which came (emerged) the Administrator (or Governor) of the defunct East Central State of Nigeria, Ukpabi, Asika, at the end of the unfortunate Nigerian Civil war (1967-1970).

I believe that in future the world and especially Nigerians will know and acknowledge the wonderful role played by Chinyere's husband, Ukpabi Asika in favour of the “Nigerian Project” (governance) and in aid of a truly great Nigeria (one Nigeria) with the active support of his wife Chinyere.

Yes Chinyere is dead but will not and cannot be forgotten by both her maiden and matrimonial families as well as by very many Nigerians from all over the country to whom she was very well-connected.

She will rest in peace.

Chief C.I Nwapa K.S.C.For the Nwapa family of Oguta, Nigeria.


Tribute to Mrs. Chinyere Asika My dear sister was one of the most zealous women lled with courage. Very few of the people around us have a signicant impact on our lives. And I must say that her life made a great impact on many including me, Chief M.C. Ebo.

I was so sad on hearing of her sudden departure. She was fun to be with all the time, as every moment of her life was lled with joy and laughter - oh what a sweet memory!

Mrs. Asika is an accomplished scholar and an advocate of women empowerment. She is involved in a lot of national development initiatives.

My dear sister Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Edith Ukpabi Asika (nee Ejiogu) was the Senior Special Assistant to Presidential Olusegun Obasanjo on New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). She was able to use her ofce to initiate the organization that cared immensely for the poor (known as FOOD FOR ALL). This project made it possible for many people to live a normal life once more.

Having several years experience in Management Consulting, Board and Corporate Governance, she was conferred with the National Honour Award as Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in recognition of her contribution to the country. She has several years of work experience and has served in various capacities including Project Director of Multivar Systems, a rm for techno-economic Consultancy, and was a Director with Dibueze Integrated Services Limited.

I must say she lived a fullled life which is worth emulating. May we seek, by God's grace, to take up and carry that torch that she laid down on the time of her passing away. We shall all miss her! I shall miss her! My dear, I pray that God will grant you peace as you ascend to the most cherished place which is heaven. God bless your soul in Jesus' name, Amen.

Chief Maurice Ebo


My TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF MY FRIEND CHIEF DR MRS. EDITH CHINYERE ASIKA (OFR)

Chief Dr. Mrs. Edith Chinyere Asika was full of love. She had a large heart full of sincere and true love. In fact one can say Edith was an epitome of love and her love for everyone was true and unhypocritical. This true love that she had for everyone made her love a very effective moral force for good.I had known Chinyere Asika for over 55 years, that is for over half a century. Therefore I can speak categorically about her. This is because we were classmates at Queen's College Yaba Lagos as we were the rst set of girls to do Higher School Certicate examinations at Queen's College Yaba Lagos. Edith had nished her secondary college education at Cornelia Connelly College Uyo in those days and she came to Queen's College Yaba Lagos to do her Higher School Certicate examinations.

I had also nished at Queen's College Yaba Lagos because I had attended Queen's College from Forms 1 to 5 having nished my School Certicate examinations there. We were a set of 8 students and amongst us were prominent individuals like Mrs. Ebun Macgregor nee Oshunkoya, Mrs. Lateefat Okunnu nee Oyekan who was a deputy Governor of Lagos state in the recent past. Others included Mrs. Foluke Dare who was also a Permanent Secretary in Oyo State in her time. We also had Pamela Martins from the Cameroun Republic…at that time Nigeria and Cameroun were so much together that you couldn't feel that Pamela came from a different country.

Now that Journey we all started at Queen's College Yaba Lagos took all of us to several destinations. Chinyere Asika went to the USA to do her graduate studies where she had met her ancé Ukpabi Asika whom she later married. I, Mrs. Abimbola Okenla Sowemimo had gone to Cambridge University to read the Economics Tripos.We all came back home to continue as true friends. Edith displayed many virtues as the wife of Ukpabi Asika of East Central State fame. During the Civil war Years that they were in Lagos before they settled in the East, Edith and I used to see each other almost every day. Even though she was a graduate and very highly tutored she couldn't engage in any work as her husband was very much involved in the politics of that era. Therefore she would come every day to my Ofce at the Federal Ministry of Trade, Six Storey building Broad street Lagos to while away her time. This made her hours very eventful and she would quietly sit reading in my ofce while I went about doing my “les”. We were that close and she exhibited all the virtues of friendship, even humility because at that time she was very much elevated and she later became the First Lady of East Central State.

Later on when we all moved to Abuja as the Capital city of the Country we became close again especially when she was the head of NEPAD. I used to spend long hours at her house at 72 Mississippi Street Maitama and we used to enjoy long hours of friendship and delightful company.

Now I wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention her impeccable care of her husband Ukpabi Asika. Even before she relocated to Nigeria at the end of their sojourn in the UK, her fame as a care-giver to her husband Ukpabi Asika in the UK had come to my notice. It was at a social gathering of friends that somebody who had travelled to the USA at that time on holidays mentioned in my hearing how very caring Mrs. Ukpabi Asika was to her husband. In fact the person was emphatic that she was doing a fruitless job as she was spending heavily on her husband whom she knew had a terminal illness.


At that Forum I didn't betray any sentiments that I knew Mrs. Chinyere Asika, I was so gladdened with the news that she hadn't abandoned her husband that I quietly blessed her in my heart on that occasion. When later her younger Sister during her tenure as the Honorable Minister of Aviation Mrs. Kemafor Chikwe hinted me that my friend was already in Nigeria with her husband, I was so happy. She gave me her address and when I saw my Ogom (which is the only Ibo word that I could speak) I was very happy. I commended my friend on her being faithful

and steadfast for the care she proffered to her husband .I told her she had exhibited utmost delity, love and truthfulness. I even told her on that occasion that some people thought that she was spending money on her husband in a fruitless venture as he would eventually die. She was very grateful to me for those sentiments and I told her I was proud of her as she had portrayed all the virtues our late Principal Miss Gentle, later to be Mrs. Margret Harwood had sown in us.

We then continued our friendship and I even stood in for her on one occasion at NEPAD in Abuja here at Sheraton Hotel because she was away in Lagos for a Family event. It was a very successful outing as I had represented her at the NEPAD event which involved a German rm that had come to Nigeria to discuss some salient issues on NEPAD.

The long and short of it all is that my darling bosom friend Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika was true to all the virtues inculcated in us by our very good and sound upbringing. She had a Christian character which she exhibited at every opportunity. She was also extremely erudite, extremely caring and as I said earlier she possessed love. According to the Holy Scriptures love is the fullling of the Law. St Paul told us, “Now abideth Hope, Faith, Love, these three but the greatest of these is Love.” My friend Chief Mrs. Chinyere Asika had love in her Heart and I used to say this so many times during my interaction with her and she would laugh. I can assure you all that even 3 weeks before Chinyere left to pass on to Greater Glory, we had communicated and laughed together for over 30 minutes when I called her in Onitsha where she was domiciled.

She had explained to me why she chose Onitsha to settle and live in so that when the end would come she could be near her husband. This delity, this faithfulness she had for her husband, for her family, for her sisters, brothers and friends and above all to her children whom I also know very well because we were close friends.

On one occasion not too long ago at her Residence in Abuja, Obi Asika had walked out of the house with his mother to see me off to my car when my driver then asked if that was my friend's husband. I laughed and said that is her son. She was so strong and virile, and youthful that my driver assumed Obi was her husband. At Queens College we were only three that studied Latin for our Higher School Certicate so we used to discuss even in Latin. So I can state categorically that I will miss that aspect of our lives together.Even when I spoke to her last, just three weeks before her demise she had told me that she had left the board of Directors of Zenith bank Plc. and we concluded that “Tempus fugit ….Time ies” We laughed and talked in Latin and on each occasion that I phoned her all around me would be amazed with the laughter we used to exchange and would enquire as to whom was I talking with. I will miss her very much.

In fact her going away to greater Glory in Jesus Christ's Name shattered me completely and I couldn't even believe it because I knew that she had died on the 3rd of May, while she was going to be 76 years old on the 19th of June 2015.May Her Great and Noble Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.


A man is said to be blessed when he nds a good wife;but when you are also blessed with a mother like late Cheif Mrs Chinyere Asika, your world is greatly hallowed. In her life time 'Nne Igbo' as she is fondly called had literally adopted some of us as his children and had shown us love, care and we can only be grateful for her life.

My family and I greatly grieve the departure of an exceptional wonderful woman who gave me shelter, food and security on my graduation from NYSC.

I recall how i broke the good news of my rst job as a media executive with a reputable media organization based in Abuja and how you encouraged me to have a shot on it. I became so good at my job and It was you whom encouraged me to y on when i got another juicy appointment by the former Governor of Abia State to work with him. I recall how i kept ying until you said "Tochukwu make sure you are not in a fast lane". I assured you never to be but I would remain the hardworking son you have always known me to be.

Today I am happily married and by the Grace of God one of the high iers in nation building resident in the FCT.

Your uninching faith in God Almighty was manifested in the kind of impact you made in the lives of your children.

Your life was exemplary and a testimony of great motherhood, devoted service to mankind and the fear of God.

We thank God for whom you were- a Mum;We thank you for what you were- a role model; and We say Adieu Nne Igbo gburugburu Regards,

Tochukwu Sagacious IkezueMedia OfcerSURE-P Graduate Internship Scheme,Federal Ministry of Finance, Central Business District, AbujaEmail; [email protected], [email protected],twitter;@tcsagacious


An ode to Nda Chinyere, A Sister, Mother and FriendShe was elegant, peaceful and modest. She respected the young, old, poor, rich and powerful. She loved all and had room in her heart for those who came her way.

It is indeed difcult to write about Nda Chinyere, knowing she won't be here to hear these words.

My 50th gave us an opportunity to reafrm our love and respect for one another; her presence was a gift that I will carry in my heart forever.

Her departure symbolized the way she lived: elegant and peaceful. Her vacuum can only be lled by God, in the hearts of her wonderful children and all of us who genuinely loved and cared for her.

Nda Chinyere, thank you for making yourself so available that it remained easy and comfortable to conde in you.

You were the best. I loved you…I love you.

Rest in the Perfect Peace of God

Chidinma Uwajumogu.


TRIBUTE TO A BOSS WITH A GOLDEN HEART

Those of us who worked with mum enjoyed every bit of service. She was not only a boss to us but a mother - caring, compassionate, always identifying with our challenges whenever she is aware. As her Personal Secretary, I am aware that she has never closed her ears to the cry of people that came near her asking for assistance.

There was an experience that registered into my mind which I have always recollected with great respect for her. After attending an APRM meeting with African Head of States in company with President Jonathan, she had a near fatal accident on her way to her house in Maitama. We never knew she would recover from that incident, but God brought her back to life. While mum was on the hospital bed, she called me and said, 'Geoffrey, are you not going to pay the staff?' I was dumbfounded because that was the last I was expecting from a person on a sick bed. While we were all there, she requested for her cheque book and she wrote a cheque that I should go and pay the staff. I was touched by this magnanimity. I have never seen it in that form. This action earned mum more love and respect from every one of us. And then I determined never to disappoint her nor leave her unceremoniously and that is why her demise became a great loss to every one of us for a woman that was caring for her staff.She is gone but she remains evergreen in our hearts. She was a woman with a golden heart.Geoffrey U. Okere (Pastor)For Mums' Personal Staff

My Mother. My Mentor. My Condante.This woman (HE Chief Mrs Chinyere Asika OFR) whom I have known for close to 18 years now with no trace of blood ties, was more than a mother to me. She never took or treated me like a stranger, up until the momen t she d i ed i n my p resence and a r ms , she s t i l l ca l l ed me DAUGHTER. Mummy was one whose memory I will forever cherish and hold dear till I depart this world. From the long chats and gist we shared, to the unending advices and tutelage I got as a daughter. From being an unrepentant fashion icon to managing board meetings in big companies, you were truly a titan and champion . A true denition of a STRONG WOMAN. The void that you have left behind has begun to sink in and become more real as minutes tick by and days roll on. Nevertheless, I have inherited your strength and courage to continue. It won't keep me down for long. REST ON MUMMY. Your own GRACE MUSA

Mummy, you are the greatest mother I have ever meet, you treated everybody as equal irrespective of age and gender. I always remember your words when I received your call, 'Wale, how are you,' so sensational and emotional with a lovely and a motherly voice. We love you mummy but our almighty God love you most, Rest in Peace mama. Olaniyi Adewale, staff

Mummy, I am still sitting and waiting patiently for the day and time you will call me. I really appreciate the years I spent with u. I must confess if I come to this world again I will still be your personal maid. Rest in peace, Mummy till we meet again. Oko Augustina

When you met the attraction was instant. Nobody could have predicted what strange twists your lives would take or that your fates must have been linked from the very start.

Some speak of you as opposites: Chinyere, all re and motion and Tony, an airy intellectual with the temperament to sit out any drama. But you were similar in so many ways.

You both came from large, notable clans dominated by strong women. You both crossed borders without letting go of your cultural identities. Not only did you share a love of politics, books and ne living, but a genuine passion for people from all walks of life.

In later years, no matter what titles and honours were bestowed upon you, neither of you would lose your humility, humour or ability to connect with the common man.

You were partners in ideas and in practice, turning to each other for advice and support on issues ranging from policy to personal choices. When Daddy was the public face, you were the private voice. Both of you had integrity beyond measure, with stubbornness in your bones and kindness in your DNA.

Both of you would value family above all, caring so deeply about each and every member that sometimes your hearts were stretched to breaking point. You taught us that love doesn't always have to be easy but it must always be generous.

Few people understand what strength and courage Mummy showed after our father's health declined. But you never saw yourself as a heroine, simply a wife who loved her husband for better and for worse.

In many ways, the illness that nally separated you is also what brought you closer together. Ten years between the rst stroke and the last gave you a period of rediscovery. Cosy evenings at home, far from the madding crowd. Conversations, books and crossword puzzles. Almost daily stand-offs over ogbono soup or salad for lunch. Tenderly calling 'Hi', across the living room. Mummy's exasperated 'Ajie!' following another of Daddy's quips.

You were Ajie and Dibueze, celebrated by many yet only fully known by each other. For you were also just Tony and Chinyere, sweethearts and soul mates.

Soul Mates


Ever Since the events of May 3rd when you left us, I have been struggling with dealing with the nality of this reality. I know a little bit about death. One of the painful things about a large and loving family is that in time people begin to go, therefore one ends up witnessing death in her many forms and even though we are never happy to welcome her we all know the grim reaper awaits us all at some time.

I know the program and functions are titled “Celebration of Life” and surely i know that my mother lived an amazing life, one of service to her people, humanity, her country, her family and her friends. My mother was a born peacemaker, with the diplomatic skills of a high level state functionary and a keen intellect applied almost daily to solving seemingly intricate issues. From the banality of uniforms for family functions, to the anthropological issues which tie the Ibo's together, my mother was actually our compass through life, constant as the northern star, always there to interpret, to inform, to educate, to support and where necessary to apply her sharp tongue and acerbic wit.

My sisters and I, as well as some of our childhood friends and cousins always used to laugh about version 2.0 of my mother. Having endured the ups and downs of life as almost all must do, from her in-built pride and self condence she was once a fearsome disciplinarian over a brood of 20-30 kids which she constantly kept together. It was a motley crew of me, my sisters, our friends, cousins, as well as the kids of all the domestic staff, there was no separation, we all went to the same schools, the same way, ate together, played together and i never recall any special privileges for being the so called kids in the big house.

In fact I grew up quite shy - I recall as a kid that on my birthday she always invited what seemed like thousands of kids to government house and invariably Nki and I spent hours distributing presents to all these kids and hosting (well, being there) huge parties. It was later as an adult that she explained to me that those parties were used by her to give some sort of succor to thousands of indigent kids who were coming out of a terrible war and who needed psychological reinforcement and all forms of support as they renegotiated the terms of re-entry for the Ibo's into Nigeria.

My mother was ercely proud of the work of her best friend and partner, my father, she was prepared to sit and engage anybody at any level anywhere to explain the circumstances and facts of their time and some of the most important moments of our collective history. Perhaps one of the small consolations of her transition is the thought of the two of them back together, freed from these earthly chores, her work here

Goodbye Mum

from Obi Asika


was done, and all I really wanted to say anyway was thank you. Their story, my father's biography, her story and more have been captured and are in the process of coming into the public arena. My father's biographer over the past several years became very close to my mother and has produced in no time a small semi-biography that gives you a sense of who she was and what she represented to so many.

To me she was my mother, my personal person, this is the rst time since I was an adult I have not heard her voice for so long, 'Obodoechina!' when I had done something wrong or she wanted me to stop talking, 'Obi' the normal call, but never 'China' that was reserved for my Dad and his friends, and then extended to my friends as I grew. Anybody that knows me knows our bond, always talking, always plotting, family, politics, business, power, history, culture, music, literature, the legendary newspaper cuttings, I'm sure we have 20 years of newspaper headlines in les, the daily harangue to watch NTA news, the complete devotion to any and everything Nigerian, “come and see some Nigerians went to the North Pole na wa oh!”

My mother who watched all my football games as a kid, who still called me in March to ask how my club (Liverpool) was doing. My love for Nigeria and her culture came from her, her constant push made me focus on our history, her study of anthropology led her to build an enormous art collection and to hours of lectures on art and culture, as a documentation and archiving specialist, perhaps her greatest legacy may be the books, the documents, the photographs. We have been working on how to digitally archive all of the material and ensure future generations and students and historians are able to gain access to important documents.

My mother was always the glue that held everybody together, in good times, in tough times and even now her spirit is holding us all, she was a force of nature, just at home in the palaces of the world or under the palm trees in her beloved Egbu-London. I could write forever about my mother about how she inuenced so many things in the public space, about her work and her heart, about her permanent love affair with Nigeria or about her love for my father. Anybody who saw the way she sacriced herself for him was always emotionally affected, she was and remained our heart, our core, our leader.


I know all of us will always miss her, I'm hollow now, I know part of me is gone and everyday when I wake the rst thing I do is try to listen for her voice, to check for her call, to know she is ok, that she is ne, that is what is important to me. She spent her life for others even last year I asked her about travel, a holiday, she said no, she was moving around the East, visiting old friends, making new friends, new discoveries. She wanted me to pivot East and to Abuja, she was with me when the call to National Service came, and she was ecstatic. “I am so happy because I had no hand in this, this happened because of you not because of me”, somehow my mother always seemed to eventually get her way, she had this amazing belief in our people and their capacity for good.

My mother lived many lives, from the stand out school star, to the budding debutante at Queens College, Lagos, the academic scholar undergrad in San Francisco, and the masters student at UCLA. She lived many lives and graced them all with class, elegance and always with compassion. She was one of those people who was not diminished by helping others to shine, she was an enabler for people, for causes, for communities. From the young student to the wife of the administrator, there were so many lessons to learn and I thank God for the life she enabled for me and my sisters, not just by giving us life but lling us with love, knowledge, wisdom, with a full sense of self, of our personal and family history, of our community and our culture. I just basically want to be thankful for her life, for the friends she kept and all those loyal old friends who she kept in her heart. I almost feel as if this entire thing is surreal, it does not feel right speaking about her in the past tense, so maybe this is because i also believe she already lives through us, her children, her grandchildren, and her siblings, in-laws and so many friends and their families.

I have read some of the tributes to my mother, I appreciate them all, however I don't know how to communicate her calls, her sense of humor, her sense of style, the way she could silence a room by saying nothing, how she was through all the phases of her life, how everything she did seemed to happen effor tlessly but how she never ever stopped working. My mother never took anything for granted and encouraged that mentality, while she would remind you that you're well born she would never let

you think anybody owed you anything. From her you learned it all, I learned about my father, she provided the key information, navigated me through the work, answered my relentless probing and showed me the meaning of service. She also was an expert at managing crises and relationships, I saw her do this in politics, in her work, in the family, almost everyday cajoling, supporting, and just an immense capacity for love, for compassion, knowing that many times just listening and calling was enough encouragement to help people get through difcult times.

I think that even as I try to sum up my mother I know it's impossible to truly convey the yawning gap I feel to the depth of my soul. I wish my daughter had known her better, I wish we had more time, as selsh as it seems because we did have a lot of time. However what I would give for some notice, it still seems surreal, that picture, even when I saw you I kept thinking she is going to wake up, but I know those are forlorn hopes. I know she was proud of all of us her children, I know she loved us without measure.

I think the most amazing thing is that even though we always shared our homes, with cousins, friends, family and therefore shared her but her genius was we never felt deprived, we always knew we were the real priority, she made us know. I have been struggling to write this piece and not quite sure what tone to take. The truth is we are all in pain because her passing was not something we expected at this time, however we are thankful for the manner of her passing and grateful to God in His innite mercy for granting her safe and easy passage. We are comforted by the love we share, by the family, by her memory and spirit which will still drive us all forward. It has been my eternal privilege to be her son, to have shared so much for so long. I am thankful, I am always respectful of her wishes and even in her transition I am careful to do only that which she would have wanted, and that would be to honor Ajie, Honor Onitsha, Honor Egbu and Nigeria. She lived to serve and she lived her life for others, I only wish we were having this huge event when she was alive so I could see that smile one more time, when she realizes the immense outpouring of emotion that has overwhelmed us all since her passing. Mum Kachifo, it is well, enjoy with Dad, Goodnight.

I know it's real, I know I will always miss you, I love you.

Obodoechina


Around 10.30pm on the night of Saturday, May 2nd, I was speaking with my mother on the phone, discussing her recent trip to South Africa and her plans in Lagos that coming week. She sounded tired, so I said goodnight and told her we would speak in the morning. Around 9.30 the next morning, Sunday, May 3rd, I got a call, but not from her, from my brother Obi, informing me through painful sobs, that Mummy had gone.

I have experienced death before – of close friends, relatives and my beloved Dad. His death in 2004 broke my heart, but there was also some relief that after ten arduous years of illness, he could nally rest. My mother's death is the rst time that I have felt utterly bereaved, which according to one dictionary means: (i) to be deprived of a close relation or friend through their death; (ii) synonyms: deprived, dispossessed, separated, stripped. When I was much younger, I used to think that by the time my mother died, it would not be so traumatic because after all, I would be a fully grown woman. But it turns out that you never outgrow your mother. Especially not when you have a mother like mine. Her CV lists her many accomplishments but they do not paint the full picture of who she was as a person or who she was to me. So I want to tell you about my mother, Chinyere. God's gift. Never was anyone more aptly named.

My mother was extraordinary. It is very rare for someone to care so much or to take such genuine interest in so many people. She truly rejoiced with those who rejoiced and mourned with those who mourned. She carried the weight of other people's burdens with uncommon kindness and sacrice. And she touched countless lives, sharing that most precious of resources - love.

I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY MOTHERBy Nkiru Asika


My mother was a study in contrasts. She was highly cerebral, indeed she could hold her own anywhere, with anyone, on almost any topic. Yet she remained accessible and relatable to people of all educational levels and backgrounds. She was a warrior, brave and fearless yet so soft-hearted that she could hardly refuse any request. She was multi-layered and deep. Yet she was also very simple in the best sense of the word, in that she knew no trickery or double-mindedness. She had integrity.

My mother wore many caps and received many titles, but none ts her better than Mummy. I sometimes joked that my siblings and I should carry around some sort of ID specifying that we were actually her children, to differentiate us from all the people who called her Mummy. Her “children” ranged from the movers and shakers of the country to those at the other end of the socio-economic scale. I remember when she was in hospital in Abuja after a near-fatal car accident in 2012, the security men in the various houses along her street in Maitama delivered a handwritten note expressing their concern and love and praying for the speedy recovery of their Mummy.

Since she passed, there has been an outpouring of grief from the hundreds of people who considered themselves her children. In fact I have ended up comforting many who have called or visited to offer condolence, because they themselves feel such a

sense of personal loss. The other day I was speaking with one of the caterers to discuss food arrangements for the funeral, only for the lady to break down, sobbing inconsolably at the death of her Mummy.

My mother was the pillar of our family, both immediate and extended. She was everything to us. When we were growing up, she could be stern, difcult, frightening even. But she was also loving, ercely protective and the anchor of our lives. She was my children's cherished Grandma who worried about them, prayed for them, showered them with love and introduced them to their Onitsha roots. She adored her siblings and was the matriarch and mediator of the formidable Ejiogu clan. She embraced her husband's family and to use a colloquialism, she “carried Onitsha


on her head” more than most Onitsha people, soaking up Onitsha culture, tradition and history with the mind of a trained scholar and the heart of a devoted wife. She was so proud to be an Onitsha woman. So proud to be Dibueze, Nwunye Ajie.

Despite her deep respect for tradition, my mother was never the conventional, stay-in-the-background, sit-with- the- women and serve-the-men type of wife. She was in every way an equal partner to my father, the rebrand ying to his mild-mannered yang. I am so grateful to God for my parents; for the type of people they were and for the values they modelled – integrity, generosity, forgiveness, truth, sense of duty . They loved each other dearly and they loved us more. Ultimately there is no greater gift you can give your children.

When my father suffered a severe stroke in 1994, my mother almost fell apart. But through the initial crisis and the years that followed, she was his constant companion, nurse, and truest friend. She put her life on hold to care for him day after day, month after month, year after year; without complaint, self-pity or resentment. When he died in 2004, part of her died with him. The one comfort from her passing is that she is back with my father. I can see them now, talking about Nigeria, swapping stories about family and friends, chatting, bickering, laughing. Together again, at last.

My mother's other great love was Nigeria, a passion she shared with her husband. She would shout down Nigeria's detractors and was forever optimistic about the country's future. Every evening, she sat and carefully cut out snippets of the newspapers, and no matter how bleak the headlines, she would only focus on the positive – the stories of investment or development or progressive policy decisions. Then she would share this news in one phone call after the other, like some unofcial information service or one-woman PR campaign for Nigeria. It's hard to believe that we will never receive those phone calls again.

My mother achieved so much but her person was far more brilliant than her achievements. She accomplished great things but none greater than the way she made people feel, with her warmth, her love and her care. She was a rey, attracting people to her light. She was the life and soul of any gathering. She was the heart and soul of our family. A phenomenal woman, way beyond anything Maya Angelou ever described.

Someone said to me recently that a couple of months had gone by, so I should be over my mother's death by now. I am not sure that I will ever be over my mother's death. Her death has changed my life forever. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her. Because she remains a part of me, as I was a part of her.

I am a strong person by nature, but my mother once counseled me that there is such a thing as being too strong. So for now, permit me please to not be so strong. Allow me to nurse my grief a little longer. For I have lost my mother. I have lost my centre. I am bereaved. I am dispossessed. I am separated. I am deprived.

Darling Mummy, thank you for all the love and all the memories. Thank you for the privilege of being your daughter. I love you forever.Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.Till we meet again.

Nki.


Yesterday I lost my mother. She died unexpectedly but quite peacefully in her sleep.

'How many parents do you have left?' Jed asked me.

None, I told him. Not any more. But I have so many aunties and uncles and big cousins and older siblings who

sheltered me and showered me with love. I have a father-in-law, a mother-in-law and a mother outlaw, all of

whom I love dearly. I even have an almost stepmother (my father's rst wife). We still haven't met in person

but we feel a strong connection.

And my parents didn't just have Obi and Nkiru and me, and also Nnenna (sister cousin) and also Nwando

(baby sister). They had many many people who called them Mum and Dad, all of whom are devastated right

now. My mum is the oldest of 22, practically a parent to the youngest ones. I want to offer words of comfort

to each and every one of her siblings, but what can I say? What is there to say?

People ask how I am and I tell them I'm ok. I'm not ok. One minute I feel strong, next I feel broken. It's normal,

isn't it? I just have to surf the emotions as they come. If only I knew how to surf. I would have this grief thing

nailed.

When my father died, 11 years ago, it was like I had lost my shelter. Like somebody had torn the roof of the

world clean off. Now my mother has gone, it's like somebody stole the world itself. Like there's no more

ground to walk on, maybe that's why it feels so surreal. Maybe gravity is the love of all our mothers tethering

us to the earth and to each other. Without it, we would be scattered out in space, unable to make sense of

anything.

Yesterday I lost My Mother By Uju Asika


Nothing makes sense. I should be old enough to know better. To

have realised that, at 75, my mother wasn't going to hang around

forever. The thing is, you know they're getting older, but you don't

expect them to actually go. Like what do you mean, you're

moving on? To where, exactly?

And I know how lucky we are. My cousin reminded me that there

are kids who lose their mothers at ve years old or younger. Very

true and my heart breaks for them.

What's also true is that right now, without my mother, I feel about

ve years old or younger. Because I really really want my

mummy right now and nothing else can make it better.

Nkiru told me yesterday, what's weird is that with all these people

calling and sending messages, we know something big is

happening in the family and her rst thought is, 'has anyone told

Mum?' She was our touchstone, the person everybody turned to

for advice, the one we need right now to tell us what to do.

So what should we do Mum? I know you'd tell us to take heart

and stay strong and comfort each other. You'd say that this is

exactly what you'd always prayed for, you never wanted a long,

slow, protracted illness, nothing like what Daddy went through.

And you got your wish. Yesterday morning you looked like you

were sleeping and you had a smile on your face. As another

cousin said you were a class act, right until the very end. Truly a

class act.

I think of when we were very little, still living at the house we

called 17, and you and Dad would throw these parties. And the

kids would creep down and peep through the curtain that

separated us from the living room, and watch the grown-ups

dancing. Just so glamorous.

I imagine you with Daddy now, and maybe you're dancing

together again. Or simply sitting with each other, holding hands.

It's a comforting thought.

Only here, on the other side of the curtain, the loss is

unspeakable.


Dear Mom,

You are a great mom to me and you've always been there for me. You have always taught me my religion and about my culture. I really miss you so much and love you and I promise to make you proud. Even when you travel I always prayed for you and I loved you and I know as you are in heaven you are having a great time. Even if you are gone I just pretend that you travelled to one of your usual places.

Mum you are the favourite thing in the world to me and I wish we spent more time together and I could give you more hugs and kisses.

Yours Faithfully

Nwando Asika Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo


More than a mother in law. My mother, my mentor and my guide. My information source of all things Nigerian. My kindred spirit and the only person I know who shared such an odd, rare, deep, passion and love for Nigeria as myself. I thought I met my partner in crime for this tendency in my husband, but I didn't, I shared that with you.

Everybody knows you meant a lot of things to a lot of people, achieved so much on a large wide scale over an extraordinary period of time. But what you meant to me is selshly far more important to me.

Charging me with one of your most precious, be assured that all our long talks and all the time we spent together, traveling across Nigeria alone was not in vain. Be assured that I was listening and that I heard you loud and clear. I promise you, I was listening and I will put it into practice.

Our travels by road, another experience that only the both of us truly got and appreciated. No one understood how and why we loved these journeys, but it was where we were both in our element; gisting, eating, bonding and learning the whole way. Thank you for enabling me to learn so much about

More than a More than a More than a

Mother-in-Law Mother-in-Law Mother-in-Law by Yets Asikaby Yets Asika


Onitsha, our family and our legacy.

On those trips I also learned more about our country. How now am I to learn about the rich vegetation we have, the best in the world, the coffee beans we have, the best in the world, the soil we have, the best in the world. "Did you know that the best tea in the world actually comes from Nigeria?" you would say. "No mum, I thought from India or Kenya," I would say. And you would proceed to prove to me why this was not so.

"Did you know the best gold in the world, the richest oil in the world, the purest crude, did you know they just discovered that Nigeria has the best minerals in the world..." I could go on and on for days.... The depth and breadth of your knowledge was incomparable. Where now am I to get all my information? You did ask me once before, "Don't you people read the newspapers?" Well why would I when you were sure to call me and give me the run down of the day… everyday. Well I guess I'll have to read them more now.

Even though I feel I still had so much more to learn from you, I will be comforted by the fact that I can never forget the time we did get to spend, the experiences we had and for that, I am most grateful.

I've missed you since the 3rd of May and I will continue to miss you always. I know the void you left wide open can never be lled again but I will see you every day through Obi, Nki and Uju and Nwando, through those who are a reection of you, through all those that you have touched and most of all, through my most precious.

Everyday I will strive to be a better version of the person that you have already greatly contributed to me becoming. To learn from this incredible knack of yours to draw people together, to draw people to you and the genuine love you had for helping everybody that crossed your path. These good deeds that you administered, behind closed doors, out of sight from the public unlike most, is a rare gift that you possessed, and is one that I pray that one day I may be endowed with and that one day we may all emulate.

Like your ginormous heart, oh what big shoes you have left for me to ll.

All my love always.

Yets


Yets, Nuli, Mayowa, Mum, Nwando And Seyi

Obi Mum And Baby NkiObi Girls And Mum (Dec. 2014)


Uju Dibueze And NkiruMum and baby Obi

Mum and Obi (2009)

Mum and Obi (Dec. 2014)


Mum, Abiye, Uju And Mrs Cole

Yets and Mum (2009)

At 25th Wedding Anniversary


Tributes to Grandma

My rst memory of my Grandma would be her cutting up a bunch of newspapers. There would be a huge stack of different ones next to her and I'd read the ones she hadn't gotten through yet. I had no idea why she was doing that but all I wanted to do was read the cartoons so I never questioned it. The second memory would be her calling me my Igbo name - Odera - because she liked it so much.

She was a special lady. Growing up, she lived away from us, but made sure to keep up a relationship with us, either ying to Lagos once or twice a year to visit, or we would go to into Abuja or Onitsha to visit her. She really enjoyed when family was around - especially during holidays.

A lot of people loved my Grandma. Everyone who came to meet her for some reason unbeknownst to me referred to her as “Mommy.” People would always listen to what she had to say and took her advice to heart. My mom used to tell me stories about her--her work in feminism, black rights in America, education in Nigeria. She was even a First Lady once. Surprisingly, she told me when she was in university her favorite food was pizza which was a shock because all she ever seemed to eat was soup and rice.

I'm happy that she got to slowly and peacefully pass from this world. I hope she rests in peace and gets to see my grandpa again. I love you Grandma. I'll miss you. We'll all miss you. You made a great impression on everyone that took the chance to get to know you and you will never be forgotten.

Mayowa Oluwasanmi

My name is Seyi and I am one of Chinyere Asika's grandchildren. It is difcult to put into words how much my grandmother meant to me. She was a strong-willed and intelligent woman. She was very successful and achieved a lot of great things in her life. She passed a lot of wisdom and knowledge down to her children who I am very happy to say passed it down to me. My grandmother inspired me in a lot of ways and she meant more to me than you can possibly imagine. That is why I am terribly sad about her passing away and I know that she will be missed dearly.

Seyi Oluwasanmi

Grandma TributeWe're trying very hard not to cry,Oh why do people have to die.We all know that at some point all lives will come to an endAt least you and your husband will be together again.We will all read the scriptWhich is written on the crypt.There is an art of kindness in your heartThat we all love, but we both must part.

Love, Ezra Cole

It's not easy to sit down and cryOh please Grandma, come back to life.I hope you are having a good time in heavenAt least we will be back together again.

Jedidiah Cole


Mum, Seyi And Mayowa

Mum, Jed and Ezra

Mum And Nuli Kiss

Seyi and Grandma


Mum And Nuli Mum And Baby Mayowa

Seyi, Nwando, Grandma, Mayowa, Queen and Gift

Mum And Ezra

Mum on Mayowa’s Birthday


It is a deeply painful loss but indeed a celebration time. The time and moment to celebrate an incredible icon, a heroine, an elegant woman and a wonderful mother-in-law, chief (Mrs) Dibueze Chinyere Asika.

As a Christian, she was a devotee, welfarist, a mentor and a communicant.As a virtuous woman, she served both God and humanity. As a mother, she was at the home front and became the rst lady of the East Central region of Nigeria in 1967. With the women folk, she was a mobilizer and a bridge builder per excellence.As a business woman, she was a successful director, a management guru, motivator and pragmatic driver in the business world.As a community leader, she provided leadership, hope, empowerment, and promoted peaceful co-existence.As a politician, she was dogged, a strategist who excelled in honesty and service to humanity.As a Nationalist, she travelled, lived and mixed widely with all tribes and ethnic groups across Nigeria. Tribe was no barrier.As an administrator, she was a workaholic, a good manager of human and material resources.As an internationalist, she was a frontliner in African development and in the progress of West African countries and at the same time, she was a woman

who wined and dinned with great men, women, kings and Queens.As an honourable woman, she was conferred with several awards and accolades, amongst which is her honorary doctorate degree and the prestigious honour of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) of Nigeria.

Chief (Mrs) Dibueze Chinyere Asika came to the world, saw and conquered. She fought a good ght of excellence. She was a great mother-in-law that cared for all, and most especially a mother to our daughter, Yetunde Asika nee Bakare. She is loved by many, and shall remain in all our hearts until we meet again at the feet of Almighy God. 'Adieu. Mama rere. Sun re o!.' Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” God was behind Dibueze. May God console and protect my Son Obi Asika and his family, Nkiru Asika and her family, Uju Asika Cole and her family and the Asika/Ejiogu clan.

All our love, from Mrs Olufunmilayo Bakare on behalf of my husband H.E Ambassador Ayodele Joseph Bakare (late) and the entire Bakare family – Captain Olajide Bakare, Abimbola Bakare Oche, Olawale Bakare and Olatokunbo Bakare


Tribute from Samuel Kelechi Ejiogu (JP)

DADDY'S SPEND DOLLAR IS NO MORE. It's most difcult to fathom that our beloved Nda chinyere <Ada Egbu> has departed this earth without uttering a word to her siblings nor friends. The void her departure has created captures the epic scenario in Macbeth that depicts that life is a stage and we are all actors. As the curtains falls quietness subsumes the theater as the actor disappears.

My only consolation in this episode about my dear Sister's demise is that she had pedigree and nesse , her carriage was beyond imagination because she was humble, respectful, fearless and endeared millions of people to herself. She exhibited the mien of royalty but yet subtly radiated her brilliance. A woman par excellence that loved God and all his creation. A woman who managed men and women and created space for people around her to reach their potential. An encyclopedia, a genius, a quintessential virtuous woman, she was late Nathans Okeoma's Ejiogu's daughter who personied character and greatness. A great organizer, lover of nature , it's only by the grace of God that the family can be endowed by such a woman of substance. There's no doubt that in this Ejiogu dynasty there are burgeoning stars and starlets and my prayer is that the Good Lord watches over them as they blossom. One attribute which I would have asked God to endow me with is her non quarrelsomeness quality. All her life I never saw her angry or raise her voice at anyone .

My lovely Nda chinyere attended the best Schools in Nigeria and the Americas. I remember her days at Holy child, Ifuo Ikot Ekpene, then Cornelia Cornelly college Uyo where her academic record hasn't been equalled. From what was known then as form 1 to form V, she maintained her usual 1st position until she made a grade 1 in her WASCE exams. She ew through Higher School with distinction at the prestigious Queens College, Yaba Lagos. In 1961 she got an ASPAU scholarship to study at the Mills college in Oakland California. She was the only African Student at the college and earned herself honours through her brilliance. After her rst degree at Mills College, she got her Masters Degree at the University College at Los Angeles California. She met her heartthrob at the University College of California, the great Ajie of Onitsha Dr Anthony Ukpabi Asika of blessed memory.

Here lies my beloved sister at the All saints Cathedral Church Egbu where she got married, what an irony to witness the solemnisation of her marriage, but today we are witnessing the commendation of her nal farewell.

Adieu Ada Ejiogu, Adieu mother of many. This tribute will not be complete if I don't mention how you single handedly came to the rescue of "Nde Owerre” after the civil war. May God give you a resting place in his Kingdom as many remembered your benevolence which made dead bones to rise again and restored the dignity of a humiliated people after the civil war.

Your loving brotherKelechi


MUSING OVER MY SISTER, 'NDA CHINYERE'

My Extraordinary SisterMany roses blossomBut never ll the airWith their fragranceBut here's a roseWhose sweet perfumeSaturated the atmosphereWhere ever it is planted;

Whose sparkling beauty And tenderness luredEven the blind to stand and look.

My sister, you wereAmong the great starsOf the heavens;But now the day is goneAnd so even youHave gone to sleep.

NDA CHINYERE NNEM,

As a child I used to search For your appearing

But now; my eyesAre dim with tearsAnd behold, you have Already gone too farInto the darkening of the skyAnd I see you no more

Adieu, Shining light!Adieu my favourite Star'Day is gone from the east, From the west, from the north, From the south. All is well safely rest. 'God is nigh'

Until the dawn Of another dayYou will surely appear againHurray My joy shallKnow no boundsBut for now A D I E USleep on in yourCelestial home whileI lay me down In hope tillWe see someday again. Augusta Ogechi Ordu (Nee Ejiogu)

My Darling Sister,

Nda Chinyere was a darling sister. One in a million, she had a noble parentage, lived a noble life, and died most noble. I will forever cherish my times with her in Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu. My big sister always looked out for me. Nobody can step into her shoes again!! May her Soul rest in perfect peace.

Prof. Chiaka OjogwuNee Ejiogu


Just as Jesus saw Nathanael in John 1:47 coming towards Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. So also the word of the Lord came to my heart on May 8, 2015 and said "Behold a woman indeed in whom was no guile.” As we reminisced on what my big sister used to discuss with us this word came to me. It was a reassuring word and a complement of the person whom we have come today to honor and pay our last respects. Her excellency Chief Mrs. Chinyere Ukpabi Asika, the Holy Spirit testied to my heart and I heard it saying she was A Woman indeed in whom there was no guile. When I heard that I stopped the conversation I was having with Nda Regina Amadi and said to her, Did you hear what I am hearing. She said to me, What did you hear? I said to her I heard that my big sister Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Chinyere Ukpabi Asika was a Woman Indeed, in whom there was no guile. That is who she was. Those are the characteristics she possessed.

What then does it mean to be without guile?To be without guile is to be without cunning, hypocrisy, and dishonesty in thought and in action. Strong's Concordance uses several Words to describe guile such as "decoy, trick, wily, crafty, deceit, subtle and deceiver". So it is important to note then that one who is without guile is one who is found not to possess these characteristics. Rather is one who is plain speaking, honest, without a hidden agenda or strings attached to what they say or do.

witness for that he was an "Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” And that was Nathanael (John 1:47).And now Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Chinyere Ukpabi Asika also has received of Google report that she was A Woman indeed, in whom there is no guile.My big sister was a woman of unquestionable character, a true example of a virtuous woman and a woman of integrity."A woman indeed, in whom was no guile" is a person of innocence, honest intent and pure motives, whose life reects the simple practice of conforming

her daily actions to principles of integrity. That was my big sister, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Chinyere Ukpabi Asika. The scripture declares in Psalm 32: 2 "Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." This is the testimony I have heard of my big sister. To be without guile is to be pure in heart. She was pure in heart. In Deuteronomy 15:11 it reads "For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and to your needy, in the land."It is interesting that we are commanded to open our hands wide to our brother, but today that is not what we do. We give but our hand isn't fully open. It is looking to keep some of what we give for ourselves- our hand wants it back in some ways. But that's not my big sister.

I remember once I visited her in England despite the fact that she had her hands full taking care of uncle Tony yet she wouldn't allow me to help in the kitchen. She was a servant leader. Come to her house it was food galore. From garden eggs, to sardine sandwich to roasted chicken to roasted corn to assorted fruits and different types of main dishes. Truly her hands were very wide open and not asking for favors.

"Behold a Woman indeed, in whom was no guile." She makes sure she keeps in contact with her siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews etc. When she calls, if she doesn't get you she will call until she speaks with you. She was not one of those that will complain that you did not call them and because of that you never hear from them. There was no guile in her. She had a pure and honest intent for calling you. Just to make sure you are okay. How many of her family members did she call to speak with before she went to bed that fateful night. She was one of a kind. Rest in perfect peace. What a testament.

You are indeed "A woman in whom was no guile."

with love,

Pastor Ngozi Nnadi

BEHOLD A WOMAN INDEED, IN WHOM WAS NO GUILE.


TRIBUTE TO MY SISTERCHIEF (DR.) MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA (MON)ByAmb. Dr. Mrs Kema Chikwe

She left the house but the lights are still on………

Sister Chinyere, a woman of style and elegance, an Iroko tree that stood above other women, an institution, a woman of unique pedigree, an intellectual, respected by all who came across her, passed on in her sleep on Sunday, May 3, 2015. The angels took her away peacefully.

I had helped her to pack for her trip to South Africa on Tuesday, April 28, when she left Abuja. We went down the staircase together but I never dreamt it would be the last time we would be together. Shakespeare has once more been proved right that life is but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour up on the stage, and then is heard no more, it is indeed a tale told be idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Academically she was outstanding, having attended hybrid educational institutions from Cornelia Cornely College (CCC) Uyo to Queen's College Lagos for her Higher School Certicate (HSC). Sister Chinyere was at Mills College, Oakland, California for her degree in Anthropology and University College of Los Angeles (UCLA) for her Masters degree in Library Science. When she was in Upper Sixth Form, I was in Queens's College Lagos as a rst year student. All through our adult lives, we were either in the same school or lived in the same town or city; Enugu, London and Abuja. Sister Chinyere died a fullled woman, an achiever per excellence.

My sister was not only born great but she achieved greatness by dint of hard work. My father was the Chief Inspector of Education, Eastern Nigeria, Consultant to Ford Foundation of America and UNESCO, and also a Secondary School Proprietor. His legacy was education and he laid a solid foundation for us. My Sister Chinyere, his rst daughter set a good example for us to follow. In Nigeria, she worked as a Librarian at the University of Ibadan and the University of Lusaka, Zambia, also as a librarian. My father did not live long enough to fulll his dreams for us but my sister supported by her husband, Ajie Ukpabi Asika and our mothers continued from where he stopped. We have a unique polygamous family, not so easy to decode the conguration of children and mothers One has to make efforts. At the time we had serially lost our four mothers, my sister bore the parenting burden of a large family and became a rallying point. In fact, we did not survive our years of losing our parents; she survived and carried us on her back. I remain indebted to her. Margaret Thatcher had said that any woman who understands the problems of running a home would be nearer to understanding the problem of running a country. This my sister understood. She excellently managed her home, the Ejiogu Family and various organizations. Married to Ajie Ukpabi Asika, Administrator (Governor) of East Central State now South East geo-political zone, Nigeria; she played all expected roles with dignity, empathy and excellence.

My Sister, a trailblazer, initiated the “Otu Olu Obodo” mass mobilization group, the group focused on grassroots women empowerment in Agriculture, Arts and Crafts, including other welfare programmes. Mass Mobilization and Women Empowerment in Nigeria was her legacy. She was the


rst First Lady to do so. She kept the home front active and encouraged women to be homemakers and community builders.

My sister raised her wonderful children, Obodoechina, Nkiru, and Uju as royalties and with class and Nwando the baby is a manifestation of my sister's skills in raising children.

Sister and I had many things in common and politics was one of them. We were in NPN together and she led our “Eziokwu bu Ndu” women political mobilization programme for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) supporting Chief C.C. Onoh to become the governor of Anambra State and Dr. Alex Ekwueme as the Vice President of Nigeria.

It is a tribute to her like Eleanor Roosevelt that she reached the peak of her greatness after the death of her husband. She was appointed Senior Special Assistant on NEPAD by President Obasanjo. Essentially she established NEPAD Nigeria then she was appointed Director of Zenith Bank. She was recently appointed as one of the eminent persons of the African Review Mechanism of NEPAD and at the inaugural meeting she was elected the Vice-Chairman of the group.

My Sister was a true Nationalist and a strong believer in the Nigerian Project. It is difcult to follow up on the uncountable socio-cultural groups she was their matron. “Nne Igbo Gburu” (Mother General of Igbos) was the title conferred on her by Igbo groups. She was dedicated to the South-East South-South Forum, The Anambra State Elders Council, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and other patriotic organizations.

My Sister Chinyere, was caring and loving. I miss her terribly, I miss our long telephone chats, our adventures to Wuse Market, our attempt at establishing a paint industry, our political discussions, newspaper publication reviews…. I miss everything.

Sister, in God's care you rest, above, in my heart you rest with love. You left the house but the lights are still on.

Adieu, fare thee well.

A Sister So Beloved

Words are not enough to describe the pain I feel knowing that you have left us. Your absence has created a crater in our hearts that can never be lled. You had the God given gift to make everyone around you feel special. You will always be in our midst because no day will go by without us remembering what Sister/nda Chinyere would have said about family issues.

Sleep well until we meet again,

Nwaeju NjieNee Ejiogu


IN CONVERSATION WITH MY BIG SISTER (NDA CHINYERE)

Sister, it has never occurred to me that I would ever be standing in front of your friends, associates, colleagues and family to speak about you; in fact, to speak about our lives together since I was knee high, with such a heavy and sorrow-laden voice and worst of all, in past tense. Yes, when one loses a loved one all manner of questions are asked- WHAT HAPPENED? WHY DID IT HAPPEN? WHERE, WHEN? IS IT TRUE? Sister, I am still asking God WHY? WHAT HAPPENED REALLY? IS IT TRUE!

Sister, you know that faithful Sunday morning, my senior brother Kelechi Ejiogu and I were gossiping about you as we were looking at the morning newspapers and expecting you will call to ask if we have read the newspapers of the day. Just then, at about 8:50am I said to him, “Let's call Sister and tell her what I read in the paper that morning before she calls me.” I dialed your number, straight away your personal assistant answered the phone. I asked why she had to answer your phone, where is sister, why are you picking her phone? Expecting her to say you were in the bathroom, the only place you could have been at that hour even though late for you. When Grace said to me you were sleeping, I barked at her “what do you mean she's sleeping at 9.am?. Come on and wake her up!”

My sister never stayed in bed beyond 7.am even when she was ill. When you are with an old person you must keep your eyes on them and wake them up early in the morning. If they say they want to sleep a little longer, then you assure yourself they are alright. That's what I told Grace. Two minutes later Grace returned to the phone and said to me, “Uncle, I have been waking Mummy up and she is not answering me” I screamed at her, “Grace! SHAKE HER! PUSH HER! SHOUT OUT TO HER!” When Grace shouted out, “Uncle, I am shaking her but she's not answering! I don't know what is happening to Mummy!” I feared the worst.

I started shouting out to my family members and as God had it all set out, my baby sister PASTOR OBI PAX-HARRY (GOD BLESS HER), when I got through to her phone she was on the street in Lagos, on her way to a church program. She didn't know that Sister had arrived in Lagos from an ofcial African Union Assignment (NEPAD's APRM).

When I told her what had happened, she was within minutes at Sister's bedside and further conrmed my worst ever fears in life. Sister had slept in the hands of the Lord. What else could I say but ask the Lord WHY? WHAT HAPPENED? I will keep asking the Lord the questions like many of you would am sure. But in every situation we give thanks to God Almighty. He gives and He takes at his own time. We take solace in the fact that our quintessential sister, my boss, my mentor, our authentic matriarch, who tended over 21 siblings, 115 grand-children and more than 50 great grand-children, hundreds of very close friends and associates and millions of acquaintances, died a very dignifying death. Peaceful and Regal in life most peaceful and gracious in death.

Sister and I come a very long way and it is difcult for me to describe in words our closeness. In fact, to begin to describe my relationship with sister here will be an elaboration of the obvious as most of you who are part of us know.


Sister made me “THE MAN” when in 1972, our father died on active service with the Defunct East Central State of Nigeria as the then chairman of the Public Service Commission and she handed over to me the Mortuary Tally, asking me to supervise the dressing of my father in the mortuary. From then on, she held me responsible and accountable for quite a number of things in and around her and exposed me to decency, humanity, love and charity to my fellow men, just as she was in life. She was so cerebral, that she knew almost everything from beneath the earth's surface to the rock formations in the planets. What was the subject that she could not discuss with you or lecture you on? She was a champion of two letter words in a Scrabble game.

But above all, Sister was a woman of substance, a wife per excellence. How many women of her stature will manage a husband who was invalid for 10 years, without a maid or cook? My sister stuck to her husband and never left his side till the end. Her excellency will hop on and off the London red bus to the grocery store and open market of Kilburn High Road, Willesden Green, Liverpool market, all in London, to buy things to cook for her husband's favourite meals, abandoning her mission with all the exotic cars in Coombe Lane West, Sussex. She had to manage her life in a London Flat in Willesden just to be close to the markets. What a Lady!

I remember when in 2001 the former president Olusegun Obasanjo came to visit her and we took him to see her husband AJIE UKADIUGWU UKPABI ASIKA of blessed memory, he wept openly and looked at my sister and said, “Chinyere, you have to come home, you just have to bring Tony back. I don't want him to die in London, more so I don't want you to die before Tony: Look at you!” We all cried and left. In 2002 she brought AJIE back and Mr. President then offered her a job as his Senior Special Assistant on the NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD) and I automatically became her special assistant on the job. She loved the job and did it diligently for years without a budget from Government because it was a job that touched the lives of Africans, Nigerians and people worldwide. Sister was very people oriented.

Now, it is instructive that Sister died in active service to this Nation, to Africa and indeed the World. She was also on this same NEPAD assignment and in the Aircraft returning from a NEPAD Ofcial Trip to A.U. Headquarters in ADDIS ABABA, when the news of her late husband's passing was broken to her.WHAT HAS THIS 1ST FAMILY OF THE EAST NOT DONE FOR NIGERIA SINCE THE CIVIL WAR TILL DATE?

Will her epitaph read:NIGERIA MY COUNTRY I HAVE FOUGHT FOR YOUR UNITYI HAVE SHOWN YOU LOVE I HAVE SHOWN YOU COMPASSION I HAVE GIVEN MY ALL IN UNITY U MUST STRIDE ON GOODNIGHT NIGERIA EDITH CHINYERE ASIKA OFR

Goodnight my Sister, you have done well.

Ibe Ejiogu


TRIBUTE TO SISTER

Sister Dear,

Where do I begin and where do I end? How can I forget that beautiful, sunny Sunday morning of May 3rd, 2015? My cell phone, although on silent mode, kept ringing every 5 minutes. I barely made it to the end of the church service. My body was cold and sweating at the same time as I had a feeling that all was not well. My fears were soon conrmed; but nothing could have prepared me enough to receive the news of the death of my big sister, Chinyere. A few days prior, I had heard that she was attending a conference in South Africa. Not enough words could express my heavy and saddened heart about this great loss.

My uncontrollable screaming and sobbing in my car must have been loud enough to evoke my sister's vibrant, calm and pleasant face right on the dashboard. And then, as quickly as her angelic face had appeared, it suddenly faded away, and I could hear her say, "Drive home and be well”. Despite my chills and sobbing, in that moment, I was convinced that my sister was already at peace with God, and that her spirit will remain with us forever.

Sister, you were the rock of our family – the Queen Bee that we all perched on and the one hand that held all the hands of the twenty Ejiogu children and the over 100 grandchildren and great – grandchildren. Did I forget our numerous cousins? Although you're no longer with us, our precious memories of you shall live on. You were an exemplary big sister, who instilled a lot of good qualities in all of us. Your eloquence and sophistication were incomparable, as was your air of pride and respect. You handled every family situation rmly, and with positive results. To all of us, you were the "she who must be obeyed" because of your unconditional love and support through thick and thin. This is why you were, and will always be, our one and only "Sister".

I believe God makes no mistakes, and everything happens in perfect order. You had fullled your life on earth, and the time had come for you to bow out gracefully, in your usual way, to take your rightful place in God's Kingdom.

Sister Dear, we can only say Adieu for now until the rest of us siblings and family members reunite with you some day, according to the will of our Almighty God.

WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS…

Ugboaku Okasi


A Letter to My Remarkable SisterMy dear Sister,

God answered Mama and Papa's prayer when you were born on June 19, 1939. Papa named you Chinyere – a gift from God, and announced your arrival in the newspaper to publicly thank God for answering his prayers. He knew you were special and destined for greatness. He was right: You excelled in every area of life and won scholarship to study in America in 1961. I was only 10 years old and heard a lot about your many accomplishments and so much wanted to see you again. I prayed to God to keep you safe and bring you home.

I couldn't contain my excitement the day you returned in 1966 with your husband, Uncle Tony, only to be separated again by the war. Your wedding day I will never forget. We did not reconnect until the war ended in 1970. In 1972 Papa passed away and I saw rsthand your strength as a big Sister and a leader. You took a kind and bold step and sent a group of us to America in 1973.

How can I forget how much you made us proud when you became the First Lady of East Central State? I carry with me sweet memories of the times I lived with you in the State House in Enugu and how much your presence meant to me. I was convinced that you had a guardian Angel and I was in awe of you.

Thank you for stepping into the big shoes of Papa and Mama. You and your great husband, Uncle Tony, sent some of us to America, London and various Nigerian Universities for higher education. You were the glue that held the Ejiogu children together. You were always in touch with us and when you didn't hear from us you came looking for us. What love! The void I feel no one can replace.

You always showed how much you cared; you were always there to lend a listening ear. You visited us in New Jersey in 1978 when Nneka, our rst child, was born. With open arms you embraced Tabiri, my husband, bonded with him and he became your dear friend. We will never forget that. In 1998 I became seriously ill, so ill that I could not return home when Mama and Uncle Tony passed away in 2004. How grateful I am that God spared my life and made it possible for Tabiri and me to visit you in 2009. In 2013 I visited alone. It was on that visit that you counseled me and helped me grieve the loss of Mama and Uncle Tony. Now, you too are gone!! Sister, Nobody can replace you. The world will miss your kindness, generosity, compassion, love and faithfulness. You opened your heart and home to many.

Your passion to help others led you to create social programs for women and children, the mentally and physically ill and orphans. You were a very proud African


and lover of African arts, a de-tribalized Nigerian and a strong believer in a united Nigeria. In Africa, America, Europe and Asia people are remembering how you touched their lives. As the world mourns you I reect on the last time I saw you. It was in 2013 in Maitama, Abuja. After our long and intimate discussion you bid me farewell as your driver took you to Onitsha. Little did I realize that it would be our last time together. I should have remembered that a few days earlier you hinted that we could be seeing each other for the last time. I heard you but did not hear you. Equally absent from my thought was your prediction that you may one day go to sleep and not wake up; it was your wish to go that way.

The good Lord who led you all the way granted your wish for a peaceful transition.

I know you prepared me for a day like this, but it does not make it easier. How my heart aches, no one will ever know. God gave me a big and loving sister more precious than gold and has decided to call her home to rest. To Him be the glory.

Sister, I love you. You will be in my heart forever more. Rest in peace till we meet again.Your loving sister,

Ukwuoma Ejiogu- ChukuntaNew Jersey, USA

ADIEU MY DEAREST SISTER

I sit and stand talking about youThe happiness and joy you brought

I laugh at all you said with your eyes shutThe comfort you bring without saying a word

Tears begin to owThough it brings us closer to you

To tread the waters on memory laneI am jolted by reality

Life is gone as we know itUntil we meet again

Akufor AtukpawuNee Ejiogu


Mum On Her 75th Birthday with Aunty Ahuruole

Kema Chikwe, Chief Mrs Queen Babalola, Dibueze and Chief Mrs Joy Ezeilo Mourning Ajie 2004

Rev. Obii Pax Harry And Dibueze

Dibueze, Ibe Ejiogu, Kema Chikwe And Obii Pax Harry

Ejiogu Ladies

Partying with Ibe Ejiogu


Chimdi Ejiogu, Dibueze, Ibe Ejiogu, Nedum Ejiogu And Uche Ejiogu Dibueze And Chief Mrs Joy Ezeilo

Happy 75th Birthday Dibueze, Nnamdi Ejiogu And Nki

Chief Mrs Babalola, Dibueze And Rev Obii Pax Harry Mama Esther And Chinyere


Obii Pax Harry, Mama Esther Ejiogu and Dibueze

Dibueze And Chief Mrs Queen Babalola

Dibueze, Nedum And Ibe Ejiogu Chief Mrs Joy Ezeilo And Dibueze

Pastor Mrs Ngozi Nnadi, Dibueze, Mrs Ogechi Ordu and Mrs Ahuruole Onyeakazi

Dancing Queen


My Sister, The Light on a Hill

This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I never thought I would be writing a tribute about my precious sister anytime soon, given the fact that you were not sick. What an abundantly eventful lifetime that you were blessed to have lived.

God knew what he was doing when he chose you to be our father's rst child. He knew that a day would come when our father would no longer be around. When our father died on August 4th 1972, God prepared you to take over the role of a father. You played that role with greatness. You protected and shielded us from those that wanted to take advantage of our misfortune. You brought us together and made sure that nothing or no one tore us apart. You were the glue that held us together. We were known as “Umu nwa nne Chinyere”.

You commanded a great respect from all of us. We cherished your wisdom and your words were gospel to us. You made the Ejiogu name proud by your magnanimous efforts and history will exalt you. I thank you for keeping our father's memory, values and principles alive all these years. I thank you for not abandoning us when we needed comfort and protection. I thank you for the stability you accorded us. I thank you for your unconditional love towards us. You made sure that we all achieved what Papa would have expected of us. Today, all twenty-one (21) of us have been through University, including our dearly departed sister Mrs. Agbaku Agba. Your wit, charisma and intelligence helped in making us who we are. You were an intellectual role model to all of us, and to anybody that was privileged to have known and interacted with you.

I will always remember my conversations with you in those days, in Harley Street, London. With your eyes closed, and your legs rocking back and forth, you would tell me stories and give me valuable advice. I remember asking you why you always talked with your eyes closed. You smiled and said you could see with your eyes closed, which made me laugh.

I love you, and thank God for having you as my

sister. I thank God that he did not let you suffer with sickness. You slept and went to his Kingdom peacefully. I pray that the Almighty God will keep you by his side and continue to give you everlasting peace. Say “Hello” to Papa and tell him you did his wish and held us all together.

Your sister,Oli Ejirika (Nee Ejiogu)


Sister'm, you were a special gift from God to our parents, that's why they named you Chinyere. Then to the world you became one of the brightest stars in the rmament. You were a star child, a star sibling, a star student, a star anthropologist, a star librarian, a star researcher, a star wife, a star mother, a star grandmother, a star patriot, a star believer in the bright future of Nigeria, a star worker for the development of Africa.

You were a genius, a "sitting" encyclopedia, well read, well bred, well mannered, sophisticated to the core! The quintessential lady! Like a queen you always held court in your home, with a steady stream of visitors captivated for hours by your warm and pleasant company, while "drinking" from your deep well of knowledge in every imaginable subject.You touched so many people in so many ways that they "adopted" you as their sister and joined us in calling you SISTER.

In the family we all clung to you, just as you taught us to cling to each other, binding ourselves with strong cords of love.In the same way, you showered our children with so much love that they didn't know whether you were their mother or their aunt and so you became their AUNTY MUMMY!You lived a life of reading and learning, fun and pleasure and working to make the world a better place.

When you became born again, you "put your hands on the plough" and never looked back for everything you did bore the mark of a true Christian. To God be the glory. When I saw the look on your face shortly after you slipped into eternal bliss, I knew for sure that you had passed into His glory. I could almost hear you say "amazing" (one of your favourite expressions) for surely you had beheld His presence. We do not intend to bring you back with our tears for we know you are in a better place. The tears only ow because of our human frailties.

We miss you now and as time goes on we will miss you even more. But as long as life and memory last we will remember you with love. We will remember you everyday for none can ll your vacant place.

We will remember our big sister, Ada Okeoma Ejiogu, & "generalissimo" with twenty one foot soldiers. We will remember the WORLD'S BIGGEST BIG SISTER.

Your ever loving sister, Nne.

(Barr. Mrs. NNENNAYA KALEJAIYE)


A SISTER OF PRIDE

Sister you were a celebrated child from birth. Our father, late Nathan Okeoma Ejiogu published your birth in the National Dailies in those days, you being his rst surviving child.You made your sisters and brothers very proud and you never disappointed us at anytime or any day.

I remember when we were in school. Papa having a lot of children, had six of us in Queen's School, Enugu. Every Visiting Day you would send us food, provisions and pocket money, never minding that Papa would either come himself or one of our mothers would be there. We never lacked anything at school, but Papa made sure we never had more than we needed.

When our dear father died in 1972, you became the father of the family and we respected every word you spoke and appreciated you and your dear husband, Uncle Tony (Ukpabi Asika, the late Ajie of Onitsha).Nda, your sisters and brothers rallied round you whenever you needed us and we all made phone calls on a weekly basis.

My big sister, I remember how you harboured my son Kemdi in London, whom you personally asked to come and stay with you without my asking. Thank you so much.You loved people around you and never actually found too much fault in them. My late husband, Dr Ernest Ononuju, never stopped appreciating you while he was alive for the help and love you showed to his family when you and Uncle Tony lived in Wembley, London. We spent almost every Sunday with you at your house.

I know you have imparted a lot of knowledge and love to your siblings, and I believe that your departure from this earth has left an indelible mark in the souls of those who knew you as well as those of us who are family with you.

Nda, with so many tears in my eyes, I say good-bye to you and I very much appreciate you being a sister to me and my own dear father's rst daughter.I am sure your soul is resting in the bosom of the Lord.Rest in peace, Sister, and we shall meet to part no more.

Your sister,

Anagam Ononuju and Family


SAYING GOODBE TO AN INCREDIBLE ICON, BIG SISTER, SISTER-INLAW AND AUNTY-MUMMY.

Using the words “Good bye “or bye” which are frequently used in everyday life has always been difcult for us growing up. This is so because we always saw the phrase as nal and irreversible which is why we choose not to use it to address our Big Sister, Sister In-Law and Aunty–Mummy,

Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika.

It is said that the good ones are the ones who pass on rst, but what about the great ones?! Nda Chinyere, Sister, Aunty–Mummy, you were truly one of the greats, not only for our family but also for our country. An icon in your own calm and wise way, always teaching and leading but who never stopped learning as you moved on in life.

In this our great family we have been lucky to be blessed with a lot of great individuals but mostly blessed with an abundance of great women and you set the benchmark for all from your sisters, to your daughters, sisters in-law, nieces, all the way to your granddaughters. Your inuence also spans to your brothers, sons, brothers in-law, and grandsons and continues to be the benchmark we all aim to and by God's grace, will achieve.Your caring heart will be missed alongside the kindness and warmth you showed us and everyone else throughout the years.

As we go on trying to continue and try to better the legacy you left behind, we will do so in the seless, bold and simply awesome way you did it.Once again saying “goodbye” is sad, saying goodbye does not do you justice, saying goodbye does not give you your dues.

Nda Chinyere, Sister, Aunty–Mummy, we are saying thank you, we are saying we love you, rest in the bosom of the Almighty till we meet again. Ikemdinachi Kodinna Chimdi – Ejiogu (Bugzy)

For the Chimdi Ejiogu family.(CHIMDI, NGOZI, BUGZY, MAAMA, EBUBE, ZARA)


It is with tears that I hold on to our last encounter, as I never knew it will be the last time that I would see Chinyere alive. I tell myself sometimes, how I wish that I knew that that would have been our very last meeting, to show her unprecedented love, one more time.

Chinyere, my elder sister, was a most loving mother of 4 children, a favourite Aunty, a meticulous guardian, a dedicated Christian and our own loving big sister. She was also a humble intellectual, a woman of substance and a virtuous woman.

Memories run through my mind as I look back at my dear sister's well spent life. She always worked extremely hard at all she did, was a strong Christian, a humanist and a dedicated African heroine who always wanted to leave Africa a better place. The children she left behind, the people she trained and mentored, her family and closest friends and many of her actions, are a testimony of a life well lived. It is our duty to continue with the legacy she left behind. Her life was one of hard work and true dedication to God, work and family.

Her friendship with people knew no age limits, religious differences, tribal barriers or professional arrogance. She related with all people from various walks of life and believed that all human beings are God's own children. She had the rare quality of engaging both adults and children in serious dialogue. Easily accessible and very unassuming, she had no airs around her.She was a great politician, and mobiliser of women. Having said this, she reached out to all political persuasions, as this was a rare trait she had, being the ability to interact with all and sundry, for the progress of Nigeria, Africa and the world.

When my father passed away in 1972, the mantle of leadership was passed on to Chinyere, as the eldest child of my family of 22 children. Most of us were in secondary school at the time. Our father was an iconic educationist, and my sister, Chinyere was the rst beneciary. She was magnanimous enough to do what my father would have done, by sending all of us to the best schools in America, Europe and Nigeria.

This is the same way she trained and mentored many others. She believed in encouraging people to excel in whichever eld they found themselves, but insisted on all having a good education, which in many cases she paid for, as the basic foundation to build upon.

We give God all the glory for giving us Chinyere. She came, helped and departed in peace.My dear sister, as we stand here today to bid you farewell, we know that God knows best why HE called you onwards at this time, albeit, peacefully. It's not how long one lives, but how one impacts other lives that matters the most. Your life was very well spent. We thank God!

May the blessed soul of Chinyere Asika, my dear sister, mother, aunt, mentor and friend to many, rest in perfect peace! Amen

Uche Ejiogu


TRIBUTE TO MY UNFORGETTABLE SISTER

First, I thank the Almighty God for the peaceful and pain-free passage unto eternal glory of my simply unforgettable and incomparable eldest sister, Chinyere Edith Asika on May 3rd 2015.I shall not write about her professional career accomplishments as they are thankfully well documented and meritoriously given a pride of place in our nation's history.Because I ascribe a transcendental value to her extraordinary human qualities, it shall dominate my eulogy. I honestly believe that the way and manner she lived her life is a huge lesson for humanity and posterity as demonstrated by the virtues of sacrice, dedication, commitment, discipline, honesty, simplicity, humility and statesmanship.

For us her siblings and her close relatives, August 4th 1972 (date of our father's death) and May 3rd 2015 represent the end of an epoch! In the calendar of our collective sojourn on earth, the Ejiogu family will always remember these dates with poignancy but enriching retrospection.

Our father (Papa) and “Sister” (as she is singularly referred to in a family of 22 children- 6 males and 16 females) to us, occupied two invisible and inviolable zones of reverence!! With the exit of Papa, we simply queued behind her and her word was law!

She led us well because she created an easy and willing followership with a style we admired. We loved her elegant simplicity; enjoyed her humour; respected her commanding knowledge of global history, art, culture and nature; and of course amazed by her sharp wit and towering intellect; yes, we remained curious and fascinated as to why she would close her eyes and shake her legs as she listened to your speech and left you in anticipation of her usually illuminating responses.

Sister did not have to wield a stick to lead. She rallied support without intimidation or noisemaking. She handled adversity with uncanny maturity and through the gifting of wise counsel she made challenges sometimes feel like opportunities. This is why she became a mother to a legion and endeared herself to all who were fortunate to know or enage her. To her, simplicity and humility were essential ingredients of leadership and human relations -which is why her home hardly had social class boundaries. Anyone could sit in her living room and have discussions and were made comfortable.

But no one should be misled by these attributes. On matters of principle and conviction, she was as disciplined and still-willed as they come. She was the perfect synonym for “strength of character”. She just went about instilling discipline and order in an uncommon way- noiselessly, methodically and strategically.

As I bid you farewell sister, I shall not quote any philosophers but an Egbu woman who shared many moments with you in London. She said: “Each time you engage Nda Chinyere, she leaves a par t of her personality with you." I nd this profound.My nal prayer is that you work with the Almighty God and Papa in raising an army of leaders in our family to continue from where you stopped.

My dear wife Ahuruole, with whom you left indelible and enduring fond memories, our children and myself- your youngest brother (“Dum-Dum” as you would always call me except when the matter is very serious), will always love you, cherish you and continuously pray for the eternal and peaceful rest of your good and gentle soul!!

NEDUM CHUKWUKADIBIA EJIOGU


GIVING HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE

I love this woman. She is my mother and my big sister. She is the Matriarch of my family, a role model and an epitome of motherhood. She is an intellectual, an accomplished woman, a mother to Obi, Nki, Uju, Nwando and many, many others and grandmother to Mayowa, Seyi, Ezra, Jed and Nuli.

She's "sister" (pronounced sista) to many. She's the wife to my one of a kind second dad and brother in-law who passed on 11 years ago, Ajie Ukpabi. This woman is wise, kind, compassionate, distinguished, unassuming, humble and is the pride of my family. Our parents never paid school fees for this awesome woman because she was a scholar from primary school to University and graduated as the rst female Computer Science graduate in Nigeria.

I hated picking up her crossword sheets after she's done them because she put me to shame....no gaps and no word missing; whatever the word, she knows it because she is so widely read. She is a true, true intellectual in every sense of the word but a very humble one with knowledge.

Between her and her husband, they know/knew everything about everything to my mind, but what is remarkable is how graceful this woman remains with "all of that". General Gowon, the one time Head of State of Nigeria said of her, "Chinyere was one of us." She sat at strategy meetings with "them" in the time of the civil war and afterwards "as one of us." This is remarkable of a woman at a time and in a culture where she would have been expected to be serving pepper soup to the generals. She was one of them and a strategist amongst them yet she carried "all of that" with humility and so much grace.

Till date she commands respect of our leaders past, many comrades from when she and her husband worked at University of Ibadan. She is a leader that deserves to be called a leader. She is a leader that leads by example. She is a pioneer of empowerment of the rural woman and a patron to many, many groups. This woman qualies to be celebrated as a true role model and icon. There is a lot that can be written about her, but enough said. Please join me in wishing my big sister and my second mama a happy 75th birthday. Happy birthday Nda Chinyere Asika. We love you loads

from Pastor Obii Pax-Harry

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR COUSIN H.E. DIBUEZE CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA, OFR

Nda Chinyere, I spoke with you maybe just 12 hours before you slept peacefully to wake on the resurrection morning. No more sorrow, no more weeping, no more pain. Soul and body will surely meet again.

You were the "key holder" of the Ejiogu dynasty. You were remarkable, irreplaceable and unforgettable. You opened all doors of human relationships. You will always live in our hearts.

ADIEU THE GREAT ONE.

Your loving cousin & family,Hon.Barr. Maxwell Onyeukwu.


A TRIBUTE TO MY MOST BELOVED COUSIN WITH UNCOMMON SISTERLY ATTRIBUTES, HER EXCELLENCY CHIEF DR. MRS. EDITH CHINYERE ASIKA

I would have declined to write this tribute if it was based on choice but I am persuaded to say these few words of encouragement to all of us that mourn her death. My sister, Chinyere's death is not just an exit from our earthly union but an unconditional rebirth into a new world more glorious than we can ever imagine. She lived a life of unsurpassed grace that rooted her in the bosom of all that made contact with her both in her career and social life. Sadly enough, she left no replica of her mirrored personality with the reach and desire continue to care, share and ebulliently uphold justice no matter the weight of sway.Sister Chinyere, also called "Baby" by her late father, Pa Nathan Ejiogu who was also my Uncle. This earned him the fan name "Nnabi" by our collective mothers of the Ejiogu dynasty. She was the rst fruit of the family out of twenty-two children.

I recall when the angel of death visited the family in 1972 and took Pa Ejiogu away in her thirties. Devastated as she was, the experience of losing her father in his early sixties could be likened to a decapitated roof off a big building. The almighty God in his innite mercies made a promise to the Ejiogu family that he will remove the rst to establish the second. Providentially, our dear sister Chinyere and her most caring late husband, Dr Ajie Ukpabi Asika who was then the East Central State Administrator rose up to the challenge and answered the clarion call just as in the scriptures Isaiah 6:8. The rest is history and wounds healed to the glory of God.

Today, the story has shifted to all that knew sister Chinyere and will surely miss her. Our condence is that her absence from this life announces her presence in a new state of rest.

And our sister Chinyere slept.Goodnight Ada Ejiogu.Sir Johnbull Onyeukwu

TRIBUTE: A GREAT ICON EXITS

The last time I met with Nda Chinyere was in November, 2014 at the Cathedral of the Transguration of the Lord (CATOL), Owerri. She was draped in a sparkling white / silver regalia that depicted her class and elegance.

The moment our eyes met, she beamed her priceless smile at my husband, Johnbull and I. What followed was, "You guys are always looking very well. I am proud of you. O nwanne!" - her usual expression in Owerri dialect. Sufce it to say that those words were heart-lifting and made my day.

Now, Sister is gone. I cannot begin to fathom who can t into her big shoes in the Ejiogu dynasty. She was an epitome of kindness, a Peace Ambassador, a pace setter and community mobilizer of great repute. I am yet to see her match in temperateness. In the face of a seeming problem, she would close her eyes, rock her legs as if to say, "what next? It is well.”We bid farewell to a rare gem.

Adieu Sister. Rest in peace.

Hon. Lady Julie Onyeukwu


A TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (MRS) CHINYERE ASIKA

Ndaami Chinyere, you were a formidable and loyal wife and a strategic soul mate to Ajie, your husband. Both of you were kindred spirits who together withstood the test of untold struggles and unpredictable times. You were also a very dedicated and nurturing mother, a doting grandmother and a most loving and caring cousin, mentor and friend to me. What you relished most out of life was spending quality time with your beloved husband Ajie and your numerous family members and friends in Nigeria and beyond.

Being a constant visitor in Ndaa Chinyere's homes and sharing in some of her life experiences, I realized that her residences wherever they were located (Enugu, Onitsha, Abuja, Lagos or London) inevitably became the hub of socio-cultural and intellectual activities for all visitors. These residences turned into centres of positive cultural and intellectual discourses, and entertainment that reminded some of us of the historic French salons of artists; intellectuals and philosophers. A visitor never left her home without picking up some new and profound kernel of wisdom, and/or making a valued friend.

Ndaa Chinyere, you were a natural facilitator for inter-generational and intra-class dialogues; a rened networker; a formidable consensus builder; a behind the scenes politician; and a recognized yet subtle negotiator between different ages, political parties and religious leanings. Your power to engage people on both a personal and professional level was endearing and phenomenal. To date I can't gure out, between you and Ajie, who inuenced the other more. I believe your strong love for each other and for Nigeria honed your great partnership in creating a beautiful family and forging credible networks in Nigerian polity system. Your love for our country manifested itself daily in your rapacious appetite for all news Nigerian and your constant optimistic outlook on all development issues affecting our beloved country, Nigeria.

Ndaami, no words can express the huge vacuum your passing will leave in my life! Growing up under your wings from my teenage years, I have been heavily inuenced by you. What has always been an anchor for me, especially after the loss of my mother at an early age, was your power to eneral & Regional Director for the ILO (Retired)

constantly afrm me and make me feel that I could do anything. The knowledge that you were always behind me spurred me to great heights and excellence. In all circumstances, I count myself very lucky to have had you in my life and to have enjoyed an enduring and nurturing friendship and mentorship from you. Ndaami, I hold dear your last advice to me and I promise you I will implement it fully. I shall continue to mourn your sudden passing as well as celebrate your life, especially as I will continue to see your smiles, values and character in your well-bred children Obodoechina, Nkiru, Uju and Nwando.

With love and submission to God's will, I bid you farewell and peaceful rest in His Merciful Bosom!

Ada Ndagi Ogbonna, Regina Amadi-NjokuUN Assistant Secretary General & Regional Director for the ILO (Retired)


A TRIBUTE TO MY BEST AUNTY AND MOTHER- A woman with a 'big heart,' who taught me life's lesson!

As I write this tribute to mama, I recall being shaken initially. Almost afraid, that you have left us in the company of this unfriendly visitor by name death where do I begin? What do I write for mama, a woman with the biggest heart! A friend and companion to her family, relations, nations, human beings and animals.

Throughout life, Mama Chinyere Ukpabi Asika nee Ejiogu inherited people's challenges and suffered for others. She was with God's given wisdom, truly blessed with grace and strength yet, she never took anything for granted nor left anyone behind.

The exit of a hero is never the end of the play - mama reminded us that without God all was vanity, encouraged us to early marriages for quick interventions of God's blessings. You will never be forgotten. Your memory will live in each and every one of us for as long as we shall live. As we bid you farewell, I want you to know that I love you and you will be in our hearts forever.

Sadly you have said goodbye to us, but mama we hope to see you again in heaven. We shall surely be lonely without you, but our only consolation is that you are now in peace with our Lord.

Rest in Peace

Mr. & Mrs. Austin Egejuru/Family

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR COUSIN H.E. DIBUEZE CHIEF MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA, OFR

Nda Chinyere, I spoke with you maybe just 12 hours before you slept peacefully to wake on the resurrection morning. No more sorrow, no more weeping, no more pain. Soul and body will surely meet again.

You were the "key holder" of the Ejiogu dynasty. You were remarkable, irreplaceable and unforgettable. You opened all doors of human relationships. You will always live in our hearts.

ADIEU THE GREAT ONE.

Your loving cousin & family,Hon.Barr. Maxwell Onyeukwu


TRIBUTE TO NDA (MAMA AFRICA)

A JOURNEY TO SEE YOUR MAKER, WITHOUT NOTICE In view of our beloved Nda Chinyere Asika is a mummy of intellectual sine qua non. Nda, as I fondly call her, is conservative, pragmatic, archetypal, physiological, psychological and philosophical in addressing complex issues.

Discussing with her, get ready to be composed in presenting your matters. She hates unthinkable and unrelevant matters but issues that will stir her up to start speaking about. Nda loves hearing historical values that will help her contribute positively to add more values toward what you had narrated. In fact, I see Nda as a chief historian.

Nda likes doing things that will attract discipline, humility and generosity, mostly egalitarianism. A truly compassionate character, she loved listening to each and everybody that comes her way, no matter what the human status of the person; she carried everybody along. Prior to her passing, Nda believed in my prayers, prophecy and preaching. Even when I advised her prophetically about spiritual matters concerning smoking, she vehemently accepted with me without bias and she stopped it, amen.

Domestically, she is the Dorcas of this generation. The admirable thing about Nda, any time you go to her, she will rst of all receive you and the next you will hear, your food is ready on the dining table before any discussions. In short we have missed another Sarah of this large family and of this generation. Wonderfully, she is a generous giver. Invariably, Nda is a Mother of ZEBAH NEDABAH (freewillgive).

Without Nda Chinyere, I don't think we would have known our beloved late mama Esther, born by our beloved great grand sister, late mama Augusta Amadi Nweke EGEJURU who left our family in 1932 to Owelu Uratta, before her late Father Egejuru sent Mama Esther to Mama Sarah in Owerri Town. Late Mama Esther (1920) and she spent 14 years with my late Father Chief E.O. Amadi who took care of mama until Pa Egejuru came to collect her to late Mama Sarah, before Pa Ejiogu got her married to Egbu Owerri. Later she gave birth to Nda Chinyere in 1939. Mama Esther left Umuakuru Igboh Etche in 1932 and in a few years Pa Ejiogu married Mama Esther at a tender age. Nda Chinyere came to know us in 1972 when she was First Lady in the whole East Central State. It was then that she sent the most elderly kinsmen of His Excellency late Anthony Ukpabi Asika from Onitsha to


search out the Origin of late Mama Esther Chiatogu Esther Ejiogu.

As the elderly men came, three of them discovered our place, Umunwaokoji's cnmpound in Umuakuru Igboh Etche in Etche local government area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Then there was a certain woman married to Umuechem Etche. They might have suffered three days by going to several villages before seeing this woman that held from Owerri, residing at Umuechem, close to our village. Now she took them to our family. And I was there together with my late Father then, when they came in saying that they are looking for Chief E . O Amadi, tall and black. Then my Father, out of pretence, told them to go further to the next compound; you can ask about Chief E . O Amadi. Immediately, they left , my late Father quickly gave an instruction to two of his wives to prepare a different species of palatable dish, that we had august visitors.

A short while later, my late Father sent me to call them back. As they came back, my late Father still asked them, whom are you people looking for? They replied that they are looking for Chief E . O Amadi. Finally, my late Father now stood up and embraced them that he is the Chief E . O Amadi. In fact the elderly men jumped up and danced, rejoicing that God had helped them discover our compound. They kept saying that God had blessed our Family, that Nda Chinyere Asika sent them from Govt House, Enugu. Task given to them: they should not come back until you see him. That to me showed deep love in searching if there was anybody alive or nished in that compound. Still so shocking to me, missing Nda Chinyere is like a feeling of denudation and a big loss. No other relations like Nda, upon her positions in life, would dynamically love without contempt, as she sees you, equal with her, no discrimination.

Adieu Nda, May your soul rest in Abraham's Bosom. Amen.

Apostle James Odirionyenma (COUSIN), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.


Dibueze and Odera Onwi Bazuaye

Akpe Chulo Asika, Nnabuenyi Asika and Dibueze

Dancing In Onitsha

Dibueze and Nnabuenyi Asika


Dibueze and New Odu Ladies (Dec 2014) Mum And Ugochi Sylvia Akosa

Uju, Mum And Nnenna Onyewuchi


Kpajie Nwokedi, Chief Sonny Odogwu, Dibueze, Amb. Dele Cole, Nwoli Adibuah, Mrs Mina Cole

Chinyelugo Adiba And Dibueze

Okpuzo Phina Asika, Dibueze and Ugochi Sylvia Akosa


The news of the demise of H. E. (Dibueze) Mrs. Chinyere Asika was most incredible when it broke that fateful Sunday morning. By noon it was conrmed it was true.

One could not stop thinking wild and looking back to her role in the families of Ejiogu where she was born into and Asika where she was married into; the defunct East Central State, where she played a highly commendable role as First Lady; and the country Nigeria, where she iced the cake of her public service as an ambassador of sorts at NEPAD and Eminent Peers Group of Africa.

She was the daughter of late Pa Ejiogu of Egbu-Owerri, a distinguished educationist from the colonial days into independent Nigeria and post war East Central State. On the home front she will always be remembered for her role in empowering women at the end of the devastating civil war in 1970. She got married to her great husband Chief Dr.Ukpabi Asika, the late Ajie of Onitsha to whom fate pushed her in their student days in far away USA. The union produced three lovely and admirable issues, Ojinnaka Obodoechina, Enyi Nkiru and Enyi Uju Asika.

Having been married in the turbulent period of Nigeria's civil war, she only got to meet her husband's large family after the war. It was amazing how she tted in smoothly coming from a different culture from her husband's. I dare say her amiable dispensation and charming presence worked most effectively in endearing her to a family she was to live with for the rest of her life.

She was well loved and appreciated by the Asika family. When the late Ajie Ukpabi Asika muted the proposal to initiate her into the prestigious Otu-Odu Society, the highest honour a husband can bestow on his wife in Onitsha, the Ajie had resounding support from the entire Asika family. It was an honour well deserved. As a mother and a grandmother, I dare say her children and grandchildren will testify without fear of being faulted or fear of being accused of bias that Dibueze was a mother in a million. She let her children grow without spoiling them but guided them positively and infused modesty and discipline into them early in life.

All that interacted with Dibueze will denitely mourn her for a long time. She touched a lot of lives and was respected for her intellect which we that were close to her will always certainly miss for as long as we live. Weep we shall but we will hold the belief that Dibueze is not dead but has migrated to another planet where we shall all meet again. May the gentle soul of our beloved Da Chinyere, nwanyioma, ezinne, ada Ejiogu, nwunye Ajie Ukpabi Asika onye di ya bu eze rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.

Chief Chulo Asika (Akpe Olodi of Onitsha ) For the Asika Family


EXIT OF A PRICELESS GEM(TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (MRS.) CHINYERE ASIKA: DIBUEZE)

The news of the demise of our dear amiable wife, Chinyere Dibueze Asika, came to us like a blizzard, shattering the hearts and nerves of many. To us, it caused a jam; everything stood still, as if life has been snuffed out of this planet - we could not comprehend it; our jaws dropped in utter disbelief.Honestly, writing a tribute to you, Chinyere, is one of the most chilling and sorrowful assignments to undertake. Well, yours has been the way of all mortals, which everyone must go through, no matter one's age or status.Your transition has been a painful loss – a great loss which will be difcult to overcome. As a quintessential woman, you had attributes that endeared you to your (Asika) family members, your immediate (Ejiogu) family and numerous admirers. You were caring, loving, humble, dedicated, respectful and philanthropic. You were also industrious, magnicent, magnanimous – a good counsellor, a trusted friend, wife and mother – amiable in your thoughts and deeds, and an incomparable reliable partner. Yes, you were a woman of substance, accomplished in your own right and by all standards – a role model to the younger generation.

In your greener days as the First Lady of the former East Central State, you had zero tolerance for gender inequality, offering no apology for championing the cause of women's rights. You were one in a million. Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika (Dibueze), was a rare gem, with intimidating personality and smiles that could disarm the hardhearted. When her life history is written, she will be credited with being a brave, fearless and focussed woman who, boldly, strode through life, to the pinnacle women aspire to reach.

It is pertinent to mention here, that Dibueze's truthful, unpretentious nature, spread with disciplined lifestyle stood her out among many a privileged woman. She made many and varied sacrices, that others may live: these, she did with her heart, soul and being.

We can go on, and on, writing episodes and pouring encomiums on this patriotic magnicent woman – this beautiful, rare and priceless gem. We are, indeed, bruised by her exit, and we wonder, whether there will ever be another like her. We, however, take consolation in the fact that her sojourn on earth was glorious and fullled, and that the legacy she left behind will always be a guiding light for the generations of women to come.

Let us remind ourselves, that man's achievements in life are not judged by the size of his treasury or academic achievements, by the human and material infrastructure accumulated, nor by the many years he lived, but by how much he, positively, touched the lives of those in need. Chinyere Dibueze Asika gave a lot to humanity. Pity she did not live to be rewarded for her sacrices. We salute you, Dibueze; we honour you. We love you; we shall miss you immensely.We should not query God for your demise; rather, like the Good Book says – “In all situations, give praise and thanks to God.” We thank Him for your life, while it lasted.May your great loving soul rest in the bosom of the Lord – Amen!!!

By – Nnanyelugo Nwora Asika and familyThe family of Late Akunne Okey AsikaNwachi (Barr.) Winnie Asika-OsakweChief (Barr.) Chulo Asika - AKPE OLODI of OnitshaEziogoli Maureen Asika-Nwokedi


TRIBUTE TO DIBUEZE

How do I begin this? It is a tough thing for me as your exit has dealt with me yet another blow. You were one of a kind and only those who were privileged to associate with you can truly conceptualize what I mean. You were a very classy, rened and cultured lady.

Memories of you go back to the very rst day we met you, April 1966 when my brother had arranged for you to come and meet us (the family) and you had arrived with your siblings. Your naturalness made quite an impression on my young mind that in the lingo of today's young people, my immediate older brothers (Eti & Ik) and I felt you were the coolest person ever in the way you got into conversation with us and got us to open up communication with you through regular letter-writing with you, letters you responded to promptly with rewards of money for postage stamps. For young students in high school, you know what that meant. Not that we particularly needed the money but it was for us, a show of love which we appreciated so much.

When the civil war ended, you helped in getting us the young ones in the family on the same page with what was current in the world: fashion and dance steps. You made the Asikas and Ejiogus metamorphose into one big happy family that we were all there for each other in sorrow and in joy. Your all inclusive attitude made it seem so natural and you loved us all. You took interest in our extended family and embraced all.

Over the years you became so many things to me: sister, mother and mentor. I could go to you with any issue and expect an honest answer in a simple matter of fact manner. You gave me an insight and direction on marriage and how to deal with issues particularly with in-laws. You were rich with wisdom and remember my brother commending this at the Owerri Stadium when you were honored by the various communities of Owerri after your Odu ceremony where you chose the name Dibueze, you were in awe to hear him appreciate the name as I remember talking about it with you much later. [For clarity, in the Onitsha tradition the Odu ceremony gives one the opportunity to choose a name for which you will be thereafter known and addressed as and the name you choose is unknown to nobody until you mention it during the ceremony. Dibueze means “Husband is king”, that in a nutshell tells you the esteem with which she treated her husband.]

When my brother got ill, the seless manner she cared for him is only known by those who saw them. She studied and researched into his condition in order to give him the best care she could. The way she had to give up smoking for him in that period can only be appreciated by anyone who has been there and know what sacrice means. They were two soul mates who loved, understood and respected each other in a very unique way. Two intellectuals that complemented each other. I remember being told by a friend of my brother, late Ambassador Harriman, many years ago, how he admired the way she respected and treated my brother particularly before his friends which he said some women do not do. At the time, I did not appreciate the point as I was much younger and saw life differently, but over time I got to appreciate the point he was making to me.

Anyone who was close to me knew my relationship with you. Your exit has created a big vacuum and only God can give me the solace to overcome. May the Good Lord keep you in His bosom, as I'm sure He will as you were a great soul, until we meet to part no more. Adieu!

Enyi Odera Onwi Bazuaye


Tribute To Enyi Dibueze Chinyere Asika It is painful that she exited this life so quietly without warning. Her sudden death is devastating but we must take solace in a life superbly lived.As a 1st born child of 22 children; She lived the life of a 1st class lady at home, at school and at work. It's hard to sum up her illustrious life in a few words. Although she was the rst in many arenas; she was not loud or abrasive. She had a cool and quiet elegance about her. She was a woman ahead of her times in many ways. Aunty Chinyere was a role model to both young and old. She was a Mom to me and many others. I fondly called her Aunty.

I learned an amazing sense of style and class from her as a teenager and that prompted me to go through a nishing school in England.I watched her very closely, reading all her latest Vogue and other fashion magazines while growing up with her at the State House in Enugu. She introduced me to hot pants and psychedelic fashion in her social affairs and at her exclusive boutique at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu. I studied Aunty as she held court with different groups or played scrabbles for hours in Enugu and later on in London.She was an incredibly accomplished woman who lived a long luxurious life as she raised successful children.She was rewarded with the grace of several grandchildren. She was an awesome big sister to all her siblings and kept them together.I wish I had listened to her and returned home the past 10 years that she kept telling me "natazianu and join your mates in the struggle here." Aunty was a very intelligent and dynamic lady as is evidenced by the many public positions she held throughout the cause of her life. She held the ofce of the 1st lady with pride and dignity. She was passionate about my uncle, her husband and soul mate Ajie Ukpabi Asika.She totally adopted our home town Onitsha with much fervour. She immersed herself in the customs and tradition of Onitsha.She earned the admiration and respect of Onitsha people. She was inducted into the prestigious women's chieftaincy club - Otu Odu as Enyi Dibueze Chinyere Asika and was also initiated into the masquerade mysteries as Nne Nmanwu.Enyi Dibueze Chinyere Asika was held in such high esteem nationwide, that she was still getting appointed to national and international public postseven in the sunset of her life. She left an indelible mark behind and will be sorely missed and fondly remembered far and wide.Farewell Aunty and May the good Lord grant your soul eternal rest, Amen. Endless Love and Blessings,Maureen C. Asika-Enahoro


My Aunty Chinyere,

There are people enough to l ist your accomplishments and extol your vir tues. People who will do it much better than I can.I'm going to take this opportunity to do what I didn't do enough of while you were alive.

I want to thank you.

Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Even until the end, you treated me like one of yours. My whole life, when you said umu'm, I knew you meant me too.

Thank you for the support. Especially after mum passed. I will never be able to fully articulate how much those phone calls helped me get through the rst year.

Thank you for your faith in me. When I told you my partner and I were thinking of starting a business, your absolute certainty in my ability to succeed left no room for my own anxiety. I was unsure I was up to the task, you said 'of course you are,' and that was that.

Thank you for being an example. I know I never have to dim my light, underplay my intelligence or suppress my condence because I am a woman. I know that to be strong is not to be hard; that kindness and openness are their own kind of strength.

Thank you for the discipline. Uju and I will forever remember the early wake up calls during the holidays. As a child, it wasn't always easy to understand why you were so demanding. As an adult, I'm grateful that you cared to constantly reinforce the importance of a great work ethic.

Thank you for being cool. I learned about sophistication, grace and glamour from you,

but I also learnt the power of wit and a well-turned phrase. (Also, thank you for introducing me to the Nail Studio; I have you to thank for my signature manicure).

In the end, I guess, I just want to thank you for loving me all my life. I hope my life, what I've done and what I will go on to do, will always prove worthy of it.I love you.I know your friend was there to greet you. I take comfort in the fact that my two mothers are together, somewhere, still looking out for me.

Nnenna Onyewuchi


A beautiful soul - Dibueze Chinyere Edith Asika (Nee Ejiogu) 1939-2015

My dearest Aunty Chinyere, if you had a moment to speak before your glorious exit, this is what I think you would say to us.

My dearest family and friends,As you look back on memories you forgot you had,At times you'll smile even though it hurts so bad.As a wife. Mother, grandma, cousin, sister, aunty and friend, no one will take my place,You'll nd a peace of mind when you remember my smiling face.

Some may say I am an angel own high above to my eternal rest,and in your hearts always and forever I will be there.I earned my wings and it was time for me to y,I know it hurts, no one is ever ready to say good-bye.

I know you do not understand and that you cry at night,But as you nally drift off to sleep, let our memories hold you tight.I will be your guardian angel through the rest of your life,Helping to lead you on the path between what's wrong and right.

I still love you so very much and my love will always remain true,Please don't ever think for a second that I will forget you.A mother's love is like no other in the whole world,she has the most wonderful memories of a little boy and girl.

So Obi, Nki, Uju and Nwando, my precious grandchildren and host of relations, I slept peacefully with your thoughts etched in my heart, where it shall be safe for all eternity.I took them with me as I ew away,Up to Heaven free of pain which is my new home to stay.

So although you cannot see me and you wish I could be here,I will always hear you and will always care,For a mother does not forget the greatest loves of her life,To all my family and friends, you are forever in my heart to stay,And though you see me no more, I've had to y away to

my new home,Whence we shall meet, when it's your turn to y.

So please, as you cry and mourn my absence, remember our love,being sent to you from the beautiful Heaven above.I will be there through your good times and your rough days ahead, dealing with my physical absence,I'll be there when you are happy, I'll be there when your sad.

You must call me by the familiar names, known to each one of you, And must carry on as though I am still here. You must be strong to deal with the tough days ahead, But know that I will guide you through it all.

Your mother has become an angel now, it was my time to y.And you will never know how it hurts, For me to watch you have to say good-bye.So wipe your tears and gladden in your heart for I'm not gone,God has me in his keeping and me in your hearts.Our journey on earth was very memorable and I left fullled and eternally grateful to God, Who brought us together on this life journey.The nal curtain is drawn, and now you must brace up to live again.

Wipe your tears and carry on with life. For if I were to write the script, Rest assured the story line would have no end. So at our Lord's bequest, my role ended abruptly on a beautiful Sunday morning. Now with the riveting opera over, I leave you now with a memorable keepsake.And as I beckon to my call, I must bow and y away, With beautiful memories of you in my heart.

So long my beloved, for I too shall miss you and through eternity always love you…

Lovingly,Chiazor Asika


Dr Pax Harry, Nda Chinyere and Nze Chikwe

Mum’s 75th Birthday Celebration

Ejiogus Assembled

Ejiogu Ladies

Kechinyere Ibe Ejiogu, Dibueze and Ugonna Ibe Ejiogu


A TRIBUTE TO AUNTY CHINYERE

Once again words elude me as I seek how best to express my immense gratitude to this woman of integrity, an epitome of seless love, peace and good life. I must confess that I feel eternally indebted to H.E Chief MRS. CHINYERE ASIKA (OFR). Anyone who dined with her in her house must have observed the height of modesty and selessness especially with regards to the modest portions she serves herself with,

A COGITATION AT THE INTERMENT OF SISTER CHINYERE.Ekeneme Ordu

1. PROLOGHo, people ye of every sort,Give ear unto this my song.I shall make it wondrous short,So it'll not hold you long.Read this and note it well.Grab 'n' grasp it, 'n' others tell.Tis a note, trim to the core;Go; spread it from shore to shore!Sister Chinyere isn't dead 'n' gone;She's in glory; what God has done!I show you all that now do mournThat we really laugh death to scorn.

2. HER LIFEShe grew as a tender ower In Egbu, under my uncle's power.She danced with excellence And earned from all benevolence. I thought she would end upA great star ballet dancer;Even she at CCC Uyo thenWas great in Qk-step 'n' Foxtrot.But oh No; she ew into USASame day I boarded LufthansaFor Frankfurt to study medicine.I watched her close; Ukpabi took herTo wife; the Lord bless his soul – The ex oriente lux, i.e. the lightFrom the East, who coined No victor No vanquished, Amnesty is no Amnesia etc. Gowon saw this lightAnd grabbed it to light up his military Council; honor and respect him,Though he Jay-walked somehow Against the Igbos hereafter

Chinyere believed and walked In excellence; whatever she did, She did excellently well.She loved all that came her way.Chinyere was excellent, from Otu Olu Obodo in Enugu 1977To NEPAD in Abuja 2001.God took her in His season.As our mouths were agape,God went to crown like draft.Oh God, just like that?Ho Kemafor, Obiageli, Nkii,Who's there? Help before I collapse.

3. THE MESSAGEYe that live and thrive, And make snug eld and hive,Have you thought of life yonder?Have you spent time to ponder?On Jesus the ROCK we stand.All other ground is sinking sand.Man that livethAnd is in honorYet understand not Is worse than the beastThat perisheth.

4. BENEDICTIONWith praise to God I end my songThe Lord grant u life strong 'n' long.My bel'vd sister, great Amazon adieu.Your life is a great sermon, adieu.Dear Nwando,Obdchina, Nkii, Uju Join me and Ogechi all of you,To bid sister a triumphal ADIEU.

J.K.ORDUReconciling the world to God

amidst the abundance set on her table. I lived in her house for two years and severally I have watched others gulp down the food set on her table while she just took a modest portion and enjoyed watching others have their ll.

Even though it hurts to know that I will never see her again, I am consoled by the fact that she did not suffer as she departed peacefully in her sleep.Mummy, Rest in Peace till we meet to part no more.

Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Asika Agbapuonwu


DIAMONDS ARE FOREVERTRIBUTE TO HER EXCELLENCY, ENYI DIBUEZE CHINYERE ASIKA

Dibuking blazed through this life like a precious stone, illuminating every phase of her life. She was excessively rened! Even in death, she glowed! Brilliant, intelligent, knowledgeable , well informed, condent and bold.

A great Pan Africanist. As far as she was concerned Africa's inability to develop was as a result of colonialism and neocolonialism which most of our leaders, up till date, could not shed off. According to her, for the Western World to categorise Africa as a poor continent was a misnomer, to say the least. She opined that a land less and debtor nation cannot be wealthier than landowners whose physical assets are free of encumbrances. To expatiate, she pointed out that Africa does not have homeless people, the poorest of the poor has at least a hut and massive land for cultivation. Consequently, she held the belief that if all personal assets land, buildings, cars, household equipment which were nanced mostly through cash and carry were used to determine the wealth of a nation, African Continent would be richer than most of the western nations. This assertion is brilliant! This school of thought on the criteria for determining the wealth of nations, is compelling enough for further discussions. The issue of superior race is an anathema to Dibuking.

Dibuking was an astute politician, though very quiet and not loud. If the concept of governance 'Oluobodo' which means collective participation, which she espoused in the early 70's, when she was First Lady of the then East Central State of Nigeria, has been the motivating factor guiding governance in Nigeria, things would have been much better for all. Dibuking was so charismatic and powerful that women wing of the NPN in the then Anambra State of Nigeria, operated from her residence in Enugu even though her husband, late Chief Ukpabi Asika was not a politician. She mobilized the women to the extent that their decisions held sway in the party. For example, Chief Onoh had to reconcile with his wife before she picked the gubernatorial ticket of NPN, a condition the women wing gave him. Dibuking had a 'think home' mentality. Even though she had all the trappings of life that would have made her live comfortably in Abuja or Lagos, she stayed most of the time in Onitsha. In fact she registered and voted in Onitsha in this last elections. She was very much at home in Onitsha. She savoured every moment she spent there. Onitsha culture, custom and lifestyle excited her a lot. According to her, countless merriments that go on in Onitsha ensured that nobody was poor.

Less than 10 days before she died, she told me how she was going to organize the Ibos so as to be politically relevant in the country. She said she would identify not more than 10 people for that purpose and that Onitsha would be the rallying point. To organize the Ibos, is surely a Herculean task. How do you get people who say they are republicans, whatever that means, to come together? How do you get people who take title, like 'Okwuoto Ekene Eze', to come together, when they do not have regards for kingship and royalty? It seems practically impossible! But not to Dibuking Chinyere Asika! At 75, she was convinced she could handle such an impossible task, a phenomenon she was very much used to.

I understand that she received an award in South Africa few days before she died and she died in her sleep, smiling. What a way to die–with a crown!Thanks be to God that you left behind responsible children bonded by love which you helped create and nurtured. No wonder, you died smiling for you knew you have nothing to worry about them.Dibuking, because of who and what you were to us, you will forever remain evergreen in our heart.Dibuking there was really nothing else to prove. You came, you saw and you conquered. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

Akukalia Tatabugbo Odiari


A Letter to My Best Friend and Sister-in-Law

My dear Auntie Chinyere,We got the news early Monday morning on May 3 from our daughter, Chibuzo, the one you loved and helped settle in Nigeria on her return from the United States. She broke the heartbreaking news: That you have gone home to be with the Lord and that it happened while you slept, as you often predicted. You saw the future, didn't you?

Since then things have never been the same, how can they?

You were the force that held all of us together, the teacher that tutored all of us, and the strong, broad shoulder on which we all stood. You were our model of discipline and achievement. We wanted to be like you. Now you are gone without warning. I have declared publicly that you were my best friend and in-law. I have been known to also state publicly that you were the nest Nigerian woman leader of your generation; but I believe that as your quiet hard work continues to come to light, you will be recognized as one of the nest in Africa. While your colleagues simply implemented or expanded existing programs you initiated innovative ones. Your legendary creative programs led to the empowerment of women in East Central State after the war and to the protection of babies and the mentally and physically ill all over Nigeria. You were a lover of Nigeria, none was more patriotic. You were original. I am very grateful and humbled that you turned me around, brought me close to you and nurtured our relationship until it blossomed to one of great friendship. You freely shared your life with me and that gave me the permission to do likewise. Our relationship became such that I felt at ease to approach you with difcult questions and suggestions. During one of our close discussions I asked you, “Auntie, what will happen when you are no longer around?” You gave me the “Sister look:” focused; yet loving, and with a measured smile replied: “When I am gone you people should carry on, no be so?” Characteristically you closed your eyes, tapped your right foot and added, “Ah, ah, nobody lives forever - -o; isn't it so?” After a few minutes of silence, you introduced the idea of how it might happen. “I will go to sleep, close my eyes and that will be it.” You realized that I no longer wished to continue the discussion. “I know you people don't want to hear it, but it is true. I am telling you now” you concluded. Auntie, you were many things: Nigeria's Representative-at-Large, a quiet philanthropist and tireless advocate for women and children. Rather than use your privileged childhood as justication for a life of conceit and indifference, you made an enlightened choice to live a purpose-driven life, one of generosity and self-sacrice. You were very sensitive to the less privileged; hence your home was like a pastoral care center where you met people's many needs. You became everybody's mother, aunt, sister, and friend and no time was too late to call you on the telephone or ring your doo bell. You were never too tired to answer the phone or sit and listen. Mindful of our needs you gave none of us any reason to be concerned.

Your wise choices are reected in your large collection of gifts and mementos of gratitude from people of many nationalities and cultures around the world. One of them is a silver plaque presented to you by a group of Nigerian children in South Korea. Your image is imprinted on the plaque followed by Proverbs 31:29: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Auntie, you surpassed all in loving and giving. It was your life's mission.


I have very fun memories of our time together, especially the last one. As always it was packed with debates, jokes and lots of laughter. We discussed all day-long. Remember our many topics? We had no particular order and it did not matter to us. We discussed and debated Igbo cosmology, arts (which you dearly loved), music, politics, family, etc. etc. I remember how grateful you were that I researched the work and life of your great father, Papa Nathan Ejiogu, and found an excellent article he wrote entitled, The Owerri Mbari Houses, published in The Nigerian Teacher 1, 1935. He grieved the indiscriminate destruction of Mbari houses that communicated the sophistication of Owerri Igbo people and their celebration of life, and the tendency of some overzealous Christian evangelists to throw out the baby with the bath water. “The Mbari houses may be destroyed” he observed, “but that innate skill – the author of their great beauty – and the mind loyally devoted to its adoration could be wisely directed to a better end.” You carefully shared with me the very special relationship between you and your father and mother. It became clear to me that you enjoyed a deep and rich relationship with them and their voices, which were the earliest ones that spoke to you, shaped who you became. Their integrity was woven into the tapestry of your being. No wonder you did your hard work quietly and shunned self-serving publicity.

You were also introduced early to the mystery of creation and awed by the majestic Otamiri River in your place of birth. Equally intriguing to you was the sophistication of Owerri Igbo phenomenology conveyed through art, music and folklore. Auntie, you were very brilliant and knowledge and condence radiated from you. I now regret that I did not ask you more questions. You were such a great debater with a unique ability to easily inuence people. Leave it to you to rearrange my plans and convince me to extend my stay with you so we could conclude our debate on theology, politics and culture. You may have thought you enjoyed my company but I needed yours more. I am so grateful I stayed, for you infused me in love and warmth.

I once reminded you that you were quite special, but did I ever tell you that there was something about you not easy to capture or dene? Undoubtedly you were remarkable; yet, you were not overbearing. You had a touch of mystery and spoke in a manner that suggested knowledge beyond the present reality. I believe that it was your Christ-centered and deeply prayerful life that generated a heightened sense of love that touched everyone that came in contact with you. In the middle of a conversation you would close your eyes, escape into a world of silence, and the serenity around you lled the room. The more I interacted closely with you the more I sensed that spiritual attunement directed your path. Equally profound was the fact that you accurately predicted that you will pass away peacefully in your sleep.

Sister, Nda, Auntie, I am thankful that you were my sister-in-law, but more so that you were my dear and trusted friend. We mourn your passing deeply; yet, we rejoice exceedingly for your remarkable life which you generously shared with us. We will never get over your physical death, but we will get through it because you trained us to love, lead and carry on. You will ever remain my dearest friend and in-law. I promise that I will never let you down. The Lord gave you to us for a season and He has taken you back. Blessed be His Name. I love you very much, rest in peace in Jesus' name, Amen.Your dear friend and brother-in-law,

Tabiri Chukwunta


SISTER !I remember our rst encounter in Coombe Lane down in the South of London in 1985. I was looking forward to meeting this formidable woman. I was told you were a no nonsense woman, a woman of excellence and I came prepared. However, my condence was thrown out of the window when Obiageli and I stood at your front door. We were chastised for coming exceedingly late!

However, in that moment of intimidation, my condence was restored as you warmly welcomed me into your home shortly after. A dramatic turnaround from your very stern words initially. We ended up spending over six hours, wining, dining and talking all through the evening. From that moment, when we hit it off there's been no turning back, especially after it turned out that you had been a student at Queens' College Lagos, which also happened to be my mother's Alma Mater.

You and my mother were birth mates, born on June 19 1939. Of course the fact that I had been to Kings College Lagos, endeared me even more to you. As time passed, and when it was obvious that your baby sister and I were to be married, you became a parent to us in words and deeds!

Here was a woman whose in-depth knowledge was inexhaustible, such that there was never a dull moment when you were in her presence. There was no topic under the sun that she would not engage in, from the cultures and traditions of our people, to the history of the English and the Americans.

She had so much to give that one was never tired of taking from her, and she enhanced and improved you in every way, once you encountered her.

I want to deeply appreciate the role she played as my mother after my biological mother passed on 11 years ago. It didn't come as a surprise to me because she had always been a mother to me from the rst time we met, through our years of marriage and children, to the effect that she was “Aunty Mummy” to our children. Your house was home to everyone, from family to friends, even to friends of friends, …it just goes on and on. Everyone was welcome. As much as we least expected your passing, you were a truly quintessential lady. I am greatly honoured to have had you in my life.

Dr Pax Harry.


I Give Thanks To God for Your Life, Auntie

My beloved Auntie Chinyere.

My rst reaction to your passing was an impulse of inner joy and peace that could only have come from the Lord. When I later learnt the details of how you transitioned, I knew that you did not really die, but slept in the Lord. I quietly gave God the glory for taking you to a better place.

However, as the hours, days and weeks passed my pain seemed to increase and it hasn't been funny at all. I threw myself into work to help me forget, busying myself doing nothing, but Auntie your presence was so large in your lifetime, that your absence is now so apparent. But just like you always taught us, in your stern yet gentle voice, we have work to do. You've set the bar very high in morality, in sagacity and in diligence. You were the ultimate technocrat, diplomat, business mogul and political genius.

To say that I miss you is an understatement. I will miss your late night phone calls. People used to jokingly ask me “Are you guys witches?” in reference to my one hour conversations with you at midnight. Now I won't have to “call Auntie before she calls me” – amazingly, you did this to all of us. I will miss the gems of wisdom you kept dishing me. School is over and it's time for us to apply what you taught us.

I have nothing more to say. You are the rst to depar t – among the women I secretly call my 'Three Musketeers', the women who inuenced my life tremendously. Thank you for supporting me in your lifetime.Sleep on, Auntie, until the morning...

Victor Ordu

TO THE ASIKA/EJIOGU FAMILIES,

I sincerely sympathize with you on the passing away on Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika and her exit to the next level of existence. She was a good in-law, a sincere woman of integrity, a bridge builder, a good family coordinator, a peaceful woman and a patriot.

May Her gentle soul rest in peace in God.

Sincerely,

Chief (Nze) H.O.N. Chikwe(Odum Gburugburu)For the entire Chikwe Family


Dearest, Darling 'Aunty-Mummy',

I write to express my profound thanks to you, something I didn't really get the chance to do while you walked the earth. I write to let you know how you will be missed forever and how your memory will also shine on forever in our hearts.

You were everything to us. You were the centre that held it all together and the awesome rallying point. I thank you for being the ever-loving 'Other-Mother' that inspired me then, inspires me now and will always be a source of inspiration to me and mine.

Yours was always 'Home-away-from-home' - from Enugu, all the Way to Coombe Lane West in the UK. You opened the door to Ashdown House, a path that led me to the awesome windy hills of Roedean. How could I ever thank you enough, even if you hadn't 'gone' so soon?Throughout my years of growing up, you loved, you disciplined, you protected and charted a course of greatness for the family. You gave us dimensions of pride that rest only in the dreams of others. You opened vistas that have gone on to shape our very lives with a privileged culture of excellence.

Aunty-Mummy, you were magical to me, I am still sure you could see through the lids of your ever-shut eyes. I always wondered, during those days of your record-long nails, how you managed! Only on your elegant ngers could such talons look so mystical, strong and beautiful.

The hollow you have left is painful beyond description. I nd myself unable to fully grasp the fact that you have left the shores of this earth. Who will give your unique style of counsel? Whose cool, calm and collectedness will dene the state for the world? Whose gaze at me, or my multitude of children, will exude your brand of love, joy, approval and pride? Truly, you are unforgettable and irreplaceable and only time and the Balm of Gilead will help us trudge along.

You were a legendary, iconic woman, a gift to us and to our nation - Nigeria and I burst with pride to have the title 'Your ever-loving Niece'.We, the Okey-Uche clan loved you then, we love you now and we will never ever stop loving and missing you.Rest in His glorious bosom, till we meet again to part no more, in the fullness of time.

Your Ever-Loving Niece,

Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche (Mrs.)-Ejiogu Grandchild No. 7

18th June, 2015


ALWAYS AND FOREVER

My Dear Aunty Mummy,

There is so much to write to express how amazing you are. Unfortunately, my tears will mess up my laptop and that may hinder all you have encouraged me to achieve, all you have encouraged me to aspire to and the woman you have encouraged me to be. So, I won't write much, but you know what….when I nally come to terms with your death, I will sing an unending song of how wonderful you are…I will get my kids to sing that song too and probably my grandkids and great grandkids….because your song should be the song that never ends…it's inspiring, its motivating, it's educational and it's bound to make the audience great.

Thank you for leading a family that gave me condence, resilience, pride and dignity to soar high, crush obstacles, determined to excel and achieve great deeds. Thank you for being excited whenever I shared my experiences with you….it made me want to achieve more and come share with you. Thank you for your warm hugs and kisses.

To my Chairman Obi, my Cousin Nkii, Uju and Nwando….I must say thank you for sharing your phenomenal mother with the Ejiogu Grand Children…..we were immensely blessed by her.

Aunty Mommy, Heaven is denitely a brighter place with your presence. Rest Well my beautiful Aunt….I will never forget you!! I will never stop singing your song!!!

Always and Forever….I will miss you….I will love you.

Somachi Kachikwu

Sometime back in the late 90s , I forget when exactly, we received a call from Aunty Chinyere at our home in Lagos. She lived in England at the time but had never failed to keep in touch with family back home in Nigeria. After a long and pleasant conversation with my parents, aunty asked to speak to me. Though she called our home often, my siblings and I seldom spoke with her, but we knew from the updates our parents gave over the phone that our well-being was of importance to her. And so I received this particular request with a mix of excitement and anxiety for even then I had realized that with Aunty Chinyere, not even children were to be spared the hard truths.

The question that followed our initial exchange of greetings conrmed my fears:"Obinna, are you computer literate?" If I felt any disappointment at admitting that I was in fact not computer literate, aunty's response did nothing to improve my feelings: "God forbid!”

I would replay the moment in my head several times over the years, but not until I became an adult did I realize that what my little mind had mistaken for a rebuke was in reality an expression of concern for my progress. And that was Aunty Chinyere for you. A woman ercely committed to improving others. Rooted in love, it was a sentiment extended not just towards family, but to all who had the privilege of knowing her. A remarkable woman by any standards, aunty's legacy and its countless admirable hallmarks will continue to inspire for generations to come. For that she will never be forgotten.

Obinna Ejiogu.


I never imagined that my rst FB post in years would be a tribute to a loved one.

My Dearest Aunty Chinyere, I have so many fond memories of you but I'll just list a few.......You always stood for everything positive and honorable.You always preached to us about the essence of family love and togetherness.You never failed to remind us (the younger generation) to always walk with our heads held high because we were "born into GREATNESS".As LARGE as the Ejiogu and Asika families are, you somehow managed to have a personal relationship with everyone of us (both old and young) and I don't know how you were able to do that.

I recall several times when my phone would ring n I'll look to see "Aunty Chinyere calling" and before I gather the courage to answer, I'd ask myself a million times over, "God, what have I done?" Only to nally answer and in the softest tone ever, hear you ask how my brothers and I are doing and that u just called to check up on us.

You were always the one to report to whenever anyone felt their parents or some Uncle / Aunty was being unreasonable to them because you were sure to step in and take action promptly.You told us beautiful stories about Papa to the point where it felt like each one of us had a personal relationship with him (even though God took him many years before most of our parents even met).

In turn, we were also told beautiful stories about how you stepped into Papa's shoes and took care of your twenty one siblings after he passed.

Sunday, 3rd May, 2015 will forever remain fresh in my memory. I will never forget that call to my Dad that made us rush out of the house the way we did. Though your exit was so peaceful, seeing you lie down there that morning was the most painful thing ever and watching them take you away was completely shattering.Thank you Aunty, thank you for all u stood for and thank you for all you did for me and my immediate family. You have left really BIG shoes behind and I strongly doubt anyone will be able to t into them even if they tried.

To my cousins, Obi, Nky, Uju and little Nwando, your mum was a wonderful woman. I'm grateful to have been opportuned to personally experience the love you all shared with her as your mother and I pray that God will grant you all the strength to carry on.REST IN PERFECT PEACE MY DEAREST AUNTY, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!!YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON!!!

Ama Ejiogu


Aunty Chinyere (our rst mummy) really had a great impact on so many people's lives and will surely be greatly missed! My sisters and I had the privilege to benet from your seless love, I'm glad we did!

I remember the very rst time I stepped my feet into Abuja, it was at your house that we stayed. I'd never forget the day we'd wanted to go swim at the then famous "Nicon Hilton", and you'd promised us that you'd quickly run off with your driver to attend to some personal business, and then you'd be back, so he'd take us to where we wanted to go. But unfortunately, you'd stayed out a lil longer than we imagined, so we opted for a cab.

I'll never forget how much you fumed and furious you were when you learnt that we'd already gone out, not for anything but for the fact that we'd taken a cab out!!! I was soo excited at that scolding (it sure made me feel like a princess), being scolded for taking a cab out and not being chauffeured around...

I'm glad that even though my mum has long passed away, she left behind such sweet mothers like you and my other aunts, to watch over, groom and shape my sisters and I into what we've grown to be today! Your birthday last year was soo fun, with you looking so vibrant and energetic, you had on a constant smile, because you spent your day with your family.

I was looking forward to having one of those special lunches we had at your house, every summer, a tradition we adopted to bring everyone together. But God sure knows best. Heaven must be lucky to have added another Angel to its Host!!. We'd all miss you so dearly, I'll really miss you, for your impartial love you showed towards everyone, you had a special space for us all, but like I said, God knows it all! Rest on in the bosom of our dear Lord, till we meet to part no more. Adieu!!!

Nma Agba

Tribute our rst mummy


To My Godmother,My dearest Aunty Mummy, I don't know how you did it, how you managed to be everything to everyone. How you have impacted the lives of so many of us between the Ejiogu & Asika Families is truly remarkable. Every time I received a call from you I wondered how you even remembered me, surely she doesn't call ALL 100+ of us... But I knew you did and all the tributes I've been reading conrm it. You remained gracious to the end, wicked funny and so so peaceful. I don't believe I'm writing this, I never once imagined you'd be gone. This was so unexpected, I'm ghting to hold on to all my memories from living with you briey almost 15 years ago in London to our phone calls when I eventually moved to America and our living room talks when I became your neighbor in Abuja.

Thank you for being the rock of this family, for being patient and understanding, generous and kind and for always being approachable. Yes you were a good mother, godmother, aunty, sister, friend etc but really you were just a good person who treated everyone fairly and with love & compassion. I will continue to celebrate your life by being the best version of myself and being kind to others.

I love you, Godmother.

Thank you Cousins Obi Asika Nkiru Asika and Uju Asika for sharing your beautiful mother with us, she was one of a kind. To the rest of my family - The Lord Is Our Strength.

Ugonna Ibe-Ejiogu


My darling Aunty Chinyere,

It still hasn't sunk in to me that you are really gone. I always saw you as a perennial, larger than life type of gure so you can imagine my distress upon hearing the devastating news that you had gone to be with the Lord. Being the Aunty that I was named after I always felt that I had a unique bond with you. It was only after you passed away that it dawned on me that you had the ability to make every person that you came across feel just as special and loved.

Throughout my life you played an active role in shaping my character, through your words of wisdom, poignant anecdotes and encouragement whilst I tried to nd my feet and transition from youth into adulthood. Every business endeavour that I pursued I knew that I had a guaranteed loyal customer and someone to guide me every step of the way. You encouraged me to invest in my mind by developing my reading skills and poetry. You took your time to teach me about my ancestral line, one would think that you were a Kalabari woman with the amount of information you knew about my state of origin.

Most importantly you tirelessly took it upon yourself to make sure that I came back to live in my home country. Where others would have left this oyinbo girl who felt that moving to Nigeria would be too much of a culture shock, your passion for our country helped me to fall in love with it too and showed me that I have a purpose and destiny that can only be fullled by going back to my roots. I will forever be grateful for your relentless pursuit of my betterment.

From all of our time spent together in London, I observed that you were not an ordinary woman. Your intellect, poise and grace were unparalleled and you were truly beautiful from the inside out.

As each day passes I miss you more and more. Whenever I have any issues I automatically reach out to dial your number to vent and seek out much needed advice. Knowing that I will never be able to hear your voice again, or drive to your house to keep you company whilst hearing your updates on the state of the country, shatters my heart. My only comfort is that I can still imagine the advice that you would give me in certain situations.Aunty, I promise that I will use the wisdom you imparted to me to the best of my ability. I will never forget the strategies that we discussed and all of your invaluable advice. I pray that your loved ones that you left behind follow your extraordinary example and that your legacy will continue to live on through us. I know that you are now resting peacefully with Uncle Ajie in the bosom of the Most High.

I love you dearly Aunty and you will always be in my heart.

Data Chinyere Pax-Harry


Aunty-Mummy go and run free with the angelsDance around the golden cloudsFor the LORD has chosen you to be with himAnd we should feel nothing but proudAlthough he has taken you from usAnd our pain a lifetime will lastYour memory will never escape usBut make us glad for the time we did haveYour face will always be hiddenDeep inside our heartsEach precious moment you gave usShall never, ever departSo go and run free with the angelsAs they sing without pauseAnd please be sure to tell themTo take good care of you, for us

RIPFrom Ahamdi Chikwe

Sista, you've gone, you've leftSista, so far awayAda, Aunty Chinyere, Nda... I will miss you so muchI will never forget you because you have inuenced my life. BUT... I will see you, in another Song of mine! Rest in Peace. Angela Chinyere Ordu

My Tribute to a Great Mother and Auntie You have been a special person to me in every way. You encouraged me in everything that I wanted to do. You drew me close to yourself - as if I were your own daughter. You always told me the truth about life. I will forever miss you. Thanks for being there for me.I remember how caring, loving and compassionate you were to me. Honestly, you were one in a million. The children also miss you so much and they're still seeing it like a dream. Please rest in the bosom of the Lord.

MARY VICTOR ORDU

Figuring out where to begin with this composition is by far one of the most difcult tasks I've had in a while. I remember our last conversation, which was after my undergraduate ceremony. You were one of the few people that congratulated me and showed interest in my well-being and future aspirations. This meant a lot to me, I must admit your encouraging words fuelled my drive to succeed in my endeavours at the time . These wise words are all I have left of you and will remain close to my heart. T h e p e o p l e y o u h a v e t o u c h e d , y o u r accomplishments, your seless and big-hearted persona is enviable. You wil l forever be remembered and your life, celebrated. I love you and hope to see you again. LoveUche Ejiogu Jr

It was a great honor to know you my darling Aunty Chinyere Asika for the time that I did. I recall our rst phone conversation in 2009 when I told you I wanted to move to Nigeria and you supported my decision 100%. Since my arrival in August 2009 until your glorious departure, you played a major role in my transformation from an American to a Nigerian. Although I made mistakes during my early stage, you rmly and lovingly corrected me. It didn't take long for me to realize that you were my biggest supporter in Nigeria. You loved to introduce me as your niece who lived in America all her life and decided to come home. Lol. Thank you for supporting me the way that you did!

The countless times I spent with you in your living pralour and dining table, I learned so much about Nigeria - the country you proudly served. Through you I learned our rich culture like the different massacres, agricultural products grown, and of course politics! The caliber of people who often visited you for guidance, or just to gist reect how highly respected you were in the community. Secretly I admired your strength – you had a strong presence to command any situation around you and yet, despite your status, you were amazingly humble and cultured.


I will miss our phone calls. I enjoyed talking with you and sharing my updates in Nigeria. Despite your many responsibilities, you always had time to listen to me and remembered to reach out to me. You are truly irreplaceable to me. There is not a day that I don't think about you. Everything I achieve in Nigeria is a tribute to you because you believed in me. 6 years later, I am still here with many more years to go; thanks to you.

CHIBUZO CHUKWUNTA

A Letter to My Dearest AuntyTo my dearest Aunty Chinyere,

It's hard to imagine that you're gone as you meant so much to our entire family. You have always been a source of love, comfort, guidance and resilience. As a child, I remember your many phone calls and how you always knew exactly who I was and what was going on in my life. You would always listen to my stories affectionately, laughing when necessary and offering advice when needed. When I came to Nigeria, you were larger than life in my eyes. You had a quiet, yet rm demeanor that commanded everyone's attention. I admire that quality in you so much. Aunty, thank you for your prayers and talks during that visit as you welcomed me into your home. Today and always I remember and appreciate all of your wisdom. Aunty, you are very missed and loved so much.Love,Chinonye Chukunta New Jersey, USA

My Aunt was too cool, a paragon of diplomacy and decency. I never once heard her bark out at anyone no matter how lowly. I respected and loved her deeply for her listening ear and wise counsel. There was a period when I was in the university, and I lived in her house in Enugu. Her caretaker for some reasons unknown to me kept trying to make my life a living hell. So next time I visited her in Abuja I griped about how I was getting maltreated in her house. After listening to me (eyes closed, leg shaking) she simply said to me with her eyes yet

closed, ''Austin, onye iriihu ariri ariri erie ya". I waited for a few seconds but it was obvious that was all she would say on the matter I brought before her. It took me a couple of days to understand the impor t of her words, but immediately it struck me it stuck with me to this day. That was my Aunt Chinyere for you, she didn't believe in the preponderance of words; only wit,humor and wisdom owed from her. Aunt Chinyere was so dexterous with the carrot and stick, so much so you never actually knew which one you got after she was through with you, lol.love,Austin Ordu

My heart is broken. Words cannot express how I feel since yesterday. The pain of losing my special Aunty Chinyere Asika. Who will tell me the truth? Who will ll that Aunt and daughter relationship? Who will love me with my aws? Who will remember to call me when I am really in pain to encourage me? Who will call my mother everyday? Who will be my aunt that loves everyone and does not discriminate? Who would have taken us to go to school from state house? It is very lonely without you Sister. I'm glad you are part of my life. You are one of a kind. How can I lose my aunt and sister? I know you are an angel. The nation has lost a great woman. Please put our family in prayers especially my aunt's children, Obi, Nki and Uju and Nwando. May the almighty God comfort them at this difcult time.Aunty Chinyere, our love is forever. May your soul rest in peace!Eli.from Gloria Eli Onyeukwu

I am totally crushed! Without my Aunt Chinyere, I would not have graduated law school some 20 years ago. I am a New York lawyer today because Aunt Chinyere yielded herself to be used as instrument in furthering my education. My Aunt represented my parents so many times. She was at my graduation. In my teenage years, I went to boarding school in England from her house. It was


especially painful because I heard the news just before I was about to preach God's word in church yesterday to the saints. But thank God, the one who causes us to triumph always, He gave me sufcient Grace to minister. My cousins Obi, Nki and Uju are my siblings because we are a close-knit family. We have all lost a gem, a trailblazer and a woman of compassion. My mother's BFF! They spoke multiple times a day. She even spoke with my mother the night before she passed! My Aunt was doing what she loved best when she met her death. She was serving her country! Aunty, Yemi misses you sorely. I remember very well, you met my husband even before my parents did. You and Uncle Tony spoiled me and my siblings rotten. We had so many fun times in Wimbledon and St. John's Wood. How about back home in Nigeria.? Aunty, I miss you terribly. However, I am consoled by the fact that you lived a full life. I know that you are resting in God's everlasting arms. May the Lord of all comfor t, comfor t our family. I am also reminded of the word of God that says, to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8. Love and miss you Aunt Chinyere!Adieu, Ijeoma, Goodnight ma!AIBAnne Yemi Babalola-Babalola

I know it is customary to glorify our loved ones when they pass away, however, some lives are truly exemplary and represent the epitome of a life well-lived. My mom's sister, Aunty Chinyere recently passed away; she was extraordinary, extra special and the shining light in the childhood stories my mom always told my sisters and I when the lights went out almost every night (thanks to the Nigerian National Electric Power Authority "NEPA"). Even in the midst of darkness she brightened our world and she deserves all the glory with an ardor that far exceeds moderation. Dear Aunty Chinyere, may your soul rest in perfect peace and may the harmony you bestowed upon the Ejiogu family continue to reign forever.

Love from Nnenna Duls (nee Agba)

I really couldn't bring myself to post anything because this has been an extremely devastating blow to the Ejiogu and Asika families. As we mourn the loss of our matriarch, my Aunty Chinyere Asika, it feels wonderful to see all of the outpouring of love from every end of the world. She was a pillar of hope,change, inspiration, strength, motivation, innite wisdom, grace, style, and poise. I will never forget how she personally embraced me and my family to keep us close and tight as family should be. Take your Rest, sweet aunty. For God has placed you right in his loving arms and reunited you back with your devoted husband again. RIP and we love you. Xoxoxo

Tereasiayasmeen Ejiogu

I try to carry on with my daily activities and life (and it really helps when you have kids to keep you busy) so that I don't feel constantly down but I just can't stop thinking about my Aunty Chinyere. I know it sounds strange but I just never expected this to happen. Ever!!! My Aunt was such a hard, strong chick but so loving, so much fun and funny as hell!! Wow, I'll miss you tremendously. Now who is going to harass me about getting my butt back to Nigeria??? Nneka Enwonwu-Achufusi do you remember what she said to us at dinner?? Aunty Chinyere: "American weather is not built for us Africans...you people need to stop wasting time over there and move back to Nigeria"..."even the Chinese are moving here...stay there!" Lol! Loved her to pieces!! Remain strong Obi, Nki, Uju, Nnenna!!

Nwamaka Christine Enwonwu-Chuke

Nwamaka Christine Enwonwu-Chuke ....same here. Just staying busy is really helping. Aunty Chinyere was really something. I remember so many things about her:- the way she would shut her eyes when you were asking her a question, the way she shook her legs, her laugh, that infectious smile. Let's not


even talk about fashion. You never left her without gaining/learning something. If nothing else, you were treated to her wicked sense of humor. I loved Aunty Chinyere and always will. RIP Aunty.

Nneka Enwonwu-Achufusi

Dear Aunty Chinyere,I wish I had known that a couple of weeks ago would be the last time I would see you. Still very hard to believe you are gone.I smile when I remember the long chats that we had whenever I popped round to see you and Ajie. We would talk about all sorts of things: art, politics, alternative medicine, international relations .... I really wanted you to write a book on our native herbs. It's been a while since we had one of those long chats. I thought we would one of these days.Did you know that it's thanks to you that I rst ate oxtail? I was a very fussy eater but didn't want to tell you that I didn't want it. Much to my surprise I really enjoyed it!I know you had a full and very interesting life and leave behind wonderful children: my dear cousins, Obi, Nki and Uju, Nwando and several grandchildren but still, we all wanted you around for very much longer.I can't imagine how your immediate family feel if I feel this sad. I wish I knew how to make it better for them.May your soul rest in peace.

Lots of love alwaysNky Iweka x

When I heard this, it was of a great shock that a HEALTHY, WORTHY and WEALTHY woman is gone… I didn't feel like being in much pain coz I know she has been rejoicing with the lord in heaven coz she was indeed a peaceful woman....Sleep wel; CHIEF MRS CHINYERE ASIKA.....may her gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord… AMEN

from Chibueze Egejuru

Sis a word from the Lord for all family members, friends and well wishers. Now hear ye all. Greater work shall ye all do because Mummy has gone to be with the Lord. l say again greater work shall you all do because she is with the father. All her teachings, wisdom, love, direction and the best she gave to humanity, you all should practice. Her spirit stands with the Lord Jesus Christ looking down with love and strength and saying to us all be strong, excel in God and in the world, fear not for greater things shall you all do because l am with the father. She is interceding for you all in a prayer and sure another dispensation has just begun and trust God the work that will unfold through her many works shall be greater than the former. Once again you all stay strong and we all pray to run our race to nish like she did. Blessings all.

Chidinmma Eziyi

Obi I'm truly saddened and shocked at Dibueze's call to eternity. May God grant you and your sisters his grace and consolation to bear our loss and make you strong. Ojinnaka, you're now the man to hold Ajie's and Dibueze's legacy and continue to hold that light and don't grow weary. Be there for your sisters and all of us.

God bless you. We're all thinking of you. Felicitas Onwuta

Dumbfounded and in pain.A rare gem left the world stage.A woman of destiny and purposeMy friend, aunty C, ije oma.I will miss you and our long conversations.You are unforgettable.

From Loretta Nky Akosa-Mbadugha


SAYING GOODBYE TO AN INCREDIBLE ICON, BIG SISTER, SISTER-INLAW AND AUNTY-MUMMY.

Using the words “Good bye “or bye” which are frequently used in everyday life has always been difcult for us growing up. This is so because we always saw the phrase as nal and irreversible which is why we choose not to use it to address our Big Sister, Sister In-Law and Aunty–Mummy, Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika. It is said that the good ones are the ones who pass on rst, but what about the great ones?! Nda Chinyere, Sister, Aunty–Mummy, you were truly one of the greats, not only for our family but also for our country. An icon in your own calm and wise way, always teaching and leading but who never stopped learning as you moved on in life.In this our great family we have been lucky to be blessed with a lot of great individuals but mostly blessed with an abundance of great women and you set the benchmark for all from your sisters, to your daughters, sisters in-law, nieces, all the way to your granddaughters. Your inuence also spans to your brothers, sons, brothers in-law, and grandsons and continues to be the benchmark we all aim to and by God's grace, will achieve.

Aunty Mummy,

I write this tribute with a heavy heart for my Aunty Mum, Chief Dr Chinyere Asika, who was always very fond of me as a kid, a teen and as an adult. Whenever I'm in Enugu on work, I always insist on driving by No 17 Abakiliki road to relive the wonderful memories of visiting her and my late Uncle Tony as well as my wonderful cousins. Many times my mum, yourself and I would go on road trips to Onitsha (I didn't ask for our destination most of the time if I might add) and I would t right in the middle of both of mum and Aunty mum munching on puff puff, banana and groundnuts. Asides being super cool, which I eventually decoded as condence, the warmth of her presence always drew me closer. As an adult when I reect on her illustrious life, there's a lot to learn and apply, not just to share with my loved ones, my family but with others.

Thanks for being a pillar for our family and an inspiration to the younger ones such as myself. We know you're in a better place, watching and smiling down on us.

I pray for Cousin Obi, Cousin Nkii, Cousin Uju, their families and of course little Nwando, may the good Lord keep them and guide them through Aunty's loss. If there is anything I learnt from Aunty Mummy, it's the importance of family in our lives. Aunty, you will live on in our hearts and minds.

Sleep well Aunty Mum,

Love Naeto

Your caring heart will be missed alongside the kindness and warmth you showed us and everyone else throughout the years.As we go on trying to continue and try to better the legacy you left behind, we will do so in the seless, bold and simply awesome way you did it.Once again saying “goodbye” is sad, saying goodbye does not do you justice, saying goodbye does not give you your dues.

Nda Chinyere, Sister, Aunty–Mummy, we are saying thank you, we are saying we love you, rest in the bosom of the Almighty till we meet again.

Ikemdinachi Kodinna Chimdi – Ejiogu (Bugzy)For the Chimdi Ejiogu family.(CHIMDI, NGOZI, BUGZY, MAAMA, EBUBE, ZARA)


On behalf of the Asika and Ejiogu Families we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the support and assistance during this difcult period. We thank you for your phone calls, visits, written messages, nancial contributions, resources, hard work and care. We are truly

humbled by the outpouring of love shown by so many people. May God bless you abundantly. We would especially like to thank:

President Muhammadu Buhari GCFRProf. Yemi Osibanjo GCON

President Yakubu Gowon GCFRPresident Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR

Governor Willie ObianoGovernor Rochas OkorochaGeneral T.Y. Danjuma GCON

Alhaji Ahmed Joda CFRDr Ogbonnaya Onu

The Management and Board of Zenith Bank PLCHRM, Igwe Nn'emeka Achebe, The Obi of Onitsha, Agbogidi II

Eze Njemanze, Paramount Ruler of OwerriEze Egbu, Felix N.Orisakwe Egbukole

Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen. Chiedozie Nwokolo ( Bishop on the Niger)Ministers & Congregation of All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha

Venerable Obi Ubaka, Immanuel Church, OnitshaH.E. Chief Mrs Anene Afolabi

Mr. Walter WagbatsomaEnukora Joe Okoli

Paddy NjokuCompol Barr Lawrence Alobi

Princess Ngozi NnaedozieDr. Gabriel Okenwa

Dr. Lawrence AnukamMrs Chika BalogunMr. Mark Oruche

Mr. Martin AgbasoNehemiah Company

Mrs Obioma Liyel-ImokeMrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

Engr. Cletus Amaraegbu

APPRECIATION