Dear Dad, How are you? How have you been since your departure? I hope you had a safe trip. What was the journey like? How is it over there? Better than I here I know. It’s been a long time coming, but I just want to say thank you; for being the man that you were, a handsome example of hard work and principled living. You always were a pillar of strength and exhibited much patience. Funny, I remember a lot of the sayings that you had imparted on me when I was younger. They help me go through everyday challenges and remind me in a subtle way that you are there. I always wanted to get the beatings over with during my teenage years; little did I know that your speeches at those times would come in handy. Thank you for your words of encouragement through my days away from home. Thank you for sowing the most important gift of Christ in my life and showing me how to walk with Him. The one thing I can say is that the years of prayer and encouragement are not wasted because I can see the results today. I remember most important of all wondering if you loved me. Looking back, I see that you did and showed it in your unique way. If ever I could request a father, I know without a shadow of a doubt you would be my choice and the experiences, the exact same way. I miss you but I’m confident in knowing that you are in the best place of all. I know these few lines are not enough to express my gratitude to you for everything you did while here, but it is my way of saying thank you. Till we meet again. I will always carry you with me. Love Always, Uche.

As i write this tribute, it is bittersweet. Bitter-- because my father is no longer here and because there is so much I want to ask and tell him, but cannot. Sweet-- because I know I was so lucky to have such a strong, moral, responsible, caring, and loving father in my life (who was so good to us), when--today--so many kids do not and most important of all, he is resting in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dad was a great father, who sacrificed financial lucre in exchange for spending time with us kids, caring for us, and taking us places-- we knew our father loved us. And he taught us to be kind and charitable to others, especially those less fortunate. My father was a very special person, I miss him so much. To those of you who are lucky enough to still have your father on this earth, I hope you will give him a hug and that he will hug you back. And I hope you appreciate what you have, before it is too late. In many ways, I feel that I did not appreciate my father enough, as I cleaned out his house and went through the thousands of memories--photos, notes, letters, etc. My father was at all times a real father to us. He sacrificed his personal happiness for our well-being. Fathers are so important in our lives, but they do not get the respect they deserve. Good fathers teach their sons how to act like men, and their daughters how to be treated by men. So, if you still have your father in your life, tell him how much you love him and appreciate his presence and influence in your life. Make sure he knows that he made a difference and for the better. If you are a father, kudos to you for doing the often thankless hard work some Men won't do. You have made a difference in someone's life and made the world better for that effort. While my father is no longer physically present on this earth, I know he is looking down from above, and he is always on my mind. I hope he is reading this. Dad, I love you. And I miss you From Chuma.

Daddy • You always put other’s needs before yours • You always had a positive look on everything in life when things were tough • You taught me to always be positive and say things were great even when I didn’t think they were • You always encouraged me to pray to God – right from an early age. • You were always proud of me, regardless of how badly I did. • You always helped me with my school work right from primary even to higher education • You always encouraged me and made me feel that I could achieve and be whatever I want to be. • You loved me so much that you would rather starve than see me hungry, • Even when things where very tough and I didn’t understand, you always provided for me. • You always encouraged me to move closer to God and I appreciate you for that Now that you are not here, I don’t know how I’m going to cope but I trust the Almighty Who has called you to fill up the vacuum that has been created by your exit. I love you and miss you so much dad. Adieu. Uju

My Dad was a cool gentle. A quiet man who only spoke when it was necessary and chose his words carefully. He was a strong believer in working hard towards our ultimate goal – Heaven. However he did not neglect life on earth, as he was keen on education as a foundation into greater things. He was a hard working man, caring Father and loving Husband. As the leader of the household, he gave us two important things. Firstly, he led us - by example and lifted us up spiritually by teaching us and continually praying and fasting with and for us. Secondly, he gave us a solid educational background irrespective of the cost. Of everything, my clearest and most important lesson that I remember was when as a boy I complained about my household chores. Smiling, he said to me, whatever you have to do – do it excellently well. He was never a man of half-measures. In retrospect I understand it because your good works are always appreciated, either when you’re there or when you’re gone He was a great man. Ugo Okoli

Daddy, what can I say? You were the best. I remember that you were always so gentle from when I was a little girl. You were also so caring, loving, dependable and kind. You even defended me from Mummy even when I was clearly wrong; fighting my corner at each turn. I could always run to you for cover. The strengths and confidence I have today stem from you. No one could have wished for a better father. You taught me the importance of love, responsibility, caring for one another as a family. You were the epitome of a real Christian. A man who loved God and lived His word in deed. I cannot put in words how much you mean to me or by how much I will miss you. I love you very much daddy. God knows best. E.J.