By LAWRENCE NWAODU

Since the news filtered, I have not been able to send any note of condolences or made a comment on your passing – I am yet to come to terms with this reality. I am yet to believe it. You were a member of IHUNANYA Age Grade and in my naivety, I had thought we were too young – that it is not yet our turn, especially for rare breeds with such a blessed soul as yours, but life truly is unpredictable, transient and full of vanity.

In the warm embrace of cherished recollections, my dear friend and brother’s legacy shines brightly. People often shared stories of your kindness and generosity, to which I was also fortunate to witness and bountifully benefit from first hand – your sacrifices of love, brotherly kindness and cares. To say you were “too good for this world” would be an understatement.

God's love for you was evident in the love you showered upon everyone around you.

I can’t help but remember the stories of positivity and encouragements we used to have; all the youths including the not-so-young gathered around, hanging on to your every word. Those moments, woven with your wisdom, still resonate in the hearts of Umunumo people and those of the Mbano clan entirely.

One of your most endearing qualities was your unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. You were like a golden finger, ever ready to extend a helping hand, not just to people but to animals as well (I remember your promise to gift one of my children a special dog - I guess from your stock in Port Harcourt or Abuja). Your charity knew no bounds, and your prayers were ceaseless. You were a man of prayer - As you would constantly forwarding Pastor Jerry Eze's Prayers to me each morning.

Saving or investing for the future? That was never your concern. If you had money, be rest assured it would be spent right there and then – on yourself, your loved ones, and for charitable causes. Your generosity knew no bounds.

You gifted everyone around you, not just with love and selflessness, but with the gift of knowledge, especially about the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible. The gatherings in your living room and your entire compound, were not just about learning; they were about sharing, family, and spirituality. After every gathering, your heartfelt prayers, counseling and wishes would resonate, like a soothing melody, in our hearts, and in the heart of every Umunumo person.

Oh, the fun memories! I believe all the youths of Umuaro, the entire Umunumo and the IHUNANYA Age Grade can attest to the joy you brought into our lives, while we may playfully mention the “amounts of money you gave us – your generosity was indeed remarkable. It is essential to clarify that our love for you extended far beyond those material gestures. We cherished you for the wealth of love, wisdom, and happiness you shared with us".

But beyond all else, you were everything to the poor and ordinary, especially in Umuaro Umunumo – I remember running into a motorcycle laden with three hefty young men one night on the Orie-Agu – Umunumo road with my car, and two out of those young men badly wounded alongside the both automobiles badly damaged – but as soon as we got to the Christian hospital close to Isinweke, your men had arrived with emissaries and succour from you, (even from a distance) – all the bills in that incident was borne by you, without knowing who I was as at then – buy just hearing that some of your brothers were involved in an accident, got you to act and sacrifice instantly.

Umunumo and the entire Ehime-Mbano our cherished place, will never be the same without you – who are we going to run to again, even from the Government – (as your brothers in the Government), to ask and seek for support, counselling and interventions – but as the Holy Bible says of the spirits of the just men made perfect – I know you will from where you are, be caring, intervening, and interceding for us all and the Umunumo your beloved.

I leave you in the care of God Almighty, knowing that your love and light will forever shine in our hearts.

As we reflect on your life, we are reminded that we are never promised tomorrow. Clothes neatly laid out and other entertainment condiments for the celebrations of last year's Christmas for the people of Umunumo and the entire Mbano, must have been already procured before the poignant incident. But dying on a Christmas period is a special blessing, and even in your departure, you were granted this honour.

We find solace in the knowledge that your legacy, your love, and your prayers will forever guide us. Until we meet at the feet of Jesus Christ, to part no more.

"To God we belong, and to Him we return.”

REST IN PEACE DIANYI.

•Dr Nwaodu Lawrence and Bunmi for the NWAODU Family of Umueze -Owerre, Umunumo - Ehime Mbano, Imo State.

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