WILFRED IKEMEFUNA EKELEM

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

Words cannot express the shock I had on hearing the news about your sudden demise. It is difficult to believe. I remember how we studied and discussed the bible together and pray together while you were in Sokoto, a period I will never forget, you always advised me to take my studies serious, which I did. You even advised me to further my studies abroad; I will miss your wise counsel.

          I remember how you love to do the work of God, you love to read your bible, preach to people about Jesus Christ, attend bible studies and Sunday service, you were even planning to build a church for God. Your passion for God was so much that it cannot be compared to anything.

Indeed, you are a great inspiration, one out of a million, a philanthropist and statesman. The vacuum your death has created is so wide that I do not know how and who can fill it. However, we take solace in the wisdom and uncommon sense, love, kindness, forthrightness, integrity and forbearance, all of which you bequeathed on us.

Daddy, when I saw you at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in November, little did I know that it was the last time I will be seeing you. Daddy! If life is to be a transaction, I will offer to buy and elongate your life once more, but then, death is beyond man. I will really miss you!

Adieu my Great Daddy!  Adieu my Great Friend!!  Adieu my Great Hope Builder!!!

Go Well!!!!!!

You’re Son

Kenechukwu Ekelem.   

           

 

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

Words cannot express the shock I had on hearing the news about your sudden demise. It is difficult to believe. I remember how we studied and discussed the bible together and pray together while you were in Sokoto, a period I will never forget, you always advised me to take my studies serious, which I did. You even advised me to further my studies abroad; I will miss your wise counsel.

          I remember how you love to do the work of God, you love to read your bible, preach to people about Jesus Christ, attend bible studies and Sunday service, you were even planning to build a church for God. Your passion for God was so much that it cannot be compared to anything.

Indeed, you are a great inspiration, one out of a million, a philanthropist and statesman. The vacuum your death has created is so wide that I do not know how and who can fill it. However, we take solace in the wisdom and uncommon sense, love, kindness, forthrightness, integrity and forbearance, all of which you bequeathed on us.

Daddy, when I saw you at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in November, little did I know that it was the last time I will be seeing you. Daddy! If life is to be a transaction, I will offer to buy and elongate your life once more, but then, death is beyond man. I will really miss you!

Adieu my Great Daddy!  Adieu my Great Friend!!  Adieu my Great Hope Builder!!!

Go Well!!!!!!

You’re Son

Kenechukwu Ekelem.   

           

 

My Beloved Brother Wilfred

Brother, it’s really difficult to write this tribute because of my disbelief that you have passed on. However, as the date for the burial draws near, I am compelled to talk about the person I cherish so much.

Brother Wilfred was the third child of our late parents, Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Ekelem. Wilfred was one of the lucky children born into a very organised family where Christian values, love, respect, peace, discipline, love for God, prayers and fasting were the norm. With these sound qualities, brother Wilfred built himself up to be a  great  star, a  remarkable character and also an obedient child of God.

During the Biafran war, I remember when you joined the army, but thank God, you worked in the office rather than in the war front. Our dear mother prayed fervently morning and night for your safety as our senior brother Edwin was already in the war front without our knowing his faith. Sadly, he was killed and never came back. At that time, we missed you. When the war ended, with God on our side, you came home safely and we were all very happy and could not stop thanking God for His mercy and kindness towards the family.

You now took the role of a big brother and with your good qualities, you were the apple of our parents ‘eyes.  I remember that even after you had already eaten, mama would often ask: “Willy oligokwanni?”   This was a demonstration of love. You were blessed with the gift of affluence, and extended it to all of us. You were a light to the family and made us all proud. You supported all of us without any selfishness or resentment. You knew the importance of education and supported us to achieve our goals. You applauded your brothers and sisters in their achievements without any jealousy. You inspired all around you to greatness. Brother, you demonstrated a great love and peace which portrayed the fruit of the spirit within you.  I will greatly miss the love of a great brother. Each time I came back from abroad, you were always there at the airport to give me a hug and cuddle. You always made sure that the children and myself were comfortable and looked after. All these, I will greatly miss.

In January 2016, I contacted you on the phone to say hello as usual, but you complained being unwell. You were referred to a Specialist Hospital in the North. I was worried because as a medical person, I knew that there was a bombshell waiting in the corner. I and my siblings followed you along when the diagnosis was made.  I felt unhappy and sorry. In spite of all the medical professionals that surrounded you, the wicked health condition took you away from us. The problem we had was that the health condition was not verbalised early. 

However, what can I say. Your 70 years on earth were well spent as heaven and earth will speak good of you. My adorable brother, inspiration and role model, I will always remember you for your kind heart, patience and gentleness and in particular, your love for Jesus. You made a home for God’s evangelism and supported pastors financially and socially. My brother, your name is written in the kingdom of God. You ran a good race. This was confirmed by the various dreams your siblings had, seeing you happy evangelising the word of God among brethren.  While you will be greatly missed, we know that you are now in a much better place where peace reigns forever. My beloved brother Willy, bye. My love for you will always remain in my heart. ADIEU!

Your sister

Mrs Ifeanyi Okonkwo
United Kingdom

Dear uncle Willy,

It's really sad that you are no more. Oh! death where is thy sting! Your death which is an irreparable loss, came as a shock to us. I guess we weren't ready to say goodbye.

We recalled so many fun memories of you that we don't even know where to start from. Was it your caring attitude
,generosity or cheerful nature? Oh! how can we forget, you were such a disciplinarian. Growing up, we often 
thought that our Dad was too strict but it was nothing compared to yours. You never spared the rod. We have all
grown to appreciate the importance of all that.

As the head of the family, you held the entire Ekelem family together. which was really remarkable. We can only hope that this unity continues now that you are gone.

Our hearts go out to your immediate family and siblings. We know that you are in a better place free from all the 
pain. Taking solace in the fact that you knew God, we celebrate your life on earth. We are also reminded that this 
world is not our home, we're just passing by.

Continue to rest in he bosom of the lord till we me to part no more.

To my dearest Uncle of life, Willy Ekelem. My memory of you stems right from the early 90's. I and my siblings visted
Nigeria during the Olympic year of 1996. I remember landing in Lagos (Murtala Muhammed airport) for the first time. I also remember receiveing a warm embrace from an extended family whom I never knew existed. Uncle Willy was at the forefront of the entourage that came to welcome us. He had a very warm and protective aura from the moment we met, and I was finally able to meet the man that my mother would always make mention of. He was a man of honour, someone who was highly regarded by many.

Uncle Willy was a unique indiviudal, who always gave me that natural reassurance, especially when I travelled back to Nigeria as a young child. Uncle Willy always referred to me as "dokieeeee" rather than Udoka; every time he would call my name in that playful manner, I would always have a little chuckle under my breath.

The truth is that my uncle was always generous, a man who paved the way for his siblings to reach pastures new. He elevated all of his brothers and sisters to reach greater heights, and that is merely a testiment to a man I am attempting to describe.

I had an awesome relationship with my uncle, we laughed and joked about everything that came to thought. I feel like a child all over again as I remember how great, awesome and generous my uncle was. A man of sacrifice and truly a man of God.

Uncle Willy, you had the heart of an Angel, I have no doubt that you are resting in the bossom of the Almighty Yahweh, watching over us.

My dearest uncle rest well and we shall surely see again in another realm.

I will never forget you, as your memory will always reside in my heart.


With Love,


Udoka Okonkwo (Nephew)
London, United Kingdom

With Love and Deep Condolences,
Precious Nnabuife-Nwogu &
The Entire Family.
London, United Kingdom
We Honour a Great Man

To Our Dearest Uncle Willy Ekelem,

It was such a sad moment to hear of your passing from your nephew, Udoka Okonkwo. That mournful night, I learnt so much of who you were. 
Despite the distance of thousands of miles, I came to know this:
You were A great and wonderful man, that paved the way for your siblings and others.
You were selfless and considerate. Kind yet firm. Humble and God-fearing.
You were a pillar of your family.
You were endowed with special qualities by the order of our Creator and blessed with great logic.
You made the impossible seem possible for your siblings and helped them attain opportunities that they would not have otherwise had.
You were therefore regarded as the guardian of the Ekelem Family.
It is a great and wonderful man who can, through wisdom given by the Almighty, support his family and prepare the grounds for their happiness.

Uncle, This A Poem I can Envision You Saying:
May this bring comfort to all those remembering you Sir,

Family, don't cry, I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now, and this is where I'll stay.
Family, don't cry, I am where I belong.
I want you to all be happy, and to all be strong.

Family, don't cry, It was just my time.
I will see you someday, on the other side.
Family, don't cry, I am not alone.
There are angels with me, to welcome me home.

Family, please don't cry, I have no fear.
All the pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears.
Family, please don't cry, it is not the end.
I'll rest in peace here, family; until we meet again.

Rest in Perfect Peace, With the Almighty
With Love From Precious Nnabuife-Nwogu 

My condolences, as feelings of pain and bitterness become unbearable. It is my desire to convey a comforting thought based on the Holy Scriptures

In my most fondest of memories of you Uncle ,Wilfred Ekelem, and your legacy. Thank you for setting up the foundation and wealth of knowledge for my mother and the Ekelem family. Your input and leadership will never go unnoticed. You impacted many lives and served for your country ,Nigeria,  in the most treacherous of times and uncertainty. Dignity, value and striving for the best is what you stood for and inspired upon your generation.
Calm, composed , vibrant are some of my memories of you.

Today I say thank you for your input and pure heart. It is true that your last days were certainly not your best days, but now you are in a better place , away from mockery of your physical condition in your final hours!! You fought a good fight but God knows best!!

My prayer is that the armour of the Living Father will intervene and direct your descendants in a way that would make you proud. Till we meet again.



Chinedu Okonkwo
(Nephew)

My siblings and I only met Uncle Willy a precious few times, as we have lived in the US since birth. It is without a doubt, however, that we have Uncle Willy to thank for our father having the strength, the opportunity, and support he needed to provide for us. We know personal greatness because of the example Uncle Willy has set. 
 

The eldest child is sacred. they are the first of their kind who pave the way for younger siblings to come. Its a perplexing relationship with the world. Feeling the responsibility of setting an example, yet needing to take time and space to develop into an independent soul. Every older sibling knows the challenge and Uncle Willy traversed this pathway flawlessly. A man of his word, of pride, a man who knows the value of laughter but stays calm and gives those around him a sense of ease, of endless time. He will be sorely missed and always remembered. 

On several occasions during our visits Uncle Willy made us feel at home and allowed us to soak in the glory of our Nigerian culture. He was so welcoming and stopped life entirely to visit with us. He showered us with joy and an excitement for life that one cannot wish but to emulate. His sincerity was unbeatable and infectious, the warmth he brought to us will always be cherished. His hospitality is a lesson that we will carry with us into the future and make sure to treat visitors with an equally genuine heart.

He was always very calm and composed, which matched his role in the family as the eldest brother. His fortitude kept the family stable and prosperous, a gift that will stay instilled in the Ekelem blood. We are thankful to God for giving us an eldest Uncle as kind and patient as Uncle Willy. He is now in a better place and will undoubtable continue to watch over all of us laughing from above and guiding us righteously. We are thankful that he had a full, happy,  and impactful life and that we can celebrate the best parts of life by remembering him on this day. 

With Love and Gratitude,
Adaeze, Ifeatu, and Ifeoma Ekelem
Nieces and Nephew
United States

 

I write this with a heavy heart but am consoled by the fact that you are in a better place free of pain .

Uncle Willy to say I will miss you is an understatement! Even though I had not seen you for a couple of years, I received news of your health challenge with so much sadness. 

You happened to be one of my closest Uncles growing up. Your generosity was next to none. I remember every time I had to go back to boarding house and would visit you to inform you. How you would always give me some pocket money and on some occasions toiletries and the likes. 

I remember your excitement whenever you saw us your nieces and nephews . I remember how you would hail me 'Uche' Uche' .
After we lost our dad, you would always check up on our mum. You were indeed a kind hearted man .

Even though you have gone too soon, we are consoled that you are resting with the lord  I pray that the lord will strengthen all of us your loved ones and continue to console and comfort us all in Jesus name

Rest in perfect peace dearest Uncle

Uche Erukunuakpor
(Niece)