Behold, the news of your loss was one of the most uncomfortable things we
have had to handle recently, although we had for sometime been expecting it.
It was a time of immense emotions as we reflected on what you went through and
It was a time of immense emotions as we reflected on what you went through and
all the hurt you had to put up with as we searched for ways to contain all you
were going through. It is sad to know that in spite of all our wishes, we had no
answers to your needs.All your struggles keep coming back to me in the
context of the inadequate care facilities. But what is clear is that you are now
comfortable and all those hurts are no more. As we give thanks to theAlmighty
for knowing everything about you and the life you lived, we take comfort in the
fact that you are now resting.
Orlando, as you were popularly known at Achi, we first met and knew ourselves
as aspiring budding teenagers who were out to taste and understand what life
had on offer, at the Anglican Boys Grammar School,Achi. It was through the
ups and downs of establishing our identities that we nurtured a relationship
which blossomed, and remarkably, did not die but was exported out, enabling
me to make a daring inroad into your family to grab a life companion.
The crucial point here, my good friend, is that it was through you that I became a
The crucial point here, my good friend, is that it was through you that I became a
part of the great Ekelem family. It will be naïve to under-estimate this point
which indeed, needs esteeming because of the impact on my life. It means that
without you, I would not have the immediate family I have today.This is why I
will miss you because you were not only a classmate and a friend but alsoan in-
law, all put together. I thank God for the life you lived and for all the ways you
impacted the family which I later became a part of.
As we celebrate the life you lived, I can only look with nostalgia, the
memorable times we shared together. Even, when in the middle of 2007, you
visited us, the memories of those early days would not stop crowding in on me.
I recall with admiration, the wholesome influence— all well known to me—
you exerted on your family. It was so obvious to me that you were very proud
and supportive of the family and did not relent on being there especially for
your siblings.You were generous to them, and would often undertake sacrifices
just to make sure that there was peace.
Orlando, you fought a good fight.You were a peace lover, an organiser and someone who feared God, all worthy
Orlando, you fought a good fight.You were a peace lover, an organiser and someone who feared God, all worthy
attributes heaped together. Wherever you are my good friend, rest in peaceand
may our goodAlmighty Lord grant you eternity.Adieu, until we meet again.
Dr Leonard OKONKWO
Friend/Brother-In-Law
United Kingdom