Those who know the history and quality of our friendship will easily appreciate the sorrow and sadness created by your sudden exit. Yet, I am very grateful to God Almighty for the opportunity to eulogize you at death. The sincerity of your love for me required no proof but there are two significant things that happened recently, that would perhaps, serve that purpose for those who do not realize the depth of our relationship. First, one early morning, just before the New Year, you expressed desire to visit me. Your wife, Barr Mrs. Carol Okorafor, drove you to the house straight from your usual early morning Mass. My security guard initially indicated that it was too early as I was still on bed, but you made him to go and mention your name. I quickly ran out and we had a very pleasant and about an hour conversation before you departed. I felt so good about it because it was part of what I was missing since ill-health restricted your movement. Second, I searched but couldn’t find a flight ticket to come home on Friday February 10, 2023 to attend a neighbors’ burial rites, so I picked the one of Thursday evening rather and made dinner appointment with a colleague at Uyo. The plan was for me to come into Arochukwu on Friday afternoon before the wake that evening. However, on arrival at Uyo, I felt that the timing wasn’t too bad to still get home before darkness, so I cancelled the dinner appointment and went home straight. Being on ground at home afforded me the opportunity to be part of your requiem Mass and internment which occurred that same Friday February 10, 2023 in deference to your wish. Now, these were not mere coincidences, but activities perfectly planned out divinely to grant me the rare privilege for which I would remain eternally grateful. The news was sudden, so momentarily, I was stunned, not because death does not occur; but because of the natural resentment one feels whenever a close person departs to eternity. The mystery of death dominated my thoughts for a while and it dawned on me that the exit of the handsome, elegant, intelligent, frank, outspoken, amiable, urbane and courageous Chris was a reality and that death is a price which every mortal owes. Close associates of Chris would readily admit that he was a personification of humility, simplicity and open mindedness. There were no age limitations as far as those attributes were concerned. He was at peace with himself, a peace maker and an impeccable character who believed more in good name and goodwill than earthly riches. He took me as a son and availed me support to realize several endeavors. A great man is known by his worthy causes, just as a great warrior is known by his valor. The true length of an iroko is never accurately measured until it’s down. Such is the vacuum his absence shall create. Chris, a titan by every standard and a scarce personality is no more. Indeed, the glamor is gone.
Chris, it will be impossible to forget your numerous fatherly roles – a mentoring program to sharpen my interest in literary works and management consultancy, great encouragement when I founded Aro News media in 1996, huge intellectual support that culminated in my successful doctoral degree program overseas, great excitement that follow each encounter we had, and the ebullient manner you would introduce me to dignitaries around you, etc.
Your role in Aro News media is worth restating as a mark of final respect and honor. One, a written word remains a testimonial which is indelible for life. Two, to credit you for the great sacrifices you made for the cause of enlightenment and community development. Until death, you served as editorial consultant on pro borno to Aronewsonline & Co. You held a similar position in Aro News Publications Ltd before the new management team took over. You authored several research articles that are published in Aro News Book Series and you hosted a dinner party in your country home to mark our 10th year anniversary in 2006. Thus, your contributions made the tabloid, the book series and the website popular amongst readers. Aro News is now a brand and an institution comprising of Aro News Newspaper– owned by Aro News Publications Ltd and its shareholders, Aro Newsonline, the Website – owned by Aro Newsonline & Co, Aro News Book Series – copyright owner of the trilogy, Perspectives on Aro History and Civilization: The Splendor of a Great Past Vols. 1, 2 & 3. Consequently, the Board and Management approved a special edition in your honor. Only very few persons have been so recognized at it’s accorded solely to people that made significant contributions in the life of the medium and Arochukwu kingdom. The edition shall come with a black masthead to signify the mournful mood. In journalism, major calamities attract this sort of treatment as a mark of respect. In this wise, your sacrifices for the cause of knowledge, mass communication and community development shall not be in vain.
On occasions like this also, particularly when a loved one associated with my early life departs; I mentally reconnect with my childhood, especially as a young boy at Aro-Achi and Aro-Mbala. In times past, the Achi community of Enugu State and Mbala-Isuochi of Abia State were two of the most vibrant Ulo-ubi of the Aro. I have no doubt that the vibrancy of these communities had a lot to do with the caliber of the Aro that founded and inhabited those abodes. My early life was shaped by the peculiarities of these Aro communities. At first, it was Aro-Achi; later Aro-Mbala, then back to Aro-Achi and finally, Aro-ulo. Mazi Chris devoted time in his articles on Arochukwu history and culture and explored how each of these communities were founded and how their growth powered Aro Empire and the implications of those histories to the rise and fall of Aro hegemony. Over a glass of red wine, we often debated these histories and he promised and eventually fulfilled his promise to put most of it on record to ensure that future generations have reference materials and sources to continue the exploration of the history of the Aro nation. Indeed, I counted myself lucky being his mentee. As the Igbo saying goes, if a youngster washes his hands well, he shall dine with kings, Mazi Chris was a blessing and a treasure that we shall be celebrating until eternity. Aside from my immediate parents, significant uncles such as Mazi Chris dominated the events of my early and middle ages. It has been my style to regard them as great pillars in the history of my existence. Chris has joined the likes of Mazi Fredrick Okereke Uja Okoro Akuma, Dede Edward Ezumah Okoroji, Mazi Dennis Okoronkwo Oriri, etc. who went earlier. Now that he has joined the departed team, you can imagine my poor state. Nevertheless, I remain grateful to God for their lives on earth and the opportunity to celebrate them.
Chris, with your passing on, death has snatched from us an unassuming, polite, frank, courageous, and God fearing gentleman. We are sad because of the vacuum created by your absence but happy because the Almighty allows events to occur in the fullness of their times. You were bold and you courted excellence in all your endeavors. You excelled in your public sector career and retired meritoriously into private business and consultancy. You left imprints that continued to speak volumes about your integrity in different spheres of life. Your hearty and charming smiles, smooth conversation, elegant and fashionable dressing and quick pace remained distinct traits that distinguished your personality. Indeed, you loved good life exceptionally, courted the thrills it brought such that no one close to you was in doubt that you lived happily. You cared, loved and did all within your capacity to assist family, relations and community. In every sense of the word, you were an accomplished and a cultivated gentleman. Your modesty was disarming and your comportment and integrity impeccable. You completely paid your dues and left golden footprints on the sands of time. As you depart, I shall take solace in our high quality friendship and the unfailing love of the God that does not change. May He grant your soul eternal repose, console your family, relations, friends, Amuvi, Arochukwu and the rest of humanity whom your love touched. I shall remember you till eternity. Adieu.
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