A Tribute to Excellence

Chief Sunday Sylvester Anosike: A Symbol of Distinction

December 2, 2006.

First and foremost, it behoves me to utilise the medium of this piece of writing to share my personal sentiments not only about the purpose of this home-going and celebration of life, but also about the individual in whose honour we have assembled. It is, indeed, with mixed emotions that I pay this homage to Chief Sunday Sylvester Anosike, "Akajiaku I of Obizi," "Ahu Dike Akaruo Ihesiriya of Okpulo, Umuobo, Ngwa,"a.k.a. "Onye isi,""War," who made a peaceful transition to heavenly rest earlier in October 2006. Despite the fact that I am not his biological son, Chief Anosike never failed to play the role of a father to me and, without any bias, hindrance or let, he showered onto me the same amount of affection that he gave his own biological children. Therefore, to reciprocate his kind gestures and love towards me, I have made it a point of duty to return from my base in Washington, DC, U.S.A. and be physically present to participate in the funeral rites and activities by which he is being accorded the farewell that befits a great man of his substance and social status.

Fondly and respectfully called "Lieutenant General" by many, Chief Anosike was, indeed, a very unique human being and a rare breed by virtue of the clear fact that, among his peers, he was the only one that not only raised his own children, but also raised his grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and several other members of his extended family, in his effort to build and sustain the entire family. Akajiaku was a humanitarian of the first order and was so generous and soft-hearted to the point that whenever he went to collect a debt from his debtors, he would break down in tears and eventually settle for a kolanut only. In addition, he was quite open-minded and never secretive even about the affairs of his immediate family. While his initiatives and performances in our community reflect talent, achievement, social involvement, and a consistent quest for quality, the significant personal qualities of this special man cannot be underestimated nor taken for granted. Always cheerful and pleasant in his disposition, Chief Anosike was a very outstanding individual who never failed to motivate people genuinely with useful ideas, philosophy of life, and calls to positive actions. A man of unwavering public commitment, known to me personally also as a man of unquestionable character, he proved to be quite generous in terms of sharing his good values and virtues with everyone that came across him.

Today, as I go down the memory lane, I recall, with nostalgia, Chief Anosike’s younger years, in the decade of the 1980s, when he would simply reply “Hallo” to anyone that greeted him. But, I also recall that, as time rolled by and he grew older, he changed such a snappy reply to “God Bless You.” As fate would dictate, the last time Akajiaku gave me this reply has apparently turned out to be a true blessing to me because, since the news of his death reached me, I have experienced and recorded recurrent episodes of good luck and financial gains in my business. As a devout Christian and responsible family man, Akajiaku has always remained loyal and dedicated not only to public interest, but also to his family and his community. In addition, despite the fact that Akajiaku was a practicing Roman Catholic by religious faith, he was the only one that I know, who, over the years, always actively supported and participated in the special events of other religious denominations like church harvests, launchings, etc. Indeed, Akajiaku was very liberal and never discriminated or segregated against any individual or group of persons and, to the best of my knowledge and observation, he has always risen to the occasion, with untiring energy and unflagging zeal, whenever he was beaconed to do so in the interest of mankind. It was actually in genuine appreciation of his magnanimity, benevolence, and outreach to all and sundry that the late Mazi Paul Njoku humorously invested him with the nickname, "War."

Therefore, this special funeral should not only commemorate the magnitude and substance of a man of Chief Anosike's social standing, but should equally serve as a memento of his remarkable accomplishments and good virtues. Sincerely, through words alone, it is impossible for me to personally convey the sense of loss and sadness that his demise has given me. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that this tribute-giving message will represent, in its own humble way, my personal salute and literary contribution to the joint efforts to accord Akajiaku the public recognition and honour he so well deserves. Certainly, I am of the opinion that we should all uphold and be inspired by Chief Anosike’s wonderful example. As such, on this occasion of his home-going celebrations, I speak for all his children, wards, and friends in different parts of the world in paying tribute to Akajiaku Obizi. At the same time, I personally grieve for his demise because I, among millions, will certainly miss his paternal wisdom, kindness, guidance, extraordinary sense of humour, and warm and pleasant disposition. In addition, I am quite convinced that, apart from his fellow natives of Umuigbe “Igbe n’elo uwa” kindred who will miss him dearly, the natives of Umuawam and Umuchima, Umuosisi and, in fact, the entire Obizi autonomous community will surely miss him as well.

Finally, while I salute and pay glowing tribute to the deceased, I also should not fail to extend my commendation and gratitude to his nuclear family, particularly, his beloved wife and life-long soul mate, Lolo Theresa Anosike, a.k.a. "Nneoha," whose most enthusiastic encouragement, devotion, and uncompromising support contributed, in no small measure, towards sustaining her husband over the decades during which he built a brilliant career in business. It is, of course, through her good deeds, loyalty, vision, and perseverance as well as the public solidarity and outpouring of love being demonstrated at this burial that their union blossomed peacefully for several decades. May the Lord Almighty grant a peaceful repose to the soul of the deceased. To our father, mentor, and benefactor, Chief Sunday Sylvester Anosike, "Akajiaku Obizi," "Onye Isi," "Lt. General," "War," I doff my hat and say Adieu! La N' Udo! Ga Nkeoma! Fare Thee Well!

Humbly Submitted,

Nze Godspower Ngozi Nwanevu, "Ala-Obizi,"

(For the entire Nwanevu Family of Obizi, Ezinihitte L.G.A., Mbaise).