The Nigeria Defence Adviser to the UN. Maj.-Gen. Lincoln Ogunewe, has commended his U.S military counterparts for standing by him in the time grief.
The U.S military officials were in the country for the funeral rites of late Dr Kenneth Okoye, who was Ogunewe’s father in-law.
The deceased, Okoye, 82 was a medical doctor, a former Chief Medicine Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital.
He was buried at his ancestral home at Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra on March 14.
Ogunewe commended his colleagues who came to “share in grief over death of my in-law.
“Your valued presence here at Nnewi has helped me and my wife to overcome the grief and we pray God to grant you journey mercies as you get back to your various destinations.
“I recalled that during the Church service at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Umuenem Otolo, Nnewi, Ven. Chike Nwizu, had admonished that no amount of prayers would raise the dead.
“l feel deeply sorrowful because this is a man who was not only a father in-law to me, but a friend, who was full of compassion.
“He had passion for God and man. He was never influenced by power or affluence.
“When I came to marry his daughter, there were many suitors and they were rich and he cautioned the daughter saying, not all that glitter is gold.
“My consolation is that he had a good relation with God and man on earth and therefore assured that you are resting in the blossom of the Lord,’’ the Nigeria Defence Adviser to UN said.
Nwizu said: “it is necessary to do good and live in peace at all times like the late Okoye did, because the only time left is when one is alive.
“After life there is death, after death, there is judgment. No matter your education qualification, you can’t take it to heaven. Show an exemplary life when you are alive to justify your live on earth.
“Try to live at peace with people; there is no repentance in the grave. Kenneth lived a good life which was testified by all.
“Are you also at peace with God? We have to believe in God in all we do”.
Also speaking at the funeral, the Commander, 302 Military Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Abubakar Bello, urged the bereaved to take heart, stressing that God in his infinite mercies would grant them the heart to bear the irreparable loss.
“We are here to condole with our senior colleague in the military, Maj.-Gen. Ogunewe and the Okoye family’’.
The deceased wife, Madam Ngozi Okoye said: “I had the opportunity and privilege of being the wife of the most loving, honest, considerate, hardworking, God-fearing, compassionate man and wonderful father to our kids.
“Keep him Jesus in your keeping till I reach that shinning shore and love him as I did before’’.
Also Mr Emeka Okoye, the eldest son, described his father as a teacher, motivator and mentor.
“These lessons without even knowing it helped to shape my life to what I am today. I pride myself as a good person with great attitude, thanks to you daddy,’’ Emeka said.
The dignitaries at the event include: the National Security Adviser, Retired Col. Sabo Dasuki, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. T.B. Samuel and General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Shehu Yusuf, represented by Col. Joseph Ogbonna.
