“It’s a sad reality that this huge crowd so normal around Ifeanyi’s bubbling life and times is now to celebrate his farewell. It is unfair personal challenge that a friend whose boundless energy I envy, and liveliness that my entire family adores, took this cheerless walk to eternity without a whisper of notice, nor a window for any goodbye, however brief and painful.”
Though my junior by age, and businessmen by grooming, we became friends in quiet circumstances that was rapid in mutual trust, bonding and respect, that quickly matured into brothers and family. Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, was decidedly passionate and intense in whatever he does and how he does it. He was possibly without us knowing it, racing and roaring with time to accomplish his mission and commission on this side of mortality.
From businesses to politics, sports to philanthropy, Distinguished Sen Ubah, was an unusual sprinter with remarkable guts. He most times simply bursts out and breasts the tape while others are still warming up at the start line. Yet in his speed and haste, he keeps so much space to lift the burdens of others along his life’s track. His heart of giving is quite so large, that lack of money does not frustrate his spirit. He easily borrow millions to help friends and that I know as a fact.
When it comes to giving, ladies and gentlemen, I doff my hat for Ifeanyi. He simply has no attachment to money and it’s weight, except as a solution to what he wished attended to at that time, either to the vulnerables, families or friends. Sen Ifeanyi for sure made money, but as he makes it, he gave it. Friends and folks will remember and miss him for this specially. Of course, the family as broken as they have endured, will heal I pray. They should soak the rain of tributes for their patriarch, the showers of mercies from our prayers, to grow the strength for recovery and comfort.
How can anyone forget the core of our veteran Dr Coscharis Maduka’s tribute, his brother and associate, that should be our take home memory lesson from this event.? “That Heaven and Earth are happy when you quarrel, fight, forgive and re-unite to become better. We are more human by giving and forgiving, and my brother Sen. Uba is a personal exemple. Yes, we had issues, but we also overcame those issues, and actually got along better long ago. I therefore put it on record here, that promoters of that discord should now rest permanently”.
To all of us alive, Death remain our human mystery, indeed an irreversible leveller. It makes us equal in a common nothingness when the time is up. And perhaps, our Almighty God’s reminder that He holds the key, the access, and the duration. As the blazing light of Chukwubuluzo has dimmed, I say goodbye to a dear friend triumphant, and a brother forever missed. Adieu and rest in peace, Distinguished Senator.
Tony Okonkwo is the GMD/CEO, Topwide Group, Lagos.
