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Late Mazi Ndudim, Onyechigoziri |
ONE YEAR
AFTER; A LETTER TO MY FATHER ONYECHIGOZIRI, MAZI EMMANUEL UTAEGBULEM NDUDIM
BY CHIEF CHINEDUM
NDUDIM
So it is 365
days already since the sad news of your transition hit the world leaving your
family, friends and well wishers devastated in deep mourning? May 3, 2021; just
like yesterday. Very unforgettable. It
was sad and shocking news of heavy weight dimensions. I was in a daze and remained
in silent rumination for a while digesting the realities of life.
Despite that
no one expected your transition at the time it happened, we are still very
grateful to God that it was peaceful and a deserved rest for a man who during
his life time was at peace with God and man.
After a period of 12 months since your
departure, let me quickly give you a situation report about what has happened in
your homestead as well as around your various constituencies of church and
community.
Your dear
wife Nwanne continues to miss you dearly. However she still continues to be in
tip top shape health wise. We are all so happy with the way she has coped with
your passing. Dee Emma (Onyechigoziri) as she fondly called you, you well know that you were
all she knew in a man and she has not stopped telling the world how she misses
your presence.
On my part, your
son, Chinedum Jackson, the baton of overseeing the entire Emmanuel Utaegbulem Ndudim
immediate and extended families which you handed over to me is very heavy yet
it seems simple because of my very strong belief that you are there giving me
covering fire so to speak. Thank you Dee Emma, my father.
My brothers Chibizor , Chukwuemeka ( Young), Onyinyechi and Kelechi and sister Afoma Ottih remain thankful
to you for the guidance and direction you gave.
Very fond
memories of you are still etched in the minds of your grand and great grand children.
Umuda, the people
you left behind is still progressing in the line of peace you were part of
instilling….Umuda mara iwu was a regular cliché from you and a quick reminder
for all to be law abiding always.
The only surviving member of Ikerionwu age grade, Umuda, Isingwu Dee Nnochiri say he misses you as head of Umuonuoha family and also as their former Chairman.
Community
folks who called you so many pet names like Emmabro, Ogbuzuru, Dee Emma or
Onyechigoziri say they are consoled by the fact that you lived well
At the St.
James Methodist church Umuda, Isingwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia were your role in service
of God as life time usher is well noted, the clergy and lay people often speak
of you in glowing terms.
You were
indeed, a man for all seasons. You made your mark in family, community as well
as in the church.
Rest on in
the Lord your creator Pa Mazi Emmanuel Utaegbulem Ndudim, Onyechigoziri (1923-2021)