In Rememberance of--------NLOGHA ENWELUM OKEKE MD,FACS.

It has been a year since Ndi Igbo and Nigeria lost one of their brightest and most illustrious sons in the person of Dr Nlogha Enwelum Okeke. In a period of months, Dr Okechukwu Ikejiani, Dr Nlogha Okeke and Dr Ene Henshaw ( Cross River State) passed on, leaving Eastern Nigeria without three of her brightest pioneers in the field of Medicine. They were never appreciated for their contributions because the powers ruling Nigeria for the past forty years have no appreciation for true greatness.

This write up was first posted a few days after Dr okeke passed away. I will repost it as a rememberance of a great and humble man, for those who are new on the forum.

CE


A TRIBUTE TO NLOGHA ENWELUM OKEKE MD,FACS.

"That man is a Success"

Who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent women and men,
and the love of children;
who never lacks appreciation of the earth's beauty,
or fails to express it;
who follows his dreams,
and pursues excellence in such task;
and who brings out the best in others,
and gives only the best of himself. ------
Bessie Anderson

The above poem adapted from an original verse by Bessie Anderson totally describes the life of Dr Nlogha Enwelum Okeke during his journey through this world. When news of his passing reached me at work recently week, I was stunned beyond words. The caller asked if I was still there and as I attempted to answer, my phone as if sensing my shock cut off at that moment. I quietly went back to what I was doing but my mind was not there.Even my co workers noticed and made inquiries. They expressed their sympathy, but of course they did not understand the magnitude of the loss. I was very grieved, feeling a painful sadness but as I thought back to how long I had known my beloved aunt's sweetheart, I realized it was my entire life, as far back as I can remember. I was amazed at how fast the time had passed with me already at mid life , Dr Okeke must have grown old and I never realized or expected it. He was always in top shape, handsome as ever, unruffled and ever so kind to everyone especially children. I am not saying that anybody who has grown old should die, not at all, but my shock and utter bewilderment at the news slowly gave way to acceptance of the fact that we are all here for a season before we go back to our maker. I cannot start telling stories about Dr Okeke because I will not have enough space. The poem I borrowed above has told it all for me. I will tell only one short story to drive my point home. Many years ago I went home to visit with my young children and we visited my aunt Ifeoma's house at Enugu. My youngest was just over two years old and he still used a pacifier (sucker). He was so dependent on it that I always carried a spare in my bag in case we lost the one he always had in his mouth. As soon as Dr Okeke saw the children his eyes lit up and he was chatting with them and invited two year old Ugo to come to him. He perched on his lap and they conversed . Dr Okeke had a way with children. Left to me he should have been a Pediatrician instead of a Surgeon. The next thing I knew, Ugo pulled the pacifier out of his mouth and offered it to Dr Okeke. That was very serious because the boy would not let anybody touch his pacifier not even me. If it fell to the floor, he would hold it while he was taken to the sink to wash it. On this day, he offered it to Dr Okeke who thanked him and quietly put it in his pocket. When we were leaving he put it in my bag when Ugo wasn't looking. On the way back to Nnewi, Ugo remembered his pacifier and the other children and I were worried about his reaction which would have been prolonged crying until I found the spare, but instead he declared---- " I gave it to big uncle, he can have it " and that was the end of sucking a pacifier. I had no idea what they talked about. My heart goes out to my aunt Ifeoma because she and her beloved husband were so close. Losing him will compare to loosing one arm, but since we know where he is and with the great hope that we shall all meet again, we will continue praying for her and the family he left behind that the Good Lord will uphold and comfort them as they grieve this great loss.
He is gone from our midst but we know he is with the Lord and with that great assurance, I will close with another borrowed poem titled " AWAY" by James Whitcomb Riley

I cannot say, I will not sayThat he is dead. he is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fairIt needs must be,
since he lingers thereAnd you -- oh you,
who the wildest yearnFor old time step and the glad return--
Think of him faring on, as dear in the love of There as the love of Here;
And loyal still, as he gave the blows
Of his warrior strength to his country's foes----
Mild and gentle, as he was brave,
When the sweetest love of his life he gaveTo simple things;
where the violets grewPure as the eyes they were likened to,
The touches of his hands have strayed
As reverently as his lips have prayed;
When little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was dear to him as the mocking-bird;
And he pitied as much as a man in pain
A writhing honey-bee wet with rain.
Think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead- he is just away! ---------
James Whitcomb Riley.

With the incredible legacy Dr Nlogha Enwelum Okeke left behind, I will boldly say like the poet --- He is not dead-- he is just away, at the bossom of the Lord--- May The Lord's Name Be Praised! Amen.

Chinwe (Odunukwe) Enemchukwu Orlando, Florida
USA.