The body of late Chief Ishmael Nnanna Dike, Nye-Nwe Ali Akami (Ogbogoro) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was committed to mother earth over the weekend.
It was indeed a celebration of life for the patriarch whom many said lived a worthy life on earth.
In an inter-denominational funeral service in honour of the deceased, Rev. Dr. Josiah Abaiyim of the Grandeur Ministries Ogbogoro who led other ministers of God, said in his sermon that it was a good thing for one to die in the lord, adding that for one to live in the minds of his/her beloved is not to die.
He praised the deceased for living a life worthy of emulation as testified by his people themselves and urged Christians to endeavor to live a good and Christ-like life that would determine their destination (heaven or hell) after here on earth.
In the funeral oration read by one of the deceased daughters, Barr (Miss) Priscilla Dike, the late Chief Dike was said to be a peaceful and kind hearted ruler who will be missed by all and sundry.
She declared that her father’s reign in Ogbogoro witnessed a lot of developmental strides and will actually be leaving a big shoe for his successor and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In a random sampling of opinions, it was obvious the late Chief Dike was a good man who has left his footprints on the sands of time.
Mr. James Dike his first son, described his father as a good man who was committed to the comfort of others. He thanked God for the long and fruitful reign of his father on the throne and wished everybody to take after his footsteps.
Curtis Ezenwenga Dike, a grandson, said one of the late Chief’s legacies was honesty, peaceful disposition and transparency, urging all to emulate him as well.
Barrister Justice Amadi said it was good for one to live a good and worthy life like the deceased, advising the family members to be more united now that he is gone.
All those who spoke to our correspondent, like Chief Charles Clement, Engr. E. D. Worlu, Chief Sunny Tasie, Mr. Dennis Nwokem, Mr. George Ihuigwe, Chief Okechukwu Vincent Ikechi, Bekwele Dike, Mr. Igwe C. Dike, Dep. Controller of Customs rtd, all foster sons Barr (Mrs.) Blessing Amadi and Comrade Oru Nwobueze, the Obio/Akpor ANPP youth leader, all hailed the triumphant exit of late Chief I. N. Dike.
They agreed to his selfless services and commitment to the peace progress and unity of his community. They were also unanimous in their opinion on the late patriarch’s legacy.
In their separate interviews, they advised the community to look for a worthy successor who will consolidate on his achievements. They also urged the family members left behind to be united and emulate their father’s footsteps in all their life endeavours, including embracing the way of God, and maintaining a cordial relationship with all.
By Joe Kalu
