The Eulogy of My Father. By William Chukwudi Emegano
3 min read
It is a pleasure and gratitude to tell the story of God’s blessing on my family with my father’s 110 years. Papa planted the importance of education in me from childhood. At the beginning of my high school days he took me to a bookshop at Owerri Main Market and introduced me to a book store keeper. He told the man to give me any book/requested for school till I finish my high school education.
Papa modeled his values into his children through moral instructions.
He lived the life he modeled and everyone that knew him experienced the love. A man with great pragmatism and enormous integrity. God’s grace enabled Papa to live long and gave him the ability to love people in truth and honesty.
The Lord is preeminent in Papa’s life, his faith in God was unshakable, the love for his family and the health of his family was paramount. He would conduct the prayers at church whenever the Parish priest has another assignment in the community. This was the case in every community Papa served as a headmaster.
Papa’s relationship with man was based on love, peace and understanding. Papa’s priority was expressed in love of God health care and security of the family. During days of vaccinations in the 60s, Papa made sure every school child and their parents were vaccinated. He would announce in churches, schools and every gathering in the community about the vaccination. Papa had the ability through the grace of God to create consciousness about Jesus Christ in the community and he was well loved and appreciated.
Papa taught us moral instruction in terms of fear of God and love of others. He was never anxious about anything, a wise man, very humble and intelligent and always a God fearing man, A saint I would call him. Personally I feel, at my early age I was difficult for my father to manage as a child, still I have never seen Papa got angry with me with all the disappointments I have put him through, rather he would redirect and give me a lecture on better ways to correct my mistakes.
Papa was a Catholic headmaster in 1960’s, 70s and 80s. He served in many places including Ngodo Isuochi, Umu Awa Ibu, Aro Ndiizuogu and Okwe.
Papa was popular and efficient in administration of school and students. Papa’s commitment to the school children created confidence that is manifested in students near perfect attendance throughout the school year. Papa fed Biafran soldiers each time they were going to war passing through our house.
During the war there was scarcity of food and Papa was a successful farmer which enabled my parents to express their generosity in feeding the Biafra soldiers each time they came across our home.
Papa will be missed, however we are glad to have a senior angel watching over us until we meet again. Amen.
