Tribute To A Great Friend

Ife-Eji Udo Eme Na Nnewi

You fought a brave and strong battle but the illness would not allow you to get better. You took each day in stride, never really complaining, always feeling tired and always hoping that the treatments would finally end so you could get on with your life. This was my hope too.

And it seems to me you lived your life with us

Like a candle in the wind:

Never fading with the sunset

When the rain set in.

And your footsteps will always fall here,

Amongst us the Centenary set;

Your candle’s burned out long before

Your legend ever will.

A lovely guy, a jolly good fellow, great goal keeper and football analyst per excellence, inside and out, was a wonderful friend to us, supporting our cause for over 35 years with his gentle and caring nature. One of his beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people, saying what needs to be said because it’s good for the relationship and for the soul. I always admired how you never judged or forced your opinions on anyone even at AHOBA EXCO, but offered valuable and truthful advice with humour, that I will surely miss.

You always kept your sense of humor and even at sick bay.

Dampolo Ife Eji Udo Eme Na Nnewi you are one in a million! Rest in peace a great man of AHOBA Centenary set!

You will always be remembered by all of us!

• Obi Adibe writes from Asaba, Delta State.