One year in memory: My encounter with Chike Akunyili

BY AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM

It was a sorrowful day one year ago, when the children, family members, friends and many Nigerians were thrown into sudden mourning by unknown gunmen of the south-east.

Yes, that day wouldn’t have been what any kind-hearted and patriotic fellow would have prayed for because it is marked by grief in the hearts of the children and family of the late Dr Chike John Akunyili.

Indeed a great man was lost to that tragic incident at Umuoji, Idemili North LGA of Anambra state while on his way from an event which was organised to honour his wife as one of the pioneer members, by the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA).

To that incident, a life was lost. But to many, a fatherly figure, a philanthropist, a breadwinner, a benefactor, among others, was smoked out for no just reason.

But to me, a man of many paths was gunned down by still unknown gunmen of his eastern enclave. What a pity!

Since the demise of his wife, I had been adopted into the family to function as an adopted son and a media consultant. My first encounter with him was in 2014 on the final day of the series of ceremonies to bid Professor Dora farewell. It was a befitting burial ceremony organised by him and the children to give their beloved and Nigeria’s finest a memorable departure. And it was, no doubt!

Without mincing words, Dr Chike is a good man to a fault! He’s one man I know that values the worth of friendship and family. You can never have an encounter with him either as a first-timer or family friend without him telling you about his family; and how their respective accomplishments give him joy despite the demise of their mother. To crown it up, he would say: “I know that Dora will be smiling in heaven now.”

In the eight years since he lost his beautiful wife, he never let a year go by without celebrating and honouring her memory — either with an organised symposium or sponsoring a page in newspapers, sharing developments in the family.

So painful he was murdered; but to me, his good spirit was not defeated. He has blazed home in glory. He’s a man who impacted his world. A philanthropist of note. A surgeon of repute. A dutiful, caring and loving man.

I could recall the very day you were conferred the title of Papal Knight of St. John International by the Pope for humanitarian and selfless service to the seminarians for four uninterrupted decades. It was indeed a glorious and happiest day for you that you could be remembered all the way from Rome.

Surely, your memory and that of your wife would be fondly kept in my heart and that of the people whose lives you have touched.

A good man is gone. Rest well, my friend and daddy.

We’ll miss you. Rest well, the Agbalanze of Agulu. Rest well, Omeyi. Rest well, the son of Julius and Virginia Akunyili.

May God continue to bless your soul Dr Chike John Akunyili…. KSJI KSS

And may your children have the heart to carry on on the legacies you and your wife stood firmly for.

Akinwunmi Ibrahim is a photojournalist based in Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]