A Tribute to My Papa, Nine Years After

I write this tribute to a great man; my father Chief Sir John Okparaji Obele JP (KSB) as I reminisce on nine years gone by.

“A good name is better than riches”, the Good Book says. Apa, you left us a good name as our legacy. I always feel a melody in my heart, each time I hear “Are you Chief Obele of Agbonchia’s daughter? Your father was a good man.”

Apa, it’s been tough I can’t lie. It’s gotten worse in the past two years our Mum left to join you. Hmmm. Somehow I tell myself it would get better, that it has to get better. I would keep hope alive. You know, you guys taught us to trust in God. Many thanks for that. Much more than the education and good name, is the fact that you led us in the fear of God. It has been our Staying Power.

You taught me to be self confident and always reminded me that I was very intelligent and precious. Apa, your teaching has come in handy, at very trying times. And the icing on the cake is your teaching about God; now more than ever before, He is my All-in-All.

I raise this tribute to honor you and our memory of you. I’m not crying. The pain has kind of caked, so it’s permanent and I’m getting along.  I renew my resolve to make you proud by building on your legacy. I will overcome every obstacle with my head held high.

All twelve of us are doing well. God has indeed been good to us.

Sleep on. We love you today as always.

Osy the girl.