Even with the passage of time since the staggering news broke, the shock refuses to go, the trauma persists, disbelief lingers. How do we get to grips with the irreversible reality that our own dear Dr. Emman, the charismatic Chairman of the Alor Dinma Initiative, is no more? Our solace lies only in the fact that the grave is man’s inescapable destination. The mystery is the timing for each individual. Dr. Emman’s time came a wee bit too early.
To us in ADI, this loss is one too many, given that we have still been reeling in the agony inflicted by two earlier closely spaced passings from among us. And now this!! Just what has invaded our fullness? Enough, Oh Lord, enough, no more.
Emman hailed from a cerebral ancestry, being a scion of Maazi Richard Oyeka, a very prominent intellectual dignitary of the olden Alor. It is no surprise, therefore, that at a relatively tender age,
Emman effortlessly glided through the primary and secondary schooling stages and took on medical studies at the University of Nigeria. Even with the rigours of clinical courses, he had time for medical students’ politics and went on to serve as the President of the African Association of Medical Students. On qualifying as a medical doctor, he proceeded to specialise in the sphere of Public Health. Never really working for any organisation, he invoked his remarkable management aptitude to establish a private medical facility (Ceo Clinic) at Onitsha, in partnership with a professional colleague. Their success is there for all to see. It has been such a pleasure to count Dr. Emman as one of the public health experts from Alor, a town commonly relegated by detractors to the discreditable occupation characterised by hussleful mercantilism.
Dr. Emman was among those who set sail in the freshly launched ADI schooner in early 2003. Thus, he ardently helped guide its voyage in its nearly quarter century life. His dedication to the Association as a consistently physically present member right from inception was a pivotal credential when, some two years ago, he was considered roundly fit to lead ADI as its next Chairman. With an enthusiastic Executive, he took on the leadership mantle that brought his charm to the fore. He enunciated a set of directional canons configured to rejuvenate ADI for a more impactful performance of tasks all along set out in furtherance of Alor developmental momentum. This rejuvenation drive speaks to the original mission and vision of the founding members of the Association, all with emphasis on the shared intent of making Alor the ultimate model of pastoral liveability.
Now, with Dr. Emman’s irreversible absence, a large puncture has appeared in the ADI apex leadership hierarchy. We fervently pray that the team he has been malevolently snatched from will vigorously drive his reinvigoration agenda to desirable fruition. That would be the worthiest parting gift to him.
Dr. Emman was a family man per excellence. He had been duly betrothed to, and fully fulfilled with, a consummate jurist, Honourable Justice Ngozi, as his devoted consort. It is to this nuclear unit, along with the larger Oyeka dynasty, that we deliver our profoundest commiserations. We, as the ADI collective, are no less hurtfully deprived by this grievous loss.
Our own dearest Emman, we are sorely missing your allure, suavity, and debonair personality. Fare thee well to our Lord’s bosom. Adieu
• Chief Chijioke Uzokwe is the Vice Chairman of ADI, while Prof. Anthonia Umezulike is Secretary.
