A TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM – OCHENDO ABATETE!!!

The news of your departure came to me with a rude shock that shocked me down to my spine. Infact, it coincidentally happened on my Birthday, 3rd May which was supposed to be a day of joy, merry and Thanksgiving to God for another opportunity to witness my birthday. But the news of your demise automatically changed the narrative. To say that I was shattered, confused and devastated was an understatement. My grieve and cries was uncontrollable, because you were my all in all. You were everything to me, infact, without you there is no me today. Everything I have become today, you made it possible. I see you as my second God, after God Almighty. You never allowed me and my siblings to ever feel that we are orphans. OCHENDO ABATETE, you were a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and an accomplished statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire all those whose lives you touched. Your departure has left a deep void, but I am strongly comforted in the fact that I already aware that you are in Heaven. You were the best Uncle anyone could have wished for. You started taking care of me since from my inception till the very day you gave up. You were one in a Billion. God fearing, generous, jovial, always happy and cheerful, super caring, a peace lover, kind to a fault and loved by All. Your generosity knows no bound, hence your name ONWA NA ETILI ORA. I know we will all go someday, but your departure left an indelible mark in me. OCHENDO, your life is definitely a blessing, and your memory, a treasure that I will forever behold. Rest on peacefully in God’s Bosom, Sweet Uncle. And if I am to do life again, I will choose you as my uncle. I deeply missed you. Adieu OCHENDO ABATETE!!! Chief Patrick Oranika (EZECHINETUGO ABATETE)