lPopularly known as The Federal Government, Sir FGN Okoye, who slept in the Lord exactly 20 years ago, was phenomenal, enigmatic and everything humane.
The man, who held the title of Chinyelugo Enugwu-Ukwu, is remembered today by daughter, Dr Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, who still has ours of her ‘role model father’ 20 years after his demise. She has therefore, put together an eulogy in evergreen memory of the patriarch of Okoye family:
20 years ago, our role model father, late Sir Felix Godson Nwenechukwu Okoye (FGN) (chinyelugo Enuguw-ukwu), popularly called Federal Government of Nigeria went to be with the lord.
Our father came from a humble family. He did not come from rich parentage, but his parents allowed him to become a Christian. He was a true Christian in word and in deed, and exhibited mostly the fruits of the Spirit.
FGN did not focus on his humble beginning but made the decision to utilize his innate talents of determination, commitment resilience to build a mega construction company, FGN Okoye & Sons in the then Eastern Region from a few Pennies. This, he accomplished with the help of his sons. Being aware of the fact that ‘our past does not equal our future’, he refused to dwell on his background.
He married a very beautiful woman, Dame Monica chiebonam Okoye nee Okonkwo, and they had 12 children with two surviving sons and 6 surviving daughters.
The loss of his very brilliant well-connected first son, Dr. Felix Chuks Okoye could have broken him but he went through the experience with equanimity and fortitude.
Dr Felix Chuks Okoye’s wife, Barrister Mrs Ijeoma Chuks-Okoye, sons, daughter and grandchildren are all doing well, thanks to his fatherly attention.
FGN was a great role model when it comes to principle-centered values, contentment, inner peace, gratitude, humility, honesty, integrity, transparency, compassion, empathy, passion and impact. He taught us, the children great lessons bordering on a “good name is better than money” and that if you “want to be rich, you need to work hard and stay away from Ill-gotten wealth”.
These values have largely influenced my life, and today, they have contributed to my inner fulfilment and peace of mind.
One of the greatest gifts our parents gave us is the gift of prayer. I can’t make it through the day if I miss my prayers and Bible reading. My spirit, mind and body are instantly renewed once I go to the Lord’s convenant, table and speak to my heavenly father, my alpha and omega, my root and anchor.
Papa and mama, thanks for the solid spiritual foundation which you gave me and my siblings from childhood.
I thank God that I also got your gift of determination, focus, commitment, resilience, which has enabled me to build a thriving family business, in conjunction withmyhusband and children. I also learnt from your show of compassion and empathy.
I’m proud to say that I am continuing your work of impacting lives through the WOMEN ALIGNED FOR GROWTH – a character rebuilding social change and impact for female folks and ENUGWU- UKWU DAUGHTERS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.
Our father was never greedy and never cheated anyone in his business life. He was a great family man humble and accommodating. He was loving to his brothers and other relatives. He had a great marriage with our mother, and together they are blessed with 8 surviving children 36 grand children and 48 great grandchildren. And in honour of their efforts in our lives, our family is setting up a foundation called LATE SIR FGN AND DAME MONICA OKOYE FOUNDATION. One of the objectives is to promote good parenting, healthy relationships and help people acquire conflict resolution skills.
Our parents were blessed with 8 surviving children Chief JC Okoye
Ngozi Patricia Asiegbu, Justice Chinwe Iyizoba , Eng Chris Okoye, Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, Dame princess karanate Egbuson, Lady Uche Obi and Barr Joy Ebeledike. Engr. Chris Okoye is married to Prof Ifeoma Okoye nee Nwokike.
We also salute our inlaws; the UCD Okoyes chiamaonwus, Asiegbus, Iyizobas, Nwokikes, Nwakwesis, Karenate- Egbuson, Obis Ebeledikes. The entire Umo-okoye clan of Orji- village Enugwu-ukwu celebrate your impactful life.
My prayer is that all of us will continue to make empowering choices in our lives so we can continue upholding his legacies and that of our role model mother.
Our father’s life typified the adage that it is not your past that influences the outcome of your life but the decisions you make today and tomorrow will sculpt your life.
May God inspire us to collaborate with each other, holding each other’s hand, the strong supporting the weak so we can all win together.
To my handsome, tall, ebony-black, vibrant, and boisterous father with an impeccable style; may you continue to rest in peace. Your legacy will be kept alive. I still miss you and look forward to more encounters with you in our spiritual rendezvous.
Rest on great father, and thank you for the solid foundation which has helped me to be an asset to my family and the society.
Rest well papa!
Dr Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi MBBS, also known as the Phenomenal Woman, is an Integrative Lifestyle Specialist
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