MATTHEW EZE UGWUOKE (1939—2017)
A true friend, a true compatriot… Many things bound us together, even as you paid me your last visit on 13th August. In all, there was harmony and meeting of like-minds. We shared a lost vision of how to make our place a model rural area and worked hard with other patriots until darkness fell in the afternoon… My dear Matthew, you lived a life of the righteous. You remained yourself in all situations. You conquered your humble beginnings and rose to the peak of your career. Yes, you had challenges in life but you were a hero of impeachable character. You were very dependable, you had integrity, and you were benevolent.
— Albert Chinweuba Edoga (bosom friend)
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You were good to everyone – to both the grateful and the ingrates – believing that it’s only God that rewarded generosity. You were ever ready to help and forgive people who wronged you, to the extent that some questioned your uncommon forgiving spirit. You always went the extra mile to make people around you happy even if it meant overstretching yourself beyond limits, financially. You showed great care for the poor; you hardly saw people in penury without lending a hand. You were indeed a super-hero and a model not only to your children but to all mankind.
— Chioma Anastasia Nwamu, nee Ugwuoke (daughter)
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We are proud to have you as a father and are consoled by the fact that you lived a worthy life. You touched so many lives while in active service and after your retirement… Your faith in Jesus the Saviour sustained you till death. You believed that the Christian faith was the only thing that could give one peace and happiness on earth. A lifelong benefactor of the Christian Pilgrimage Centre, you were preparing for the monthly trip to Elele in the week you kissed the world goodbye.
–Engr. Stan Ugwuoke (son)
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You left me and the children when we least expected it. You sent me out, after I had served you food, to inquire about our trip to CPM Elele for the Marian year celebration… My consolation is that you lived an upright and fulfilled life. You sacrificed all forms of comfort in order to give your family western education, and you separated yourself from anything that is evil… You were a shield over us while on earth; now that you are gone to the great beyond, watch over us.
— Augustina (wife)
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The vacuum your departure created is unimaginable because you were the strength of many, especially the needy. Your life was one full of love, humility, care, kindness and, above all, unshakable faith in Almighty God.
— Christopher Odo O., ‘Okito Eje’ (cousin)
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Your deep personal relationship with God fuelled your passionate desire to bring God’s blessings to all of your children. Each time any of your sons and daughters visited home, you always sprinkled holy water on and blessed them. I feel so blessed to have you as my father, and I am thankful for the wonderful life you gave us. Thank you for teaching me the importance of living a good Christian life… Adieu, Onya M Ugwuoke!
— Ifeoma Ugwuoke (daughter)
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I learnt a few lessons from my uncle, Matthew Ugwuoke: 1. He encouraged us to avoid drinking because it would give us the Dutch courage that would make us behave negatively and do what we could not ordinarily do… 2. One day we were peeling cassava to process for our local food in the village; he called one of us that was not cutting his own to appropriate size, “You need to have a sense of beauty in everything you do.” 3. He encouraged us to pursue our academics with all seriousness because, he said, there is a big difference between acquiring wealth and having a sound and quality education… I sat with him on the same pew at the church in the village, a few days before his death. During Consecration I heard him sing clearly and loud. He demonstrated he was a practising Catholic and a communicant: he went to the altar to support the seminarian that was completing his apostolic work in the parish. All of his last works in God’s house assure me he is resting with the Lord in paradise.
— Bertrand Chijioke Nnaji (nephew)
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My father-in-law whom many of his contemporaries simply know as “Matthew” is a candidate for sainthood. And I say so not because he’s my dad… He led a life totally dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He served his community. He served the church. He served the needy. He gave freely without expecting any returns. Throughout his life, he believed that honesty was always the best policy. He valued friendship and tried to reciprocate every kind gesture. He never spoke ill of anyone. He loved and prayed for even his detractors.
— Aniebo Raphael Nwamu (son-in-law)
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F O R E V E R I N O U R H E A R T S . . .
Today we mark the anniversary of the transition of a saintly man who devoted his earthly life to the worship of Almighty Father, to the veneration of the Blessed Mary and the saints, and to the service of humankind.
Our father MATTHEW E. UGWUOKE [B.A., UNILAG; M.Ed., UNN], a distinguished teacher and moralist, a principal of schools for many years, a lover of literature, and one of the original benefactors of the Christian Pilgrimage Centre, Elele, lived from 1939 to 2017.
About 4:30pm on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, he quietly left the stage in his sleep – no sickness, no anguish, and no goodbyes – to be with his Maker.
The curtain fell, the prayers ceased, but the angels took over with hymns welcoming him to paradise.
He’s forever in our hearts.
Keep resting in peace, our dad, our mentor, our pillar, our spiritual guardian.
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