DR. OBICEE OKONKWO GOES HOME, RAIN OF TRIBUTES AS FAMILY, PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES BID HIM FAREWELL
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The remains of Seasoned Maritime Practitioner and gifted compere, Dr. Obiora Celestine Okonkwo (Obicee), was on Friday, 15th of August, 2025, committed to mother Earth in his home town, Enu ogbu na Urudunu, Ogbu Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
(The Secretary, ASIMPIN Board of Trustees, Chief Dr. Eugene Nweke KSM, Rff, PG emeritus, Comrade Ben Uche Ndee, and Chief of Staff to the PG, High Chief Lawrence Uba)
The event started with an all night Christian Wake in his compound, on Thursday, 14th August, 2025.
Recall that a well attended Christian Wake for late Dr. Obicee Okonkwo was first held on Saturday, 2nd of August, 2025, at Uke Hall, Behind EUC Hotel and Suites Divine Estate Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Some National Officers of Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria -ASIMPIN, led by the Chairman of ASIMPIN Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Peter Obih- (Dim Ogbuagu), were at the home town of late Dr Okonkwo to represent the Apex Igbo Maritime body which he was serving as its National Publicity Secretary (NPS) before his demise.
Among ASIMPIN representatives were the Secretary, ASIMPIN Board of Trustees, Chief Dr Eugene Nweke, KSM, Rff, Former President General of ASIMPIN, Comrade Ben Uche Ndee, the National Secretary, Prince Okey Egbuchulam, Chief of Staff to the PG of ASIMPIN, High Chief Lawrence Uba (Ugwu Ndi Igbo), Member, Board of Trustees, Dr. Frank Ukoh, The Presidential Liaison Officer(PLO), Inter Agency affairs, Chief Henry Ikwue, Woman Leader, Airport Chapter, Lolo Nkiru Mazele, and Head, Special Duties, ASIMPIN Headquarters, Mcanthony Onuoha, among others.
(Dr. Okonkwo’s only son, Ifechukwu Obiora Okonkwo, paying tribute to him)
Family, friends and professional colleagues of Late Dr Obicee Okonkwo, turned up in good number to accord him the last respect and bid him farewell.
Former Chairman Board of Trustees of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents -ANLCA, Chief Henry Njoku, Nze Aloy Igwe, High Chief Eze Mentus Mbonu (Babadudu), Dr. Emma Opara, Barr. Charles Osonwa, Barr. Val Iwuchukwu, ANLCA Chairman, Onne, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku (Onwa), The Secretary of ANLCA Tincan Chapter, Chief FrankPaul Nwaegbe, among other dignitaries.
Those present took their turn to pay tributes to late Dr Okonkwo.
In his speech, Dr. Eugene Nweke described him as “a multifaceted talent who left an indelible mark in the maritime sector through his dedication, passion, and infectious enthusiasm. Dr. Okonkwo effortlessly connected with people from diverse backgrounds. His transition has left a void in our industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of freight forwarders. We are grateful for the impact he had on our profession and the memories we shared with him”.
Barr. Val Iwuchukwu, in his tribute said ” l am convinced in my mind that Dr. Obicee Okonkwo has gone to a better place where ill health and vicissitudes of life will no longer torment him. He should be congratulated for stepping up even as we bemoan his passing”.
He commended ASIMPIN for the role it played. “Wherever Dr. Okonkwo is at the moment, he will be happy for the role ASIMPIN played in his rite of passage.
ASIMPIN demonstrated in clear terms the old Igbo adage of Ozu siwa isi, enyi ka nwanne alaa. Despite Obicee’s role in ANLCA, it is Igbo brothers that actually closed the gap when it mattered most,” Iwuchukwu stated.
