Barr. John Okechukwu Okpara

In 2004, I secured admission into the Diploma in Law programme. One of the courses I offered was Commercial Law. Guess who my lecturer was? Barr. Okechukwu Okpara. Back then, it was extremely difficult to earn an "A" in his course, but by God's grace, I did. He came into the class to find out who had made the grade. When he discovered it was me, he took a special interest in me. From that day, he treated me like his own biological daughter, mentoring, guiding, and encouraging me even when the road became rough. I remember one day when I was going through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. He looked at me and said, "Even if you have given up on yourself, I will never give up on you until you attain great heights." Those words became a pillar of strength that carried me through many storms. The first New King James Version Bible I ever owned was a gift from him. As he handed it to me, he said, "Hold on to this Bible; you will not fail." I held on to those words, and by God's

It is with a heavy heart I write this. Words elude me as I never got the chance to say "Thank You" for being part of my story. Despite your trial periods, you always remained strong and never showed it. You laid a solid foundation of what shaped me as a legal practitioner under your tutelage. We will miss you sir. The greatest joy we hold dear is knowing you are in a better place and we shall one day meet to part no more. Adieu Sir.

I still cannot believe I am writing a tribute in your honour, Sir. I never truly got the chance to thank you for the kindness, support, and fatherly guidance you showed me during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. When a family crisis affected my studies, you noticed my struggles, reached out with compassion, encouraged me, and reminded me not to give up. By God's grace, you became my project supervisor and pushed me to give my very best. Your belief in me helped me graduate with an "A" in my project and defence. Beyond being my lecturer, you were a mentor, an advocate, and a father figure. For that, I will always be grateful. I am sorry I did not reach out sooner before your passing. Thank you for the fire you ignited in me. I will carry it forward, make you proud, and strive to extend the same kindness you so generously gave to others. Continue to rest in perfect peace, Sir. Your legacy lives on.