Words from those who knew and loved him

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.

You gave me the foremost experience I got in litigation as a legal practitioner. May you rest in the peace of Almighty God. Amen.

It is with deep sadness that I pay tribute to the late Barr. John Okechukwu Okpara, my lecturer at Ebonyi State University. He was an exceptional teacher whose dedication to legal education left a lasting impact on many of us. His lectures were insightful, inspiring, and instrumental in shaping our understanding of the law. Though he is no longer with us, his knowledge, mentorship, and the values he imparted will continue to live on in the lives and careers of his students. May God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his passing. Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy lives on.

Difficult to write in the past tense. John Okechukwu remains a mediator and peace advocate extraordinaire. A gentleman par excellence. A teacher of teachers. An unconditional family man. He has only joined the Saints Triumphant!

My Dad, My Friend. Who is a good friend? It is a blessing to have people who love you, it is a miracle to have people who love you enough to tell you the truth. Support without truth is one of the loneliest forms of love. My Dad shaped my life without being the loudest in the room. After every milestone, he pulled me aside to keep me grounded. He protected and covered me in ways I knew and ways I did not know. He made the quote "a father knows his son" real. He refused to clap when I was about to settle for less than what God has for me. But my Dad never stopped being my Dad because relationships are not built on comfort but on commitment. He did not just celebrate my victories, he protected my future. He prayed for me. He gave me space to make my own decisions but never stopped reminding me of who I am. Thank you for teaching me sacrifice, hard work, commitment, diligence and integrity. Thank you for loving God and teaching me to love God. Thank you for everything. I will see you again someday, but for now it is comforting to know that you are amongst the crowd of witnesses, cheering us on.

It is with a heavy heart, but a deep sense of gratitude, that we remember a truly incredible man. To his children, your dad was more than just a parent — he was a guiding light, a constant source of strength, and a steady presence who loved you beyond measure. Seeing the kindness, resilience, and compassion in each of you today is a living testament to the wonderful man who raised you. While his presence will be missed deeply, the memories, wisdom, and love he shared will stay with you forever. May you find comfort in knowing that a life so well-lived leaves behind a legacy that can never be forgotten. We the Media Unit LFC Enugu wish you peace, comfort, and surrounding strength in the days ahead. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

On behalf of the Wonderful Voice Choir, Winners Chapel Enugu, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family of our beloved father, Barr. Okechukwu John Okpara, who was called home to glory at the age of 62. Though we grieve his departure, we are comforted by the assurance of God's word that "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:15). Daddy has gone to be with the Lord and we celebrate a life marked by faith, integrity, humility, and selfless service. Within the church, Daddy was a devoted member, a mentor, and a pillar of support to many families. We are particularly grateful that his beloved wife, Mrs. Esther Okpara, serves faithfully in the Wonderful Voice Choir, while two of their children, Prince and Emmanuel, continue to serve diligently as instrumentalists. One memory we will always cherish is our final visit to Daddy at the hospital. Members of the choir leadership prayed with him and left believing we would soon welcome him back in good health. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to call His son home. To our dear Mummy, Mrs. Esther Okpara, Prince, Emmanuel, and the entire Okpara family, please know that you are not alone. The Wonderful Voice Choir stands with you in love, prayers, and support. May the God of all comfort strengthen you and grant you His peace. Daddy, thank you for a life of impact, godly example, and faithful service. Until we meet again to part no more, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Dr. Joseph Chidiebere Iloh, Music Director

A Tribute to My Dear Friend, Okechukwu John Okpara. News of your transition to Eternal Life came as a surprise to me, having discussed your health challenges in a message you sent to me in mid-February. We prayed over it and hoped for a positive outcome. However, from God we came and to God we must all return. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Your calm nature, wisdom and dignity are outstanding qualities which you will be remembered for. I came to know you as a disciplined man, a man of courage, integrity, kind, loving and peaceful husband and father. The Light of God surrounds you. The Love of God enfolds you. The Power of God protects you. The Presence of God watches over you. Where you are, God is, and all is well with you. In Jesus Name, Amen.