A CHERISHED HUSBAND, FATHER & GRANDFATHER

14 April 1955 – 12 May 2025

THE LIFE & LEGACY OF ICHIE JOSEPH EZEALI ANWARA 

Early Life

On a beautiful Thursday on the 14th day of April 1955, Ichie Joseph Ezeali Anwara was born to the family of Mr. Anwara Inya (popularly known as Anwara Ugo) & Mrs. Angela Eleje Anwara of Ezi Okorouche, Amaebo, Ugwuegu Elu in the Present Afikpo Local Govt Area of Ebonyi State. He was the second of the three children, all male from his mother. As a young boy, he lived with his Uncle Mr Inya Sunday who was unfortunately killed during the Nigerian Civil War. After the War in 1970, Joe was taken to Ife as a farm help for a few years by another uncle before his maternal Uncle, Arc Stephen Uro Ezeali took him to Lagos so that he could be better cared for, and begin his education.


Education

Joseph Ezeali Anwara attended the Local Authority Primary School, Agege, Lagos where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate. Thereafter, he proceeded to “Ebenezer Comprehensive High School Agege, Lagos State, where he successfully obtained his West African School Certificate. He later wrote the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examinations in 1980 and sat for the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Examinations in 1994. With his unquenchable appetite for academic knowledge, Joe enrolled in the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos and obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Accounting in 2004.


Career

Life’s journey took Ichie Joseph Ezeali Anwara through both public and private organizations in the quest for economic survival. He worked in First Bank of Nigeria Ltd from 1983-1992. He also worked as an Administrative and Accounts Officer at Mbeyi and Associates Ltd, Manager financial Services in Delicacy Fast Foods Limited 2001-2004 and later, as auditor in Olawale Ojo & Co, Lagos. Ichie Joseph Anwara had no dull moments or idle times. Even at a fairly older age, he engaged himself in the Global World of Information Technology at the Computer Village, Ikeja where he acquired skills and attracted clients that continued to seek his services till his passing. 


Christian & Social Life 

Ichie Joesph Ezeali Anwara was an ardent Christian, a baptized and confirmed Catholic and an active member of the Catholic Men Organization. He loved the Lord and spent most of his morning studying the word and spending time with the Lord. He was the secretary of Ugweugu Progressive Union (UPU) Lagos branch for many years and was till his passing, a dedicated member of Afikpo Town Welfare Association (ATWA), Lagos Branch. Among his family and friends, Bro Joe as was popularly called, was well known for his loving, selfless and hardworking nature. He was very playful and a jolly good fellow.  He was also a very frank person that called a spade a spade without fear. .


Marital Life

Ichie Joseph Ezeali Anwara got married to his long-time sweetheart, Christiana Uchenna Anwara (Mama U), in the year 1991.  The Union is blessed with a set of twins, Francis and Emmanuel, Prince Michael and two daughters, Jane Ezinne and Esther Chiamaka. Bro Joe transitioned to glory on 12th May 2025 at the age of 70 years. He is survived by his dear wife and children, son-in-law, a grandchild; Baby Albert-Light, a brother, step-brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of several close relatives and friends.

THE MAN, JOSEPH

IN HONOUR OF MY DEAR HUSBAND, EZESTICK!

When the doctor held my hands on that fateful Monday morning of 12 May 2025 to announce your death to baby Esther and I at the hospital, I almost couldn’t believe what I had just heard.

Words can’t describe the immense grief, shock and pain your death has caused to both your children and I and I’m sure even Berto as you fondly called our grandson can feel your absence, because you always come back home with a pack of SODA CRACKERS FOR HIM AND THEN YOU WOULD CALL HIM THE NAME “BERTO”

E.H.Parker wrote: “The clock of life is wound. No one has the “POWER” to tell when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Death is certain, but life is not. Life on this plane of existence is extremely unpredictable. Sometimes, one thinks he/she has it but in a split second it is gone.

However the memories we shared as my friend, husband, brother and father of our beloved children will continue to linger in my heart.

ADIEU, MY DEAR HUSBAND.

ADIEU, NWOKE OMA JOE.

REST IN PERFECT PEACE,AMEN!!!

Christina

Your darling wife

MY DARLING DADDY

Dear Daddy,

It’s been so hard having to put this words together, I miss your smiles, laughter, your jokes, your stories, your advice, but most especially I miss and love you so so much daddy.

I wish the moments we shared could last forever but then I am gladdened because we meet again to part no more.

I love you daddy Joe

I love you my darling daddy

Keep resting in perfect peace

My blessed and joyous dad.

Janet, Ezi mum

Your beloved daughter

MY BELOVED DADDY

Hey Daddy,

Your queen misses you greatly! My heart is so heavy. They say it gets better with time, yet I wonder why the events of May 12 still feel like they happened just an hour ago; it lives rent-free in my head. I want to ask someone to wake me up from this nightmare, but I can’t because I know it’s not a dream, I was there when the doctor held Mummy’s hand to announce the most unexpected thing that morning.

I remember when I always refused to eat in primary school, you took it upon yourself to feed me, saying, “Bekee, you’ll eat just 5 spoons of rice or 5 rolls of eba,” and then you’d count from 0, ½, ⅓, ¼… 1. Before we got to 5, I’d have finished the food, and everyone would tease me about how I closed my eyes and finished a plate of food, only opening them when it was time to eat the meat. Another priceless memory is how you knew I liked using your hand as a pillow to sleep every night instead of a regular pillow. You’d fan me so I wouldn’t feel hot at night. Or how, whenever it was cold you’d give me your shirts to wear so I wouldn’t catch a cold. I could go on and on about your many acts of kindness.

I had hoped to create more memories with you, but unfortunately, they’ll just be my imagination, and that alone breaks my heart. I miss hearing you call me Queen Esther, I miss hearing you call me Alu, I miss hearing you complain about my laughter. I miss the unique sound of your knocks on the gate. I miss you greatly, Daddy. I find solace in the fact that you’re finally with your Maker in a better place. With tears in my eyes, I bid you farewell, my Daddy. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord! I miss you! I love you!

Esther Chiamaka

Your beloved daughter

A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN, EZEALI JOSEPH

(Fondly called Papa Joe)

I never thought that Monday, 12th May would be the last time I’d set my eyes on you. I’m writing this tribute a month after your passing, and it still feels unreal that it’s already been that long since you left this world to be with your God—your maker. Each day that passes, I shudder at the realization that you’re no longer here. I whisper gently to myself, “But Dad ain’t meant to die…” Yet, this is my current reality—one I cannot run away from, one that is here to stay.

I can’t question God. We can’t.

Every single day, I feel your absence—because there are things I know only you would’ve handled with such wisdom, calm, and great effect. You were a true Christian. You loved God with all your heart. You were gentle, kind, and oh, what a great cook you were!

I remember after my West African Exams, you said to me, “Now you’re a man, and I’ll address you as one from this day onward.”

And true to your word, you did. You never failed to guide me with advice and to admonish me when necessary.

You loved and cared for us—your immediate family, your extended family, and even outsiders. That’s why so many people felt a deep pang of pain when they heard of your passing. They knew what a rare soul had been taken from this earth. Joseph was a peacemaker. When issues arose, you always tried to resolve them peacefully—these are things I witnessed firsthand, even among your own siblings. You carried the burdens of others and offered comfort wherever you could. And when you couldn’t help physically, you went on bent knees and prayed for them.

I remember how you’d always call to check on my whereabouts. Always sending me updates. Always caring. There was an event in 2019 when I felt completely down—emotionally defeated. You called me and said, “All will be fine.” And yes, things got better. I remember how you were always the first person to wish me, my brother, and our siblings’ prayerful and cheerful birthday messages. Now, no one will do that like you did.

I promise, I’ll take care of the wife—my mother—you left behind. And I’ll look out for everyone else too, because that’s what you’d want me to do.

My thoughts are all over the place right now. This isn’t something I ever imagined doing—not less than a year after Big Daddy’s passing.

So my words might not fully reflect the weight of what you meant to me. But I find strength in knowing that you always taught me to be strong.

And I will strive to live up to the expectations you’ve always had and wanted for me.

Rest Well, Papa Joe…That’s what I always called you.

Even in the grave, Jesus is Lord and I know you are seated by His side, watching over us, smiling, praying still.

This isn’t goodbye, Papa. Not really.

Francis Amaechi

Your son

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

It hits real hard to believe you have left this sinful world and words are not enough for me to express my pain and sadness. There’s not a single day that goes by without thinking of you, Dad.

Every Monday of a new week reminds me of the fateful Monday we lost you to the cold hands of death.
Your words of encouragement, motivation, enthusiasm and prayers will always be remembered.
You were such a jolly good fellow always telling jokes and stories to lighten up the moods around you.
Dad, with tears in my eyes your presence in my life will be greatly missed.
You left us too soon but I take solace in the fact that you’re resting in the bosom of The Lord.

Dad, you’re forever gone from my sight but never from my heart 🤍
There are no goodbyes for me…. You will always and forever be in my heart 🕊

Immanuel Onyekachi

Your beloved son

DAD WAS INSPIRING

Dear Dad,

You have always shown your Fatherly love and support to me as a son. In my days growing up, I saw how you went through life’s challenges and still had a cheerful smile and the ability to make others smile. 

Dad, you were the best man ever liveth.

Few Things I learnt from you Dad:

  • My Dad taught me to know no fear
  • My Dad taught me to live a life of aspirations
  • My Dad showed me how to place worth on myself
  • My Dad defended me in the times I ran into troubles
  • My Dad was always my story teller

May God grant you eternal rest, in Jesus’ name Amen.

Prince Michael

Your Last son

TRIBUTE TO GRANDPA ALBERT-O

The few years I have known you seemed like over 30 years. Your gentle character, hardworking spirit and the will to always help people still marvels me and will not be forgotten so easily. 

I still remember the undiluted  joy on your face when you first  carried your grandson ‘Albert-light’ – that was so interesting to watch. The subsequent times you come around with your gifts of biscuits for bobo as you’ll echo “berto – berto” from afar will be missed. 

Keep resting at the bosom of your lord.

Akin’ Bankole (Arc.)

Your son in-law

THE BEST GRANDPA

Grandpa, I miss your voice, I miss waking up at the sound of your voice whenever you return home and you call out to me saying “Alberto” bearing gifts of biscuits, fruits and a pack of bottled water.

I miss sleeping off on your bare chest and listening to stories about the animal kingdom even though I don’t understand anything, haha.

I didn’t get to spend so much time with you as much as I would have loved to, but I know that you’re smiling down at me in Heaven.

Rest in perfect peace grandpa.
I love and miss you grandpa.

Albert-Light Obanijesu Bankole

Your beloved grandson

CONDOLENCE REGISTER

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ALL YOUR KIND WORDS FOR JOSEPH
  1. Esther M. Okoh (Dr./Mrs.) – Your sister-in-law

    Tribute to Bro Joe (as I fondly called you)

    Hello, the Queen, Doc, those were your usual first few words on the phone.

    While visiting Nigeria recently, my last meeting with you was on May 07, 2025; on your way back from the hospital where you had gone to do some lab work. I travelled to Ehugbo the following day, little did I know that was going to be the last time I would see you.

    “ Sorrow makes us all children again-destroys all differences of intellect. The wisest know nothing” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

    You were more than a brother-in-law, your departure leaves an empty space that can never be filled. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

    May your spirit continue to soar!

    Rest in Peace, dear Bro Joe!!

  2. JC Andy , JJ SEXY

    What is death?
    This is the biggest question that don’t have a hundred percent answer
    But those who die in the lord are resting in the bossom of our lord Jesus Christ.
    My dear daddy, I keep updating my dairy those things you said to me and did to me still keep inspiring me till date,
    I can’t forget those advice you giving
    Me , JC Andy now that you are being call among your friends JJ SEXY this is the time to be a real sexy man by doing the right thing , that wish you guarded me thru all the days of my most happiest moment, you were always there for me leading the way forward
    I remember the day you said JC Andy you are now a sexy JC they call
    I am proud of you as a SON
    Daddy, you are alive living among the great because you are a nice and lovely man of good behavior,
    Wen people die condolences come in good write up to praise the dead,
    But yours is exceptional because you live the life of holiness and touch the lives of ypur children around you,
    On behalf of the RAYMOND DYNASTY I say rest well in the bossom of our lord Jesus Christ
    We miss and God loves you
    Sleep well SIR

  3. JC Andy , JJ SEXY

    What is death ? something you don’t wish or pray for that comes wen it want to come, death is the opposite of the living , person you cannot see again has gone beyond human chemistry.
    Dear dad, this is for you from me your lovely son whom you always say JC Andy this is the time as they kept calling you sexy JC Andy that is the time and I follow that angelic voice of yours and you guarded me from day one till the very day you pass on

    Dad, remembering you is not just the thing
    But how you advice me to live my life as a young promising man
    That I hold up to you
    Thank you dad for all you did for me
    On behalf of this lovely family of the RAYMOND DYNASTY I say rest well dad
    From your lovely sexy son
    JC Andy

  4. Bristol Tamunosaibibam

    Pa Joseph was daddy to all including me. He was the kind of man that would put aside his own worries and sort your problems to the letter. Daddy was a simple and quiet man. I will forever cherish you in my heart daddy. May you continue to rest in peace daddy till we meet to part no more. Adiue daddy

  5. Mrs Elizabeth Agbonhese

    You were such a good man, very amiable and your death was a big shock to me. I feel sad each time I remember that I won’t see your cheerful face again when I come back. You were so sincere and always ready to help no matter how inconvenient it was. May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God bless and protect your lovely family.

  6. Chukwuma Okoche

    My dearest Uncle J,

    So shocking when I heard of your demise, I remembered vividly I spoke to you this year and that fatherly advise still rings in my brain.

    Still remembering when I was young and you accepted me wholeheartedly to stay with you and my sister, no biased mind, u treated me with care, you guided me rightly and I will protect it jealously.

    My coming to SA was as a result of your persistence and the travel was successful., am everly grateful🙏🙏

    Keep resting in the blossom of the Lord, till we meet to part no more. 😭😭😭

  7. Mrs Helen Okoh

    Sound of the word that you are no more left me speechless but my solace is that you’re resting in the bosom of the Creator. You were such a nice person, DADDY OF ALL — that is why you are well spoken of by anyone who knew you. Your presence brings light and illuminates everyone around. The children and I will miss you dearly.
    Rest on in Peace.

    DADDY OF ALL

    1. Ify Otadaferua

      PAPA was a shining star in the lives of everyone he touched. May his memory continue to inspire and guide you and everyone and may you all find comfort in the love and support of those around you.
      He was there for my mum when my father passed and stood with my brothers when they needed a father figure. You were truly a cheerful man. Ready to assist, giving a 100% of yourself.
      Adiue sir, continue to rest in the bosom of God’s love and mercy.
      Eternal rest grant to him oh Lord…

  8. Aisha ( Your third daughter)

    Our Daddy as I fondly called you!

    When I called Esther and heard her cry over the phone I knew that God had called you…I couldn’t believe it and had to rush down to the house. Omg, it was a nightmare for me.

    You had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and valued, always ready with a warm smile and a listening ear. You would call me and say “Aisha won’t you come say hi”, “Aisha do very well in school oo”. You would pray for me and I never knew you will leave so soon. It saddens my heart that you won’t be seeing us graduate.

    Your love for your family was evident in everything you did . You treated me as one of your daughters and you instilled in us the values of compassion, hard work, and integrity.

    Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the lessons.

    We will miss you dearly.

  9. Helen – Your Niece in-Law

    Dear Uncle,

    It was devastating to hear of your passing.
    Words can’t describe your impact in the lives of your loved ones. I pray for strength and comfort upon the family at this difficult time. 
    You fought a good fight, you are now at peace in the bosom of the Lord.

    Rest well Uncle.

  10. Vivian – Your Niece in-Law

    Dearest Uncle,

    The words to describe the shock of your passing eludes me, but one thing I know is that you are resting in the embrace of our Lord Jesus. Blessed are us who trust in the Lord, for we know that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him wherefore we are encouraged.

    Rest well uncle.