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 14^th 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 12^th 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

EVENTS

Friday, 8 august 2025

REQUIEM MASS

At St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Ipaye close, Paiko-Idimu, Lagos State

6:00 PM

Friday, 29 august 2025

WAKE

At his residence; Amaebo Village, Ugwuegu, Afikpo, Ebonyi State

5:30 PM

SATURDAY, 30 august 2025

FUNERAL MASS

At All Saints Catholic Church, Ugwuegu, Afikpo, Ebonyi State

10:00 AM

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