irreplaceable FINAL EDITION

INSIDE PAGE FUNERAL SERVICE BIOGRAPHY PHOTO GALLERY TRIBUTES

83 Y E ARS

ENGR

ALFRED

Dennis OPUTA FREE COPY 27th & 28th January 2023

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 1

Opening Prayers

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Praise and Worship

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1st Hymn: In Christ Alone, My Hope Is Found

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1st Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:40-58

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2nd Hymn: When Peace Like A River

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2nd Bible Reading: John 14:1-7

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Hymn 3: Blessed Assurance

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3rd Reading: Matthew 13:24-30

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Testimony

10 Exhortation 11 Offering 12 Prayer for the family 13 4th Hymn: Fading Away Like The Stars Of The Morning 14 5th Hymn: Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross 15 Vote of Thanks 16 Announcement & Closing Prayer 17 Hymn 6: God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

83 Y E ARS

01

AGED: 83 YEARS

HYMN

IN CHRIST ALONE MY HOPE IS FOUND In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My comforter, my all in all Here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

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AGED: 83 YEARS

1st Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 15:40-58 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

55 O death, where is thy sting? where is thy victory?

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

O grave,

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the

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AGED: 83 YEARS

HYMN

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL When peace like a river attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul Refrain It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate And has shed His own blood for my soul My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought (a thought) My sin, not in part, but the whole (every bit, every bit, all of it) Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more (yes!) Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside. Refrain And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul!

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AGED: 83 YEARS

2nd Bible Reading John 14: 1-7 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

HYMN BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of Salvation, purchase of God Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood Refrain This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour, all the day long This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour, all the day long Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Refrain

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AGED: 83 YEARS

3rd Bible Reading Matthew 13:24-30

Testimony

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Exhortation Offering Prayer for the family

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

4th Bible Reading Romans 8:35-39

So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

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AGED: 83 YEARS

HYMN

FADING AWAY LIKE THE STARS IN THE MORNING 1 . Fa d i n g away l i ke t h e s t a r s o f t h e m o r n i n g , Losing their light in the glorious sun Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done. Refrain: Only remembered, only remembered Only remembered by what we have done ; Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done. 2. Shall we be missed, though by others succeeded, time have sown Reaping the fields we in springYes, but the sowers must pass from their labours, Ever remembered by what they have done. 3. Only the truth that in life we have spoken, Only the seed that on earth we have sown ; These shall pass onward when we are forgotten, Fruits of the harvest and what we have done. 4. Oh, when the Saviour shall make up His jewels, When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won, Then shall His weary and faithful disciples All be remembered by what they have done.

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AGED: 83 YEARS

HYMN

HYMN

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN

JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS

God be with you till we meet again. By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again.

Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain; Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calv'ry's mountain.

Refrain Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus' feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain: In the cross, in the cross Be my glory ever, Till my ransomed soul shall find Rest beyond the river.

God be with you till we meet again, 'Neath His wings protecting hide you, Daily manna still divide you, God be with you till we meet again.

Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me; There the Bright and Morning Star Shed His beams around me.

[Refrain]

[Refrain]

God be with you till we meet again, When life's perils thick confound you, Put His arms unfailing round you, God be with you till we meet again.

Near the cross! O lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me; Help me walk from day to day With its shadow o'er me.

[Refrain]

[Refrain]

God be with you till we meet again, Keep love's banner floating o'er you, Smite death's threatening wave before you, God be with you till we meet again.

4 Near the cross! I'll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever; Till I reach the golden strand, Just beyond the river.

[Refrain]

[Refrain]

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Fathers never really die, they just keep the house up in the sky. They polish the sun by day and light the stars that shine at night, keep the moonbeams silvery bright and in the heavenly home above they wait to welcome those they love.

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fulfilled

LIFE

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Biography

C E L E B R AT I N G A

Biography continues

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I truly never learned what the words ‘I miss you’ were until I reached for my dad’s hand and it wasn’t there.

Photo Speaks 13

PHOTO SPEAKS

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PHOTO SPEAKS

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PHOTO SPEAKS

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If the people we love are no more, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.

Tributes & condolences 17

Tributes to my Dad We can't lose the people we love, not even to death! They only leave the stage of life; but the legacies they built and left behind, are ever green and continue to influence our everyday lives and decisions. Papa CHUKWUJINDU, your love and lively nature created an indelible ink in my memories. It is an honour to have had you around. REST IN PEACE CHUKWUJINDU! Akikaomajekoerigi. Mr. Nnamdi Oputa & family.

Tributes to my Precious Dad Adieu Sir “A great man does not seek applause or place; he seeks for truth; he seeks the road to happiness, and what he ascertains, he gives to others” Robert Green Ingersoll Hearing of your demise was a huge shock to my system. The great unifier, philosopher, current affairs analyst (politics and even music). I'll miss our long telephone conversations that would touch every aspect of life. In this our moment of sadness we cherish the fact that the positive aura which you gave from every encounter with you still resonates in our lives, Thank you so much sir. You will be greatly missed. Eternal rest grant him oh Lord and let Your perpetual light shine upon him-Amen Joshua Ike Oputa & Family

Tributes to my Beloved Dad Daddy, You were the one who taught me to take things in this life easy. You guided me like an angel. My first teacher, hero, mentor, motivator and counsellor. A true man of peace . As you look down from heaven know that I will always miss you because you are the best dad in the world. You are in a better place now. Rest on my Patriarch. Ifeoma Okoli- Daughter

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Tribute To An Irreplaceable Dad even when people kept discouraging him that training a girl was sowing for another person to reap. His family meant so much to him and he took his role as a father seriously, going out of his way to ensure our safety. He took me from Idah, Kogi state to Benin, Edo State (Federal Government's Girls College) for secondary school every term till I graduated and those were some of the fun days with him because we would discuss and analyze various topics on the road. He was a selfless man, always willing to assist others. He was loved by many and always went out of his way to assist others and offer advice or help where needed. He was a highly principled man and stood firmly for what he believed in ensuring that the interest of all was met rather than his personal interest. This however led to the loss offavours with some people.

The rude shock that enveloped my whole life in the night of October 4, 2022 will linger in my life for very long time. That was when my younger sister who was with my Dad at the hospital finally broke the news of his passage and home call. My Dad was a kind and loving father. He was my confidant and principal mentor. While growing up, I could discuss things with him that I could not discuss with others. He had his way of enforcing discipline without breaking you and you won'trealize it until later. He knew how to draw a line between discipline and pampering. I can't forget a particular incident while growing up. He used to drink Gulder beer and as a child I was always curious about this drink that was strictly for adults. I would lick the cup or bottle after he was done and one day he caught me. I was expecting him to flog or scold me but he did not. He brought out a bottle poured a full glass and gave me to drink. I refused at first but he insisted calmly that I must drink it and finish it. I can't remember how much I took but after that day I never looked at a bottle of adult drinks again. That's my Dad for you.

Daddy, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I can no longer call to tease you,that no one is going to call me 'Ada Daddy' again. I'm so grateful to be called your daughter. You were a blessing and God's gift to everyone who came across you. You brought joy to us all. Words are not enough to describe how amazing you were as a father. Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord. I'll miss you greatly

My Dad loved all his children individually. He always saw the best in people. He made sure his children had the best and the fact that we were mostly girls was not a deterrent to our education

AdaezeAtu, daughter

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Tribute to the Besy Dad in the World Daddy you were a man full of wisdom and always knew the right time to render it. Will miss your words of encouragement and support. Most importantly, u will miss your prayers, We had effective prayer sessions together which turned out to be some of the best moments I spent with you in older years. All i know is that you are in heaven a glorious place. One major lesson you taught me was to be at peace with everyone especially members of the family because in tough times family will have your back and support you. Will miss you dearly Dumebi Oguta - Daughter

Dad! Rest with the Angels Life is like a script handed to us but our real story starts, told by others when the lights fade as we leave the stage. Daddy you were a gentle soul, a peaceful man ,one of the most thoughtful persons I know and above all you knew just how to make those around you laugh out loud.To mention a few. I'm trying pour it all out here but it doesn't feel right to write these in the past tense. Daddy, you left a vacuum so big no one can fill, I don't want to be consoled because it doesn't even feel right to ever stop missing you. I could list a thousand things no one could ever do with or for me, so how could I even if I tried to stop missing you. I'm just glad that heaven gained a Saint one who would personally be watching over me. Daddy, these are the most difficult lines I've ever had to write. Adieu , your girl misses you. Rest on with the angels. N'daliaku Sophie Oputa- Daughter (Ngwaedo)

Tribute to Our Daddy We will always remember you even when we have forgotten all the rest. You were always true to our mother and our family, when our father died you took us as your own. We will never forget you PAPA. Missing you every second of our life. Courtesy Nduka Udogwu Oputa on behalf of Chukwuma Udogwu Oputa family.

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Tribute To A Loving Grand Father It was very sad night for me at about 10pm on October 4, 2022 when my Dad called to shock me with the news of the demise of my grand father, Engr. Alfred Oputa, because that was the least I was expecting concerning him. Prior to my departure to Europe continue my first degree in 2018, my grand dad's standing instruction was that I must come out in flying colours, having believed that I have something special. He had provided enough inspiration to enable me achieve that goal. I rode on that pledge and did my very best and through the grace of God, I graduated in June 2022 and was looking forward to coming back to show him the final output, a First Class degree, Sadly, the excitement for that meeting was aborted by the night of October 4, 2022. My grand dad was an intellectual giant, a kind and loving father and a great mentor. He was our role model. Having studied too in Europe and America, His analytical ability is unparalleled. His reservoir of knowledge that exhumes even during the prevalence of some physical challenges testifies of his rich personality. I cannot ask for more from a grand father. Being his first grand son, I had enjoyed some unique moments with him. grand dad was simple, jovial and humble. I will surely miss his deeply inspiring assurances. But I guess his time was up and nothing can change that. His rich legacy will however keep us going. Thank you grand dad for setting the pace. You will forever be remembered. Keep resting in peace. Chimdindu Atu, grand son.

Tribute To My Grand Father My grandfather Engr. Alfred Oputa was an upright man who raised his children the right way and had an eye to discern the heart of others. He was a loving father, a great husbandand an exceptional mentor to us all who learned from his exemplary life and visionary disposition in all issues. His life was filled with so much inspiration and touch of encouragement. He stops at nothing in his pursuit of excellence, which he ensures comes to pass in the life of children, including his grandchildren. As his grandson, I wish I could have spent more time and learned more from him but nevertheless I am happy for the little time I spent with him. I am sure that we would not have become what we are today if not that he raised my mother and her siblings excellently well and raised them in the way of the Lord. We remain proud of the legacy he laid. This will serve as the fortitude to enable us bear this irreparable and monumental loss. Thank you,granddad. I love you. Rest in peace. KenechukwuAtu, grandson.

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Tribute To My Grand Father What can I say about mygrandfather? My name is Amarachi Atu and I wouldn't be the person I amtoday without him. The fact that he'snot with us anymore breaks my heart, butthe fact that he taught me - and our entire family - what it means to really be a family willcreate the needed solace that should help us find the fortitude to carry on. From the time I was very young, I knew my grandfather was abrilliant man who stood out to make a great and indelible difference in the entire family into which he was born. While I may not always have shown it, I always looked up to him. From the time I was very small, I knew that he was the ideal exampleof what a family man should be.He was an incredible human beingwho left his mark on everyone hemet. When I look outtoday, not onlydo I see my family, I see so many friends, neighbours, and others who are alsomourning the loss of this great man. Daddy, though you are not withus anymore, you are notgenuinely gone since your memories will live on in our hearts and minds because we lovedyou and we will never forget the great legacy you left. Amarachi Atu, granddaughter

Tribute To My Super Grand Dad When I came back from school during the last vacation for Christmas, my Mum broke the news to me that our grand pa has died. This brought real sadness in my heart. This is because I wouldn't now have anyone else to call a grand dad. This also means there will be no other grand pa to pamper me the way he does each time we come to Asaba for Christmas or other visit. My grand dad was a very good man who showed so much love to all of us. He will always ask about my progress at each subject at school and how I am getting on, and also the ones that are difficult. He will then tell me what I can do to improve on my performance. I always feel very happy each time he talks with me. Grand dad will also ask what I want to be in future and how I am getting ready for it. It really pains me that grand pa is no more and I will not hear his wonderful voice again. Daddy, we love you so much and would have wanted you to stay more. You are so simple and caring. We know God loves you too and wanted you to return home and rest. You have done so much for all your children and us your grand children. Thank you for being there for us. Good bye grand pa. Please rest in peace. Kamsiyochukwu Atu, grand daughter.

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Rest in Peace Dad! Daddy, your death is still a shock to me because I still remember our last conversation when I visited you in the hospital. I know that you are in a better place, may your soul rest in peace. Amen Okwuchuwu Udogwu

Tribute to our Uncle Alfred Oputa - Chukwujindu. Dear Uncle, Your death came as a shock because we were looking at the next general meeting to be with you in a full family gathering to show you how strong the Lagos family meeting has become stronger after your instruction and insistent that we must restart the meeting that had collapsed and keep it going. Uncle we followed your instructions and made it stronger and better believing and hoping that one day we shall all be with you at Asaba to celebrate with you. Your fatherly presence and effort to unite the family is highly appreciated. We will miss your advice, constant communication to us, caring and asking after our welfare and that of our individual family. All this we will miss and will also miss you Goodnight uncle. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ Your children, the Oputa family Lagos branch.

A Tribute To My Gentle Uncle: Papa, you were a good father and uncle. A man that valued learning and knowledge. And placed emphasis on speaking less, but listening more. A gentleman that treasured peace, tranquility and harmony in the family which was epitomized by the way you led the extended family in your time and turn. Your knack for truth and justice was unquestionable, and your exercised both in your leadership. And these are attributes that we your children must imbibe in our effort to ensure that the fire of a united family you strived to uphold does not go down in our hands. Dwell with the Saints of God in heaven, Papa. Ikechukwu Oputah.

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Tribute To My Uncle Alfred - Chukwujindu. My dear uncle that has sat in as a father for me. Your soft way of talking still echoes in my ears. Truthfully, you tried so well to unite the family and uphold the family meeting. When you officially sent a letter and instructed me to reactivate the Lagos branch family meeting, I was reluctant but you put up that firm fatherly instruction and called again after a few days and spoke with love to encourage me to make it work. You have always loved me like your own daughter and gave me so much love and support when my husband, Larry Agugor left us. You stood by me all through and played a strong father roll. You always called to ask about my well being and that of my children. I will forever appreciate and remember you as a father. Your death has caused me another pain and gap of fatherly love. I miss your presence and the love in your voice when you call me 'Adie' NadimChukeni. Death is indeed a great loss as we have just lost you, a true gem. This is painful but we cannot help it for God knows best. Adieu Ezigbo uncle, nnamChukwujindu, I will miss you. MRS ADOBI LARRY-AGUGOR & FAMILY

Tribute to our uncle Alfred Oputa - Chukwujindu. Its with sadness we write this tribute to you uncle. Its exactly a year we laid our brother Chief Emmanuel Ifeanyi Oputa -Onodi to rest and you left us. We cannot question God but only thank him for your life well spent. We grew up to see the strong bond of brotherhood between our father your brother Chief Gilbert Ogwu Oputa-Onodi and your other brothers and we have followed suit. We are glad and appreciate your fatherly roll which you carried out successfully and maintained the unity you met and took over. We will miss your strong attendance to all family issues as a father to all. We pray the Lord to grant you eternal rest. Sleep on uncle as we celebrate you. Children of late Gilbert Ogwu Oputa - Onodi.

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Tribute to a dear - Uncle Alfred Oputa Chukwujindu. Daddy Alfred,Chukwujinduosa, Okenwannennanyi, we will always remember you and your beautiful smile.We always discuss about the bond between you and your brother (our father)Late chief Bendick Nwachukwu Oputa. The love you had for each other is something we the younger generation should emulate. Papa fare you well,,may the Lord grant you eternal peace and rest. We will miss you.We love you From Gbada's children

Forever in out Hearts We will always remember you even when we have forgotten all the rest. You were always true to our mother and our family, when our father died you took us as your own. We will never forget you PAPA. Missing you every second of our life. Courtesy… NdukaUdogwu Oputa on behalf of Chukwuma Udogwu Oputa family.

Tribute To Uncle Chukwujindu Uncle, your demise sounded like a dream, but your burial today has transformed it into reality, During your lifetime you generated an immense impact in the upbringing of many of us in the larger family bracket. For that, we remain ever grateful, though. Your death denied us the opportunity to thank you as you deserve. We pray for God to compensate your soul. Your pieces of advice were and will remain invaluable. While alive, you acquired considerable skills in your engineering profession. These skills the family has now missed out on, as nobody was near enough to understudy you. You really meant a great lot to many of us, May God grant us the grace to emulate your exemplary broad-mindedness, generosity, tolerance, and fraternity. It is our humble prayer that God will reward your goodness and grant you admission into His Kingdom where you will behold His Holy Face forever and ever Amen! Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Oputa

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Tribute To A Harmless Gentleman (Cousin Alfred Oputa) over there is immeasurable. Our hope is strengthened when, through our spiritual mind, we recall: · That as Jesus died and rose, so God will raise up with him those who have died in Christ (cf. 1 Thes.4:14) · That for the righteous death is the beginning of the fullness of life. · That the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God and no torment shall ever touch them (cf. Wis.3:2) · That since Jesus is the resurrection and the life, anyone who believes in Him, even though he dies, will live and every living person who puts his faith in Him will never suffer eternal death (cf. Jn. 11:25-26) · That one day spent in God's court is better than a thousand anywhere else (cf. Ps. 84:10) · That those who are left alive until the Lord's coming will not have any advantage over those who have died (cf. 1 Thes 4:15) · That indeed happy are those who die in the Lord, for they will rest from their hard work since their good deeds go with them (cf. Rev. 14:13)

ABDEL KADER rightly said, “DEATH IS A BLACK CAMEL WHICH KNEELS AT THE GATE OF ALL”. It has neither age, nor gender barrier. Yet this vital lesson surfaces only when one is bereaved of a close relation. Perhaps it is better that way, so that man in his characteristic cowardice does not die many times before his death. Brother Alfred, when last you spoke to me, the indication was that you were admitted in the hospital but were getting well. That assurance suffered when you could not answer my telephone calls again and I had to recourse to your wife. Then it dawned on me that the situation was no longer comfortable. Even at that, death was not in contemplation. Now that the worst has happened, we can only surrender to the will of the omni-potent God. You will be remembered for your engineering skill and hard work before, during, and after the Nigeria civil war. Your sense of justice remains a permanent mark. Your jokes at relaxed moments will keep resounding. At the broad family level, your song of unity will continue to sung.

We, therefore, pray that our Lord Jesus Christ to whom it belongs to grant mercy and to spare, may remit your sins and welcome you into His Kingdom of Peace and Glory and that God may at His own time, reunite us all there. · Adieu Alfred · Adieu Chukwujindu · Adieu Peacemaker extra-ordinary

We salute your prudence by which you were swift to hear but slow and cautious to react. You always sought the opinion of others. We cannot pretend that your demise does not hurt painfully, but we are bound to look beyond and console ourselves that God in his infinite mercy will ultimately admit you into his kingdom where you will see him face-to-face forever. We mentally visualize you beckoning us to struggle harder on earth because the reward

(Barr. GC Oputa & Family)

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Tribute To A Quintessential Engineer – My Very Own Daddy I remember with a sense nostalgia that evening of December 31, 2021 when you joined us in one of the rooms at the family house at Asaba, during my family's annual last day of the year prayer session to end our family fast. After I concluded the prayers, you took over and then prayed and prophesied over us, pouring out your heart inthe course of the prayers as you took turn to bless each member of my family. Little did we then know orrealize that you were then undertaking your own valedictory expression on us as you proclaimed God's great blessings upon us. Little did we realize that we were then being ushered with the final pronouncement of the testament of your will in deep spiritual terms and authority. The reality of the unfolding order became clearer on October 4, 2022 when the sun finally set. At about 10pm that faithful night. The call from my sister inlaw, Ndali and the message conveyed in broken voice, as I watched the sudden change in my wife's facial expression while answering the call – the handset suddenly dropping off her hand in the process, with a grief stricken face. Clearly, I new the battle was over. I could hardly contain the sudden and spontaneous reality before us. The fountain of wise counsel in career direction from your storehouse of knowledge and experience has come to an abrupt and unenviable end. The rare analytical prowess on current and contemporary issues and lessons plus insights therefrom has come to a shocking end. We were simply not ready for the trauma of being left alone at this time; not from the rain of wisdom with which you had carefully guided every of our steps all the way through our life's trajectory, particularly those of our children, your cherished grand children. As a retired university faculty and Engineer per excellence, you had so meticulously evaluated each child's performance, commitment to studies and plans for the future. These no doubt, have been the cornerstone of the progress they are making presently.Well, we really had no choice but accept the verdict of God who now says it is time. Daddy, you had welcomed me in 1997 into the

family with open arms when most fathers will struggle to do same. I came in during the most challenging time of my life, having literally nothing to show, on account of the banking distress that came and sent me and my colleagues scampering for mere survival. It is on record that as part of the fulfilment of the marital rites to enable me have your very first daughter as wife, you literally waived almost all the conditions where you had control, a clear testament to your simplicity and generosity. You so strongly believed in me and encouraged me to keep a strong focus on my efforts towards the future.This paid off as no sooner than I got into the family and by the next attempt at my ICAN professional exams, I qualified as a chartered accountant, after some previously failed attempts. And of course from then on, life has been on the upward trajectory for my family. The rich personality and humanity in you also played out shortly before our wedding in 1998. In what several parents would have considered disappointing and deeply reprehensible on our account, you simply smiled when I opened up to you, and then went ahead to assist in managing what would have been emotionally disastrous for the entire family. In short you were a rare gem. Although I lost my father when I was about ten years old, only to be brought up by my late elder brother, I found a new biological father in you. It was a cherished relationship that I will treasure the rest of my life. I actually recall you telling me several times to see myself as your son, in fact, your first son. You so trusted and confided in me even with the very sensitive aspects of your personal life. These can never be taken for granted. I promise to sustain the tempo of the momentum you had planted in us. We will keep the flag flying. Thank you for being a father, my teacher, my counsellor and intercessor. I feel so deeply privileged. Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord. Goodnight Daddy….My Great Daddy. Sunday AtsonAtu(Ph.D) (Son In-law)

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Tribute To My Father In-law Daddy, I am still finding it difficult to believe that I will not see you again. The news of your death on that night of October 4th, 2022 took away our joy, and has left a huge vacuum in our lives. You have been a peaceful and loving father indeed. You have always been a source of encouragement to us through your kind words of advice and prayers. In our challenging times, you have always been there for us, praying for us and assuring us that it would be well with us. Daddy, I'm privileged to have someone like you as my father in-law. You have strong belief in us that we shall be great. You never ceased professing it to us each time we speak on phone. Daddy, we will surely miss you. But the confidence and hope we have is that we will meet you on the last day because you are only asleep in Christ. Until then, Goodnight Daddy. Engr. Adolphus Okoli.

Tributes to Engr. Dennis Alfred Oputa Though death is a necessary end that comes when it wishes to come. But for people like my dear in-law, Eng Dennis Alfred Oputa death is supposed to give some years of notice. So that we could know the ways to adjust our lives. He was a man who gave out alms to people without complaints or grumbling. Engr. Dennis Alfred Oputa loved to be together with loved ones. Eng Dennis Alfred Oputa's advent to my family changed our stories from good to better and best. God, I know very well I cannot question or ask why. Daily shall we cry and feel his exit in our minds as we remember his good virtues. Most graveside weeps and cry on 28/2/23 shall continue till the end of the age. Epkere begs you almighty God on behalf of my family to give us the fortitude to bear irreplaceable loss and grant Eng Dennis Alfred Oputa eternal rest, Amen. From Ekpere

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APPRECIATION We, the familiy of ENGR. ALFRED DENNIS OPUTA, wish to express our profound gratitude to everyone for your prayers and support towards the funeral of our late father. Thank you very much and may the Lord God Almighty reward you all abundantly.