FUNERAL SERVICE & SERVICE OF SONG

70

AVOR IKECHUKWU O. AWO(RTD)

1952 - 2022

Date: 28th January, 2023 @ First Baptist Church, Mbiama Ahoada West LGA, River State

OFFICIATING MINISTERS

Officiating Ministers Rev. Inetimi James Rev. Adepetun Julius Pst. Jacob Wilfred Pst. Atumu Roland Dn. Sam Ogulu Rev. (Dr) Olufemi Titus Ayodele (District Overseer, Bayelsa Missionary District)

Pst. Singer Mienbi Agudama Missionary Zonal Superintendent

Pastor Charles-Owaba Damini Pastor in charge FGC Igbogene

ORDER OF SERVICE Order of Service 1.

WE COME BEFORE THE LORD OF HOST With a call to Worship With a Hymn of Adoration With a Recognition of Officiating Ministers

2.

WE HEAR THE GOD OF CONSOLATION SPEAKS TO US Through the Band Through the Biography Through Hymn of Consolation Through Prayer for the Bereaved Family Through Choir Ministration Through His Servant

3.

WE RESPOND TO GOD'S CONSOLATION As we take the Thanks Offering As we receive the Vote of thanks As we Listen to the Update of Information As we take the Closing Hymn As we take the Closing Prayer/Benediction

4.

WE DEPART FOR THE GRAVE SIDE In a Prayer of Consecration In the Interment Proper In a Benediction

HYMN!!! 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, Chorus “It is well, it is well with my soul!” It is well 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 hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought— My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you. Chorus God will take care of you, through ev'ry day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you. Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you; When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you. [Refrain] No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon his breast, God will take care of you.

HYMN!!! Hymn ASLEEP IN JESUS

THE CHRISTIAN’S “GOOD NIGHT”

Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep, From which none ever wakes to weep! A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes.

Sleep on, beloved, sleep, and take thy rest; Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's breast; We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best-Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!

Asleep in Jesus! O how sweet To be for such a slumber meet! With holy confidence to sing That death has lost his venomed sting.

Calm is thy slumber as an infant's sleep; But thou shalt wake no more to toil and weep: Thine is a perfect rest, secure and deep-Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!

Asleep in Jesus! peaceful rest, Whose waking is supremely blest! No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour That manifests the Savior's power.

Until the shadows from this earth are cast, Until He gathers in His sheaves at last, Until the twilight gloom be over past-Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!

Asleep in Jesus! O for me May such a blissful refuge be! Securely shall my ashes lie, waiting the summons from on high

Until the Easter glory lights the skies, Until the dead in Jesus shall arise, And He shall come, but not in lowly guise-Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF ENGR. AIR WARRANT OFFICER (AWO) IKECHUKWU AVOR (RTD) BIRTH: Late Chief Engr. Air Warrant Officer (AWO) Ikechukwu Avor was born on the 23rd of December 1952 into the family of Late Obisha Avor of Ovumeya family in Igovia and late Mrs Lucy Oduiweyi Avor Nee (Ugunu Ayonoadu) of the Ovumashianyi family in Ikodi both in Engenni, Ahoada West L.G.A. of Rivers State. EDUCATION: Late Engr. Avor started his Primary Education at Community School Oboma and in Primary Four (4), His uncle Chief G.M Avor took him from home to complete his Primary Education where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate with distinction and gained scholarship to G.T.C. Ahoada, where he obtained the Certificate of City and Gills of London Institute. As an Academician, he further went to the USA to study Aeronautical Engineering, graduated and further more went to Athens Greece to get his license in Aeronautical Engineering. After retirement, he still went to Oshodi in Lagos state to study Safety and Security Management. MARITAL LIFE: Late Engr. Ikechukwu Avor got married to a loving woman after his heart Deaconess Anume Avor (Nee Eka) on the 8th of June 1985,both from Igovia Engenni Ahoada West. The marriage of 37 years is blessed with 5 children and grandchildren. CHRISTIAN LIFE: Late Engr. Ikechukwu was a dedicated Christian, who was passionate about the work and Ministry of God. He contributed immensely to the growth of the Body of Christ. While in Lagos, he was a committee chairman for three (3) consecutive tenure in the Protestant Church where he worshiped. And after retirement, he returned home to join Baptist church Mbiama, there he served in the capacity of a Protocol Officer till his demise.

WORK LIFE: In 1975 – 1976, he got Employment with the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture. In 1977, Egnr. Avor was recruited to the Nigerian Air Force, where he started as an Aircraft Technician, then later as an Aeronautical Engineer. He was the H.O.D of Air Craft Maintenance Depot (2ACMD). Also was the AWO in charge of 401 Logistics Command Headquater, NAF Base Ikeja and also the Chief Amour Instructor Parade Commander. He retired Meticulously with an award of Excellent Service. BELIEF AND HOBBY: His hobbies were Judo, wrestling and other Sporting activities which he got so many medals within and outside the State. He believed that something must kill a man and that man must die, so enjoy life to the fullest on earth, but always be at the right and good side. He pursued Peace, Integrity, Diligence, Honesty, Truth, Respect and Good Morals at all times. SOCIAL LIFE: He was a social man and joined so many Social Organizations. While in Lagos he was the Chairman of the Ahoada Welfare Organization, he was the Treasurer of Rivers/Bayelsa welfare Association. Also, the president of Engenni Union Lagos Branch. He was the Chairman of the Engenni Military /Paramilitary Lagos Branch. Back home after retirement, he joined the Nigeria Legion Awelga Akinima branch where he served as Vice Chairman. He fought a good fight and finished his course. He has gone to be with his Maker . The Great Hero Goodbye.

PHOTO SPEAKS

PHOTO SPEAKS

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND My dear, my love, my darling, Daddy me words cannot express my feelings about you I will forever remember you. Your death is a bitter pill and yet to completely swallow, it is a bitter tablet that has kept me saddened it is one truth I wish I could deny ,but everyday you absence from home confirms the reality that you have gone, it beats my imagination that you are no more with me and the children. I love you so much because you first loved me , you sought for my hand in marriage from my dad for good 3years, and kept saying without marrying me you will not marry in life and promise to love me forever, which you did; our 37 years of marriage is just like 37 days, you showered me and our wonderful children with great love, you were the best gift that God gave to me on earth, you were my crown, my mentor, a rare gem , my companion ,my great hero, my defender ohh daddy I miss you so much. IKECHUKWU you truly represented the acronyms of your nameIIntegrity KKindness EEncouraging CCaring HHumble UUnderstanding K- Knowledgeable W- Wise U- Unique I will forever keep your legacy, My Dearest I and the children love you and miss you so much but the almighty loves and need you most. Dear mee bida doo doo till we meet to part no more. Rest in the bosom of the Lord Great Love From Your Dearest Wife Avor Anume

MY FATHER MY HERO You were the first man I ever knew and the first male voice I got accustomed to. Today, even as a writer and a poet, I still do not have the right words to describe you. Every year I had written a poem to celebrate you in the congregation on Father's day, who do I write to now. You had been a great pillar of support for us all even when some thought you were making a mistake. Thank you for being a good example to your “gals” (as you fondly call us). Thank you for believing in us and for teaching us aright. When your mates were buying cars and “living the life”, you were busy investing in “your gals”. Thank you for teaching me to lead the squad even as a female. From morals to chores (the list is endless). You had thought me as much as electrical connections in the house because you said there is nothing I cannot do as a female and today I have been able to easily thrive among the male folk and not be intimidated by their gender, simple because I had a father that insisted, I am not less than a male child and thought me to stand for myself at all times. Your insistence on integrity, truth ,peace and humility at all times has greatly helped me and today I am proud to be called your daughter.

Daddy, your voice still rings in my head and I still find it difficult to refer to you in past tense. Your demise came to me as a big shock. You never joked with us even till adulthood, you must not hear that any of “your gals” has an headache; you will suddenly become a Doctor, running helter-skelter and sorting out medications. The list is endless of all you were and still are, as your kind is never forgotten. You were a great man and a rare one at that. Your peaceful nature still amazes me till date. We will keep telling your stories to your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, as you have left a good legacy for us. Thank you for being a good father to us and a great husband to our Mum. Thank you for teaching us good morals and great values in life. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for leaving a good legacy. Continue to rest in the bosom of our daddy. We (Your Queen, your gals and your grandchildren) loves you, My Daddy My hero. It is well (this had been your favourite song), today we all say it because indeed; IT IS WELL, in Jesus name You came, you saw, your fought and your CONQUERED. Keep resting in the bosom of our heavenly father. Daddy, bida doo doo. Your Daughter Onisokumen Gift Avor-Edeh

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER-IN LAW Words cannot express what you mean to me as a Father-in-Law. Not just to me but to all your children and grandchildren. I knew you as a peaceful father, who loved everybody and wished everyone well. Every moment I was opportune to spend with you are unforgettable, I can vividly remember our discussions at various times; especially my last visit in the month of May 2022. st The news of your death on the 1 of July 2022 was still unbelievable until I visited the morgue and was broken when you could not ask me “how are you?” as you usually do. While I was still wondering why death decided to take you at such a time, I saw other lifeless bodies and this brought to my remembrance that, the world is not our home as we are only messengers. You have fought a good fight and you have finished your course. You have left behind a generation that you had thought the good ways and they will continue your legacy. With tears in our eyes and with the pain of loosing a great man, we remain grateful to God for everything He has done. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Shalom! Your Son-in-Law Pastor Chris Edeh.

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED DADDY!!!

O

h, dear daddy, the thought that you are no more gives me goose bumps. You were everything a true father should be, you cared for all your children, and showed that you loved us equally. I remember when we were kids, each time any of us got sick, you would be so troubled and disturbed, that you would most times prefer to stay in-doors and care for us, touching us on the forehead and neck several times. I specially thank God that you never lived to bury any of your children,as I am sure you would not have recovered from the shock and pain.I miss you daddy,I miss your regular phone calls to check on us.You were there for all of us, you taught us humility and integrity by your way of life.As Christians,we take solace in the fact that you have gone to be with your creator,Who loves you more than we do., To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to live and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1&2.You will forever remain in our hearts sweet dad. Love you dearly. Rest in peace my hero. Papa bida doo doo. Your daughter Olaimesweya Philip Innocent.

TRIBUTE TO A DEAR FATHER IN-LAW You were a man of very few words, gentle, easy going and kindhearted. You were very caring, humble and lived a simple life of integrity. We miss you daddy. May your soul rest in peace. Your son in-law Gabriel Innocent Philip HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST Dad, it is hard for me to say goodbye. Although I loved you dearly dad, I could not make you stay. I was always proud to call you dad, The best friend a daughter could have. God broke my heart to prove to me He only take "The Best" The times we laughed and times we cried, memories now inside my mind and though letting go is so very sad. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands made to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes "The Best"God saw that he was getting tired, A cure was not to be, So, he put His arms around him and whispered "come with Me". Our father was loved so dearly and brought so much happiness to many hearts he touched. He was always kind, caring and understanding towards people. And if help was ever needed then, it came so freely from him. He was a blessing and God's gift to everyone he came across and brought so much joy to us. God broke my heart to prove to me He only takes "the Best". Till we meet again daddy! I never will forget You dad. Your Daughter Odemuze Avor Ozuruonye

O

A SECOND DAD nly a moment we stayed together, But what an imprint your footprint has left in my heart. I will always remember that caring heart of yours.

I came into your family not knowing what I would find, I was nervous and afraid You gently eased my mind. You made me feel right at home, from the first day that we met, you welcomed me with opened arms, and that I won't forget. Even though you are not my dad, you let me know you care, you are a great father-in-law, you stand out above the rest I thank God for blessing me, with the very best. A second dad as great as you is something very rare. Your Son-in-Law Andy Chidi Ozuruonye.

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FATHER Oooh daddy! The agony of losing you is too much for me to bear! You so much believed in me, I can't even find tears, this pain is different There is no grief like the grief that does not speak. I miss u so much Your Daughter OBOBO(Mitovieye)

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER-IN-LAW Death is a Clarion call for all mortals, calling us back home to eternity. Indeed, life on earth starts with the cry of a baby at birth and ends with an ominous consolidated silence at death. It was a brief and short meeting, yet you left a memory which I consider "Everlasting". I wish you waited a little while, so we could spend more time. To your discomfort, you readily gave out all you had for the comfort of others. I still remember that smile you gave me at the hospital the very day I barbed your hair. You told me, you were looking young and handsome, strong and good to go. We were so sure that you were stronger. Our hopes were better raised when the doctors discharged you. But little did I know that in few months, you will bid us farewell. Though the forces were much, you fought well. I call you a Soldier, I call you a Hero. A Man with a kind and compassionate heart. You choose to leave, so you can watch over you family from the hereafter. I celebrate you my beloved father in-law. Adieu Papa. Bida Dodoo! Your Son-in-Law Flight Lieutenant AA OSIGWE

TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET DAD It is hard to accept the fact that my dear father, counsellor, adviser, my Superman is gone back to meet with his creator but in all things, we learn to give thanks to God. I never knew I was going to be writing a tribute for you so soon daddy. I thank God each day for giving you to me as a father, you were a good man indeed, your calm spirit amazes me, especially each time you are wronged and still let it slide so easily. You were a very loving father to your children making sure that everyone gets your love and attention equally. You impacted positively on all that had come close to you, kudos daddy. You always made sure your girls did not feel less of themselves and your favourite statement has always been “IT IS WELL”; indeed dad “it is well”, I have come to realize I use that word often since you left. It has been serving as a reassurance to my spirit and inner mind. I miss you so much my champion, with tears in my eyes I wish you farewell to your creator. Papa! Bida Doo-Doo Your Daughter Ubileoniso Avor TRIBUTE TO A GREAT FATHER. My Daddy Dear, we were together on Wednesday, there wasn't any sign of you leaving us by Friday, I wish I knew that Wednesday was the last day I will see you alive, I wouldn't have left for Port Harcourt, though I didn't really believe you're gone until the Christmas and New year day, it has been a Tradition between you and we your children that you always call first to know if we have eaten the Christmas rice, same on New Year day, so I waited for your phone call as usual, but you never called, it was then I realized and believed that you are no more, I cried out my eyes and at the same time looking at my phone hoping you will call but that never happened. Daddy, you took Baby and I in, you cared for us, you showed us so much love, we see you as our Foster Dad and not an In-law, you were such a wonderful Father, you never hurt a fly, you were so calm and Gentle, an Angel in disguise, a beautiful soul with the Heart of Gold. Daddy now that you're gone, who will I turn to? who will I tell when I am down? Daddy who will give us those great advices that you do give, Daddy who did you leave us for? Daddy we never complained of being tired of you, Daddy you laboured for us your children with no support from anyone but you never wait to reap what you sowed. It hurt really much that we will not see you again, we miss you already but our Hearts will go on with you till end of time. I pray God to accept your Beautiful Soul. We lost you but Heaven gained you. Your great memories will remain our Treasure for as long as we live . We still love you . RIH (Rest in Heaven) daddy . Your Beloved in-law/Daughter Comfort Eka

TRIBUTE TO DADDY When the bible say "Pursue Peace with all men", I saw that in you. Daddy, you were a man of peace; peaceful to a fault. Not even the military uniform could change that aspect of you and your peaceful nature was often taken for granted. Thank you to accepting me into your house as your daughter. I will forever be grateful to you. May the almighty God bless you. Adieu Daddy,God bless your peaceful soul. Your Beloved in-law/Daughter Rev. Mrs Ayibatuenye Maxwell TRIBUTE TO A BROTHER As a preacher said, to everything there is a time and season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. “Ike” as I fondly call you, the man of the people, a trustworthy friend, my childhood friend, a man that never forgets the union even on his sick bed, I lost a great brother in my days, I am heartbroken on loosing you. But I have no place to seek solace, but in God who is the giver of life and who all lives taken returns to. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ Amen. Your Brother Deacon Sam Ogulu

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED BROTHER It is a misery; it beats my imagination that you are no more. “Ike” you have left me at a time I needed you most, I am always remembering when we were together discussing about life, you have left me so lonely. I love you and I miss you so much but the almighty God need you best to rest in His bosom Bye till we meet to part no more. Your Brother Elder Avor Emeka

TRIBUTE TO A COLLEAGUE Awo Avor was a well dedicated and hard working airframe technician and comrade, an easy going fellow. May almighty God grant him eternal rest, in Jesus name. Your Colleague MWO Dada Anthony-C-130H

TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE I knew my bosom friend, late AWO Avor Ikechukwu in Ground Training Group, Kaduna. We were recruited from Port-Harcourt on the 1st June 1977, to join the Nigerian Air Force as tradesmen (Special enlistment tradesmen). Having been amongst the successful ones. In same first week of June1977, we were flown to Kaduna for medical check-up. It was during this period of medical check-up that l met with my friend, since this was organized on state level, having come from same Rivers state. During our training, we slept on the same double decker bed throughout the six months rigorous training. He occupied the down while l stayed up. Throughout the training period, we never quarrelled. The issue that surprised us was that both of us read Mechanical Engineering in our previous schools attended before joining the Nigerian Air force. The next thing we discovered, was that on completion of our military training, both of us were posted to Lagos. The final surprise was that, both of us worked on same C-130H aircraft, that airlifted us from Port-Harcourt to Kaduna, until we finally and successfully retired from the Nigerian Air Force. AWO Avor Ikechukwu was a disciplined and hard-working officer to the core. Having successfully attended leadership and management course, he exemplified it in his work etiquette. May his gentle soul live with the Almighty God ,in Jesus mighty name, Amen. One of your closest Military friends and Coursemate MWO Echonwere Sylvanus Orluikhe (RTD)

TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE I knew AWO Ikechukwu Avor from 28 June 1977 when we started our basic military training in Kaduna. We were in the same 'D Squad'. He was a very quiet man all through those rough training days in our lives. Always staying at the background peacefully. Even as we were serving in Lagos and having our Festac 77 course mate meetings, he always brought up good ideas for our betterment as NAF personnel. As an AWO, he performed his duties effectively to the admiration of officers and men in the Unit. He was loved by all and fondly called "the Father of All". He smiled a lot. Since we retired and left Lagos, we have been communicating with each other. His death is still being felt as if he merely travelled and would return some day. I am among his good friends who are feeling his demise very sorely. Nobody has control over death. As mere mortals, we can only pray to God to forgive him any sins he may have committed on earth and let his soul rest peacefully in Jesus name. Amen. May God bless his wife, kids and family members with the needed strength to bear this irreplaceable loss in Jesus name. Amen. Rest in peace my dear Ikechukwu. Your Friend and Coursemate AWO Godwin Izoma

TRIBUTE TO MY BOSS

AWO AVOR was my boss in the then 401 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (2ACMD), he was the kind of boss you could walk up to and have discussions with because he has listening ears. He will say “Lawilo how body na”. May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace. MWO Lawal

TRIBUTE TO DADDY AVOR The Bamidele's family will like to paint a memorial portrait of Daddy AVOR. Daddy was a wonderful father, a man of honour, dignity, loyalty and light. We had known daddy for so long and we can testify and say heaven gained a soul. Since when we all lived together at Nigeria Air Force Base Ikeja, daddy have been a peaceful and calm loving father to us and to the neighbourhood. We had not for once heard daddy quarrel or involved in a fight with anybody. He is an easy-going father that loves God and anyone that comes across his paths. A caring, cheerful and respectful father. Daddy is a lover of Christ that served the Lord till death. We Pray, MAY GOD REST IS SOUL PEACEFULLY Amen. From The Bamidele's Family

Appreciation!!!