Dika.....the best man I know

By Tony_Bossy Anigbogu This is “Bosingwa” .  It is  actually very hard doing this Hommie; I had wanted to keep mute till I see you ‘lying in State’, but for the records … From Electronic and Computer Engineering Department, NAU, through NYSC Service year to this prime hustle stage,  You quickly built up a network of friends and a support group under a name, Afrivelle knowing how ..... to part no more.  Talk of Top 3 Successful Entrepreneur/Young Minds amongst ECE 2015 Graduates, You are there. I called a lot of people after Service Year in 2016 for Business Direction but you granted me access first. Your words… 1.  Bossy, Be sure of what you want to do and let me know; we generate the funding. 2.  Few month later, I came back 3.  Bosingwa, how do plan to manage your workers, make enough productions when demand is high; 4.  I left and never bothered coming back… 5.  Bosingwa, If I have half of the contacts you have, you will be surp...

By Augusta Ike No one leaves school with dying in mind. People leave school with thoughts and plans. Onyi was different, he wasn't confused, he had a blueprint of how he wanted things to turn out. He was not tensed up, he was just calm and ready to share his thoughts with anyone that cares. Sometimes I wished I could get into his head, to know what's he was up to. His walking step would brighten your day (I clearly remember him walking up to the altar at Garuba square NAUTH to collect a prize). His belief in things made talking unnecessary. I have always looked forward to when I would see 'his real face' and tell him these things which I now sadly write. But,  I remember St Paul,...' In the eyes of the foolish they are dead'. I choose not to be a fool. You are not dead Dika, you live rejoicing with the saints. I guess you have seen Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco whose pictures you  gladly place on the altar during block rosary at the University hostel. Sa...

By Amarachi Ikevude Writing or thinking about you in the past is one of the most difficult challenges I have had. The fact is that my brain finds it so hard to process “YOU ARE GONE”. I remember speaking with you and they were just a lot of things to be done and some you already had going on. You were focused, dedicated and very disciplined. My friendship with you is one of the amazing gifts I’m grateful to God for, though short lived. I may not have the mental capacity to write a eulogy for you yet but just for the moment I can comfortably state that you led a quality life, very unconventional in the way you thought and did things. It’s so sad to lose my one and only friend from Mars, as you always claimed to be. You were so SPECIAL to me in lot of ways, most significantly the Amazing Friendship we shared. I pray dearly that your soul rest in peace, Dika. Love you always Dika m.

By Anne Dijeh Where do I start from. Even gone, you are still making leave my comfort zone, making me write a tribute I never thought I'd ever write. We were just passing friends till final year when we had to become close friends. My final year pictures are dotted with you at every point. Same classes to same project which we all know we wouldn't have made an A if not for you. Amongst our friends, you were the only one I was sure would succeed in life which you did, the only one I was sure to get a wedding gift from and the only one who encouraged us all to leave our comfort zone and do something with our lives. You were our motivation. You promised to open an account with me and Cat. You never hesitated to help us out. You were who we wanted to be, talented, fearless, a go getter. You kept in touch even when I didn't. Chatting me up to say hello or just calling me to know how I was. If only I called you or texted you or…. That's the only th...

By GINIKA RITA OKPALA Can someone tell me why I need to rush life,   why  do  I need to be bothered about vanities? They all pass by.  Dika this wasn’t the plan nah?  So, if I had relocated to Enugu last month to build the Real Estate project with your team, you will just leave me stranded? My shock might even knock me off.     Many projects you have  given me the opportunity of be i ng a major partaker an d a shareholder.  Your  Microsoft Tours and others. I  can’t even understand what  I’m writing. Is this really a tribute? People kept calling me to confirm if  it’s true! The month of June really dealt with me. I thought my heart will give way, for my hea r t beats became abnormal. You were a wonderful body and soul. Dika will just be carefree when you are saying something very important, and I’ll be angry at him . I later learnt that such attitudes are good for life. Nothing too serious. Di...

By  Charlesbruno Chidera Eze The bits of stories which make up the life of Onyedika Igili are stories that speak of a man with so much love and so much life. It is difficult making you see the intensity of a beautiful soul when his laughter can only be heard through the poor description of others and the strength of his body can only be shown to you through words. Unfortunately, language fails or I maybe haven't learnt enough of it to command it and bend it to my will and let it show you Onyedika. But if you listened you might be able to see a glimpse of what he was and let his life inspire you. My friend, Onyedika, was a great man. For once, you can let your guards down and believe the words of a person who is mourning a dead friend when I tell you he was a great man. I know this because I have heard him talk about great people when we were younger  in that manner that says "I am resolved to be the best". He knew who was the fastest reader in the world, he knew wh...

By Chima, Maduka James I write this today with a heavy heart and eyes filled with tears for a light turned off at the point when it should be shining most, but then just like a song writer said,  Fading away like the stars   in the morning, Losing their light in the glorious sun. Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling, only remembered for what we have done. Only remembered, only remembered, only remembered for what we have done. Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling, Only remembered for what we have done. Onyedika Igili a shining light has faded away but he still lives in our hearts because he really did shine and we have been affected by his radiance. He was this person that cares about the welfare of others and also teaches same, I remember then when we were in the higher institution; he would always ask me “where is your room mate?” that question knock into head the need to always be in the know of the welfare of others which naturally...

By Eloka Chiejina [Montalo] I have asked several questions about life and one of them is why do good people go early? Dika, Am yet to believe that you are no more. For more than a decade, I have not cried the way I did when I heard the news of your demise. We might not be talking everyday but your friendship is what I value so much. I cried not because you won’t die one day, but why so soon. I cried not because I have not heard death news before but the vacuum your demise created in the life of people around you due to your positive impacts in their lives. Only God knows why he had to take you home early. Continue resting in the lord brother till we meet to part no more. Goodbye Onyedika Goodbye Igili.gates Goodbye CEO, Afrivelle

Written by: [Ikegbunam Benedict]  Bennochis It's a black Tuesday for me and my 042 brothers! Life really sucks!—a friend's status I read on Wednesday morning. “What happened. Attack in 042???” I asked. He replied: “Nope. Ask around”. So, I reluctantly said to myself: “What could it be. Could it be that bad?”...trying to figure out what the problem might be. I noticed a lot of messages from our group message count badge—it was quite unusual. So I started reading; a particular message caught my attention: "What happened to Dika... I am hearing news." Fear caught me as I pondered on those words, trying to connect the dots. At that point my friend's status recalled in my head... I muttered: "God forbid!" as I continued reading the chats until the news broke. "He had an accident yesterday afternoon... He died at the scene." Instantly, I froze from head to toe. I couldn't believe what I just read; I was dumbfounded...

BY NWAIWU KENNETH I met Dika the very first day I stepped into Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka . Luckily enough, we became roommates and later on friends and partners. We spent two years as roommates and sincerely Dika’s infectious and wonderful personality made our room a home for everyone. Different persons would come into our room everyday with their different tech challenges and all of them he surmounted with smiles and kindness. He had everyone on their toes because of what you could do with gadgets; he was everyone’s favourite then. Even though, we had some misunderstandings sometimes, off course we would always have one or two disagreements, Dika’s affable personality was obvious. I learnt so much from him, he was one of the best humans I have been able to meet in my little time here on earth, he had it all, churchy, humble, hardworking, focused, kind and intelligent. Dika was spotless in so many ways; he could go out of his way in order to put smiles on someone’s fac...

By  Priscilla Ahaiwe Dika, life couldn't just let us be friends the way we should have... It took away your awesomeness in the space of a short time! Words fail me to write everything you were to me But I'm lucky to have known your genteel personality! Thankfully you're in a better place than here  So just rest on Dika, rest on!  Onyie (as you fondly called me)

By Okosa Anthony You came. You saw. You conquered. Words are an embarrassment. Too cheap, are they. To qualify who you were. How cold it feels So cold indeed When I used the word 'were' Death where art thy power? Why steal one, with whom Still itself, found its understanding? Farewell gentle one. Requiscat in pace Igili, Onyedika.

By Obinna Ezeobi. A dedicated Catholic. An intelligent and visionary personality. A role model to many while in the university. Personally, I thought of him as a Bill Gates in the making. His creator knows best. Adieu Dika

By Offie ikechukwu Jude  (your successor, NFCS cord. Uni Hostel, UNIZIK)  To you Dika I can order a national Salute.  This is saying rest in the Lord dear brother. My NFCS daddy, my friend, a great Zikite, focused and determined...Continue to smile on us up there.. Good night bro.....

By Okey Esse I have never had the opportunity to meet a young Nigerian so focused and successful like you. Your humble and infectious smile made every difficult situation to fade away. You have remained the best hardworking young Nigerian I came across, reason why we bonded together to create a lot of products and companies. I am yet to come to terms to the news of your sudden demise. Life can be so cruel. The few years we have stayed together as partners and friends and brothers, we achieved so much in so little of time.  In my quiet times, the flashes of your memory stays with me and they are so real that tears can't stop, I could only imagine the pains your family is passing through. Why are gentle souls taken up by God so quickly? May God comfort your family. I pray dearly that your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night Onyedika.

By Gabriel Ezenwankwo (Uni  Course Rep) So its 8 years now, we all started our journey in the Faculty of Engineering, Electronics and Computer Department, then you guys elected me your course rep, and it became my responsibility to look after the class. Precisely in our third year in school IEEE brought us together, the Nigercon conference, of all the class, you and namo saw the importance of such events and we planned the trip. I noticed how ull spend your nights on the system, having short sleep intervals, coding at the such intervals, I was amazed at it all, you explained in details what you were doing and how you intended profiting from them, literally the business in what you were doing, but smart Gabriel could not understand a single thing you said cause they were just too advanced for me then (sadly), it was like you were already living in the future and you understood fully well how it worked.  Remember how we met Engr Ekekwe Ndubisi and how we were amaze...

By Erike Uzoma. Thinking about you and all the times we’ve had together, you seem so alive to me that I feel awkward writing this tribute to you. I remember the first time I saw you when you approached me in our  year one at the university so we could know each other, your personality was so charming that I enjoyed being around you. Your positive mindset influenced me and made it easy for me to absorb the pressure of the tedious nature of our first and subsequent years in the university. I remember the first time I celebrated your birthday with you - it was your 19 th  birthday at the hostel. You really made school hostel enjoyable for me and I don’t think I would have stayed up to 5 years in Unizik hostel without you. Anytime we walked together to market, lectures or anywhere you either stopped to greet someone or someone stopped to greet you, I remember one of those days when we walked and I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer so I jokingly asked you how co...

By Nonso Nwagbo Sunset At Dawn! I guess that was the first sane thing I thought of after I had cleared my head of the confusion that followed the news of your demise. I had always known you way back in school, but from a distance. My friends and colleagues spoke and speaks highly of you to my hearing. But all I could afford was to admire you from a distance. Luck finally shone on me when I saw you at ICT State CDS Enugu a couple of months ago. You came to tutor us on the prestigious “Hour Of Code” which you initiated during your service year. There and then, I knew it was an opportunity to finally speak with you. That discussion was the first of the only two discussions I ever had with you. They were short and concise; but long enough for me to have a firsthand understanding of how remarkable you are. I loved you at the spot. In less than a minute, I fell in love with your demeanor, intellect, disposition, humility, drive and unalloyed personality. It’s just so difficult ...

By Salem Dika thank You for being a friend, thank you for being a brother, Thank You for being my technology confidant, thank you for being my relationship counsellor, thank You for making me a better person and finally, thank you for making the world an awesome place for many young people, you are selfless and never condescending, you always believed in giving people another opportunity even when they screw up, I admire your courage and passion to keep pushing until projects or tasks hit the excellent mark.    I will always remember you, I strongly believe you are gone to be with the Lord and we will surely meet again. You are kind, strong, selfless and a role model, it deeply hurts knowing that the world has lost a mega star.

By  Egbuna   Chimezie  John- Vianney I first met you  at an engineering student’s association  meeting. Back then, I  was just  a 100 level  student  while you were in your final year in the University .   As the meeting progressed, everyone brought up  their latest works/ projects. I  had none  but  made a very   naive comment  about enhancing the capabilities of  Dika's.  It was a very silly move but you called me afterwards and said, “JV, I like the way you think. I ’d  want you to work with me,  I’d  be able to teach you  a few things ” .  I  gladly  accepted and from  then on we became friends.  Whenever you had any conference or program to attend,  you’d  always take me along with you and  introduce me your friends (who are now my friends as well) . Dika , you always saw the good side in everyone and put others first in every...

By Onyinye Unachukwu (Jaunty) How can I say Rest In Peace when it’s not the right time to do so, not like there’s ever a right time but it’s way too early! You were such a humble soul, Why did you have to leave when you haven’t done half of the things we talked about, the little you did left so much impact on lives. How does the tech world move on without you Dika? Your zeal was so admirable, the way you cross out your to-do list was something else. You always encouraged me to do better! Those days when we have unofficial conversations and you ask after my “boyfriends” as you call them, and when I asked after your babe, you’d always say “J rapugodu that part ka anyi kpata Ego”, or when you see my Owambe pictures and keep reminding me that I’d have to teach you the dance you’d do on your wedding day. That dance is still here waiting for you to learn it nnaa, why don’t you come back, I’d teach you for free, just come back. Lemme remind you of somethings probably it will brin...

By Ikechukwu Jerome My friend, Onyedika was a kind and generous person who lived an epitome of charity as a life. He was a strong person too and this strength shone through during his struggles as a hustlepreneur. Even though he was tremendously stressed, he always remained strong and never wanted attention focused on his predicaments. He wanted everyone to continue on their lives and was more concerned with how we were doing and if we were happy. I can remember how often he covered for my expenses and shortcomings. He was ever ready to make any sacrifice to ensure business was headed forward. He sent a clear message of sacrificial way of living even to the unworthy of his love. Dika spent every moment of his life powering solutions to relevant societal problems. Onyedika, how can I possibly explain the magnitude of synergy that existed between us to everybody reading this? I would just say he is my Man Crush Everyday (MCE). Dika was born into a diligent family. He was highly...