By Carl Umegboro
It was indeed devastating to read the sad news as shared online by Mr. Emeka Ngige (SAN) few days ago indicative of untimely death of a progressive to the core, Barrister Ikechukwu Uchegbu at 56.
It was indeed devastating to read the sad news as shared online by Mr. Emeka Ngige (SAN) few days ago indicative of untimely death of a progressive to the core, Barrister Ikechukwu Uchegbu at 56.
No doubt, Ike Uchegbu albeit lived a short life, nevertheless, his moment on earth was impactful and evidently resourceful. His benevolence, motivations, friendliness, humility and selflessness cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, his death is a big blow and high-wired robbery against humanity.
Uchegbu was a good mentor to me in particular and then some other persons that were privileged to know him while alive. Quintessentially, Barr. Uchegbu was a positivist and lover of progress.
As a matter of fact, I studied Law through his motivation and persistent courage some years ago when I had the privileged to know him where we coincidentally operated from the same office in Surulere, Lagos. Then, I was in a contract-employment in his friend’s construction company, and his humility was to an extent that he never visited the office without asking after me in particular despite our age and career differences…
On several interactions after noticing my interest as well as one other colleague in the office to study Law, he took it personal by continuous motivation, and simplified the processes by giving necessary guidelines and assistances, and actually pushed us into actions. Immediately I signaled my readiness, he backed it up by providing most of basic things I needed including my letter of guarantorship/reference which I presented to University of Benin for my Diploma-in Law then before proceeding for my Bachelor of Laws degree programme.
In similar vein, the other colleague proceeded to the Lagos State University to also study Law, and today, she is also a lawyer and called to the Bar; all through the motivations of Barr. Uchegbu who never stopped at instilling courage in us with his famous phrase, “stop postponing, just apply first”.
To me, Ike Uchegbu lived a fulfilled life on earth despite the short time because he impacted positively on people not biologically related to in any way. According to a maxim, “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively”- Bob Marley.
To cut the long story short, Barr. Uchegbu as a ‘man of the people’ can never be an overstatement. Indeed, he was, and will continually live on in our hearts. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and positive-mindedness. One remarkable attribute that cannot be overemphasized was that Barr. Uchegbu may not give you a fish, but certainly will enthusiastically be magnanimous to show you how to catch fishes.
Indeed, death successfully dialed a wrong number; however, our consolation is that God knows all things and will graciously give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. I salute you, a great mentor. May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Carl Umegboro, LL.B (Hons)
Publisher, Pinnacle InfoGallery BLOG