ISSOMME YOULIFE

ISSOMME

CONDOLENCE MESSAGES

PROGRAME FOR

IN HONOUR OF LATE CHIEF ENGR. BEN ILOABACHIE

@ ST. THOMAS LODGE | 10:00AM

THURSDAY 17TH AUGUST 2023

OfficiatingMinisters

Rev. Canon Josephus Jaja

1. PROCESSIONAL HYMN: A&M 290 – Through all the changing scenes of life (interspersed with sentences)

2. OPENING HYMN A&M 527 – For all the saints

3. OPENING PRAYERS

4. Psalm 23

5. THE LESSONS - Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 (The Glory of God in History)

6. HYMN A&M A&M 240 – Pleasant are the courts above

7 INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

8. ANTHEMS

- Old Boys Government College Umuahia

– Exquisite Choir Port Harcourt

9. BIOGRAPHY

10. HYMN FOR SERMON – A&M 279– Lights Abode Celestial Salem

11. SERMON

12. DEAD MARCH IN SAUL

13. PRAYERS

14. CLOSING HYMN A&M 23 – Abide with me

15. BENEDICTION

16. NOTICES

17 RECESSIONAL HYMN SS&S 697– Mine eyes have seen..

INTERMENT –FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY

1. PROCESSIONAL HYMN: A&M 290– Through all the changing scenes of life (interspersed with sentences)

1. Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ

Sentence One

I am the resurrection and the life says the Lord, he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall live and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die

2. O magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt his Name; When in distress to him I called, He to my rescue came.

Sentence Two

As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him for He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

3. The hosts of God encamp around The dwelling of the just, Deliverance he affords to al, Who on his succor trust.

Sentence Three

Who on his succor thrust. For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

4. O make but trial of his love; Experience will decide How blest are they, and only they, Who in his truth confide

Sentence Four

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.

5. Fear him, ye saints, and you will then, Have nothing else to fear; Make you his service your delight, Who in his truth confide.

Sentence Five

To this end, Christ died and lived again that He might be Lord of the dead and the living.

6. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost, The God whom we adore, Be glory, as it was, is now, And shall be evermore

2. OPENING HYMN: A&M 527 (Tune: Sine Nomine) – FOR ALL THE SAINTS

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia!

2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia, Alleluia!

3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!

5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!

6. The golden evening brightens in the west;

Soon, soon to faithful warriors come their rest; Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia!

7. But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His Way Alleluia!

3. OPENING PRAYERS: by Officiating Minister

Most Glorious God, Author of all good and giver of all mercy, pour down upon us, Thy sorrowing servants, the consolations of Thy mercy and strengthen our solemn engagement with the ties of sincere affection. In the passing of our brother may we be reminded of our mortality and have our hearts so drawn towards Thee, our only refuge in danger and distress, that when the time of our own departure shall come, we may be sustained and comforted in the dark valley by the sense of Thy gracious presence, and be able to rejoice in the blessed hope of an unbroken fellowship in Thine Everlasting Kingdom.

All: Amen. So must it be.

Almighty God who is always more ready than we to pray, and wants to give than we either desire or deserve, pour down upon us at this time the divine consolations of thy spirit. Support the afflicted in every trial and may this circumstance, which in the present moment must extract the fear of friendly commiseration from every tender heart, teach us all the important value of being always ready to meet our God. In the midst of life, we are in death. Teach us, dear gracious Father, the uncertainty of dependencies; and may we spend the present moment as if we were sure it would be our last. Prepare us for all Thy precious intentions; if we live, may we live unto the Lord, or if we die, may we die unto the Lord, so that in living or dying, we may be Thine forever. Sanctify this moment to the conversion of every heart, may the serious and important services in which we have at this time being engaged, leave a suitable impression upon every

mind, may the aged read the certainty of death, and may the young read the uncertainty of life; and may we, one and all, be fully prepared to give the solemn account, which we know not how soon we may be called to give, that when Thou shall call us to render unto every one according to his labour and his work, we may be found amongst the happy number who shall receive that blessed invitation of “Come, Ye Children, Enter Ye Into The Joy of Your Lord”.

All: So must it be.

4. PSALM 23

1. THE Lord / is my / shepherd : therefore / can I / lack / nothing.

2. He shall feed me in a / green / pasture : and lead me forth be - / side the / waters . of / comfort.

3. He shall con-/ vert my / soul: and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness / for his / Name's / sake.

4. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death * I will / fear no / evil : for thou art with me * thy rod and thy / staff / comfort / me.

5. Thou shalt prepare a table before me * against them that / trouble / me: thou hast anointed my head with oil and my cup / shall be / full.

6. But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me * all the / days of . my / life : and I will dwell in the house / of the / Lord for / ever Glory be to the Father and / to the / Son: and / to the / Holy / Ghost; As it was in the beginning * is now and / ever / shall be: world without / end. / A- / men.

5. THE LESSON: Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 (The Glory of God In History)

1. Next let us praise illustrious men, our ancestors in their successive generations.

2. The Lord has created an abundance of glory, and displayed his greatness from earliest times.

3. Some wielded authority as kings and were renowned for their strength; others were intelligent advisers and uttered prophetic sayings.

4. Others directed the people by their advice, by their understanding of the popular mind, and by the wise words of their teaching;

5. Others composed musical melodies and set down ballads;

6. others were rich and powerful, living peacefully in their homes. their praises are still sung.

9. While others have left no memory, and disappeared as though they had not existed. They are now as though they had never been, and so too, their children after them.

10. But here is a list of illustrious men whose good works have not been forgotten.

11. In their descendants they find a rich inheritance, their posterity

12. Their descendants stand by the commandments and, thanks to them, so do their children's children.

13. Their offspring will last for ever, their glory will not fade.

14. Their bodies have been buried in peace, and their name lives on for all generations.

15. The people will proclaim their wisdom, the assembly will celebrate their praises. This is the word of the Most High

All: So must it be

6. HYMN A&M 240 – Pleasant are thy courts above

1. Pleasant are thy courts above In the land of light and love; Pleasant are thy courts below In this land of sin and woe. O, my spirit longs and faints For the converse of thy saints, For the brightness of thy face, For thy fullness, God of Grace!

2. Happy birds that sing and fly

Round thy altars, O most High; Happier souls that find a rest In a heavenly Father's breast. Like the wandering dove that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair And enjoy it ever there. A-men.

3. Happy souls, their praises flow Even in this vale of woe; Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies; On they go from strength to strength, Till they reach thy throne at length, At thy feet adoring fall, Who hast led them safe through all.

4. Lord, be mine this prize to win; Guide me through a world of sin; Keep me by thy saving grace; Give me at thy side a place. Sun and shield alike thou art; Guide and guard my erring heart; Grace and glory flow from thee; Shower, O shower them, Lord, on me!

7. INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

Minister: What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hands of death?

All: surely, every man walketh in a vain shadow, he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Minister: let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like unto his.

All: God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even unto death.

Minister: May we be true and faithful; and may we live and die in love!

All: So must it be.

Minister: For I am stranger with Thee. And a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

All: O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, before I go hence, and be no more

seen.

Minister: Glory be to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men. All: From henceforth and forever more! Amen. Minister: Almighty God, give me us the grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the amour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your son Jesus Christ came to visit in great humility, that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through Him who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, Giver of comforts; deal graciously, we pray, with those who morn at this time. Help them to cast all their worries on you. As they do this, may they receive Your love and consolation, through the blessing of The Great Architect of the Universe. Amen Heavenly Father, as we mourn the death of your servant, have mercy on us. Give us lives of victory Give us lives that are victorious over the world and over the lust lusts of the flesh, and whenever it pleases you to call us to out of this world, may we take our exit in victory, and enter with You into the glory that has no end; through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

8. ANTHEMS - Old Boys Government College Umuahia – Exquisite Choir Port Harcourt 9. BIOGRAPHY

10. HYMN FOR SERMON A&M 279 – Light's abode, celestial Salem

1. Light's abode, celestial Salem, Vision dear whence peace doth spring, Brighter than the heart can fancy, Mansion of the highest King; O, how glorious are the praises Which of thee the Prophets sing.

2. There for ever and for ever

Alleluia is outpoured; For unending, for unbroken Is the feast-day of the Lord; All is pure and all is holy That within these walls is stored.

3. There no cloud of passing vapour Dims the brightness of the air; Endless noonday, glorious noonday, From the Sun of suns is there; There no night brings rest from labour, For unknown are toil and care.

4. O how glorious and resplendent, Fragile body, thou shalt be, When endued with so much beauty, Full of health, and strong, and free, Full of vigour, full of pleasure That shall last eternally!

5. Now with gladness, now with courage, Bear the burden on thee laid, That hereafter these thy labours May with endless gifts be paid, And in everlasting glory Thou with brightness be arrayed.

6. Laud and honour to the Father, Laud and honour to the Son, Laud and honour to the Spirit, Ever Three and ever One, Consubstantial, coeternal, While unending ages run.

MARCH IN SAUL

CLOSING HYMN A&M 27 – Abide with me

1. Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!

When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

2. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

3. I need Thy presence every passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless: Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness: Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me Abide with me, abide with me

16. BENEDICTION

17. RECESSIONAL HYMN: SS&S 697 – Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory….

1. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

2. I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, His day is marching on.

3. He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

4. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;

As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!

While God is marching on.

INTERMENT – WITH IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY

BENJAMIN IFEANYICHUKWU ILOABACHIE

“His brilliance put him in 'A' class and was one of those who took the West African School Certificate Examinations after four years of studies in December 1959, awarded by the University of Cambridge.

BIRTH

Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu Iloabachie, was th born on the 25 day of May 1942, in Udi, Eastern Nigeria, now present-day Enugu e, Nigeria to Late Chief Thomas Okoloji iloabachie of Umuanugwo village, Uru Ogidi, and late lady Lydia Nwaku iloabachie, nee wue, of Umudoma village, Uru Ogidi both in present-day Idemili al Government Area, a State of Nigeria. He th son and ninth en children of his as subsequently named Issomme by his matrilineal side.

TION AND SPORTING FOUNDATION

ed his primary entral School Udi, Abia, in present day Enugu State er his standard 6 aminations, he proceeded to the ernment College or his secondary

school in September 1955 on an open merit scholarship, awarded to the best ten students in any given year. He was subsequently among the famous alumni of Class 55. His brilliance put him in 'A' class and was one of those who took the West African School Certificate Examinations after four years of

studies in December 1959, awarded by the University of Cambridge. While at GCU, he was in Nile house and was active in sports, participating in 220yards, cricket and hockey, winning laurels in long jump and

Ben's performance at NMTC was superlative in his first year, and was subsequently selected to comprise the ten cadets chosen under the superintendence of the commandant Capt.

triple jump at the Wilson Parnaby Athletics competition.

After graduating from GCU with his Ordinary Levels in 1959, Ben proceeded to Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) or ALevels in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and General Paper. While at DMGS, he participated in the Annual Inter House Sports competition and placed first in 220 yards with a time of 23.6 seconds on st the 1 of April 1961. Ben being an avid sportsman, also competed in the Amateur Athletic Association of Nigeria Eastern regional Junior Championships in Long Jump, placing second with a distance of 20ft 3 ins in 1961. In

MILITARY TRAINING AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Shortly thereafter, in December 1961, Ben proceeded to Kaduna and enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) Course No. 7 in 1962 as an officer cadet. Ben's performance at NMTC was superlative in his first year,

and was subsequently selected to comprise the ten cadets chosen under the superintendence of the commandant Capt. Chukwunedum Ude for further military training at the Royal Canadian School of Infantry, Camboden, Canada in 1963. Thereafter Ben distinguished himself and was among the 8 officers that returned successful from Canada, and was commissioned as second Lieutenant in 1964.

Dissatisfied with being only an

infantry officer, Ben enlisted in the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering, British Columbia, Canada between 1964 and 1966. Of nd particular importance was 2 Lt Ben Iloabachie's conscription into participating in the Military putsch of January 1966 while holidaying in Kaduna from Canada, under the guise of military drills, under the superintendance of Captain Ben

Gbulie of Military Engineers Corp. Upon return to Canada in late January 1966, Ben continued with his military cum engineering training and attended further training at the United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA. Pursuant th thereto, on the 7 Day of May, 1966 under the superintendence of the Assistant Commandant, Brigadier General Raymond J. nd Harvey, 2 Lt Ben. I. Iloabachie th graduated from the 9 Engineers Officers Basic Class. During the period of training at the US Army Engineers nd School, 2 Lt. Ben I. Iloabachie underwent additional engineering training in Evasion and Escape Course by the Department of Engineering and Military Science in April 1966, Engineer Equipment Officer Course, between May and July 1966, and Construction Planning and Management Course between July and August 1966.

Afterwards, Ben proceeded to US Military Academy, Westpoint for further military training between 1966 and 1967. It was while he was in the USA that the Nigerian Civil war broke out, forcing him to abandon his posting in the USA.

WAR YEARS AND CAREER DILEMA

At the commencement of the

Nigerian-Biafra war in July nd 1967, 2 Lt. Ben I. Iloabachie left his posting by the Nigerian Army in the US 'without leave' due to his conviction in the direction of the war. He made his way with 2nd Lt Sixtus Ezedinma from the United States of America to London, United Kingdom where Ezedinma refrained from continuing on the journey. Ben then travelled to Paris, France and to, Cameroon. He subsequently travelled by road to Port Harcourt, enroute to Enugu to report for duty to the Biafran Head of State, General Odumegwu Ojukwu. Ben voluntarily took sides with the Sovereign State of Biafra, for deployment in continuance of

During the period of training at the US Army Engineers School, nd2 Lt. Ben I. Iloabachie underwent additional engineering training in Evasion and Escape Course by the Department of Engineering and Military Science in April 1966

his military duties. In that meeting, he met Colonel Emmanuel Aguma, as he then was, as the Military Administrator of Port Harcourt province under the then sovereign state of Biafra. nd General Ojukwu directed 2 Lt Ben I. Iloabachie, being a Canadian and USA trained Civil Engineer, to go to 8th battalion, Port Harcourt and establish a unit of the Biafran Army Engineers Corps. With the help and advice of the

Military Administrator of Port Harcourt then, Col. Emmanuel Aguma and his Battalion Commander, Col. Ogbugo Kalu, Ben was able to secure a site at the Yacht club, presently the Port Harcourt Boat Club, for the Army Engineers' unit, and No. 2, Abana Street, old GRA as his official residence.

Col. Emmanuel Aguma supported Ben kick-start the Army Engineers unit from scratch, as Biafra had no known engineering Officers and sappears available to the Biafran belligerents. Col. Aguma, then advised Ben to recruit younger men who were not impervious to learning and training in both the art of war and in technical functions. This advice resulted in the recruitment of great men in the mold of late Chief Eric Aso from Elelenwo, late Chief Dennis Adoki from Okrika, Mr. Davis from Bakana, late Surveyor-General of Rivers State, Uche Odu from Omoku and late Chief Victor Masi, a Civil Engineer and one time Minister of Finance, also from Omoku. Fittingly, it should be noted further that compliance with the advice from Col Emmanuel Aguma as he then was, resulted in the successful creation of the Biafran Army Engineers unit which pioneered feats like the Ogbunigwe bomb, several modular refineries, runways for cargo planes and fighter jets, and several design and maintenance workshops amongst others.

During the pendency of the war, Ben's remit was to carry out the de-construction of the Ogbor hill bridge on the one hand, and the Umu nwanwa bridge in Udo,

Ezinihite on the other, when the belligerents were advancing into Biafran territory. On these occasions Ben incurred the wrath of General Achuzia who wanted to court martial him for delaying blowing up the bridges. Because ben was so family oriented, he delayed complying with the instructions to deconstruct umu nwa nwa bridge when he sighted his elder brother Thompson at the other end of the bridge meshed with enemy combatants. His fidelity to family trumped his military instructions to the extent that Ben took extra care of his immediate family during the warring years, ensuring that they were all safe and well supplied with petrol and other 'essential commodities'

During the pendency of the war, Ben's remit was to carry out the deconstruction of the Ogbor hill bridge on the one hand, and the Umu nwanwa bridge in Udo, Ezinihite on the other, when the belligerents were advancing into Biafran territory

In 1972, Ben transferred his services from Santa Fe Construction to Santa Fe Nigeria Development Company Limited. To adapt to the challenges of the new career trajectory as a drilling engineer.

SANTA FE

After the Civil war, Ben retired from his commission from the Nigerian army, partly persuaded by Obi and partly as a result of the freezing of his rank to the prewar era. His US and Canadian training in Engineering enabled him pursue a career in Civil Engineering and construction. He worked for Santa Fe Construction as a Deputy Project Engineer, responsible for the construction and erection of the ExxonMobil Crude oil Tank farm at Qua Iboe Terminal, Eket between 1970 and 1972.

In 1972, Ben transferred his services from Santa Fe Construction to Santa Fe Nigeria

Development Company Limited. To adapt to the challenges of the new career trajectory as a drilling engineer, Ben undertook two years of correspondence courses and in June 21 1974, Ben achieved proficiency in Drilling Technology based on the curriculum of the lessons in Rotary Drilling Series prepared by the Petroleum Extension Service of the University of Texas under the auspices of International Association of Drilling Contractors. On July 5, 1974, Ben completed a course in Drilling Practices, graduating from the Drilling Practices School, Maidenhead England. Subsequently in November 1974, Ben completed training in Blowout Prevention using the well control simulator under the auspices of the Gulf Research and Development Company, Houston Technical Services Center. In 1978 Ben undertook a management course, equivalent to what is now called an Executive MBA at Gerogetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Ben continued to work for Santa Fe Development as they carried out oil well drilling campaigns for Shell Petroleum Development Company meritoriously until he resigned his services in 1982 when he decided to become an entrepreneur registering Bee Drilling Services Limited.

BEE DRILLING SERVICES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Ben as an entrepreneur performed water well development, soil investigation and civil engineering consulting services. Some of the notable projects he performed are the water well development for NAFCON presently NOTORE under the supervision of MW Kellog the EPC contractors for the NAFCON project in 1982/1982. In 1987, Ben constructed the industrial water well boreholes at Eleme Petrochemicals presently known as Indorama. Ben went on to work for NPDC in Benin at the time Chief Chamberlin Oyibo, his classmate from Government College Umuahia was the Managing Director. Ben performed the cathodic protection for the Qua Iboe terminal for JGC in Eket in 1992. As well, Ben performed several water well9.5/8” boreholes for SPDC, AGIP, Elf drilling locations in all the states of the Niger Delta region. Also Ben performed several water well intervention projects for the River State Government, particularly the Rivers State Water Board.

Ben as an entrepreneur performed water well development, soil investigation and civil engineering consulting services.

Ben was a member of Oganiru age grade in Ogidi and his continued belief in tradition and culture led him to become was a member of Ndi-Ichie, acquiring the 'ozo' title of 'ISSOMME OGIDI'.

RELIGION

Ben was baptised an Anglican, and worshiped the Lord as an Anglican Christian all the days of his life. While he lived in Port Harcourt, Ben was a member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church initially, then St. Nicholas Anglican Church Aluu, and lately, he was a member of St Paul's Cathedral, Garrison Junction. As a mark and measure of his Christian conviction, Ben contributed to the training of Anglican pastors particularly the late Rev. Canon Emeka Obi at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989/1990, whom he became very close friends with. In his home town Ogidi, Ben initially worshipped at Ebenezer Church ogidi and in 2002, was one of the pioneer donors to the design and construction of St Andrews Anglican Church Ogidi, where he worshipped until his demise.

CULTURAL

Late High Chief Ben I Iloabachie espoused and

promoted the traditions and cultures of his people. He was the Chairman of Ogidi Union Nigeria Port Harcourt branch between 1982 and 1992, and was awarded several times for his meritorious service. For his selfless service to the upliftment of Ogidi, on the th10 of December, 2005, he was conferred with the status of a Patron of Ogidi Union Port Harcourt branch. Ben was a member of Oganiru age grade in Ogidi and his continued belief in tradition and culture led him to become was a member of Ndi-Ichie, acquiring the 'ozo' title of 'ISSOMME OGIDI'. He went further to take chieftaincy titles of Ichie Eze-Oba and Ichie Ume-Obi (High Chiefs) in 2017. Until his demise he was a member of the Council of High Chiefs in Ogidi.

Ben contributed to the training of Anglican pastors particularly the late Rev. Canon Emeka Obi at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989/1990.

ISSOMME OGIDI WITH HIS ELDEST NEPHEW OGBUESHI (PROF EMERITUS) ROBINSON EGWUATU

ISSOMME OGIDI AND IGWE EZE ACHUMAGHA 2017

MARRIAGE

AND FAMILY

Of particular importance to Ben's life is his marriage to Obiajulu Umebe Iloabachie, nee Okafor from Enugwu-Ukwu. Their union formed a significant part of each other's lives and characterised him positively as a thorough bred gentleman. While Major Ben I. Iloabachie, as he then was met Obi Okaf in 1968, in or around Mbano, when stationed in Azuiyi Oloko, Umuahia, their relationship blossomed and Major Ben I. Iloabachie became a frequent visitor to the late Dr and Mrs TCE Mbanefo's residence where Obi was domiciled. At the end of the war in 1970, Obi travelled soon thereafter to Grenoble France for further studies, while Ben resigned his commission form the Nigerian Army to take up a job as an Engineer in Santa Fe Construction. Ben Continued to communicate with obi through written correspondence until 1973.

st Ben married Obi on the 21 day of July 1973 in a civil ceremony in France, conducted in French language which he neither spoke nor understood.

st Ben married Obi on the 21 day of July 1973 in a civil ceremony in France, conducted in French language which he neither spoke nor understood. They proceeded to Genoa, Italy for their honeymoon. As at Ben's demise, their marriage was two months shy of fifty years, with a planned celebration at Canterbury Cathedral. Their marriage was blessed with five Children, Adanna, Chinedu, Tobechukwu, Issomme and Uzoamaka, eleven grandchildren; Four grandsons and Seven granddaughters in order of seniority:

Kosi, Nefertiti, KOBI, Ugorji(Jnr), Adachukwu, Munachi, Ekelechi, Nefertari, Chizaram, Kondi, and Neferure. Interestingly, ben had a very special relationship with all eleven grand kids. He will indulge them inapple pies and ice cream at evry opportunity, and regularly take them grocery shopping every Saturday morning. He will take those in Atlanta to Hammerhead restaurant and hang out with them at the golf course.

At the time of his demise, Benjamin ifeanyi iloabachie, Ichie Issomme Ogidi, who was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, a cultural icon, an avid sportsman, an officer and a gentleman is survived by:

Mrs. Obiajulu Umebe Iloabachie - Wife

CHILDREN

Mrs. Adanna Chijioke - Daughter

Mr. Chinedu Benjamin Ifeanyi Iloabachie - Son

Mr. Tobechukwu Dennis Iloabachie - Son

Mr. Issomme Emeka Iloabachie - Son

Dr. (Mrs) Uzoamaka C. Egbujo - Daughter

SIBLINGS

Mrs. May Nutter - Sister

IN-LAWS

Mr. Emeka Chijioke - Son in-law

Dr. (Mrs) Uzoamaka Iloabachie - Daughter in-law

Mrs. Chinasa Iloabachie - Daughter in-law

Mrs Nonye Iloabachie - Daughter in-law

Dr. Ugoji Egbujo - Son in-law

GRAND CHILDREN

Kaosi Chijioke - Grand son

Nefertiti Tobe-Iloabachie - Grand daughter

KOBI Iloabachie - Grand son

Ugoji Egbujo (Jnr) - Grand son

Adachukwu Egbujo - Grand daughter

Ekele Daniel Egbujo - Grand son

Munachi Jaden Iloabachie - Grand son

Nefertari Tobe-Iloabachie -Grand daughter

Chizara Obiajulu Iloabachie -Grand daughter

Kondoleezza Iloabachie - Grand daughter

Neferure Tobe-Iloabachie - Grand daughter

COUSINS

Mr Benedict Nnabuife Iloabachie - For male Cousins

Mrs. Ifeoma okudo -For female Cousins

A TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, ICHIE ISSOMME OGIDI.

“A Consumate Gentleman Of Regal Disposition ''.

By Obi Ben (Nwinynyanma)

Finally, we have come to the end of our 55 years of loving relationship and 50 years of beautiful blessed marriage. July 21st 2023 made it 50 years of our marriage which we planned to celebrate on our return from the United States. But God definitely had other plans. My Issomme passed on peacefully to eternity on 23rd May two days to his 81st birthday to the glory of God.

The life and times of my Issomme were fully panned down in his 70th birthday brochure. Today in deep sorrow, I lack the energy, emotional, strength and calmness to write down much about him. But I will try, God willing. Most unfortunately with great sadness, I mourn the passing of my Issomme to eternal glory because I will never see him again physically. But he is always here in spirit with me and we talk. Oh God, I lost a rare gem. A contented disciplined man, a man of courage, integrity, kindness, generosity; peace and a very loving husband and father. Despite my sorrow and pain, I still

Issomme. I thank God immensely for the complete gentleman and good-natured soul God loaned me for 55 years. Issomme lived a godly peaceful life, well spent, well fulfilled with numerous blessings of wonderful responsible loving children, beautiful grandchildren he thoroughly enjoyed, adorable wives and good sons in law. God thank you, I am very grateful though I would have preferred a longer life for him.

His calm dignified good nature was very disarming and endeared him to most people. He was always ready to please for peace sake because he was anxious for

nothing according to Philippians 4:13.

As he celebrated his 80th birthday last year he looked great. He insisted on inviting very old friends. He took personal pictures with almost every guest. In retrospect it was a farewell party Interestingly, after the party and the exit of all guests. We were alone watching TV. He turned to me and said Obi, never forget that out of all my brothers, I was the only son of Late Chief Pa Thomas Iloabachie who lived up to 80 years. That he was very grateful to God for his numerous blessings plus answered prayers. That if God

celebrate

should call him back today that he would never GRUDGE GOD

Typical of me, I cancelled that wish. And I replied, that he would surely live up to 92 years by His grace since his father died at 90 years. He said well…okay. If it is God's wish. But it was not a very convincing reply. Our conversation was very prophetic. In numbers 14:28 The word says "I will do to you the very things I hear you say." That night My Issomme thanked God for his life and was ready to join his maker anytime. That was his prophetic resolution.

God blessed my Issomme with excellent health throughout his life. He never had any serious health challenges. He was never hospitalized for one day for the past 55 years of our togetherness. But for this short period in Nigeria and in ICU in Gwinnett Hospital, Atlanta that ended his life. God graciously endowed him with

robust health till the very end of February 2023 when he slowed down in tiredness. That led us to the United States. While stoically undergoing treatment for Prostate Cancer, sepsis complications got into the way and truncated his life at 1:35 am on the 23rd May 2023, two days to his 81st birthday. I thank God for his life because in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it says ”Be thankful in all circumstances, “I thank God for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ”.

My Issomme's transition was very very peaceful. He was dignified to the end. He was physically and remotely surrounded by his children, grandies and I in his last three days. We continually reminded him of his godly fatherly life of love, joy, peace and happiness he selflessly gave us. We kept pleading for mercy and forgiveness for him. We sang his favourite church hymns and choruses till he breathed his last with our hugs, kisses, rubbing his hands and legs. But God Almighty recalled his son despite our pleas of mercy and forgiveness to heal and grant Issomme longer

time on earth. Kaosi, his first grand son slept in the hospital till he passed. Kaosi who had a special relationship with his grandpa was inconsolable. He held grandpa with kisses and hugs. He was the last person to leave his bedside because, he was virtually forced out of the room by the nurses. As a consolation, we pray that God will graciously enable us to live out some of your legacies as we journey here without you. My Issomme, thank you for loving and caring for me deeply. Thank you for the peace, stability, provision and protection you lavished on me. Thank you for being the most wonderful husband, best daddy, most loving grandpa, best father in law, best stabilizing uncle cousin to the Iloabachie Dynasty. Thank you for being a peacemaker to our families, friends, colleagues and associates. My Issomme Nji Onye ocha, my Indian Soldier, Osu

A contented disciplined man, a man of courage, integrity, kindness, generosity; peace and a very loving husband and father

Ofia(mama), jee nke oma till we meet to part no more. Finally, “A husband like you is precious and rare. Filling my world with love and care. With you by my side I'm truly blessed, for without doubt, I've got the best, my feelings for you do not pretend, for they are serious and without end." Unknown Author.

"I

will always love you" Forever your baby,

Appreciation

On behalf of Ben ILOABACHIE's and the larger ILOABACHIE family of Umuanugwo village in Uru Ogidi, I express profound appreciation and gratitude to all who have commiserated with us during this difficult time of our Dad's passing.

As you journey back to your destinations, may the Lord bless and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face on you and grant you peace.

God's grace, God speed and God bless.

CHINEDU B.I. ILOABACHIE