Ike Awgu

Chasing Life: In Loving memory of a dear son, Ike Awgu (1983-2023)

by Okey Awgu (Father)

Death leaves a devastating vacuum and hearthache, no one can heal, but our love for Ike leaves a profound memory no one can change.

Today, we are mourning the first anniversary of the loss of a most empathetic human being whose presence can never be denied and who consistently sought to improve anything he was honoured to be a part of. If I loved my son anymore than I did, I would be him.

Before , I relate what happened on the last day we met, I am honoured to note that my people have bestowed the traditional title of ODOZI O8ODO on Ike, posthumously. He would enjoy those privileges in the spirit world, that escaped him in the physical world.

With that recognition, his short life symbolised that he lived as a purposeful and outstanding son of the soil in lgbo folklore whose motivation and ambition to serve was never in doubt.

The family tradition between the two of us was to meet for dinner every six weeks, regardless of continued phone contacts. Often, we made this meeting fall on Fridays. AS I arrived, Ike was unpacking and setting up his new computer system, and he explained to me how the multiple screens would make work more efficient. As well, his brothers will receive his old system as gifts, but they would have to visit soon for some training. Next, we settled for lunch. lkes culinary skills are better than mine and I looked forward to a great home cooked lunch.

Lunch was a bed of polish sausages, served with buttered noodles on the side, spicy mustard and vegetable soup.After our meeting he reminded me to drive carefully on my way home.

On the next day, I texted Ike on a matter we discussed, but he did not answer. There was still no response on the third day, after I called.

Very unusual and I became worried, picked up his keys and headed to his home.

My heart was racing as I walked in. Finding him lying breathless was the greatest singular terror of my life. Panicking, I sought to do CPR

and I screamed at him to arise!. I screamed at the world and the heavens for forsaking me. Then, an unrelenting apology to him as I wondered if I could have saved him if I came earlier. Devastated, I also apologised profusely to Ike’s dear late mother, Alberta Awgu for a possible failure of prompt duty, for I was entrusted with taking care of Ike and his sister. Our last physical meeting, like the previous ones, captured the essence of a special relationship between Ike and I, that has has lasted for decades. There was never a problem between us where we could not find common ground.      ,

Fatherhood has been the single most powerful event in my life. It colours everything I do, every plan I make. My dreams, hopes and aspirations have been transformed into the existence of my children. How did I meet Ike Awgu, what kind of son was he and what were the important sign posts in his life that caused us to miss him so dearly?

On a bright October morning in 1983, Ike Awgu graced the world. A precocious boy, with a lot of energy, he wasn’t easy to look after. But the adventure that mined the possibilities before him started in the Junior grades. After he was identified in the gifted range in language and communications, this school assessment prompted a deliberate plan to elevate and support him, academically, socially and by role modelling. We focused on daily reading and summarizing, and on board-wide creative writing and public speaking competitions. The accolades, pictures, awards and certificates that came from these activities slowly transformed him. With time, Ike publicly displayed a solid ability to articulate and explain his viewpoints effectively.

For validation and role-modeling, Ike was familiar with the genuine political fame of grandfather, Chief M. C. Awgu. And his last stop before university was a visit to the motherland. That visit supported his keen interest in public affairs by further calling his attention to the life and achievements of his grandfather. His grandfather was a magnetic personality with famed oratorical skills who was a cabinet minister with a reputation as a person of good character, unwavering in ethical principles. Everywhere Ike went, he was popularly received for a young man, with a knowing wink and smile that carried weighty

expectations. His family’s reputation preceded him and he knew it. And he was looked upon as the next one. I preached to my son that good people like his late grandgfather are rarely forgotten. That even after many decades, his grandfather’s civic contributions still resonates.

In hindsight and with a note of sadness the most prepared and talented man to aspire to a family heritage did not live to see the light of day. But it shall come in God’s due time, as the last one did, for there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.

When Ike entered university in 2003, his basic character had formed. There was a strong willingness to engage and cultivate a mind of rebellion on public issues. However, taking part in the municipal politics was never discussed at home. To my biggest surprise, I came home one day and met lawn signs everywhere in the front yard, announcing his candidacy for mayor of Otawa. While I was gripped by a fear of the unknown, my son and his buddies stood at a corner smiling and watching me bewildered. Clinching the third spot at 19years old among 8 candidates and amassing an impressive tally of 5000 votes was a commendable achievement. I never got a better answer as to why he ran for mayor, than it was there and needed to be taken up and he thrived in the lime light.

Following the positive reviews from the municipal election Ike was offered many editorial opportunities in major media and in local media houses. Also, he hosted a local Television show and appeared as guest on various programs, such as TVO. In the midst of all the demand on his time, Ike completed his educational goals: He earned a Bachelor of Economics and Law from Carleton University and a Juris Doctor in Law from Queens University. lkechukwu, ” Ike” Awgu read mostly on scholarships and was called to the Ontario Bar at 24yrs of age.

Despite his reputation as a wordsmith, seasoned debater and contributor, Ike loved his business law practice, and he used that

privilege to provide free legal advice, written guidance and support to many members of his community.

Who was lkechukwu, ·1ke Awgu?

August 5th, 2023, and thereafter on this month, is a day we pay homage to Ike Awgu, Odozi Obodo 1 for living his life with intelligence, courage, dedication, loyalty and bravado.

Tears of pride swell in our eyes as we watch his gallery of achievements in videos, audios, pictures, awards, poses with broad smiles and hands raised in triumph.

On this first anniversary, the Awgu family, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends are joined in gratitude to God for all the great memories and moments we shared with Ike.

THE MEASURE OF A MAN is the life he touched, the depth of his convictions, his willingness to pursue his goals and his tendency to make the world around him a better place.

Any donation in Ike’s memory should be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Forever Remembered,

Okey Awgu (Father) August 5, 2024.