The home-going of Chief Philip Ifeanyi Okoroafor, the Patriarch of the Umumadukwe Royal Family of the ancient kingdom of Umulowu Amuzi, in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, who passed on to glory at 91, was nothing short of a carnival.
The colorful programme attracted all, including the high and the mighty, political and business leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, as well as other top shots from different sectors of the society, who came from far and near to celebrate an icon whose eventful life impacted many both at home and abroad.
Some of those who graced the event were Chief Tony Chukwu, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Hon Chike Okafor, General Patrick Obasi, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe (Obi Gburugburu 1 of Mbaise), Prof & Prof Mrs. N.A Nwagwu, Chief Longers Anyanwu (Ebubedike Obowo), HRM Aku 1 of Ihitte Aforukwu, HRM Eze Donatus Opara, DOP Anas of the Imo State Police Command and Hon. Barrister Obioma Ehirim, Executive Chairman of Obowo Local Government Area.
It was, indeed, the celebration of a life well spent, with Chief Philip Ifeanyi Okoroafor’s six children and 21 grandchildren now left to continue to fly the flag he so graciously flew for 91 memorable years wherever he found himself in the journey of his life.
Expectedly, there was more than enough to eat and drink at the ceremony, and the atmosphere, in spite of the grief of the loss of a dear father and grandfather, was one of celebration of a titan who lived life to the full, and left lasting legacies worthy of emulation.
The late Chief Philip Okoroafor had an eventful upbringing, having been born into a polygamous family, but he weathered all the storms that confronted him and made it to the top, especially in business, where he flourished, after a remarkable time of public service at the University of Benin. A gentleman to the core, he lived a life of integrity, humility and philanthropy.
He married the love of his life, his late wife, Lolo Gertrude Obeakwauwa Okoroafor, from Umuosochie, Obowo, and together, they positively impacted, not only their six biological children, but countless others in the community and far beyond who still remember them with genuine love and fondness.
One of late Chief Philip Okoroafor’s children is United States of America-based Damian Ifeanyi Okoroafor, a highly accomplished serial entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist, and socialite, who serves as the co-founder and chief executive officer of several prominent enterprises, including DKM Nigeria Ltd, Split Communications, LarryScholes, and Mindray Technologies.
Damian is happily married to Engr Ekenenna Okoroafor and they have four beautiful children. He has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Computer Science from the University Benin (2001), and over the years, and in the course of his career, he has completed various expertise-enhancing training programs, notable among which are programs in mobile marketing, SIM technology, and signaling system No. 7 in GSM.
As a result of these trainings, and by dint of hard work, Damian has recorded outstanding successes across various sectors, including investments, business development, solution sales, media, and entertainment, and together with his siblings, they gave their departed Patriarch a truly befitting and carnival-like burial.
Pictures here show some of the dignitaries that graced the burial ceremony, the reception, and the church service in honour of the late Chief Philip Okoroafor, including family, friends and associates.
