Why? Because we are living in uncertain times and the primordial family and extended family structures are not what they used to be. Whilst we must keep working hard to strengthen family relationships, show your sons who your true, tried and tested friends are. It is not a ‘must’ that they are blood relatives. They need to know those who stood by you through rough times and saw you through life’s challenges. Introduce your children to their children. That’s how we can build profound friendships and a more dynamic and sustainable society. Your children, especially your sons will bear the brunt if not well equipped with this safety net. They will see hell at the hands of fair weather relatives and an increasingly hostile kindred and society when you are no more.
I have received so many phone calls of commendation on our condolence visit to Ichi, to the family of Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo, But this is nothing compared to the human worth of this man. My son, Afamefuna made it back for that event to lead us to stand in solidarity with a good man who stood with the entire family, both in Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s lifetime and in death; a man, who his father, Dim always referred to as ‘Dike obi umeala ‘, a good man who continued to call, visit and enquire of their welfare after their father’s demise, ever ready to offer sound advice, moral and material support. This is the test of true friendship. Igbo men must constitute themselves safety nets in promoting such genuine friendships. Aka nri kwoo aka ekpe, Aka ekpe akwoo aka nri. Your offspring can stand to represent you in solidarity and appreciation to such true friends even when you are gone. We must never lose sight of the fact that Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but also, the Parent of All others.......
Introduce your sons to your true friends and they should also introduce theirs to you. That’s how things used to be, that’s the bedrock upon which Igbo society was built....This is how our families can thrive. Taa bu gboo. Life is short, and time is passing....
Kindly share to igbo men home and abroad.
Once again, Ya gaziere gi, Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo. Chukwu gozie gi, okpulu isi zulu ora. Onye di ka gi akokwana Alaigbo....
Iyom Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu
January 2022..
More photos below.
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