TRIBUTE TO A PHILANTROPIST
LATE DEDE MIKE ONYEADOR
As I reminisce on the life and times of my dear late uncle, Dede Mike Onyeador, one thought kept dominating my perception of the man – GENEROSITY.
That, to me, is one word that best defines the most singular and positive attribute of this great man known to be one of the greatest givers in the Onyeador family.

He gave very freely so that those less privileged may benefit from the good things of life. He gave so that those in sorrow may be lifted up in happiness. He gave so that peace may reign where there was discord. He gave money, he gave food, he gave clothing, and he gave shelter. He gave all these and more so that life may be a little easier to all who received. He never stopped giving even when he could ill afford to give. And he always gave cheerfully!

That was Dede Mike Onyeador, a simple, gentle and easy-going philanthropist whose noble and gracious benevolence not only addressed the needs of his kits and kin but also stretched out to those destitute and desperate “Almajiris” in far away Kano and beyond.

An now that a doyen of philanthropy is gone, now that his exemplary type is no more, now that a peacemaker of his prototype has bowed out, now that integrity has been overshadowed by merciless death, a great challenge has come to the house of the Onyeador family. That challenge is that we must all aim at his replacement in this worthy aspect of his character, even though this may seem like a tall order.

Dede, even though you are gone, you did not live in vain. Your footprints have left a strong and commendable legacy worthy of emulation. You have gone before us but only so we can appreciate what you were to us. We grieve in our hearts but our grief is comforted by trust, knowing that you slept unto glory. My wife Nne and children and I will miss you dearly but will ever be consoled by your caring and generous nature.

May your gentle soul, rest in the bosom of our Lord, Jesus Christ, till we meet to part no more.

Adieu, great Uncle.

Engr. Okoronkwo Onyeador and Family




TRIBUTE TO DEDE MIKE I. ONYEADOR
Dede, our Catholic doctrine thought us life is a mystery – a thing many do not realize. You had a divine present for me unknown to many. You kept your part and guess I did not fail to keep mine. That is destiny for me.
As Shakespeare wrote in one of his plays, “Do the much you can while alive because you are dead long ago”. Dede you did much for the Onyeador family and me. In my generation you rank among Mazi Oti Onyeador, Joseph Onyeador, Alexander Onyeador, Felix McAdor Onyeador and other older members all of blessed memory as well as our dear Dede Nicholas Onyeador in largesse of heart, compassion and love for the Onyeabor family. I wish you had lived healthy and longer to enjoy the fruits of your labour. I thank God for your life. God loved you from birth till death.
From my little knowledge of you, you were not born with a silver spoon. You were repertory of hard work and outstanding achievements in human and material development. Thus today there is this crowd paying their last respect as you are being lowered to the mother earth. What a plus for you and the family.
Let me acknowledge again, you played an important role in my life. You gave me succour when it was needed. I thank God that I did not forget. I thank you Dede Mike and everyone both living and dead who helped made my life worthwhile.
You kept the Onyeador spirit alive. I wish there be another you in the family. I wish I could render even in insignificant matter half the services you showered on the family. Today all that is gone. Today’s generation do not understand and may not understand. I pray and wish you a free passage into God’s kingdom.
Rest in Peace.
Arthur Obioha Onyeador