…a quintessential Diplomat, embodiment of wisdom and humility
By Ambassador Oladele Abiodun
Since I learnt of Amb. Uche Okeke’s transition to glory, I have tried so hard to process why exceedingly good people, go so soon. Of course Ambassador Okeke was an elder, however, I wish God graced us with at least two more decades of his presence on earth.
The loss of late Ambassador Okeke, a rare gentleman and a great patriot with excellent attributes; is a very painful one to anyone who knew him. He positively touched countless lives regardless of religion, creed or tribe.
At the risk of being repetitive, the best in the Nigerian Diplomatic Corps have attested to the fact that Amb . Okeke possessed qualities that modeled the profession of diplomacy to perfection.
In the course of relating with him, I came to appreciate Amb Okeke as someone who readily taught , guided , encouraged and communicated feedback , while at the same time demanding excellence from self and subordinates. I remain eternally grateful to God that at a point in my career, I benefited directly from his teaching.
Years of interacting with people, have brought me to appreciate that there are basically three major categories of people- those who align with God to raise up others or those who lend themselves to the devil, to stall or truncate destinies. The third category are those in the middle, who remain indifferent to the struggles of others.
Luckily for many, late Ambassador Okeke was in the first category. A true Christian who showed kindness, compassion, humility and many more Christlike attributes.
Ohhh heavens gain is our earthly loss, as angels are dancing at the return of their own, who worked tirelessly for humanity and helped to fulfil destinies.
My family and I join others to thank God for his life and pray so fervently for Her Excellency , Mrs Ify Okeke ( who also exhibit to perfection, similar attributes of her husband ). May God comfort her, the children, grandchildren and beloved family members. May they find solace in the comforting hands of God and in the beautiful legacy of the good name, left by the departed.
May the gentle soul of Amb. Uche Okeke and souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. Amen.
