Ifeanyi OgbechieIfeanyi Ogbechie

A HALF CENTURY OF FRIENDSHIP A Tribute To Engineer Ifeanyi Ogbechie (1953 - 2026) Forty Eight Years. They say you can count your true friends on one hand, but for almost five decades, Ifeanyi was not just a Friend that stuck closer than a Brother - He was a Comrade, a Confidant, a Companion and the very definition of an alter ego with a "Heart of Gold." We met 48 years ago, in His final year in University of Lagos and from the start, I was struck by His radiant spirit and conviviality. Over the decades, I learned that rare individuals like Ifeanyi did not just exist in this world; they lit it up. His generosity was not merely about material things - though he was always the first to share whatever he had — it was indeed a generosity of spirit, time and unconditional love. Whether it was listening in empathy, offering invaluable advice, showing up when it mattered most or ransoming the captive, Ifeanyi lived a life that was a divine blessing to all. His memory is now our treasure to hold on to. I remember that February 1982, 44 years ago. Ifeanyi on Shell Wellsite PE training in Holland. I a Schlumberger Oilfield Services R&D staff on annual vacation. On Ifeanyi's prompting I transited through TheHague Holland on my visit to UK. He put me in a Hotel - His same Hotel BelAir. He made sure I ran zero expenses just to give me a memorable vacation experience, in spite of His tight budget as a Trainee. That self sacrifice in our youthful days will remain a lifetime memory for me. Walking this world without Ifeanyi feels like losing a piece of my own history. Yes words fail me here to express how I feel. "Death ends a life, but not a relationship," and while the pain of losing Him is immense, the love and laughter we shared remain unbreakable. To His immediate family, His wife - the personable and elegant Ma'am Ezzy, His lovely Sons - Dubi, Kika, Malobi, Zona and Hona - what better legacy, what manner of man could anyone have wished or prayed for? He loved and doted on His family, His charity indeed began at home. I will say take heart, for Ifeanyi's charitable good works and His enormous goodwill, will continue to go before you the Ify-Ogbechies and open doors for you. "God Almighty will continue to be your refuge and strength, a very present help in your time of need" Amen - (Psalm 46 vs 1). To my departed Brother and Friend of almost half a century, Ifeanyi - You made this world a better place just by being in it. May flights of Angels sing you to your rest, my dear friend. Thank you for fifty years of Caring, Sharing, Selflessness, Friendship, Brotherhood and Camaraderie. I am consoled that in life Ifeanyi, You demonstrated that salvation and eternal life can not be exclusive to "Pharisean" self righteous, lip service to God, but in walking your talk, in your good works, in good deeds and in your amazing large heartedness. As the fabled "Good Samaritan" you were in life. To Engr Ifeanyi Ogbechie my friend through thick and thin, I will say in leaving.. "To live in the hearts, minds and thoughts of family, your loved ones and all those whose lives you touched.. Is Not To Die". May You continue to rest in the Good Lord and arise to joyful awakening in Christ Jesus name I pray Amen. Ify Jaay Ogbechie; "You Fought The Good Fight, You Finished Your Race, You Kept The Faith". (2 Tim 4 vs 6). Surely You have earned the Crown of righteousness which God Almighty the righteous Judge shall award to You on that day. Yes Death is an inevitable end to life and we are all in a queue. So even as we mourn your departure, we must take solace in your exemplary life of empathy and kindness, compassion and many professional career and business achievements especially in the Oilfield. Your legacy will live forever. Adieu my dear Brother. Fare Thee well 💔🥀🥺.