Courage Ebhonu

Tribute to Uncle Courage:

 

Uncle Courage lived up to his name, even to the very end. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather it’s the ability to face adversity and act in alignment with your values despite the circumstances. My uncle valued his family, duty and responsibilities- he stood by his deepest convictions even when it became difficult to do so. I pray that when my little cousins think of their father, they remember that he lived with heart and strength. That their memories of him may be filled with his larger-than-life smile. So have Courage, family, uncle is resting in peace now and in time, you will find your peace. And when life becomes difficult again and his memory too painful, think of the good he did and the good he wished for you. May Uncle Courage’s soul rest in everlasting peace, and I pray God gives his family strength and courage in this time.

 

Enoyo Ebhonu (niece)

 

My Tribute to My Big Brother, Barrister Courage Ebhonu

There are some people whose absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled. My brother, Barrister Courage Ebhonu, was one of those people. Even as I write these words, it is difficult to accept that I am writing about you in the past tense.

You were ten years older than me, but you were much more than an elder brother. You were my protector, my teacher, my biggest critic, my loudest cheerleader, my legal adviser, my friend, and, at times, my biggest bully. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

You embodied what it meant to be a big brother. You corrected me when I needed correction, encouraged me when I doubted myself, educated me through your wisdom, cared for me without seeking recognition, and never missed an opportunity to make everyone around you laugh. You had a remarkable gift of making people feel welcome. You always wanted everyone around you. Your home, your heart, and your life always had room for one more person.

One thing we definitely shared was our temperament. We could both go from zero to one hundred in seconds. We were quick to anger, but even quicker to forgive. No matter how heated our disagreements became, love always found its way back. We fought often, but we laughed and played even more. Those moments are treasures that I will carry with me forever.

As a student in South Africa, during a time when sending money from Nigeria wasn’t as easy as it is today, you found your own way. You would carefully hide $100, sometimes $200, and on special occasions even $300 between photographs before mailing them to me. It wasn’t just money you were sending—it was reassurance. It was your way of saying, “I’ve got you.” Those acts of sacrifice spoke louder than words ever could.

Some of my fondest memories are in the little things. Every time I called you, I would say, “Barrister,” and without fail, you would respond, “Okpia.” It became our language, our greeting, our bond. Today, I find myself longing to hear that familiar response just one more time.

Whenever you went to play football, I would tease you relentlessly. I’d tell you, “No go break leg o. Old man broken leg no de heal.” You would immediately fire back, “If I old, I turn monkey?” We laughed every single time.

Little did I know that a broken leg would never be my greatest fear. Losing you far too soon and having to say goodbye forever would become the pain I never imagined I’d have to bear.

You also knew me well enough to know how to make me feel at home. Whenever I visited, your fridge was always stocked with my favourites beverages —Star Lager and Origin. Those may seem like ordinary things to others, but to me they were expressions of your love. You paid attention to people. You noticed the little things that made them happy, and you went out of your way to provide them.

In life, I proudly said I had a brother who was also my friend and my personal attorney. Today, I mourn the loss of all three. I have lost my brother. I have lost my friend. I have lost my attorney.

But even death cannot erase the life you lived or the impact you made. Your generosity, your humour, your compassion, your strength, and your unwavering love for family will continue to live in all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.

Thank you for every lesson. Thank you for every sacrifice. Thank you for every laugh, every argument, every piece of advice, every hidden dollar in a photograph, every football joke, every “Okpia,” every stocked fridge, and every moment you made me feel loved.

Though your voice is silent now, your memory will forever echo in my heart.

Rest well, my dear brother.

Until we meet again, Barrister.

Your “Okpia” will carry your memory proudly for the rest of his life.

I love you, and I will miss you always.

 

 

My brother COURAGE IMAFIDON EBHONU was a brother I look up to. Though he was far older than me but we could relate so well.

 

My heart has been broken open into a million pieces. I miss you so much already. When I waved at you a goodbye at the airport on your way to the United States of America, I didn’t know that would be my last physical good bye and a hug.

 

COURAGE my brother, you had the heart of a lion. You never quit; you never gave up. You are determined, strong, bold and fearless. A man who will boldly and courageously speak up where there is injustice. Indeed, you embodied your name. Your profession as a LAWYER speaks volume of your personality. You were so passionate with your career and always there to give legal advice freely to those who couldn’t afford it. You were a kind, passionate, courageous, fun loving, and playful brother, but can be so strict most times.

 

COURAGE was larger than life. Anyone that knows him would attest to this. You were an OG, an old soul, and wise in the ways of life and the streets. He was an organizer, a mover, a pillar, a connector, a go-between, a giver, the one who is always on a stand-by when you call for help. The glue that held everything together.

 

COURAGE, the role you played in my life is as big as it gets. You took me under your wing and became my big brother in all the ways. You taught me how to toughen up when it mattered. And you played this role in my life through the example you set. But you also helped me soften up and remember all would be ok. You keep us all on our toes.

 

COURAGE, I loved watching you be a DAD to your kids. It was one of your best jobs. You were the center of their world. A devoted husband, protector, provider and a caring father. You were an extraordinary father to your kids, a son like a pillar of cloud to your aged parents. I loved the way you cared for me, brother. Though we fought often, we laughed and played even more. I will miss our gossips, jokes and deep conservations. There is how you always get firsthand information and share with all of us. We secretly refer you as the “information minister”. How I missed those gossips we shared. It’s the part I am going to miss the most. Our family will never be the same without you. We will grieve your presence in our life till eternity. I know you are no longer in pain, watching over us as you always did. I will miss you and always will.

 

You were always the life of a party. If any messes with me, he had my back. COURAGE IMAFIDON EBHONU brought a sense of calm that you had someone behind you who was stronger than steel. COURAGE and I visited our parents every other holiday, and drives miles. That is our little adventure I will cherish most. COURAGE was my rock. He was truly my hero. He walked in a room and everyone knew it. His personality and presence were as big as his heart. He was a force to be reckoned with like a good brother, he never left me behind. Never one to back down from a challenge. He showed me tough love. He never took it easy on me and, at the same time, pressed me for the potential he saw in me. He helped mold me; he was a perfect combination of strong and sweet. He was smart. He had an intuitive sense of how the world worked from the streets. He could pick out the problem from a mile away. He knew how to stay safe and he knew how to have fun. COURAGE was a dedicated CATHOLIC. He held CATHOLIC faith and doctrines close to his heart. He joined different units in church while he was in NIGERIA. He was a great athlete (goal keeper)

 

I’ve reflected on this since you passed. Loyalty is a big deal for me because of you. COURAGE was a ride or die kind of brother. He would take a bullet for you. And he was more than just this. I’ve had a flood of memories come through in the past few weeks. Again, he gave me the confidence that if I chased my dreams and fell, I would always have him there for me. COURAGE doesn’t joke with his parents. He was always available to take them to hospital routines and get their medications. Who did you leave this great assignment for? No one does it like you. I will miss his friendship, his birthdays, his brotherly love and care. He was a hard worker. He was sometimes hard to be around but loved to play hard. His love for his family is innumerable. Those who know COURAGE, know he wasn’t scared of much. He never wanted to disappoint you. he loved with all of him. We would talk about our childhood as adults and the more I listened, the more inspired I was by all he overcame. I think his sibling could all see the sincerity in his heart, that is why no matter his flaws, we all loved him anyway.

 

COURAGE never quit, he never gave up. He always knew what was right. He worked incredibly hard to become who he was. Though he was complicated, and those who loved him knew his love couldn’t be questioned. Your voice will always be in my ear like you fondly call me “OMAVHEN” (YOUNG LADY). I am proud of you. Always was, always will be. It’s hard to say this. May you live on in all of us. Rest in peace big brother. I love you.

 

 

A Tribute to My Uncle, My Daddy, My Darling Boyfriend

 

There are some people whose love leaves a mark on your heart forever, and you are one of them.

 

You were more than my aunt’s husband. You were my uncle, my daddy, my “darling boyfriend,” and a father figure whose love and kindness I will cherish for the rest of my life.

 

Thank you for giving me shelter and making me feel at home. You took care of everyone in the house without discrimination, always putting the needs of others before your own. Your love for your family was genuine, and you led your home with wisdom, strength, and a heart full of compassion.

 

You were a very intelligent man with a kind heart. Your advice, laughter, and presence brought peace and joy to everyone around you.

 

I’ll never forget how you would call me “my girlfriend” with so much affection. Whenever you tasted my food, you would smile and say, “I like this your food, it’s so sweet, but my wife’s food is sweeter.” That always made me laugh because it showed how deeply you loved and appreciated your wife.

 

One thing that breaks my heart is remembering how you always said you wanted to answer my in-laws and that I should bring the man home. You looked forward to that day with so much excitement. Sadly, you didn’t wait for me. It hurts knowing you won’t be there to witness that special moment, but I know your love, prayers, and blessings will continue to follow me wherever I go.

 

Thank you for loving me like your own daughter, for believing in me, and for showing me what genuine love, kindness, and family truly mean.

 

Though your physical presence is gone, your memories will forever live in my heart. Your legacy of love, generosity, wisdom, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

 

Rest well, my dear Uncle, my Daddy, my darling boyfriend. You fought a good fight, and you will always be loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered.

 

Until we meet again, continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

 

Ogechukwu Asinyelu ( your girlfriend)

 

ORHUE EBHONU (SISTER)