The Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Dr Ike Chioke, is bereaved of his younger brother, Osondu Chibuoke Chioke, alias ‘Omemgbeoji’.
A statement by the Afrinvest MD, as issued on Monday, on behalf of the family, noted that ‘Omemgboji’, who was born on November 18, 1967, passed on October 7, 2024, leaving behind his wife and two young children aged 9 and 7 years.
The statement reads, “It is with profound grief and an unfathomable sense of loss that I announce the untimely passing of my younger brother, Osondu. The unfortunate event occurred in the afternoon of Monday, October 7, at his home in Enugu State. He was 56 years old.
“The entire Chioke family, relations and many friends, colleagues and acquaintances, far and near, have been thrown into deep mourning by this unexpected tragedy. We pray for strength and fortitude at this time, especially for Osondu’s wife, Chinenye, and his young children.”
Praying for the repose of the deceased’s soul and that of the faithful departed, the family has earmarked 31st October for the obsequies.
“May Osondu’s gentle soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. Amen
“More details of the funeral arrangements scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024 for our beloved son, brother and father will be announced soon,” the statement added.
The governors of Edo and Enugu states, Mr Godwin Obaseki and Mr Peter Mbah, respectively, as well as the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano, have either called or visited Chioke and the family to express their condolences.
In a phone call, Mbah said, “It is a big loss for Enugu State. It is indeed painful. May the Lord comfort you and the family at this time. May He grant him eternal rest.”
During a visit, Obaseki expressed grief over the family’s loss of a promising young man. He urged the family to be consoled that its beloved had gone to a better place to rest forever.
The Edo State governor prayed God to rest the soul of the deceased and grant the bereaved fortitude to bear the loss.
Obaseki also assured Chioke and his family that he would be with them during this grief.
Obiano, in his condolence message to the Afrinvest GMD, expressed grief that a young man like Osondu was cut in his prime.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, saying, “May God grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The former governor promised to support the family with prayers and any other way he could in their grief.