IT’S HARD TO FORGET SOMEONE WHO GAVE YOU SO MUCH TO REMEMBER — _Sujish Kandampully_
Ogaga Emoghwanre was a dedicated and active Barman, who served the Nigerian Bar Association in various capacities both at the branch and national levels. He was the Publicity Secretary of NBA Benin Branch, Secretary of the NBA Welfare Committee and the Special Assistant to the immediate Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Olumide Akpata Esq.
It is indeed very hard to forget Ogaga Emoghwanre who gave the entire NBA so much to remember
Ogaga’s passion and love for the Bar was most evident in the desiccated manner he undertook several assignments he was saddled with at various times. His passing can best be described as a shock and great loss to the legal community. He was many things to many people, but to everyone, he was a friend.
He ran the race for Publicity Secretary of NBA with uncommon vigour, passion and dedication. These are qualities that naturally endear me to any human being. I indeed admired his courage and sagacity. I recall our conversation on the 2nd of July (precisely two weeks to the election), in Ibadan. He confided in me that he was tired and that he wondered how someone like me still looked strong. He told me that I was his mentor in the race, as he often got inspired not to relent anytime he saw me on my endless campaign trips. I told him about my tiredness too, but that I wouldn’t slow down until the last vote dropped. The saddest moment of my life at the Bar is this very moment of putting down this tribute for you, Ogaga. You were my friend and brother. I never hide my reservations anytime I heard rumors that I found uncomfortable in the course of the campaign and you always diffuse such fears with convincing explanations. You were a jolly good fellow with passion for excellence. You died Young, but indeed very Great.
That Ogaga will be missed is an understatement, as he has sacrificed and printed his glowing memories into the minds of the entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association, through sacrifices for the Bar. We will not just miss our friend and brother, we will certainly not forget him.
As we commence the burial rites of this young but great soul today, I send my condolences to his colleagues, friends, wife and family and indeed his closest ally Olumide Akpata Esq, and I pray that in this time of loss, we would all feel God’s love much more as He overflows our hearts with peace even as our dear friend (Ogaga) live eternally in His bosom and may his soul find comfort in the presence of the Lord.
Ogaga Emoghwanre, keep resting in the bosom of your maker.
ADEGBITE ADESINA, FCIMC
GENERAL SECRETARY, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION.
