Saved by Grace

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance
Printed in Nigeria
By:
Divine Love Publications, Enugu
Copyright 2015 Amachi Iheanyichukwu Emmanuel
ISBN: 978-978-910 986 9

All Right Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or
otherwise without the prior permission of the
Author/Publisher.
This book shall not be sold or used for any personal gain,
but distributed free of charge to anyone who wishes to
read through its pages. For sponsorship or enquiry,
contact the author or the publisher through the following
links:
Author: Phone - 07030985429, 08156694579
Email - iheanyiemmanuel@gmail.com
Publisher: Phone - 08035332811, 08134639393
Email - dlpenugu@yahoo.com
ii
DEDICATION
his book is dedicated to the memory of my best

childhood friend and brother, Mr. Ndubuisi
Uchechukwu Emmanuel (Freeman BTW) who died
performing an act of love and friendship, on Wednesday
26th November, 2014 (Black Wednesday).
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
o the Almighty God I give my sincere thanks for his

mighty deliverance from a fatal accident, and this
privilege He has granted to me once again to pen
down a word of hope to many, may Him be praised now
and forever. Amen.
This book has been made possible by the sincere
commitment, encouragement and support of many
people, some of whom are acknowledged hereunder.
I thank in a special way the Enugu Conference President
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Dr. O.Pu
Nwankpa who made out time from his very tight schedule
and read through the pages of this work, offering his
candid advice and recommendations to make this work
appear in its best.
I must acknowledge the efforts of Pastor H. U. Nwosu
(Nike District leader), who at the time of notification of this
book was extremely busy, but he still squeezed out time
from his busy schedule to go through the book and draft a
foreword. Eld. N. N. Nwachukwu took time to go through
the pages of this work, made some recommendations and
drafted the Preface. He was handy as well in the
translation of the Igbo adages and statements.
iv
Acknowledgements
I also want to thank my Ogas: Dr. Onwuegbuchulam

Onyekachi, (my Oga in the Sabbath School Department),
Eld. Chigozie Oriaku, (my Oga in the Youth Department),
and Eld. Ikechukwu Alum, (my Oga in the Music
Department). They have been a source of courage and
inspiration.
I thank in a special way Dr. Felix Arinze Okonkwo, whom I
have tapped greatly from his wealth of experiences and
wisdom. I am grateful to you, Sir for your counsels and
pieces of advices.
I got a great encouragement and strength, Pastor Ifeanyi
Zechariah Onyebuchi, from the words you spoke to me
when I was confined to the hospital bed, that was why I
couldn't help but ask you to please tell it also to the world;
and you wrote: 'A word to the reader, Ebenezer'.
Amy, thanks for your consolation and words of
encouragement in the form of 'A Word to The Author.
For your moral and financial support, I thank you, the
entire members of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nike,
and I pray that the Almighty God will meet you all at the
point of your needs.
My gratitude also goes to the Okike family, especially Mr.
Ndubuisi Okike, who also read through this book, made
some recommendations and encouraged me to forge
ahead with the production of the book.
v
Acknowledgements
My sincere gratitude also goes to you, Silver, for taking

time to narrate to me all that happened in the Hospital,
those that I could not remember. This book would not
have been complete without the information you gave me.
To my parents, Eld & Mrs. G. O. Amachi, and my siblings
Dede, NG, and Ihy, thank you for your care and support in
my endeavours. May God bless and keep you all for me.
I also commend the publisher, DLP Enugu, for a job well
done.
This list is not exhaustive as there are numerous others
who immensely contributed to the success of this work.
My prayer is that the Almighty God in his infinite mercy and
grace will grant you all your earnest heart desires, and do
for you immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine
in Jesus' name. Amen.
Amachi Iheanyichukwu Emmanuel
vi
Acknowledgements
FOREWORD
heanyichukwu Emmanuel by publishing this book

''Saved by Grace'' has made known to the whole
readers of this book that nothing is greater than God.
Our God in his infinite mercy demonstrated his love in the
life of the author.
In this book the author gives a clear illustration of God's
kindness in granting everyone a 'Second Chance' in life.
However, it all depends on every individual's response to
the offer. Iheanyichukwu is a beneficiary of God's offer of
''Second Chance''. From this work, as you read it, you will
really thank God for what He did in the life of the author.
It is very important to know how our great God saved the
life of the author from a ghastly motor accident on the 26th
day of November, 2014 when he and his childhood friend
were traveling from Enugu to his village in Abia State for
the burial of his grandmother. Many people in that bus lost
their lives. The most painful was the death of his childhood
friend, Ndubuisi Emmanuel.
In this book, you will read all about his hospital
experience. All who through God's providence helped him
during that agonizing period were appreciated. More so,
you who will distribute, circulate and share this book with
others is also appreciated.
vii
Foreword
I therefore recommend this book 'Saved by Grace' to

those willing to know how wonderful our God is to all who
honour and adore Him. Thank God. This book is highly
recommended for your reading pleasure.
Pastor H. U. Nwosu
ENC
viii
Foreword
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgments .
iv
Foreword
vii
Table of Contents
ix
Preface
Introduction .
01
Chapter 1
03
Chapter 2
06
Chapter 3
09
Chapter 4
18
Chapter 5
63
Chapter 6
74
Pictorial Representation
88
Conclusion
97
A Word to the Author
101
A word to the reader (Ebenezer) .
102
Glossary
105
.
ix
Table of Contents
PREFACE
ince the fall of our first parents at the Garden of

Eden, God has always been in the habit of
providing a second chance for all humanity. God's
grace is not a matter of chance; rather, it is a well-intended
attribute of God which He bestows on humanity because
of His love for the latter. The grace of God is sometimes
misunderstood by some people as they see it as a merited
favour. The Bible teaches that God's grace is a 'gift'.
(Romans 3:24)
Thus, grace is a prerogative of God, and not a product of
science or personal influence or affluence. In fact, grace is
still a marvel both to ancient and modern sciences.
Current medical researchers have revealed some people
with proven terminal diseases living their lives from their
youth to old age. While we are finite, God and His grace
are infinite. Grace is the power of the Almighty God to the
finite, what no other can provide for the undeserving latter.
Our kind and loving Father in heaven has a plan for our
lives, and this plan is very amazing. Even when we
strayed or are confronted by destructive occurrences, He
demonstrates His concern and love for us by providing a
way of escape for us from such entanglements.
Each chapter of this book is a true exposition of God's
grace towards the author. This second chance that He
x
Preface
gave him is surely not because of any significant thing he

has done. His loving Father in heaven decided to rain His
grace down upon him, traversing a gulf that he cannot
possibly span. He intends that this incomprehensible
grace (second chance) He granted him will be utilized
meaningfully and righteously too.
Thus, whenever we are faced with overwhelming fear,
uncertainty, anxiety of life threatening situations, He
urges us to: Come to me, all you who labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mathew 11:28) If
the burden seem insurmountable, He urges us to: Cast
all of our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)
In our earthly life, in spite of our best efforts and
compliance with religious principles, we hardly can
escape the lingering shadow of our mortality. But when
one reaches across the gap between one and God, grace
is born. Grace rattles the bars of the dungeons of death.
Graves will yet yield to the persuasion of grace; science
can help you improve the quality of your life. But if you
desire to live eternally, it must be through the grace of God
which is made possible in the person of Jesus Christ.
Eld. N. N. Nwachukwu.
Chapter 2
xi
Preface

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. " (John 3:16).
INTRODUCTION
ou might have heard someone say to you or to

another person; this is your second chance. Or
you might have been the one that had in one way
or another, at a particular time or location, and for a
particular reason or another said to another person, this
is your SECOND CHANCE. Well, whether you are the
one that said it to someone, or someone said it to you, or
you overheard someone else say it to another, the
question is, what comes to your mind when you encounter
the phrase- 'SECOND CHANCE'?
We will start in Chapter one by breaking the phrase into
words, get the meaning of each word and then join them
together again. I call it the 'divide and rule' method.
Hopefully, after the mathematics, we will derive a
generally acceptable meaning or thought about the
phrase 'SECOND CHANCE'.
We will also in Chapter two look at what second chance is
all about, and some perceptions towards the phrase.
In Chapter Three, we shall consider Second Chance
and its application to life (What we ought to do with it).
Taking into cognizance some cases in the Bible of some
people, their encounters. The chances they had and what
they did with them.
01
Introduction
The author in Chapter Four tells the story of his

experience after surviving a very fatal accident.
In Chapter Five, the author also gives in a nutshell what
his relationship with his late friend used to be, before they
were separated in a way most pleasing to God.
Chapter Six has the authors appreciation to everyone
who in one way or another made his experience during
the period bearable.
He also gives a pictorial representation of the event, and
shared the words of hope and felicitations given to him by
family, friends and well-wishers. And a glossary of some
vernacular words used in the book.
Do not skip any chapter as you read through the pages of
this book so as to get the full benefit of the message
conveyed in the book.
Before you go over to chapter 1, consider this verse:
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that
all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).
02
Introduction

"And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same,
that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? (Romans 2:3)
CHAPTER 1
MEANING OF THE WORDS 'SECOND' AND
'CHANCE'
Stop! If you've not read the Introduction, please go back to
page 1 and read it before reading this chapter.
elcome to chapter 1 of this piece of work. Here

we will solve the mathematics behind the
phrase 'second chance'. In the introduction I
said we will use what I call the 'divide and rule method',
which simply means to break the phrase into words, find
their respective meanings, and then fuse them together
again to get the meaning of the phrase.
SECOND:
The word 'second' from a layman's view is simply the
''next after the first''. Numerically it is written as '2', or 'ii' in
Roman numerals, spelt in English language as 'two', and
alphanumerically written as '2nd'. In the arrangement of
numerical codes (numbers), it is the next number after the
first which is written as '1', or 'i' in Roman numerals, spelt
in English language as 'one', and alphanumerically
written as '1st'.
From the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (6th
Edition) we can derive four meanings of the word
'second', which are:
Chapter 1
03
Meaning of the Words

Second and Chance
1 - ''Happening or coming next after the first in a series of

similar things or people''.
2 - ''Next in order of importance, size, quality, etc. to one
person or thing''.
3 - ''In addition to one that you already own or use''.
4 - ''A unit for measuring time - e.g. 60 seconds''.
In the context of our discussion, definitions 1, 2, & 3 are
applicable.
CHANCE:
Personally, I will define 'chance' as an opportunity one has
to do something.
The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (6th Edition)
has so many meanings and applications of the word
'chance', but only two of them are consistent with our
discussion. They are:
1 - ''A possibility of something happening, especially
something that you want''.
2 - ''A suitable time or situation when you have the
opportunity to do something''.
From my own definition and that of the Dictionary, one
word came outstanding, and that is 'opportunity'; so one
can simply say that chance is opportunity.
Chapter 1
04

Second and Chance
Chance is all about opportunity. When you have the

opportunity, you'll then decide what to do with it. Either you
carry out the plan or take the action for which the
opportunity was created, or you devise a semi-new or an
entire new action; or simply do nothing.
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
Chapter 1
05

Second and Chance

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us." (Romans 5:8).
CHAPTER 2
SECOND CHANCE
(What it is all about)
Stop! If you've not read Chapter 1, please go back to page
3 and read it before reading this chapter.
aving known the meaning of the words 'second'

and 'chance', let us now merge the two and get the
meaning of the phrase 'second chance'.
Second chance can be said to be another opportunity

after the first. We can also see it to be an additional
opportunity to the one already given and possibly utilized.
It is the next opportunity to do something which one either
could not do initially, or did not do very well or just needed
to do more.
From our understanding of the phrase 'second chance', it
can be applied in any situation or course of action, as long
as activity is involved. Be it business, sports, etc. But for
this discussion, we are looking at second chance as
regards this existence called 'life', in relation to our
salvation.
Chapter 2
06
Second Chance
Each person born of a woman into this earth has at least

one chance of being saved on the last day, and from the
day of our birth we keep living this life as it comes; each
day bringing new opportunities, new challenges, new
assignments, new scores, new thoughts, new feelings,
new attitudes to life and new chances.
Opportunities can be big or small, pronounced or
unpronounced, defined or undefined. Sometimes we
have opportunities but we do not use them. Sometimes
we use the opportunities we have, but we do not make
good use of them. But then sometimes when
opportunities come our way we do not know of them; that
we have no knowledge of them does not mean they do not
come. Opportunity comes but once, but, opportunities
do not come but once. These are two different statements
that can however be joined as one. (Opportunity comes
but once, but opportunities don't come but once).
The above statement(s) may appear contradictory, but
they are not. I'll explain. It is a famous saying that
opportunity comes but once. Some people do not agree to
this saying, but I do. It simply means (to my own
understanding) that a singular opportunity that comes our
way and passes by, whether utilized or not, can never
come back again. But that does not mean that another
opportunity, probably one similar to the previous, will not
come.
Chapter 2
07
Second Chance
This takes us to the other statement that opportunities

don't come but once. It simply means (from my own
perspective) that so many opportunities come our way in
different forms, styles, packages, appearances,
situations, periods, etc.
Some people believe that once you miss an opportunity,
no other opportunity will come your way, and that is what
we are trying to disprove. True it is that a lost opportunity
can never come again, but that does not mean that other
opportunities will not come. Hence, opportunities do not
come but once.
The difference between the two is that while the former is
singular, the later is plural; the former is specified while the
later is generalized.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us"
(Ephesians 2:4).
Chapter 2
08
Second Chance

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye
are saved;)" (Ephesians 2:5).
CHAPTER 3
SECOND CHANCE - USE OR ABUSE?
(It's Application to Life)
Stop! If you've not read Chapter 2, please go back to page
6 and read it before reading this chapter.
t is one thing to have an opportunity, but another thing

to use it, and not just to use it, but to make good use of
it. Like we mentioned in chapter two, opportunity that
passes by can never come back again, so we need to
make good use of the opportunities that come our way.
''Other opportunities may come,' we may say; just to give
ourselves hope. But then who knows if and when they will.
Who knows if life may permit them to come, and who is
even sure they'll be utilized when they come. Therefore,
make good use of the opportunities that come your way
when they do. Do not wait for the second one, because it
may not come, or you may not live to welcome it when it
does.
Opportunity can be for good or for evil.
Let us say I'm having problems with someone and I want
to make peace with him, I'll look for the opportunity to do
that. I may watch to know when he is in a good mood,
when he seems relaxed and approachable. When such
an opportunity presents itself, then I will make my move
and hope to succeed.
Chapter 3
09
Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

(Its Application to Life)
If I decide to kill the person I'm having problems with, I will

also wait for that opportunity when he is alone and
unsuspicious, then I will go to him with my weapon, strike
him dead, and hope there will be no witness of the crime.
From the two instances we have two opportunities - the
former is an opportunity to do good while the later is an
opportunity to do evil. Both are opportunities.
Assuming in the first instance I got the opportunity but I
decided to back out and hope to make the peace some
other time, I've simply not made good use of the
opportunity I had. And if either of us travels to the great
beyond when the next opportunity is yet to come, that
means I've lost that opportunity to do good forever.
Hence, we must not wait for second chance. Because if
we do not make good use of the first, there is the tendency
that the second will still come and go unutilized. But if we
make good use of the first, then there'll be no need for the
second. However, when we lose the first, and the second
surfaces, let us ask for grace from the Almighty and He will
help us make good use of our second chance.
The same thing applies to the second instance. If I
somehow turned from sending my target to the proposed
destination when I had the chance, and went my way
without achieving my aim, probably because I hesitated a
bit and a-would-have-been witness showed up, or I just
decided to repent from my purpose, then I would have just
lost a good opportunity to do evil (which is a good thing
Chapter 3
10

anyway). But then to the evil minded I'd lost a perfect

opportunity to do something profitable.
In the context of our discussion, sometimes what we call a
second chance might not really be the second. Because
we have multitude of chances to do so many things in our
everyday life. Some people might be having their
hundredth, thousandth, millionth or even their billionth
chance. But then some things may just happen in our
lives, and then we realize that even in our trillionth chance
we have not really made a good mark, and we will add
those chances up, fuse them together like I did mine and
call them first chance. Then we would make a u-turn,
reshape our lives, and start counting again. When we do
that, we will call it our second chance.
We must not wait for the pronounced second chance
before we turn back. We must not wait for the next
opportunity before we do the right thing. We must not wait
to experience it all before we take a decision. This is life,
not business, not game, and definitely not a drama.
Let us look at the cases of some people in the bible and
see what they did with their own second chances per say,
and how. We will look at the accounts of the following
people:
Samson
Simon Peter
Apostle Paul
Chapter 3
11

1. Samson: (Judges 13 - 16)

And the woman bare a son, and called his name
Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed
him. (Judges 13:24)
Samson was a destined child, born for a purpose just
like you and I. He knew quite well the commands of the
Lord about his hair, but when pressure came from
Delilah, he gave up the secret after deceiving her three
times. (Judges 16:15-20) When his head was shaven
the Spirit of the Lord departed from him and his
strength was gone, then he was captured by the
Philistines.
Here we can say that Samson has misused the first
chance he had, and he suffered greatly for it, for his
eyes were plucked out and he was taken to a prison in
Gaza where he became a grinder.
It is worthy of note that the strength of Samson was not
in his hair, rather it was just a symbol that the Lord
used to try his obedience. In verse 22 of Judges
Chapter 16, we saw that Samson's hair began to grow
again, but it was not an assurance that his might will
come back to him. Because he really had to call upon
the Lord to bring back the strength, and he did so in
verse 28 of same chapter, which says And Samson
called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord God,
remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray
thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once
Chapter 3
12

avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. That was

his prayer for a second chance, a chance for strength,
and the Lord in his infinite mercy granted him such.
And Samson said; Let me die with the Philistines. And
he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell
upon the lords, and upon all the people that were
therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were
more than they which he slew in his life. (Judges
16:30).
Here we have seen that although he died, Samson
made good use of the second strength that was
given him, that was his second chance; but I tell you, it
must not come to that. However, even if it comes to
such a situation that you misused your first
opportunity, pick up courage like Samson did and ask
grace of the Lord. I am certain that if you ask with a
broken and contrite heart, the Almighty will grant you
such.
2. Simon Peter: (Matthew 26)
Simon Peter was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus
Christ. He loved his Master with a great love. That is
why in the book of Matthew 26:31-33, when Jesus told
them of the forth coming event and how they'll be
scattered after he has been captured, though not in
plain language, Peter answered and said unto him,
though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet
will I never be offended.
Chapter 3
13

But the all-knowing God, He who sees the end from

the beginning, who knows all things, said to him in
verse 34, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before
the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter and in fact all the other disciples couldn't
understand how it would be that this Messiah of theirs,
a great teacher, will fall into the hands of the wicked
and be crucified. They did not know that it is not by
power nor by might, but by my SPIRIT. Hence to the
prophecy of the Master, Peter replied, Though I
should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise
also said all the disciples. (Verse 35)
When the fullness of time came, at the foot of
Gethsemane, when Jesus while addressing them was
captured by the multitude who came with Judas, one
of his disciples; seeing they could not stand against
the multitude, and of course the one for whom they
would have fought allowed them not, then all the
disciples forsook him, and fled, thereby fulfilling the
prophecy of the Master in verse 31: (Then saith Jesus
unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this
night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the
sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad). Peter
however followed afar off, for he loved his Master.
But when temptations came, one from a damsel
(verse 69), the second from another maid (verse 71),
and the third from 'those standing by', Peter denied his
Chapter 3
14

Master and immediately the cock crowed.

Here we can say that Peter has failed to make good
use of the chance he had 'for fear of the Jews'. He
would have stood for his Master, and though he should
die with Him, he should not deny Him as he had said
earlier. But when the pressure came upon him, he
gave in and denied his Master even with oath and
curses upon himself (verse 72, 74).
But Peter did not go and hang himself like Judas did,
he did not run away never to come back, and he did not
sit down to wait for another opportunity to come for him
to accept He whom he denied. He on realizing that he
had misused the opportunity given to him, realizing
that he had failed his Master; went out and wept
bitterly. He asked for grace, and he received. For no
one cometh to Him and go back empty handed. And he
that cometh to Him, He will in no wise cast out. (John
6:37). Peter wept bitterly; with a broken and contrite
heart he cried unto the Lord, and the Almighty in His
infinite mercy pardoned him, and gave him yet another
chance. His faith grew and he became one of the
strongest disciples.
3.
Apostle Paul: (Acts 7, 9)

Prior to his becoming an apostle his name was Saul.
He was at that time one of the arch enemies of the
Christians. He was the pioneer of the stoning of
Chapter 3
15

Stephen, one of the apostles of Christ, And cast him

out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid
down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name
was Saul. (Acts 7:58) As for Saul, he made havock of
the church, entering into every house, and haling men
and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3)
One day, Saul, in his presumed zeal to do justice for
God, went in unto the high priest and obtained
permission from him that he may go to Damascus,
arraign the disciples of the Lord, and bring them bound
unto Jerusalem. Of course the permission was
granted him and off he went.
However, the situation in which he found himself after
the encounter with the Lord on his way to Damascus
(Acts 9:3-19) gave him moments of thoughts. A
second chance was offered him: an opportunity for
him to right his wrongs; for him to hunt for sinners, not
disciples. And guess what, he accepted the offer and
made good the opportunity given to him. As a matter of
fact, straightway he preached Christ in the
synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20)
As hard as it was, Saul, renamed Paul after his
conversion, became the opposite of what he was. He,
the hunter, became the hunted, for the Jews sought
every now and then to kill him. But he stood firm in his
new found belief and preached Christ wheresoever he
went. He made good the opportunity given to him, thus
Chapter 3
16

he could conveniently say in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have

fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but
unto all them also that love his appearing.
There are many a lot more of the people of God that
made good use of their second chances, and there are
a lot more who misused theirs. But their own time has
come and gone, and their own cases have been
decided. It is now your time and mine to decide on
what to do with the opportunity we have at our disposal
- use it or abuse it. The decision is yours, I've taken
mine.
As you make a decision, remember this:
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6).
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through Him might be saved ." (John 3:17).
Chapter 3
17


"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11).
CHAPTER 4
MY STORY
This chapter might seem to be the most interesting part of
this book, but it is not. As a matter of fact, if you've not read
the previous chapters, go back and do so.
his is an account of the incident that occurred on

Wednesday the 26th day of November, 2014. It was
a day a lot of things in my life took a new shape; it
was a day a lot of scales fell off my eyes, it was a day I lost
one of the most important people to me in this world, it was
a black Wednesday, and it is a day I will never forget.
On that fateful Wednesday morning, I woke up very early,
took my bath, and got ready to make the journey. The
things I was to travel with, I had packed and arranged on
the previous day, so I had fewer things to do. I inspected
the house to make sure that things were where they were
supposed to be. I was satisfied with the look of things. So I
fastened my belt and went to check on my friend who
along with our neighbor was supposed to travel with me
for the burial of my paternal grandmother, a burial we
prepared very well for.
My parents and siblings in the company of few other
relatives had travelled home two days earlier, being on
Monday of that week. I opted out because of my exams
which were supposed to end on that day. My travelling
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My Story
was supposed to be on Tuesday but because of the

people coming with me, being the first time they would
have came to my village I decided to stay until
Wednesday so that I'll bring them home myself. Moreover,
I wanted to land there at the village with my friend walking
beside me, and I knew the things he sacrificed just to
make that travel.
When I got to his house, he was fetching water from the
well. I got annoyed with him, because when we discussed
the previous night on how to make the journey I told him
we would leave very early in the morning and he didn't
object. The reason for us to leave early was because our
neighbor had some deliveries to make on the way;
besides I needed to be home early so that I could help in
doing some works that needed to be done. Well, he said
he was almost done so I should exercise a little patience.
Their house is just a stone throw from mine, so going back
to my house to exercise the patience was not such a big
deal.
When I got to my house, I thought about it and I said to
myself, enyia, onwere ihe na eme gi n'isi? (My friend, is
something wrong with your head?) Why are you
annoyed? If you were in his shoes wouldn't you do some
house chores before leaving the house to stay away for
some days? Your annoyance is not justified biko.
(please). After the counsel I decided to go back,
apologize to him and help him fetch the water so that we
can actually leave earlier. After all, I said to myself again
Chapter 4
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My Story
and continued, he is performing his duty to his family, of

which you would do the same if you were in his shoes.
But never did it occur to me that it was his last.
Just as I stepped out of my house I met him coming to
inform me that he was set to move. I was so happy that I
forgot I had an apology to render. I quickly rushed back
inside, picked my stuff and we made our way towards his
house for him to get his own luggage, then we zoomed off.
We arrived at Peace Park via Liberty bus stop, Abakpa,
just about the time they were to close manifest which had
just three names on it. Reason being that the bus was to
go over to their other park to pick up more passengers.
We got the tickets and they decided to fix us in that vehicle
that was about moving out. I quickly called Mama Nneka
(our neighbour) who was supposed to travel with us and
she showed up in no distant time. We boarded the bus
and zoomed off to Old park bidding farewell to Mama
Ikechukwu (our neighbor) and Sis. Tochukwu Uche (my
church member) whom I usually call Bro. Tochukwu.
Normally I stay in the front seat of vehicles, but on that
particular day I decided to stay at the back seat so that I'll
be able to sleep on transit since I hadn't had much of it for
days because of my exams, and from the look of things I
may not have much sleep when we get to the village.
My friend wanted me to come to the front so that we would
stay together but I opted out because of my reason being
to sleep.
Chapter 4
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My Story
In no distant time we (the six of us and of course the driver)

arrived at the peace park in Old Park, Enugu. While some
other passengers were boarding the bus, I alighted and
stood beside the front door chatting with my friend as he
was downloading (eating) the okpa he had sent me to
buy for him; and the bottle Lacasera drink I also got him as
atonement for my unjustified annoyance earlier, which he
reluctantly accepted saying it was not necessary. Guy,
forget that thing were his exact words. That was us for
you. We would always 'forget that thing' that would bring
up elongated issues between us and move on. That was
the way it had been for the past twenty five years we've
been more of brothers than friends.
Shortly the driver came and asked him if any passenger
had occupied the front seat beside him and he said none
so far. The driver said ok, but that he wished someone not
too big will occupy that position so that he wouldn't have
any problem driving, especially with the gears. My friend
turned and said I should come to the front so that we can
sit together. This time I didn't object. But I told him I
wouldn't want to sit near the driver, since though I'm not
too big, I would definitely doze off; and I may disturb the
driver in the process. He said that one was not a problem
as long as I was the one sitting beside him. With that
settled, I went to the back seat, got my bag, jumped onto
the front seat, fastened the seat belt, and snuggled into a
cozy position to launch me to sleep as the driver swung on
to the high way. That was how I came over to safety and
he moved over to danger.
Chapter 4
21
My Story
I can't remember if and what we discussed before I fell

asleep, but I do know that it was sooner than later after the
bus drove off that sleep caught up with me. However, I
knew when we got to Okigwe, and then when we got to
Abia tower, Umuahia. Our vehicle stopped at Umuahia for
Eld. Anucha, a member of our church (Seventh-day
Adventist Church), who also lives in our street to alight. I
knew I bade him farewell before we zoomed off again, but
it was later he made me understand that I was making a
phone call and he tapped on the glass to get my attention.
I think he was the only person that got down from the bus
at that time and we diverted to the other side of the road as
our lane was under construction. I must have said one or
two things to my friend before falling asleep again, hoping
to wake up again at Peace Park, Aba, or whenever the
vehicle stopped for one reason or another. But
unfortunately, I woke up in Abia Specialist Hospital at
Amachara, Umuahia.
I don't know if it was a dream, a trance, a vision or an
imagination but I had heard our driver shout, and on
opening my eyes I saw another vehicle hit us face to face
and we fell by the road side, at that time I didn't know it was
a big truck that hit us. I don't know if they explained to me
when I regained consciousness that we had an accident
or probably I was a bit conscious of the development
because of what I had seen earlier. But I can remember
seeing someone ask me if I had any number of my
relatives by heart, someone that can be called to give the
latest information to. I have my dad and my mum's GLO
Chapter 4
22
My Story
and MTN numbers respectively by heart but I knew they

would not be reachable as the most effective network in
my village was ZAIN.
They probably also told me that the two phones I had with
me got lost at the accident scene, or I just knew about it by
myself; but at that particular time, I cared less. I recalled I
had gone to Mrs. Ukonu's house the previous night and
given her direction to my village and the phone numbers
with which they could reach us if they had problem
locating my village, for they were supposed to come that
day too, but at a later period. I didn't have her phone
number by heart, so I gave them Emeka Nzeadibe's
number and told them to call him so that he would send
them Mrs. Ukonu's number in order for them to call her so
that she would send to them the numbers I gave her the
previous day. Well, how they made the connection, I didn't
know, I guess I must have fallen unconscious again. It was
later that I realized that the person I gave Emeka's
number knew me, though I didn't know him too well. I later
got to know his name - Prince Chikezie Ihesiulo, and the
nurses, Precious and Chidimma and the other woman, a
nurse too, that gave me a pillow for my leg when I was
being carried back to Enugu. To them I would remain ever
indebted, because they really sacrificed a great deal for
me.
I can't remember a lot of things that happened there at the
hospital. Even though I was in serious pains, the only
thing that I was worried about was the state of the people
Chapter 4
23
My Story
that travelled with me. I told anybody that cared to listen

that I was travelling with two people, a woman and a
young man like me. I knew when the wounds on my face
were stitched, I even told them to stitch my finger too, but I
don't know if I was not audible enough or that they didn't
find my finger worthy of being stitched.
I didn't know how she got to know, but she came to assist
me, and I can't remember asking her, maybe she
explained; but I was thankful that Silver was there to care
for me. I was later told that it was Emeka that called and
told her, and she came immediately. I would be ever
indebted to her too for being courageous at that moment.
Even though we are friends and members of the same
church, I know it really took some courage and endurance
to be with me at that time, because I wasn't myself, and I
had a lot of troubles to dish out. Well seeing her at that
time made me relax a bit, at least I'd seen someone I
knew, and one from whom I could get the information I
needed as regards the people who travelled with me, at
least I knew she had Uche's number, so I would ask her to
call him and find out how he was doing.
I knew when we went for X-ray, and I could remember
seeing Pastor Iroka and Bro. Prince Uzoaru. I'm thankful
to these two also for they facilitated my transit to the place
where the x-ray was done, and of course the financial
involvement too.
Chapter 4
24
My Story
I do not remember this but Silver said that a lot of people

called at that period and spoke with me, people like
Treasure, Ozioma, Amarachi, and a host of others; even
my very own Rosemary. Silver also said that I responded
so well and answered those calls like a normal human
being. I can't remember speaking with you; but thanks for
calling anyway.
I know I recognized Mama Nneka and told the people
around that she was the woman I was travelling with, and I
also told them that one person remaineth, my friend. I told
Silver severally to call him on phone and she told me that
she couldn't get him on phone. Then after some time and
pressure from me, she told me that he too lost his phone
like I did mine, so there was no way to get in touch with
him. It was when she later told me that he had been taken
to another hospital where he was receiving treatment that
I relaxed a bit and the whole pain that was hanging came
down on me. Later my dad came around and Chibuike
too.
The only thing I can remember that happened the next
day was that when I was asked what to eat I requested for
Akamu (pap), not really because I was hungry, but
because I knew that was the only thing that could at that
time go down easily through my throat. And then I saw a
group of people, their faces were familiar at first, and then
I realized I actually knew them. They were going for the
burial too. Later in the evening the same group I saw in the
morning came back to carry me home. I thought I was
Chapter 4
25
My Story
going to National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, but I

ended up at Ozohaji Bone Setting Clinic, Obiagu. Well,
both are in Enugu, so it's no big deal.
The experience I had when I was being carried into and
out from Eld. Chigozie Oriaku's vehicle is better heard
than experienced. However, I'll spare you the details,
because I even don't want to think about it. I am thankful to
the woman who gave me a pillow for my fractured leg, Bro.
Ugochukwu Nzeadibe, for lending me his laps for my
head while we were heading home in Bro. Chigozie
Oriaku's car. The two bros along with bros Iyk Alum and
Blessing Ogbonna are now elders, to the glory of God.
There were a lot more of the things that happened back
there at the hospital that I don't remember, and no matter
how hard I try I still cannot. Well, I guess they are not
important.
Staying at Obiagu was not easy at all, but one had no
choice. I met Hon. Tony Okeke in the room where I was
laid, and Emeka Nzeadibe stayed with me that Thursday
night and Friday too. That night I did not notice anybody as
my spirit, body and soul were not together. But later I
became acquainted with the environment, accepted the
fate that befell me and surrendered to the Everlasting's
will.
Honourable as he was popularly called, thrilled us with
political calls and updates. At first it was disturbing, but
later it became enjoyable. Then you would always here
Chapter 4
26
My Story
funny but interesting title names like 'qkx daa ebube', 'xta
ana agba igwe', 'nwa amadi chqkichq', and a host of
others; and each time he called his wife he would request
to speak with his daughters Akuabata and
Kaosisochukwu. Our room was lively at all times as he
had a lot of people, both family and friends (political and
non-political) coming to visit him. His case was also
serious as he broke his right femur, and just like me, he
had problems with his hand too. His head also showed
marks of several stitches. He had spent about two months
at Ituku Ozalla before coming for bone setting at Obiagu.
Having spent quite some time before I was brought to that
place he was instrumental to us as he guided and directed
us on a lot of things.
Going into the 'theatre' as we called it was not something
one wished to do often. I have not encountered so much
pain-causing injuries in my life, but I think none is as
painful as, or more than that of a broken bone. The pain
surges through the whole body like fire in the veins rather
than blood. Most times you just feel like shouting or
screaming could help relieve you of the pain. You feel like
yelling out all of those pains that coarse through your
veins; and you actually wail and yell, you scream and
shout, but to no avail. All you have to do is to be patient
and wait out the nerve racking pain. Patiently yielding your
life unto God and praying that the ravaging pain does not
burst you.
I remember vividly the day I first heard of the demise of my
friend Uche. Prior to that, I had always been told that he
was still critical and still at Umuahia. Critical became the
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My Story
only word they used to describe his state of being. But on

that fateful day someone I knew, in the company of
another person, came to visit Honourable. When they
came in I recognized him and called him by his name. He
was shocked to see me; I guess he didn't know I was
there. When we greeted he said he had heard of the
incident, and he also heard that Uche died that day.
I was shocked to the marrows. I felt cold shivers run down
my spine, and serious pain on my broken leg. But I quickly
said no, that he did not die, just that he was critical and
receiving treatment at Umuahia. Inwardly I reasoned that
what he said may not be a rumor, because no one would
joke with such news. But I prayed and hoped it was just a
rumor. I knew he didn't know I was not aware of it then. He
said ok to my reply and we closed the chapter. Reluctantly
I answered all the questions he asked me, and I guess he
must have realized that he had inadvertently revealed a
grave secret for he observed my sudden restlessness,
and so he let me be. All the while I was looking at my
brother's face to either confirm or disprove that statement
but he evaded looking in my direction. It was as if he didn't
hear what we were discussing, but I knew it was just an act
so I kept to myself, hoping and praying that someone or
something would wake me up so that I'd attribute the
whole drama to something that happened in the dream.
But nobody woke me up, and up till now it's still like a
dream.
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My Story
I was so disturbed from that day. A lot of things went on in

my mind. I just couldn't bring myself to believe that what I
had heard was real. But then, I knew I had not received
any news about him other than that he was still critical and
still at Umuahia, unlike Mama Nneka whom they always
gave me details about her state of being. Even at a point I
had to ask who was there taking care of him, and they told
me the elder brother was doing that. I decided I was going
to place a call to him so that I could hear from his mouth
the state of my friends health. But I didn't have my phone
with me, and I didn't want to bother anybody with that
because I sensed they were hiding something from me,
though I wasn't expecting the worst.
th
It was on the 5 of December, 2014 that they officially

broke the news to me. By then it wasn't so shocking, it was
then a confirmation of my suspicion. However, I went
down memory lane to re-live our companionship and
friendship. I remembered a lot of things we used to do
together, our jokes and codes, our strolling, our
arguments which most times were done on purpose, our
plans and arrangements which have been unachieved. I
tried to bear it like a man, at least for the sake of mum. I
didn't want her to see me cry for I knew it would break her
heart, because she hurts more when we get hurt; my
siblings and I. But my greatest challenge was how I was
going to face my friend's mum, for I knew she would ask
me where my brother was. Apparently I didn't have the
answer to that question, and I did not think I could ever
Chapter 4
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My Story
have a befitting answer to that question, because I did not

know. We did not even chat much that day, because I
knew we would have spent at least two days together, and
he would have been virtually everywhere I would have
been, and we would have had more than enough chats. I
just wanted to sleep so that I would not lazy about when
we got to the village; and then you just never think such
things would ever happen so you don't make out time.
That time I was in so much pain, both physical and
emotional. I was traumatized terribly. I cared less about
the things I had to lose, the time that would be lost, school
and other things; all I wanted was my friend. I just wanted
him back, and I would give anything, even my very self,
just to have him back. I felt like giving up, I saw no need to
continue living this life. I had just lost the closest person to
me, and my life seemed to be on hold. At that time I wished
I could just fall asleep never to wake up again. But then, I
remembered that there is someone who may not be able
to bear it if I died, my mum. I also thought about it that my
friend's mum would have to take consolation in me as a
son, and giving up would just worsen things. For these two
women I decided to be a man, bear the pain as long as it
lasted, be up on my feet again and make them proud.
I heard a lot of comments about the incident that
happened, some people said my grandmother was a
wicked woman, that she was the one that caused the
accident, and some of my close relatives who knew I
Chapter 4
30
My Story
didn't sow my own uniform the way others did, attributed

the event to be a result of that; and so many other funny
and thoughtless comments. Even if those theories about
the living-dead are true, my grandmother was not wicked
in life, so there was no way she could have become so in
death, and even if she decided to become wicked, why
harm her favorite grandson. And if truly she had eyes to
see that I did not make my uniform like others did, she
should have also seen that I had a special uniform I made
from the material, which was done to suit the presentation
I wanted to make at the occasion; and she could have also
seen the joint efforts which we all made, and of course my
own personal efforts to give her a befitting burial. And if
she was wicked as some said, why cause such a terrible
accident knowing that it would greatly disorganize her
own burial, or did she want to remain an unburied corpse
forever? Why take the life of so many other passengers in
that bus when she could just single me out and do with me
whatever she wished to? Well, those are unnecessary
arguments but done in order to make it clear that the
whole thing was just an act of the evil one, nothing more.
To all those comments and theories I join the wise man to
say: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead
know not anything, neither have they any more a
reward; for the memory of them is forgotten
(Ecclesiastes 9:5).
Chapter 4
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My Story
My right index finger proved so difficult to heal. It was

almost torn into pieces and the phalange twisted upside
down. Well, thank God for the relentless effort of Aunty
Nurse Udo, one of the nurses there at Ozohaji bone
setting clinic, the wound later closed up and the Doc
started setting the bone.
The bone doctor in charge of the clinic is a kind man,
Ozohaji Godwin by name. If it wasn't a health related
issue I would say he possesses a rat-like attitude of 'o na
ata gi o na afu gi onu. I hope the Igbo speaking person
understands that adage. Well, what I mean by that is that
even his facial expression did not give you the slightest
idea that what he was about to do next would send an
almost unbearable pain to your nerves. And at the end of
the show he'd be like, 'take it easy, just relax and you won't
feel the pain ok?', and such moments I'd be like, 'it's easy
to say, because you are not the one bearing the pain'.
Whenever he was done with you he'd tell you: 'your leg is
good', at least I never heard otherwise about my leg. Well,
having been in the system for a long time (I heard the clinic
has been in operation since the 70s), so I guess he has
gotten used to the painful expressions, the wailings and
yelling. But then at the end of the day I would conclude
that he knew his job well. He was a real professional. He
managed the place with his brother Joe, and few other
staff like Aunty Nurse Udo, Aunty Nurse Evelyn, Aunty
Ifeoma (the cashier), and the newest Aunty Nurse
Emmanuella. They made quite a pretty good team. Every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between eight
Chapter 4
32
My Story
and nine when they had devotions, he would always say

to everybody present that they did not come because of
their broken or dislocated bones, but rather because of
the words they were to hear from him. He was a member
of the Community of Yahweh Worldwide, and during those
morning devotions he would always teach a lot of things
that most people found contradictory to their own beliefs.
Each time there was commotion you would always hear:
'Udo n'afa Jesus' (peace in the name of Jesus) and
everybody would say 'Amen', then he would either
continue with his teachings, or say the benediction; and
work for the day would start.
Uncle Joe, well I didn't have many encounters with him so
I can't really say much about him; but I know he knew his
stuff and did a good job, just like his elder brother. He was
not the one that handled my case, but he helped out on
some periods when the main doc would be very busy.
Aunty Nurse Udo, I would say, combined her nursing job
with motherly care. I don't know if she was that way with
the other patients, I can only speak of my personal
experience with her. She would always call me 'Ife' and
ask how I was doing. Of course whether ground dey level
or not (whether all was well or not), the answer would
always be positive. Well, just greet her for me whenever
and wherever you see her, she did extremely, wonderfully
and marvelously well, and she nursed my finger back to
wholeness and life .
Chapter 4
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My Story
Towards months end you'd see much of Aunty Nurse

Evelyn coming to remind you that the next 'bed levy or fee'
was supposed to be paid before the following month. And
such periods you'd notice more of her well arranged set of
white teeth. Having watched her for long, I noticed those
smiles were not faked, it was just her nature. She would
always smile even when there was nothing to smile about.
Whenever she talked, you'd wonder what was doing the
talking, the hand or the mouth. What I mean is that each
word had different gesticulation, and whenever she was
explaining something to you she'd always ask rhetorically,
'you get?'. Well, the cow and chicken she promised me
the first time I made use of the clutches she is yet to give
me, and as at the time of publishing this book those were
still promissory. I hold it not against her anyway if she did
not deliver them physically to me, for the services she
gave me were worth more than the cow or chicken she
promised.
I can't speak much about Aunty Ify because our paths
didn't cross much. Though she used to live near the clinic
and would always come to greet us and ask how we were
fairing; and whenever we had issues with light, she would
be the one to take care of it. But those early moments of
my stay I was always in pains so I didn't talk much, except
of course when people visited me, and I had no option but
to interact. Before I started coming out she had relocated
to another place. So seeing her would always be on their
workdays when she would be busy inside.
Chapter 4
34
My Story
Aunty Nurse Emmanuella, the newest staff, was another

wonderful person to be with. I always liked talking with her
whenever she showed her face because each time you
said something, whether funny or not, you would see
those set of white teeth of hers. She laughed more while
Aunty Nurse Evelyn smiled more. I didn't have problem
knowing she is from Nsukka because of her accent, and I
would always try to speak the little I know of her language,
which of course triggered laughter when I spoke the
wrong one. I guess she'll never forget when I told her my
surname was aero plane. Well, the summary of it all is that
she was fun to be with. I didn't want to mention this but she
nearly cried the day she misplaced their office key. At that
time I wished I was a magician or some kind of seer, so
that I would just point to her where the key was lying. Well,
thank God those tears lingered until she found the key and
they had no other option but to cease as soon as the
laughter surfaced.
One of the patients I met at the clinic, Aunty Onyinye was
already using clutches when I was brought in, and she
would always come to the door of our room and greet us,Honourable and I. It was at a later period that I was made
to understand that Favour, the young girl that used to visit
her was her daughter; apparently she was one of her
children. Prior to that I thought she was her kid sister or
something of that nature. She would always warn us to
keep our legs well and stay cool so that we would not go
for second missionary journey like she did, to the theatre.
Chapter 4
35
My Story

th
Mr. Augustine Nnamani was brought in on 15 December,

2014. We usually called him Papa Onyii, because it was
Onyii, one of his daughters that stayed with him most of
the times, and we all really got acquainted. Papa Onyii
was fun to be with, but when you have an important place
to go, make sure you do not start a conversation with him.
He is a great story teller; not fables anyway, but stories of
his wide travels and wealth of experiences.
The story he told often was one of his experiences in
Ngwa land where he went to do some trading, and almost
lost his life to some cannibals. But thanks to divine
providence, a lady whom he called God-sent, advised
him to flee the place. Whatever business he had to do
there was never accomplished for he never ever went
back to the place.
I do not know if the story was real or not, but he always told
it with all seriousness. And maybe that was why each time
we brought up the issue of my getting married to Onyii his
daughter, he would always say that his daughter will not
get married to Ngwa man, as they are notorious for their
cannibalism. He said this because I am Nwga by birth.
Even though he had a story to back up his opinion, we
were just having fun with the whole drama.
He was a loving father from my own point of view. He
would always wake up very early in the morning and start
praying, blessing his children and committing them into
the hands of God. Just like Honourable, he liked guiding
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36
My Story
and directing, or suggesting better ways of doing things. I

bet that was why, according to him, he left all he was doing
and went on that fateful day to accompany one of his
relatives to Anambra state to get a wife, and on their way
back, against his wish, they travelled at night, coupled
with the hot-headedness of the driver and his refusal to
slow down on a sharp bend, they had an accident in which
he was the most injured. Just like me, his left femur was
broken, though his own was nearer to the knee, while
mine was nearer to the hip.
Mama Ogo was brought in later in December too. Unlike
Honourable, Papa Onyii and I, whose encounters were on
the highway, her own accident happened in the town, New
Haven, Enugu to be precise. Honourable had his accident
along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, near Proda Bridge,
while mine happened along Enugu-Portharcourt express
way, before Ubakala Junction in Umuahia, and Papa
Onyii's own was at Ugwu Nvene, around four-corner,
Enugu. Just like the three of us, she had a broken femur
too, but hers and Honourable's were on the right leg, and
she had some bruises on the face and hands. I learnt that
about two people including a pregnant woman died as a
result of the accident. She had her own fun to contribute to
our stay over there and she really did. The husband Mr.
Nwaigwe would always come around to ask us: 'A na e
kick kwa?' (Hope you are kicking?). Or sometimes he
would say 'A na emekwa ya?' (Hope you are doing it?)
Other times he'll change the (ihe a na eme), and whether
(a na eme) or not we would always say yes, so that (aga
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My Story
na eme ya nu). (The answer was always positive

irrespective of the situation of things).
I was not comfortable during those moments when I was
confined to the bed, those moments when the only
movement I made was to lie and sit down. Neither was
anybody taking care of me at any particular time. The
worst moments were during the nights; those nights when
your visitors were certain to have gone home, and the
person taking care of you might have fallen asleep, then
you suddenly to a night watchman, especially when there
was no light. Those were the times you have two main
things to worry about, heat and mosquitoes, and believe
me, those mosquitoes don't suck blood, they drink it.
These mosquitoes have pipes in their mouths, the least of
them make use of straw. But if the Electrical Power
Holders had mercy on our poor souls and gave us light,
then we would put on fan and be able to sleep with at least
one eye closed. Therefore, each night the only prayer you
make is: 'Lord, 'let there be light.''
For the nights when there was no light I pitied anyone who
took care of me because the person would continue to fan
me until either I fell asleep, light came back, or he or she
got too exhausted and stopped fanning. The worst part
was that initially I wasn't making use of my hands, not
even to eat, so I totally depended on the available person
for virtually everything.
After watching how I would just lie down and, or sit up as
the only movement I made, and not fathoming how
possible it was for me to go to toilet, one of my friends
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My Story
summoned enough courage and asked me one day how I

managed to use the loo. Well, to that friend of mine, and to
every other person that may try to ask, and to anybody
that may not be bold enough to ask but try to reason it; I'll
leave that to your imagination.
One of those days in the theatre, when I went in for
redressing and resetting, I wouldn't have believed that
what I saw was my thigh; had it been it was not attached to
my body. The muscle that took me twenty-five years to
build, shrank almost to the bones in just a few weeks.
Then I wondered if, and how long it would take those
muscles to be built up again. I asked myself, inaudibly
though, just as it was asked in the book of Ezekiel 37:3,
but this time not about bones, 'Son of man, can this
muscle rise again?' then I answered, 'O Lord, thou
knowest'. My own bone was not dry, it was just broken, so I
prayed, I prophesied and I believed that my broken bone,
and that of my hospital mates, and in fact all the broken
and dislocated bones shall join, and the shrunk muscles
shall definitely rise and regenerate.
Doctor Mum really suffered. I call her Doctor Mum
because she acted as one. She'd administer the drugs,
not with syringes anyway, and then some times she would
dress my wounds, and do so many other things. When Dr.
Onwuegbuchulam came to see me, he brought some
drugs for me and recommended that honey be applied to
the stitch scars in my face, mum did all that. I know you
don't know this. So I'll tell you; Doctor Mum was the one
that removed the stitches' thread on my face. Well, I
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My Story
couldn't allow the nurse to continue with that because

when she tried to, it was really painful, and I already had
more pains than I could handle from my broken leg. But
then a few days later, Dr. Mum convinced me that
removing the thread was not such a big deal, it only
required a small technique which she knew how to go
about, having undergone a surgery before. Well, I said it's
still my face and if I felt the slightest pain I'd tell her to stop.
With a razor blade and her fingers she removed those
stitches and when she was done I actually thought she
was just starting. At that moment, I wished there were
many more stitches. She really is Doctor Mum. She took
care of me like every other loving mother would take care
of her child, and she did quite a lot more. At the end of the
day she was able to prove to me that no matter how tall or
how big I have grown, and no matter how old I am, I am still
her baby boy. You know what I am talking about right?
Well, if you don't, I'll leave that to your imagination too.
Hers was truly a mothers care and a mothers touch. The
difference was glaringly clear.
Dad, one of the best dads in the world. I don't just think, I
know he is the best of the best dads. Well, he had his own
routine of the sufferings too. In the clinic I slept much
better when Dad was taking the night shift, especially
when Honourable was discharged and I had the room to
myself. Do you know why? It's just because whenever he
takes the night shift, just like my elder brother it would be
'war with the quitoes, and a night of prayer. You know I
had problems with my two hands, the right index finger
was torn and turned upside down, and my left ulna was
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My Story
broken and the hand bandaged, so there was no way I

could kill any mosquito that came my way. Therefore I was
always relieved whenever dad was taking the night shift.
But there was one night he let off his guard and they bit
him mercilessly, chai! He woke up and picked a broom;
what he did to those guys eh, at a point I started having
compassion on them, but I didn't stop him, because I
knew if he let them be, I would be the one to suffer it. You
know one thing about those mosquitoes is that when you
try to kill them they take cover, and they'll fly under the bed
to lay ambush. But that night, dad was so furious that he
went to their headquarters, destroyed their canopies,
scattered their feathers and pulled down their
strongholds. Believe it or not, after that night they learnt
that though I was handicapped, I was not caredicapped, and they avoided me for a good while. He
really dealt with those mosquitoes and they learnt their
lessons. One of such nights, I was in severe pain, dad did
not sleep at all. He sang and prayed for me as usual, and
then started fanning me. He never stopped fanning me
until the pain subsided and I slept off. Whenever he went
back to his base in Okigwe, dad would always call on daily
basis, sometimes he would call two times in a day just to
know how I was doing, and he would always ask if the pain
was reducing and whether there was improvement. Of
course you know what the answer would be. Positive.
Dede, as we call my elder brother Chinwendu, was
resourceful too. Those times when mum would be
unavoidably unavailable, he would be the one to take the
shift. Sometimes he took the night shifts, and such
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My Story
moments ura m aburuzie juuuuuuu (I would sleep

comfortably), because he would make war with the
mosquitoes. I know he pitied me those days, because,
though he had never experienced broken bone before, at
least not one that serious, he knew the pain I was passing
through. He used to carry me on his back to and from the
theatre whenever I was due to enter there. Whenever he
was the one taking care of me I usually found it difficult to
make requests, unless I was in dare need of such. You
know that guilt-like feeling you develop when your hands
are tied and you have no other option but to do the things
you ordinarily wouldn't do. It's not as if it's totally wrong for
me to ask my elder brother to help me out in some certain
things, but then he was running errands for me like a small
boy. I would be like, Dede, please give me that, or throw
away this for me, or please help me buy recharge card, or
so many other things that I needed to do; and he would
just say ok, do my bidding and then ask if there was any
other thing that I needed to be done for me. Sometimes
there would be but I'd just tell him, there wasn't.
Ngozi, my handbag, well, she didn't do much at the clinic
you know because mum was always shuttling between
home and the clinic. So, whenever Ng came back from
school it would be a bit of a moment of rest for mum, then
mum would spend much time at the clinic. Ng was more of
'out of sight is not out of mind' because she never ceased
to call, and each time she would want to know if and what I
had eaten, what I am eating or what I intended to eat. She
is my immediate younger sibling, and the first daughter of
the house.
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My Story
Ihy, well I call her lasty sometimes, but her full name is
Ihuoma, as in Good luck, and lasty simply stands for last
born. As mum would always say, 'ije adighi anyi onye
eboro ohi' (he who is accused of theft never gets tired of
making journeys). For those that would need me to
explain that proverb I hope you know what they say about
'onye atxqrq ilu kqwara ya'. But for the sake of none Ibos
I'll explain. I can say it means that 'he who is accused of
theft never gets tired of making journeys' and I presume
it's because he would like to prove his innocence. But how
does it relate to my story? one may ask. Well it's simple.
Dad resides at Okigwe and comes back occasionally,
mostly at month ends. Dede couldn't stay long after the
burial because he had to get back to his base in Abuja.
Me, well I was the bone of contention so I'm ruled out. Ng
had to get back to school (Federal University of
Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State). With these
three all gone back to base, Lasty was the only one
available to take care of the house, the shop and of course
Granny who as at then needed care like a four year old girl
would. Remember, mum was shuttling between Obiagu
and Abakpa. So this young girl would fix granny up in the
morning, fetch water which was more or less a heavy task
during dry season, do other house chores and find her
way to the shop; and sometimes when mum would need
to do some things that would not enable her take the night
shift at the clinic, Lasty would be the one to do that. So let's
give Lasty some credit, she really did well and I know it
wasn't easy on her, but then 'ije adighi anyi onye eboro
ohi'. Since those responsibilities fell on her shoulders at
that moment, the Lord gave her the strength to carry them.
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My Story
One of the happiest moments of my life and the period I

was in the hospital was on 1st January, 2015, it was my
birthday. I wasn't really expecting any celebration to hold
that day, at least not on my behalf, but obviously my
siblings had a contrary opinion; they surprised me with a
birthday cake. Well, you know for people like us whose
birthdays fall on festive periods it's not usually a big deal
'cos everybody will always have something to celebrate,
so there'll be nothing to make your day so special. But in
any case, it's still my birthday. Amy whom I fondly call My
BB and her kid sister Chinaza, (well if you don't want to
stress yourself just call her Baby), were there as they
came visiting, but just in time to join in the celebration. The
happy birthday song was sung and on my sick bed I cut
the birthday cake. I had an ambivalent attitude about the
whole celebration as it did came to my mind at that
moment that there was one who should have been there
too, but he couldn't even celebrate his own birthday which
was on 27th November, 2014, I guess you know why. At
that point it was a moment of mixed feelings and I fought
tooth and nail to keep those tears from flowing. Later on
that day, Babies Sunshine and Chloe, in the company of
their parents, Eld. & Mrs. Ike Alum, and Mr. & Mrs.
Chinedu Ebere respectively, brought their own birthday
cake and rice for me, and they had a taste of mine too.
Staying at Obiagu became much easier when I started
using clutches. 28th January, 2015, was the first day I both
touched and used clutches in my life, and I really felt life
come into me once again because the uncomfortable and
pain causing sticks were removed and replaced with
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My Story
better options ones. Using the clutches was one of the

hardest things I've ever done anyway, and the kind of
sweat that came out of my body that period, I was lucky
they weren't as thick as drops of blood. But I guess if they
were gathered and measured, they might measure up to
one litre, a litre of sweat. But after one week I summoned
enough courage and took the bull by the horn. I got my
own clutches and started walking around the compound.
Though I noticed how heavy the leg was before when I
would, with the help of mum, come down from my bed and
stand with one leg for a while then climb back again. But
on using the clutches I realized that it was not entirely a
joke when Honourable would say that the broken leg was
as heavy as two bags of cement. Mine was not as heavy
as two bags of cement, but it was so heavy that it could
pull me down if care was not taken. The first time I went
towards the road side, it wasn't like the road I used to ride
on every morning and evening on my way to and from
work, but as time went by, it became familiar again.
Ogolicious as I call her, Onyii and Chinyere were really
helpful. We used to sit down and chat in the evenings
before I got to bed. We became like members of extended
family over time. Chinyere (My P.A.) was handy, as well as
Ekene, Obi and their parents Mr. & Mrs. Rob Okonkwo.
They would always make available their portable plastic
seats for us to sit down. I watched Ekene from afar but I
discovered that he is a special son. There was something
he did one day that amazed not only me but everybody
that noticed his action. One Friday morning I was outside,
I came out to see Hounourable who came for a check up;
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My Story
we were sitting outside as we were addressed by Dr.

Okonkwo Felix, Ekene's uncle. He was telling us about
the Origin of the Igbos and that of the Atilogwu dance (a
cultural dance group). We all were absorbed in the story
as it was strange to us, and I guessed no one noticed he
had been standing all the while; I was particularly
interested in the man's expressions and choice of words.
Ekene was not around when he started, but later he came
out from their house and went into their store room, got a
plastic seat and brought it to his uncle for him to sit down.
It's not such a big deal, one may say. But when you come
to think of Ekene, the person who brought the chair, you
would really marvel at his thoughtfulness. Ekene was fair
in complexion, tall and handsome, about twenty-two
years old and about five feet tall, but mentally challenged.
It's not every person in his state of mind that could be
sensible and sensitive enough to do that, so it was really a
big deal. I was touched by that action, but that was Ekene
for you.
Ekene was born in February 1993. On discovering the
health challenges he had, his parents took him to so many
hospitals and clinics for remedy. So many tests were run,
and so many medications prescribed and given to him,
but all to no avail. At a time, one of the doctors revealed to
Mrs. Okonkwo that her pretty little baby boy may not be
able to use his legs again and also his mental state was
still very questionable. But the loving mother exercised
faith in God and countered the doctors opinion, saying
that by the grace of God, her tinny little Ekene would one
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My Story
day be whole again. The Almighty God in his infinite mercy

and grace looked down upon the melting heart of the
loving mother, and strengthened the legs of the young lad;
and a year after the proclamation, he stood on his feet,
and walked. But Ekenes state of mind is still at the level of
Gods will. Since then he had experienced so many
improvements.
Most times Ekene would go to the windows in the morning
and start greeting everybody in the clinic, and I guess the
Ozohajis found him useful as he would always go to
inform them that light was back whenever their
generator was in use.
Mr. Okonkwo Rob, Chinyere, Obi and Ekene's father, and
his brother Dr. Felix, are quite interesting people to reckon
with. They live simple life, just like the whites. Mr.
Okonkwo Rob as I used to see him, would always comb
his afro hair, wear a plain trouser and well ironed shirt;
carry his bag and walk gently out of the compound
probably going to work or very important meetings.
Mr. Okonkwo Felix, in my heart I called him slow and
steady. Maybe it's because of old age, but he didn't walk
like someone in a hurry, even when he was, and his
speeches were quite slow but eloquent and concrete. I
guess you know what they say about the slow and
steady? Well, in case you don't, I'll tell you; they win the
race. He is a great story teller, a historian, I may add. One
of the things I liked about his speeches was his choice of
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My Story
words. And whenever he was talking to you, he was either

telling you the way it happened, the way it was happening,
or the way it was going to happen.
Mr. Maduabuchi was also a patient, but he didn't take a
bed like us in the clinic, he had a comfortable bed in his inlaw's house in the same compound, with his beautiful wife
Mrs. Maduabuchi to take care of him. If I were him I would
not recover fast, because he may lose some entitlements
when he does, but then there may be yet other
entitlements that he may not be entitled to because of his
condition, so I'll leave it up to him. But Uncle Abuchi was
another good fellow that was fun to be with. He did not
hide the information he had regarding the fast healing or
proper care of the broken legs. He was blessed with two
beautiful daughters, Chikanyima and Chinaza. Before I
knew her first daughter's name, I used to think it was
Malaika they called her. Because I was always hearing
mma Kaima and I didn't make sense of it, not until I saw
the pretty little girl one day and heard her mum stress the
name Chi-ka-anyi-ma, then I understood what she was
being called. And it was so touching when the little girl
looked in my face and with her tiny little but sweet voice
said to me, Uncle sorry. Chinazaekpere, the few months
old then, would always show me her gum instead of her
teeth which I would always require when I would say
show me your teeth. Well, what I mean is that she would
always laugh each time I said that.
I made some pretty good friends too who always did try to
look for my trouble, not in a harmful way anyway. They are
Chinwendu, Ebube, Ifunanya and the other one that for a
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My Story
long time refused to tell me her name, but I later heard

them call her Chisom.
Later in February another patient was brought in, Austin
by name. He was an interesting person too. I guess the
people I met in that clinic were all interesting people. Mr.
Austin's accident was a serious one too. He broke his left
femur, and had serious injuries on his face, hands and
legs. But he was far better when he was brought into the
clinic for he had stayed for like two months in the Northern
part of the country where he was receiving treatment
before the bell of election started ringing seriously and he
had to run back home. He used to make funny
exaggerations most times when we chatted. It was more
of a shock than a surprise when he told me that the fair
young man I used to see with his wife and two kids was his
younger brother, because from my own point of view, he
was much younger than the younger brother. His
caretaker Favour, (I didn't really ask how they are related
but I don't think it would be farther than cousins), was a
workaholic, and she laughed a lot, though not as much as
Aunty Nurse Emmanuella. Whenever you asked her
something that would require a yes or no answer, and she
wanted to give you a positive answer, she would just
laugh.
I came for checkup few weeks after I was discharged in
the last week of February, and discovered that another
person had been brought to the clinic. He had serious
wounds on his hands and face, and he broke his hand and
leg too, though not the femur. I went to him and consoled
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My Story
him just the way Gideon, one of the X-patients used to

console me.
Because of the changes in my body system, and having
spent so much time doing nothing, I had to start again to
learn almost everything I knew how to do, everything that
needed to be done with the hands, especially, the right
hand, and feet. This ranged from how to stand, how to
walk, run, eat, bath, write, and so many other 'how to do's.
When at home, I didn't like going outside very much,
because people would always be like: 'Heee, are you
back? When did you come back? Hee, welcome oo. Hope
you are getting better? Sorry. Ndooo. Sorry oo. Thank
God you are alive, those people that died, you are not
better than them' and so many other comments. I didn't
want to be pitied. I really hated hearing about those that
were better than me but died anyway, because it would
always make me feel guilty about the demise of my friend.
But then you don't expect people to come to you, say
sorry, and leave without such comments; therefore I
would mostly stay inside the house to avoid such
encounters. But over time I became used to it and started
going anywhere my wounded feet could carry me, and
gradually I was being integrated into the normal works of
life.
Mrs. Augustina Igwe, Mma Nneka as most of us call her, is
a living testimony. Her own case was worse than mine.
Just like me, she broke her left femur, though closer to her
knee unlike mine that was closer to the hip. Her face was
almost disfigured, and her right hand almost paralyzed,
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My Story
but thank God it didn't get to that. She was unconscious

for days, and couldn't eat solid food for weeks when she
finally regained consciousness because of the jaw that
was almost ripped off. Her teeth were affected also. I
heard about her state of being when I was in the clinic, and
I was very glad when she came back because all the
things I had heard about her were no longer as serious as I
was told. I am very happy to have her back, and we spent
much time together at home before they relocated to
another place. She spent more than one month at Ntasi
Obi Ndi no na Afufu Hospital, in Enugu before she was
taken to a bone setting clinic at Nsukka, and from there to
another place at Ikem, all in Enugu where she was
treated.
It was such a sad moment for me when I went to my
friend's house to see my second mum and other members
of my second family. Up till then and even now, I still did
not, and have not found a suitable answer to the question
of where my brother is, and at that moment I saw myself
as Cain. You know Cain in the Bible right? Yea, the one
that killed his brother Abel. But then I told myself that I
wasn't Cain, because, 1. Cain was the one that killed his
brother, and 2. He knew where his brother was. But in my
own case I was not the one that killed my brother, and I
didn't know and still don't know where He is. Just as I
expected, my second mum asked me where my brother
was, not that she thinks I had something to do with my
friend's demise, nor was she expecting an answer from
me anyway because she knows that I do not have an
answer to that question. It was because her heart was
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My Story
heavy; it was heavier than my heavy leg, and apparently

heavier than Honourable's two bags of cement leg.
Whose heart wouldn't be? She just lost a son whom she
probably never had time to say goodbye to. No one was
expecting such; so no one made out time. We cried
bitterly on each other's shoulder. We allowed those tears
to flow freely and they did flow as much, and as long as
they wanted; but then, those tears just couldn't bring him
back. If they could, then I would shed all that I have, and I
know mum would even go and buy more, or go borrowing
more tears to shed, just so that he could come back to us. I
also know quite a lot of people who would give their own
tears freely for his sake. But even if we have all the tears in
the world in our possession, and no matter how much or
how long we shed them, they just can't bring him back.
His pictures were there on the wall staring at me, I wished I
was some kind of person with supernatural powers, then I
would invoke his spirit into the picture, probably breathe
into him the breath of life, and when he stood up I would
say to him, ''son, behold thy mother'', and to his mum,
''mother, behold thy son''; but it just couldn't happen. It
would have been better for me if he was one legged like
me, or even temporarily unable to use both legs; even if he
would permanently lose any member of his body house, it
would have been okay with me to have half of him than
lose all of him.
On Friday 15th May, 2015. I saw Uche in my dream.
I was sleeping in that dream in the exact corner where I
used to sleep in real life, dressed exactly the way I was
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My Story
dressed in real life, and the time period was also exactly
that of the real life. So it was just like a real thing.
Suddenly in that dream, my brother Chinwendu walked in
with two kids who live in the same yard with my friend's
family. Their names are Ikenna and Uche, and they are
brothers.
The commotion the two kids were making as they entered
the house woke me up and I saw them. That was unlike
my brother to come home unannounced. And at that
moment I didn't ask him because I knew I'd have to know
his reason or reasons sooner or later. Coming closer for
us to greet, he trod on my phone and later picked it up and
went into the bedroom as I closed my eyes again to go
back to sleep. I couldn't sleep because the kids were just
disturbing, so I opened my eyes to caution them, and lo,
Uche, my friend was just there sitting on the opposite
couch and smiling at me.
He was so very young and handsome which surprised me
at first, but remembering the ordeal we went through and
the time that has passed by without us seeing each other I
attributed all the changes to the passage of time.
I sat up quickly in surprise and called his name: Uche! He
didn't answer me. He was just smiling. Is that you? I
asked him and he nodded his head. That was the third
time I had seen him in my dream. The first two times, he
did not talk to me. He did not even notice me, especially in
the first dream. I was walking back home and saw him
going out, we walked past each other and he never turned
to say hi. Before I could turn to call him, he had walked
quite a distance so I just stood there watching him as he
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My Story
walked quietly out of my sight. Then I turned and

continued going towards my house. The second time I
was coming back from an unknown destination and I saw
him playing football in our street with some people. That
was quite unlike him to play football in the streets. The few
times I knew he had played football since we got back
together in the same street, I was there with him and we
played together, just the two of us. Then in that dream I
wondered why he played in the streets, and why without
me in the first place. Therefore, I stood in front of him so
that he would kick the ball to me as he would do under
normal circumstance, but he didn't, he just passed the ball
across to someone else and the person passed it across
to him, they continued that way until they got behind me. I
didn't understand what was going on. So I turned to call
him. Probably he didn't see me, though I knew I was close
enough. But they had got far and he seemed quite at
peace with the situation of things around. I turned back
and continued my walk home, hoping to go in the evening
time to his house so that we would talk about the whole
thing.
So in this third dream, when I asked if it was really him and
he nodded his head in answer to my question, I stood up
quickly, went to him and hugged him. I asked him where
he was receiving treatment and where he had been all this
while, making me to believe that he was dead. He said he
had been in his church. I was so happy to see him again,
so I dragged him out of the house into the yard and was
shouting that my friend was back. My voice was cracked
in that dream so I could not shout much. But I knew I was
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My Story
audible enough for everybody to hear me, but even Mma

Nneka who was in the yard washing her soya milk cans
did not hear me. I had to drag my friend towards her,
showed him to her and told her that he was back. She just
smiled and continued what she was doing. Then I
dragged him and we ran around the yard a few more times
still shouting that he was back. After this, we went inside
the house again and sat down. All the while I forgot I had a
broken leg, even though my clutches were just there
beside me I didn't make use of them, I didn't even feel the
pain on my leg. When we went back inside and sat down
he was still smiling. I asked him if his mum knew he was
back, he said she did. Then I said so she knew he was still
alive and couldn't tell me. I wondered who else knew the
situation of things and kept it from me, then he said his
mum and his dad had been with him all the while, there
was no way they could come and tell me, but now they
were back; they came back together.
I had already written about his demise in my book, I
thought to myself, now that he is alive what do I do. Well, I
answered, since the book has not been published, I'll
have to rewrite it. Just then I noticed a mark on his head. I
guessed that should have come as a result of the
accident. So I asked if it was the accident that brought
about the mark, and he said yes. As I reached out to touch
the mark on his head, I woke up and found myself lying
opposite of how I lay in the dream, and no one was in the
room, my phone was still where I kept it. I wept. I thought
about how different the story would have been, how mild
the situation would have been, how everything would
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have been much okay only if he had made it.

Subsequently I met with my second siblings - Nonso &
Bro. Okee; Aunty Nnenna was not based in Enugu so we
didn't meet then. They seemed to be okay, but just like me
they hurt very much deep inside. I knew how hurt Oga
Isima would be, because from the day of the accident
onwards he became the only son, but I hope you do know,
Oga Isima, that you still have a brother in me. You did not
lose it all; I am still here for you. I know I definitely will not
be able to serve the purpose as much as Uche would
have, but please manage me.
Oga Isima, which is what I call Bro. Okechukwu Ndubuisi,
my late friend's elder brother. He was not in town when I
came to the house, but he came to see me as soon as he
came back, and I felt so happy to have him around. The
way he spoke to me, very soft and kind, it made me
understand that he understands the situation. But it hurts,
it hurts very much, it really hurts; yet we have no other
option but to surrender to the will of the Almighty. It was
His will, and He had His way for reasons best known to
Him. We just keep calm and follow.
It was such a sad situation that after a day from five
months of miraculously missing a dangerous encounter,
Eld. Anucha Gideon died. That day was Friday 24th April,
2015. For me, it was not a normal day, because from
morning I started feeling so moody. The feeling was so
bad and serious that I thought I had developed an illness,
but the signs I was getting were not like the ones I would
get when I'm about to get sick. I forced myself to eat in the
morning, and then decided to have a long sleep, saying
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My Story
maybe my body was beginning to react to my partial

insomnia. After some hours of waiting patiently for sleep
to come, I slept off, but my sleep was interrupted by a
disheartening dream which I had in the afternoon. In that
dream I was seriously sick and needed help, but the only
person that was close to me was busy sleeping and so
could not hear my cries and calls. I woke up wondering if I
really needed to treat malaria, or was it just a normal
dream one would have while sleeping. The feeling
continued even till evening when mum and siblings came
home.
I was determined to hide the feelings from mum because I
knew she would become worried and may force me to
take malaria medications which I was not ready for. Later,
she came inside and was acting funny, and when I asked
what was wrong she said that something terrible had
happened but she would tell me later, she needed to ease
herself first because the news triggered a very serious
commotion in her tommy. I knew something was terribly
wrong because mum wouldn't act that way for nothing,
and I guessed someone must have kicked something; but
I least expected it would be someone close.
After a few minutes, mum came back to the room and on
further interrogation, she told me that Eld. Anucha is
dead, she just got the news that evening from Daniel Alum
who was on his way to the deceased's house in our street.
I felt so terribly shaken up when I heard the news; 'so all
this feeling and dream was because of you, Eld. Anucha?'
was what I can remember asking rhetorically when mum
zoomed off from our house to the Anucha's.
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I knew the man had been sick for some days but I never
expected it would result in death. I really understood that
one could only bow out at his or her appointed time, and
nothing happens without the knowledge of God, and He
who gave also decided to take him at that period when I
guess the appointed time had come, instead of on the 26th
of November, 2014 when I guess it could have happened.
Maybe there was one or two things He needed him to do
for Him before passing on, and when the deed was done
He had to take him. I remembered the day he came to see
me at home, that was the day he told me that I was
answering a phone call when he alighted from the bus on
the day of the accident, and he had to tap at the window to
get my attention and we bade farewell to each other.
I remembered how Anuri used to come to see me often on
her way back from work before her father fell sick; and
then I thought about how Nnaemeka would at his semitender age have to be the father of the house, and their
mum Mrs. Joy Anucha would from that moment have to do
it all alone, the thought alone sent cold shivers down my
spine and I allowed the tears to flow freely. I felt for Anuri
and her siblings, I thought about what they would be going
through then, and how it would be that from then onwards
they wouldn't have their father around; but as my mum
would always say, 'ije adighi anyi onye eboro ohi' (he who
is accused of theft never gets tired of making journeys), so
I know you people can do it. And I also know that the Lord
who allowed such to happen at that period definitely has
bigger plans for the Anuchas. He will not fail in his promise
to be a husband to the widow, and father to the fatherless.
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From the little I heard, I learnt the man had conducted

some devotionals a day before his death, after which he
said little or no words to anyone. So we have hope that on
the resurrection morning, when the trumpet shall sound
and the dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible; and
those that are alive and remain will be changed, we all will
meet to part no more. Amen.
My Granny nearly gave up on us at that period. It was the
second of such occurrence, but I'm telling of the one I
witnessed. One early morning, I was already awake and
pondering on the dream I just had. You know dream stuff;
the impossible things become possible on dreamland.
Everybody had places to go, so being the only one at
home I was asked to bath granny, I didn't object because I
knew their schedules. But then in that dream I felt so
reluctant to do it, so I lingered a bit before rising to do the
task; but I woke up just before I made the first step.
Suddenly I heard mum asking granny if she would like to
lie down, I thought it was their normal mother and
daughter thing, you know granny was more or less like a
four year old child. But before you knew it, tension rose
quickly. NG rushed into the sitting room to collect the olive
oil I used to rub on my stiffed knee. I didn't need to be told
that all was not well so I got up, picked my clutches and
clutched to the bedroom only to see granny shaking
seriously with her eyes closed, and she was gasping for
breath. Mum was holding her down while NG and Lasty
were applying the olive oil all over her body, and praying. I
just stood there watching. I couldn't do anything even
though I was the only man in the house. How could I when
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My Story
I couldn't even stand on my own without the help of the

clutches. I just stood there watching granny as she was
going down gradually. I remembered it was some few
months ago that we lost my paternal granny, now this one
too.
I remembered what she told me in annoyance few days
back. In her usual manner she came quietly to the sitting
room and called me. I didn't answer her because I already
knew what she was going to say, and I was not in the
mood for such talks. I pretended to be in a very serious
sleep, but somehow she knew I wasn't really sleeping.
Just as I expected, she started saying I should please tell
my mum to take her to the village so that she would stay
for a while. Both mum and I had explained to her that there
was nobody in the village to take care of her; it was not as
if she could live by herself. So there was no need, but she
insisted on making the journey. Tell your mum that if I die
here she will spend a lot oo, I was shocked to hear such
comment from her, but I held my peace because I didn't
want my cover to be blown. She for the first time shouted
my name and repeated the statement, and then I couldn't
help but sit up and in annoyance asked her if she wanted
to die. She too in annoyance said, yes; then slowly stood
up and went back inside the bedroom. I didn't know what
to say or do at that time, but I didn't mention that to
anybody so that some people's blood pressure won't go
up.
I had never witnessed anybody die in my presence, and I
wasn't ready to witness such, because I knew I would
never be able to forget the picture, I would always see it in
my head. So I decided to clutch back to the sitting room
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and wait for the news; but I just couldn't move. I needed to
be there as the only man in the house. 'You can't leave this
to the ladies alone' I told myself. 'Granny is dying, is there
really nothing you can do?' I asked myself. Then I
whispered, 'God, please, I don't want to write this in my
book'. That wasn't really what I wanted to say, but
because I had in mind to do some editing on this book
earlier that morning, I guess that was why I said that. Well,
that was all I could say and then I stood and watched.
'Apply those on her sides' I suggested to mum and my
siblings even though I knew they must have done that
over and over again. Well, after some time I noticed her
breathing was gradually returning to normal and she
gradually stopped shaking, then I was relieved. 'Thank
you Lord' I whispered again. I guess mum was still too
frightened to notice that granny had started recovering
and she kept saying that the woman was going gradually.
So I told her that nothing will happen to the old lady and
she said amen and calmed down. 'Call your dad and tell
him what is happening' she said to NG and the young lady
did so.
Well, that was how it happened and God spared the old
lady's life for reasons best known to Him; and we are
thankful to Him for relieving us the burden of planning
another burial within eight months. As at the time of
publishing this book Granny was still alive to the glory of
God.
So many other things happened of which if penned down,
I guess a library would have to be built for it alone, but it's
all to the glory of God who is the creator of this world in
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which we dwell.
And so it happened that on the 7th day of the 8th month of
the year 2015 (August 7, 2015), on a Friday, I went to the
clinic, and when it was time, I went into the theatre, not for
bone resetting or wound redressing, but to drop the
clutches. Yea, I dropped the clutches finally, never to
make use of them again by the grace of God.
"When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that
dream.Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing:
then said they among the heathen,The LORD hath done great things for
them.The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
(Psalm 126:1-3).
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My Story

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3)
CHAPTER 5
ENDLESS LOVE
In this
chapter I
just want
to give you
a glimpse
of what we
were, I
mean my
late friend
and me.
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Endless Love
e lived together in the same yard at No 13

Ukwunna Street, Abakpa, Enugu, which is
where we were born. Of all my friends he was
the closest to me in age. He was born on 27th November,
1989 and I was born on 1st January of the succeeding
year. We were really close, closer than brothers I can say;
we even shared the same name - Emmanuel.
We attended the same nursery school. Back then there
were little or no daycare facilities. So the kids would stay
three or four years at home before going to school. On our
first day in school we didn't really want to enter class,
because back then, the only ideology about school was
that you go there to receive lashes on your buttocks. So as
we didn't want to enter class through the door, they carried
us in through the window. I remember vividly one day I
didn't want to go to school, mum tried everything she
could to make me go but I refused, so she flogged me
mercilessly and I cried bitterly, but my friend never left my
side, he kept saying sorry as we walked slowly to the
school in our semi-oversized school uniform with our
lunch box and slate (then the nursery pupils used slate
and chalk; not pencil and exercise book). At a point on the
way, I vomited and told him to go and tell my mum that I
vomited. He ran straight to the house and told my mum
that I had vomited on the way. I was thankful for the vomit
because I hopped mum would come, and say ok, that I
was sick, so I should skip school for that day. But when he
came back, to my greatest surprise he came alone. He
told me that mum said we should use sand to cover the
vomit and continue on our journey. I saw that it was a dead
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Endless Love
end so I wiped my tears, collected from him my lunch box

which he had held for me all this while, and we marched to
school. I never tried that nonsense again.
We would always stay together as we trusted no other
person, and we didn't want any third party. We always
watched out for each other and looked for no one's
trouble; but if anyone dared look for our trouble, we would
give the person double. Of course we had such moments
when we would have some misunderstanding that may
even lead to fight, but we would make up almost
immediately, and that was because I just couldn't play with
other kids if he was not there, and same went for him as
well, because no one would be there to come to the
other's rescue if problem arose.
Our primary school period was not fun because we
attended different schools, but then we would always
share experiences when we got back from school. Close
to the end of our primary school we relocated to Chibuko
Street where we live now and they to Amalunweze Street,
all in Abakpa. The distance didn't affect our friendship at
all for we visited each other almost on daily basis.
We started secondary school together in Modern Ideal
College as they later relocated to our street. Uzochukwu
was added unto us and we became three friends that
stayed together most of the time. Our friendship was
unique as we were same height and almost same weight
and complexion. We were always seen as one of the least
people in class, not because of our age (because we were
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Endless Love
older than more than half of our class mates), but because
of our height then. However, no one crossed our part, at
least not intentionally.
At a time we started business in school. We contributed
money and we used to buy egg pie then that was sold at
the rate of N5 each; which we nicknamed 'achicha ogbo
ndu'. We would then take it to school and sell at the rate of
N10. Initially a lot of students were buying it from us and
we made quite a lot of gains with which we would help
ourselves during break period and transport ourselves to
and from school. Well, after some time the business
crumbled as most of our customers lost interest in taking
our achicha ogbo ndu.
Because of how we behaved, how we watched out for
each other and never allowed others to join our league,
we were given so many names like Paul and Silas, James
and John, and of course the famous Aki and Paw-paw
(because of the way we would deal with them when they
found our trouble). Well, it was fun while it lasted and we
'choputa-d not' as one of my friends would always say.
Meaning that we cared less about what others thought
about us.
Living close to each other really strengthened our
friendship as we would spend our evenings and late
nights together. We would talk about a lot of things, make
so many plans and tackle so many issues. Most times we
argued, but not serious argument anyway, and we did that
whenever we had nothing serious to discuss. We
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Endless Love
developed a lot of codes with which we talked whenever

we were in the public places and didn't want others to
understand what we were saying; and then we had
expressions that guided our actions too. Expressions like
like Better late than never, never say goodbye, half
bread is better than chin-chin, and so many others.
Most times in the cool evenings we would walk from our
street to Liberty Bus Stop, turn back and pass through
Edward Nnaji Street and enter our street again through
Afia Four. We called it 'strolling', and it was fun. Such
moments we wouldn't really have any particular
destination, wherever the wave of our discussion blew us,
there we would go.
Sometimes in the night when I would go to their house and
we would have our normal chats, he would see me off to
my house and we would stay for a while, then I would see
him off to his house again; we would keep shuttling
between his house and mine until we exhausted the
discussion we had for the period, and half way between
his house and mine we would call it a night.
Back then in school a lot of people were envious of our
friendship, and most of them tried their best to join us but
they just couldn't cope with our codes, signs and
gestures. He was the only person I could tell anything and
same went for him. We were just that way. I can't
remember the last time we had any serious quarrel,
though we always seemed to be on different points of
view.
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Endless Love
Being someone that always dreamed big he wanted to

study astronomy, but we reasoned together and he
decided to go for computer science to have a base, after
which he could pursue his dream; and I was really glad
when he told me he had got an admission at Federal
University of Technology, Owerri.
His family, especially his mum was so very fond of us. She
was always happy seeing us together and she would
always say to other women that we were friends closer
than brothers.
He was the second son and third child of the family. Bro.
Okechukwu, Oga Isima as I call him is the first son and
first child, followed by Aunty Nnenna, and then came my
humble friend, who was followed by Chinonso; and of
course there is Emma, his nephew. These, including mum
(Mrs. Charity Ndubuisi) and dad (Mr. Ndubuisi Okike)
make up the Ndubuisi Okike family; such a wonderful
family.
When I think about it, it makes me wonder if death was
calling my friend all along, or was it just that he had 'a
Christian mindset' as he had said earlier. When those
posts of his were coming online we didn't really see them
as something serious, and up till now I still don't take them
serious, because that was not our plan. We planned to
grow up, and grow old together, even if we ended up in
different parts of the country or even of the world, we
would always have a get together of his family and mine.
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Endless Love
In March 2014, the following conversation ensued after he

posted something quite ridiculous online:
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - The day I die, I wish that 250 selected Hymns
and 50 chanted psalms be performed for me and with a 500 manchoir performing the Halleluyah chorus. Then am happy. (March
16, 2014 at 10:20pm)
Iheanyi Emmanuel - Only on one condition. (Mar 17, 2014)
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - @ Iheanyi. Which is? (Mar 17, 2014)
Iheanyi Emmanuel - If u die now. My advice? Pls dont. Bt if u wish to,
na me go conduct d halleluyah chorus (Mar 17, 2014)
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - No ooh @ Ifeanyi am not dying pls. But atimes
we talk of it, it is a necessity we apply when God appoints. (Mar
17, 2014)
Silver Iheanyi - @ ND r u just wishin 4 death? (Mar 17, 2014)
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - @ Silva no way me I love my Life. Just being
a Christian. Gudpm (Mar 17, 2014)
Iheanyi Emmanuel - Nnaa wat am saying is, if u die now, u did not die
early, jst dat u did nt die @ d right time. So pls dont die, time neva
reach. We get evangelism 4 Ugwogo oo, trans dey com pick pple
4 liberty by 6.00 pm evry day. (Mar 17, 2014)
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - @ Iheanyi this is how and when u are telling
me. Thanks (Mar 18, 2014)
Iheanyi Emmanuel - @ Emma, dis is wen nd hw u've been available 4
d past few days.
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Endless Love
Well, just like him I saw that post as a joke and we joked
about it. Then in October he posted another one.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - Friends, only time can tell for everything in life. I
want to know if you hear that am dead (God forbid) what would
you say about my lifestyle and personality. Let me know it now
that am alive for only life can offer one the rare honor called,
Another Chance. Am waiting for your response....? (October 17,
2014 at 10:00pm)
That was normal post which I've seen so many people

make and comments follow, so to me it wasn't a big deal.
But then in November he posted another one.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - Do you know my pains? You are not here to
comfort my sorrows, yet you are there. Good Bye is the only
word I have ever hated to hear or say. But, I have to admit it.
Losing some Good Friends. (November 10, 2014 at 10:10am)
Well, if after making all those comments and he one day

went to sleep and never woke up I would have strongly
believed he saw it coming. The only sense I can make out
of all these is that he was just being a Christian who
should be ready at all times.
He was really expecting his birthday and he commented
on it too.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi - Each year I celebrate my birthday it calls for a
sober reflection and appraisal for the immediate one year spent.
So, having looked back at the last year of my life on earth. I can
summarize it with the 3Rs- REFLECTION; RENAISSANCE;
REVOLUTION. The 3Rs occupied my life in this past one year
towards my journey to Greatness. I made mistakes,
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Endless Love

disappointed some and phantomised some. But, no Regrets all
these made me more of a human I am. Am grateful to God for yet
chances given to me, in the form of LIFE. November 27
uploading to His Glory. # The- DEFINITION#
The accident we had was such a fatal one that one

wouldn't expect a survivor. No one really knew how it
happened. Some say the driver was overtaking a big truck
while another one was on coming and they hit face to face,
(which resulted to the death of at least ten persons), but
when I look at the pictures taken at the scene I don't seem
to agree with that theory. But then does it matter what one
thinks, if putting things together and figuring out how it
really happened could bring my friend back then I would
do everything possible to figure it out.
I just surrender to the will of the everlasting God for I know
it didn't happen without his knowledge. He knew it was
going to happen and he allowed it. This simply means that
IT WAS TIME. I guess God must have said it is better to
take him earlier than to lose him forever. Well, I wouldn't
know. We leave it all to God. Maybe one of the reasons
why I was spared was because someone had to live to tell
the tale, but friend, this is the most difficult tale I've ever
had to tell.
There will be no more codes, no more plans, no more
strolling. The streets seem to be so quite, it hurts so much
that just in a glimpse everything is taken away. I find it hard
to believe that the soft drinks we took that Wednesday
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Endless Love
morning was the last breakfast before the man is taken

away, and it is obvious we had the last supper the night we
strolled out and drank yoghurt.
One of my codes is 'never say goodbye'; and I guess he
didn't want me to break that code; that was why he
allowed me sleep all through. And he kept saying I should
come and sit beside him that morning, he just wanted us
to be together, and he wanted us to fight the war together
so that he would fall by my side. Well, I see it as an honour
to me, but friend it didn't have to be this way, and definitely
not at this time.
The love that existed between us was greater than that
which existed between David and Jonathan; so living this
life without him is going to be hard, but I will do my best
and leave the rest for God. I take consolation on the
promise of God in 1 Corinthians 15:52-55 as I dedicate
this song to the memory of him, my friend and brother,
Ndubuisi Uchechukwu Emmanuel:
I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind,
and it's closer now than its ever been;
I can almost hear the trumpet
as Gabriel sounds the call;
At the midnight cry we'll be going home.
I look around me and I see prophesies fulfilling
and signs of the times appearing everywhere
I can almost hear the Father
as He says Son go get my children
At the midnight cry the bride of Christ shall rise
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Endless Love
When Jesus steps out

on a cloud and calls God's children
the dead in Christ shall rise to meet him in the air
And then those that remain
Will be quickly changed
at the midnight cry When Jesus comes again
I just hope that at the midnight cry we will see again -my
brother and me.
For those of us that remain, this is just our second chance
to do well, let us please use it judiciously, so that when the
trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more,
and that roll is called up yonder, we all will be there. Amen.
"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass
the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is
thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
(1 Corinthians 15:52-55).
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Endless Love

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his
presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we
ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:1-3).
CHAPTER 6
APPRECIATION
am most grateful to the Almighty God for that mighty

deliverance. In Him will I continue to trust, and I pray He
will lead me to where He wants me to be. Amen.
I am grateful to the members of the Seventh-day Adventist

Church Enugu as a whole, Nike District in particular and
Nike Local Church in earnest.
The Uches of Trans-Ekulu and in fact all the Ekulites, the
Anyatonwus of Emene and all the Emenites, the Ufombas
of Ugbene and of course all the Ugbenites, the Ekeleme's
and the entire Ugwogites, and of course the Aniokes and
the entire Amorgites, I thank you all for your prayers and
words of hope. Accept my sincere gratitude, and may the
Almighty God meet you all at the point of your needs.
In Nike church, we are just like family. Because
acknowledging them individually will definitely take more
pages so I'll do it collectively. My parents initially didn't
know where I was taken to, because the Nikites, as I call
them, carried me on their way back from the burial,
brought me to the clinic, paid the initial deposit, arranged
for food and water, and of course Emeka Nzeadibe
(Mekoyo) who slept over for two nights before my parents
came back. When Honourable advised that 'ije anyi biara
abughi ije eji akupe eje' (meaning that a hand fan would
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Appreciation
not be able to serve the purpose for which it was gotten),

Elder Iyk Alum came back the following morning with a
Binatone standing fan. One of the greatest words of
encouragement I received all the while I stayed at the
clinic came from Elder Iyk. He didn't call on phone to say it,
neither was it on any of his frequent visits; it was posted as
a comment to one of my posts on facebook. To that post
he commented, We might as well bring you a keyboard, so
that you can start playing when you can't sleep at night...lolz.
The battle has been won in your Favour, what you are
experiencing now is restoration and re-building of affected
areas as a result of the war. He that got you this victory
understands too well that you need be re-modeled for the work
ahead. So espeaklekwe, relax for The Heavenly Host is at
work. I really picked courage from those words.
Elder Chigozie Oriaku visited as often as he could, and he
would always call on phone and ask whether I have
started using clutches, and when I started using clutches
he would always call to know when I would be discharged.
When I was finally discharged and I informed him, he
came and carried me home. And then he would always
call and ask me when I would start coming to church. The
day he came to carry me home, I was chatting with
someone when he arrived. The person was like 'Ifeanyi
what kind of person are you? Look at the caliber of people
that come here to visit you', then I replied, 'my dear, I just
belong to a good family, they are really a wonderful
people; if you want, you can come and join us'.
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Appreciation
The day Elder Nwachukwu visited me, I really felt the

impact for more than two weeks. The bottled groundnut
and cashew nuts he bought, I couldn't finish it anytime
soon. And he always called to know how I was doing,
though most of the times he called, bad network
interfered.
Pastor Israel Adonu visited as often as he could too, and
on those visits he offered the most important gift prayers
and counseling.
I think Eld. J. O. Ogbonna was the person that visited me
the most; there was no week that passed by without him
coming at least twice to check on me. Even when his son
had a dislocation during December period, when one
should expect that he ceased visiting for some time, he
kept on coming, and for that I say, thank you very much
Sir.
Like I said, I cannot begin to mention their names one after
another, because no one was left out in the kind gesture.
They visited in groups and alone, and even if I had said
they should stop bringing food and fruits, I knew it would
have fallen on deaf ears, so I didn't bother mentioning it.
People like Mrs. Chinwe Chinedu would breeze in and
breeze out, leaving a lot of enjoyable delicacies for my
consumption. There were so many things to eat but so
little appetite. If I was the kind of person prone to obesity, I
guess a fork lift machine would have been hired to take
me in and out of the room because of how obese I would
have become due to the abundant food and drink that
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were available for my consumption. When the youths

came to see me one Saturday afternoon, they sang and
prayed for me, and they gave me a purse. Wow, I least
expected that, but I received it with thanks anyway. The
deaconry, led by Eld. Iheanyi James, also came to see
me, and I felt the impact of their visitation. The day the
women came, everybody in the compound knew some
people came around. They sang and sang and sang,
people were watching from the windows and doors to
know the people singing, it was such a wonderful
experience.
Emeka Nzeadibe. He is more of a brother than a friend
and he proved it at that period. He always came around
after spending the first two nights in the bone setting clinic
with me, and we chatted often on whatsapp when I got my
phone back. We have been together since he came to
Enugu and he has been there for me as an elder brother, a
friend, a mentor in so many capacities and in music
especially. When he told me he was closer to getting a job
at Babcock University, I did not pray for him not to get the
job, neither did I pray for him to; I was just neutral. I knew if
he eventually got the job, distance would take him from
me as he was the closest person to me after Uche, and I
had just lost Uche. However, I called on the heavenly
Father and said, 'Lord, let thy will be done in Emeka's life.
Well, God had his way and he got the job, and we all
rejoiced with him even though we were going to miss him.
I am thankful that he is alive somewhere a bit far, we can
always communicate on phone, whatsapp, facebook etc.
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Chukwudi Isiguzo would always make me laugh with his

funny exaggerations, and he was among the first set of
people that were carrying me to the theatre, him and
Mekoyo, and then came my brother Chinwendu, and My
big cousin Dede Israel, then Elder Ekeleme Osondu. But
later I needed help no longer, because I started using my
clutches. I condole with you my brother Chukwudi, and
the entire Isiguzos, for the loss of your wife and mother.
The day I visited her when I came back, the whole
neighbourhood got to know I came, and she so much
wanted to serve food to me, if only she was fit at that
moment. Well, the Lord gave, and He took away when He
wanted to. We hope to meet again to part no more when
Christ shall come.
Eld. Osondu Ekeleme and my big cousin Mr. Israel Alfred
(Dede Israel), I am thankful to you two for leaving all you
had to do and always came around to help me out on
those moments when I called on you. Those moments
when you two would haul me up, one person on each of
my sides, and then carry me to the 'house of pain' as I
called the theatre; and waited behind to haul me back.
Thank you so much, and may God bless you
immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine.
One of the days I will never forget was the day I received a
presidential visit.
Anonymous : The president visited you? Wow! That's
awesome.
Me : Well, yes the president of Enugu Conference of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church visited me and it was
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Appreciation
awesome as you said. At that time it was Enugu

Ebonyi Conference. However, it was not the first
time I received a presidential visit.
Anonymous : Do you mind telling me about it?
Me : Sure, why not? It was one Sunday morning, such a
lovely day and the sun was shining bright. A gentle
breeze, though coming from a standing fan, was
blowing my way, and I was having a very sweet early
morning sleep because I didn't sleep well the night
before. I didn't hear the president walk into the room
so I wouldn't know how long they had stayed in the
room before I opened my eyes. But I know I felt
uncomfortable and it was like I heard a voice say to
me 'enyia si n'ura ahu bilie now' (my friend, get up
from that sleep now), then I opened my eyes and
beheld the President, Pastor (Dr.) O. Pu Nwankpa
and his first son Pastor 'sake' standing there beside
my bed. You might wonder what kind of name is
'sake', well, that's what he calls me, and that's
because we bear the same name (Ifeanyi). It simply
stands for 'name sake'. He asked how I was doing
and I gave a positive answer. He felt the broken leg,
arm and finger and said, 'kpele'. I know what it
means so I was not confused, but I was rather
surprised because I didn't expect to hear it from him.
I was actually expecting to hear it from the one and
only person whom prior to that moment ever said it to
me; it was Pastor Sake standing right beside the
president. I didn't expect him to stay with me the
whole day so after a few discussion and counseling,
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he prayed for me, gave me something nice and they

left.
Anonymous : Ok. But you said that was not the first time
you received a presidential visit, I really don't get it.
Does it mean another president had visited you
before?
Me : Hahahahaha. That's not what I meant. What I was
trying to say is that prior to that day I had received
countless visits from the presidential family, and you
know when a member of the presidential family visits
you, it is also a presidential visit. Or is it not?
Anonymous : Of course it is.
Me : Yea. Pastor Sake visited me as often as it was
possible for him. Sometimes he would come with his
siblings Chinyere and Confidence, and you would
always hear countless 'kpeles'.
Shepherdess too visited me. The first time she came
she was really in a hurry so she didn't stay for long;
but the second time she came, I really felt the impact
of a presidential visit. She stayed much longer and
thrilled us with stories which she later made me
understand were not meant for my entertainment but
to cheer me up. She brought udara which of course I
consumed immediately, and then Moi-Moi, and Zobo
drinks. I met your expectation as regards doing
justice to all those things she brought. You don't get
such gestures all the time, do you?
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Appreciation
Anonymous : No comments.
Me : I thought as much. Well, it's not such a big deal for the
presidential family, that is just their way, and you can
ask around if you think I'm lying. Like a good
shepherd, he is making sure that even the smallest
of his sheep is being accounted for.
I will not forget what Eld. Ugochukwu Nzeadibe did one of
the days he came to see me at home. I didn't sleep well
the previous night of that fateful day, and in the day time I
still found it difficult to sleep. I applied all the tactics and
methods I knew to conjure sleep but none of them worked.
So I just lay on the couch, faced the wall clock and started
counting time. Well, the time counting worked and I fell
asleep after quite some time. I heard a voice, that voice
that woke me up when the President came to see me in
the clinic; it came again and in its normal command said
'enyia, si n'ura ahu bilie now' (my friend, wake up from that
sleep now). When that voice talks, I hesitate not. So I
woke up only to see Eld. Ugochukwu Nzeadibe standing
near me, he had just dropped a note on my hand and was
about to go. We greeted and he sat down and we talked.
He made me understand that he had been there for a
while, and went against all advice to wake me up. It was as
if he knew I needed that sleep at the moment, so he waited
for that length of time. I looked at the time and realized that
it was about an hour and half from the last time I
remembered counting, and then I saw the note he placed
on my hand (the content of the note is better left at your
imagination). I really appreciate that kind gesture Sir, and I
pray the Almighty God to bless you immeasurably more
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Appreciation
than you ask or imagine, even as you lent me your laps for
my head, and the occasional visits you did with your family
to the clinic where I was, and of course the note.
I'll like to extend my gratitude to my good friends Nma
Splendid and Dika as I fondly call them, and a host of
others from Enugu and Enugu South Districts
respectively; I really appreciate your visits and words of
encouragement. Of course I will not forget the Nsukka
youths whom on their way back from a one night youth
program came to see me one beautiful Sunday morning.
After a little chat with me, we sang a hymn and Chinenye
prayed a powerful prayer, and they left.
I cannot thank enough the tenants of 13 Chibuko Street,
Abakpa-Nike, Enugu where I live with my parents and
siblings, they really were daring and made a lot of loving
sacrifice for us. They contributed some money to pay part
of the hospital bill and most of them visited me also. And
even when I came back to the house they always checked
up on me and Mma Nneka to know how we were doing,
and would always offer to help us out in any way they
could. Chinaza and Ebube were my errand boy and girl
until they relocated to another street, then came Kamsi,
Kosi and in fact all the children in my yard, God bless and
keep you all. My gratitude greatly goes to my friend
Amarachi who always made out time to come and stay
with me almost on daily basis. She really made my stay at
home much easier as I had someone to talk with all the
time. She always came around to cheer me up and update
me on school stuff as we attend the same school.
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Appreciation
Ozohaji Bone Setting Clinic: Well, when I look at and feel

my leg, then I look back and see what it used to be, and
what it has become through your collective and relentless
effort, I'll simply thank God for you, and pray God to
continue to use you people to heal the broken parts of
people; equally as He heals any brokenness in your lives
and in the lives of your loved ones, family and friends.
However, one thing remaineth, well two things actually.
One is the environment, and of course the other one too, I
bet you know the one I'm talking about. But in all things,
you people really did great, more grease to your elbows.
I will not fail to mention The Daughters of Divine Love
Publishing Firm, we call it Divine Love Publications (DLP),
Enugu, and that is where I work as a graphic designer.
One might find it hard to believe that a Sabbatherian, a
Seventh-day Adventist for that matter would be working in
a firm belonging to the Catholics, especially one run by
nuns. Well it isn't such a big deal, it depends on
personalities. For somebody like me, it's nothing. I just
see them as normal human beings like me, and we get
along very well. However, they did something astonishing
the period I had the accident. Don't worry it's not
something bad, it's actually something quite interesting.
Did you know that all through the period I stayed in the
clinic and at home since I had the accident, my position in
the office was reserved for me without being replaced by
someone else? Well I guess you didn't know, and you
might find it hard to believe, but it is the truth. Even when I
got a laptop and requested that they give me some jobs so
that I could work at home in order to justify the position
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Appreciation
preserved for me, the MD, Sr. Chiemeka said to me,

'Ifeanyi, get well first'. Well, I don't know how long I'll serve
when I recover, but I promise I will give you my best. So I
say a very big thank you to Srs. Chiemeka, Edidiong (who
fed me Fio-Fio and yam one of the days they came
visiting) and Chinenye, Aunties Chinwe, Anthonia and
Doris, and then Teacher July (please her real name is
Juliet, so I suggest you call her that); Oluchi and the rest of
the students, and of course Oga Chukwudi. Chioma and
Oga Emma used to be staff too, but Oga Emma left in
search of greener pastures, and Chioma went to Afikpo
for higher education. My prayer is that God will meet you
all at the point of your needs. Amen.
Tenants of 36 Obiagu Road, I am grateful to you all as
well. Thank you for being there for the patients. Only God
will reward you all the way He deems fit.
For those that couldn't come around to visit me at the
clinic and at home, but called on phone to wish me quick
recovery, and even those that did not call, but prayed for
me in their quit time, and even those that neither visited,
called nor prayed, God will bless all of you abundantly.
And my prayer is that none of you would encounter such
situations, Amen.
Even you that are reading this book now, you are
appreciated too. God bless you for making out time to
read through the chapters of this book. I urge you to make
sure that you don't read alone. If you find yourself in the
groups above or below that have been appreciated, then
that means you are receiving double appreciation, and
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Appreciation
God will bless you more.

My nuclear family, Dad, Mum, Dede, Ng, Ihy, and of
course Granny, I owe it all to you, and I promise by God's
grace I will pay with interest, just be patient with me.
To the Igwes, I thank you all for your understanding that it
was just the will of God that happened, and we appreciate
your efforts, both financially and otherwise, in making
sure that your mother was adequately taken care of. My
sincere gratitude goes to the extended family and friends
of the Igwes too who contributed money for her treatment,
and those who contributed prayers too, God will reward
you all mightily, and He will spare you such occurrences in
your nuclear and extended families. Amen. Once again,
thank you all for your understanding.
My sincere condolence and gratitude goes to the entire
members of Eziogo compounnd, Ama Nna Agwu Village,
Arochukwu L.G.A, Abia State, the entire members of the
St. Peter's Presbyterian Church as a whole, Abakpa-Nike
Parish in particular, and the Ndubuisi Okike's family in
earnest for your understanding that no one had a hand in
the unfortunate incident that claimed the life of one of you.
He was my brother and friend, and a member of yours, so
we will miss him much. I pray that God the Almighty will
give us the fortitude to bear the loss, and provide one who
will do better the things that he was supposed to do for us.
I know how you feel. I know you already know but I still
want to tell you that I feel worse than you do. So let us
console one another and surrender to the will of the
Almighty.
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Appreciation
The PYPAN Enugu, I condole with you for the loss of a

very important member of yours, and I thank you as well
for your understanding. May God Almighty strengthen you
all and provide someone who will serve His purpose well
and better than Elder as some of you do call him. Accept
my condolence as I accept yours.
I cannot forget the words my friends mum Mrs. Charity
Ndubuisi told me one day when I went to see her. She
said: I have set my mind to sing again. She also said
that we do not need to be angry at God, so that He too will
not get angry at us and leave us alone. I felt so relieved
hearing those words from her; and just like her, I too have
set my mind to sing again.
When I look at everything that happened back then, and
the caliber of people that lost their lives in that bus, of
which I am almost the least, then I just conclude on one
thing I'M JUST A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE.
If you know the song, join me as we sing:
If you could see what I once was,
if you could go with me
back to where I started from,
then I know you would see
A miracle of love that took me
in its sweet embrace
And made me what I am today just an old sinner saved by grace
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Appreciation
How could I boast on anythingI've ever seen or done?

How could I dare to claim as mine
the victories God has won?
Where would I be had God not
brought me gently to this place?
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
a sinner saved by grace
I'm just a sinner saved by grace
When I stood condemned to death
He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiven,
And backed with a living
I'm just a sinner saved by grace
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be
thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is
everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100:4-5).
Chapter 6
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Appreciation
PICTORIAL REPRESENTATIONS
Some Pics From the Accidents Scene
The bus was seriously hit
Even the truck (Trailer) was a wreck
And their lives were cut short (about Twelve people died)
88
Pictorial Representations
That day at FMC, Umuahia
About to
go for
X-ray
What the bones looked like from the X-ray
The broken Ulna

The broken Femur
89
A closer view of the X-ray and traces of the bone
The broken Ulna
s
Crack
rt
ed pa
r
Fractu
Bone fragments
90
Those days at Ozohaji Bone Setting Clinic, Obiagu, Enugu State
91
1st January, 2015 (My Birthday)
My siblings surprised me with a birthday cake
Mum and Dede were there by my side (Dad was also there in spirit)
NG and Lasty were there too
Amy (BB) and her kid sister Chinaza (Baby) joined in the celebration
92
The finger that for a long time refused to heal
Torn and twisted, it refused to heal up on time
And the skin was peeling off as well
93
Discharged (Last Week in February)
Last moments at the clinic with Onyii
Eld. Oriaku, Ive been discharged

please come and take me home.
One step at a time
94
To the house of God
June 13, 2015

And I went to church for the first time in a long time.
95
In the office
And then I started work fully
96
CONCLUSION
ike Shepherdess Nwankpa once told me, this story

is not meant for your entertainment, but for you to
learn that - 'Ihe-anyi-Chukwu' - there is nothing
impossible for God to do, and (Uche-Chukwu-Ga Eme)
He will surely do what He wills. This story is meant for you
to draw courage from my experience and know that
whatever situation you may have found yourself in, still
into, or may later encounter, whether better or worse than
mine, He knows, and He will do what He will. Let us at all
times surrender to the will of The Great I AM, because as
He has promised, His thought for us is thought of peace,
and not of evil, to give us an expected end. (Jeremiah
29:11) God bless you.
97
Conclusion
Some family, friends and well-wishers

gave me via social networks these
WORDS OF HOPE
Uchechi Ehbru
Ify......God is on ur side, nd He is equally ur strength, I pray
in no distant time ur healing 'll be holistic nd perfected in
Jesus name.
Thanks Amuche
Chukwuemeka Ukonu
@ Ifeanyi, sing wit me...wen peace like a river attendeth
my way
wen sorrows like sea billows roll
wot eva my lot
thou has tot me 2 say
it is wellx2 wit my soul...
Thanks Oga Emmy
Ifeanyi...it is wel wit ur soul.
God bless you.
Be stil n knw...d Lord is on ur side.
Chigozie Frank Oriaku
My dear be rest assured dat The Lord is with u all the way.
Ur healing will be perfected, ur battles will be won, ur night
rest will be restored and surely u shall be victorious. I feel
ur pain and sorrows, but know that earth has no sorrow
dat heaven cannot heal. Heaven is filled with answers dat
no one asked. Talk to God and be strong. Dede, you have
always been to me a source of strength
and courage. Thank you very Much.
Ikpah Blessing
lift it to cavalry n d battle has been won bcos God is in
control. pls remain calm n be strong victory is sure. God
has healed ur wounds n ur pains. weeping may endure for
98
Words of Hope
a night but Joy cometh in d morning.

Thanks YZ
Egwim Chidinma
It is well my brother God will restore u with divine healing
dat those pains u shall see no more.
Amen @ Aunty Chidinma
Thank you very much
Ngozi Amachi
Wat else cn i say, u ve said it al tanx to u al,@ my bro, knw
dat d God dat saved u wil surely nt 4sake U. True, d pain is
much, bt I've put it n pray, God wil surely hear our prayers.
He dat kepeth Isreal shal nt slumber, it is finished, d battle
is ova. Amen
My Handbag, thank you so much.
It is finished, and Jesus is Lord.
Tony Alum
We might as well bring you a keyboard, so that you can
start playing when you can't sleep at night...lolz. The
battle has been won in your Favour, what you are
experiencing now is restoration and re-building of
affected areas as a result of the war. He that got you this
victory understands too well that you need be re-modeled
for the work ahead. So espeaklekwe, relax for The
Heavenly Host is at work.
Eld. Iyk, adighi m espeakzi, cos
the restoration & re-building
has taken place. Gods work is
now ahead-ahead.
Thank you very much sir.
Peace Ogbonna
The Lord is ur strength dear
Amy thank you
Ruth Chisom
Don't worry everything will be alright soon weeping may
last for d night but joy comes in the morning. Thanks Sommy
99
Words of Hope
Kositochi Odor
Amen. He never sleeps, He never slumbers. Hez never
tired of hearing our prayers. B rest assured dt ur total
recovery is wit u. IT IS DONE!
Kosilistic, Imeela Daa
Vera Bank
Tru it all, u'll learn to trust in Jesus nd depend upon His
word. it's just 4 a little while, cheer up k?
Uloaku, ndewo.
Victor Cent Nwoko
Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the
morning, by His stripes you are healed in Jesus name...
Amen
Oga m na South, thank you very much
Chiamaka Osi
Its no secret wat God can do, wat He has done 4 odas, He
wil do 4 U. Indeed d Lord has done it again by sparing U,
even wen U do not merit it. Even as He has kept U under
his wings, no harm shall befall U. Amen.
Thanks Maky
100
Words of Hope
After everything, I can say this
TO THE AUTHOR
second chance to life which would have been

flavoured with a like mind - a like mind lost amidst
the proclamation of the second chance. What a
pity! From the depth of my heart I wish to say these few
words to you, and I hope that in them you shall find
encouragement, hope and strength.
I know it is not easy to live with the memories of your lost
bestie. Bitterness, I know, has grieved you about this
situation. But I stand today to remind you that there is one
who created us all, who knew that a situation such as this
would occur.
That Great Man that has kept you alive today wishes that
you should be happy, and know that for everything you've
passed through and may ever pass through in life; for
everything that has happened and may ever happen to
you, for the loss of your friend - there is a purpose.
He knows it all, and He will always care for you. Let Him
that willeth before actualization console you. For He
wishes for you to be happy and I believe your late friend
would have wished same for u too.
Ukonu Doris Amarachi

101
To the Author
A WORD TO THE READER
EBENEZER
ife is full of uncertainties. One wakes up in the

morning, plans his/her day, but life situations most
times turn the plans around. This was the case of
the author of this book in your hand. As the news that has
led to this book got to us, and knowing that the yearly
gathering of God's people (camp meeting) was in few
weeks, one of the things that caused some of us much
worry was not that he will be absent in the programme but
that he will not sing with the Nike District Choir whom prior
to this time has enjoyed and taken full part in their
rehearsals. Be that as it may, the greatest consolation
was that his life though critically threatened by the devil,
was preserved by God.
Brian Tracy was the one who said, For every difficulty
that supposedly stops a person from succeeding, there
are thousands who have had it a lot worse and succeeded
anyway. So can you. The author is not the first to have
experienced such thing as discussed in this book but
what makes the difference was the peculiar way the Lord
intervened.
As I visited him one of the days while on the sick bay, the
words I spoke to him was the incident the children of Israel
faced in the hands of the Philistines in 1 Samuel chapter
4-7, with specially emphasis in verse 12 of chapter 7
Ebenezer
102
Thus far has the Lord helped us
which reads thus, then Samuel took a stone and set it up

between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,
saying, 'thus far has the Lord helped us'. As you go
through this book, you will discover that Ebenezer as
was used by Samuel, is also applicable to the author of
this book.
When I touched the broken legs and beheld the stitches
on his face, I could not help but say Ebenezer. When
one considers the situation as narrated in this book
concerning the author's deliverance, all we need do is to
proclaim as Samuel did, thus far has the Lord helped us.
If it has not been for the Lord, the story would have been
different but praise God, for His hands of deliverance.
In situation like this, lots of human imaginations quickly
come to mind, but in all we can say, Ebenezer. Though
the author did not embark on that journey with the entire
family for reason already explained in this book, one can
still say, Ebenezer. Though a dear friend was lost in the
incident, but we can look back and say, Ebenezer.
Though the journey to the village was not realized, one
can still say, Ebenezer. Though the anticipated burial
was not attended after the incident encountered by the
author, one can still say, Ebenezer. Though the devil
threatened the life of the author, one can still proclaim,
Ebenezer. Though there were delays at home, and in
the park before the journey, one can still say, Ebenezer.
Ebenezer
103
In life, we are being given a second opportunity to make

some amendments of our activities while living. We need
to utilize every opportunity that comes our way and that's
why Dale Carnegie says, Take a chance! All life is a
chance. Be encouraged as you go through this book,
having in mind that God never forsakes His own.
ONYEBUCHI, IFEANYI ZECHARIAH
Ebenezer
104
GLOSSARY
Achicha ogbo ndu - The name my friend and I gave to the
Egg-pie we once marketed in our secondary
school days.
Afia Four - A market place in Ogwuagor, Abakpa-Nike,
Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Bro - Brother
Bros - Brothers
Care-dicapped - My style of expressing lack of care.
Chai! - An exclamation, i.e Goodness me!
Doc - Doctor
Fio-Fio - A type of Cowpea native to Nigeria, cooked
mostly with yam.
Ify - Abbreviation or pet name for people whose name is
Ifeoma, Ifeyinwa, Ifeanyi, etc.
Ihy - Abbreviation or pet name for people whose name is
Ihuoma (as in Goodluck).
Ng - Abbreviation or pet name for people whose name is
Ngozi.
Nwa amadi chqkichq (Title name) - The brave Son of
Chokicho.
Qkx daa ebube (Title name) - The smouldering fire.
Qkpa - A type of meal prepared from Bambara groundnut
flour.
Q na ata gi q na afu gi qnx - As the rat bites its victim - he
105
Glossary
sort of attempts to apply a soothing agent so

that the victim feels relaxed.
Pap (Akamu) - A type of meal prepared from corn starch.
It looks like custard.
Udara - The White/African star apple (chrysophyllum
albidum). A dark yellowish fruit with semi-circle
seeds. Mostly cultivated in the rural areas, and
is very common during the months of
December to April.
Xta ana-agba igwe (Title name) - Arrow shot at the
heavens.
106
Glossary

Saved by Grace

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Saved by Grace

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Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

ISBN: 978-978-910 986 9

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

his book is dedicated to the memory of my best

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

o the Almighty God I give my sincere thanks for his

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

I also want to thank my Ogas: Dr. Onwuegbuchulam

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

My sincere gratitude also goes to you, Silver, for taking

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

heanyichukwu Emmanuel by publishing this book

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

I therefore recommend this book 'Saved by Grace' to

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

A Word to the Author

A word to the reader (Ebenezer) .

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

ince the fall of our first parents at the Garden of

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

gave him is surely not because of any significant thing he

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

ou might have heard someone say to you or to

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

The author in Chapter Four tells the story of his

Before you go over to chapter 1, consider this verse:

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

elcome to chapter 1 of this piece of work. Here

Meaning of the Words

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

1 - ''Happening or coming next after the first in a series of

Meaning of the Words

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

Chance is all about opportunity. When you have the

Before you go over to chapter 2, consider this verse:

Meaning of the Words

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

aving known the meaning of the words 'second'

Second chance can be said to be another opportunity

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

Each person born of a woman into this earth has at least

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

This takes us to the other statement that opportunities

Before you go over to chapter 3, consider this verse:

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

t is one thing to have an opportunity, but another thing

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

If I decide to kill the person I'm having problems with, I will

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

anyway). But then to the evil minded I'd lost a perfect

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

1. Samson: (Judges 13 - 16)

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. That was

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance

But the all-knowing God, He who sees the end from

Second Chance-Use or Abuse?

Saved by Grace: A Second Chance