Late Martin Akpudo (Bobby): A Classmate's Tribute
By Fr. Dr. Chiedu A. Onyiloha
It was in 1982 that my classmates and I met Martin Akpudo (Bobby) at St. Paul's Seminary, Ukpor. Others within their parish at Odoakpu, Onitsha, might have met him in different ways and situations. Bobby, in my childhood lens, was taller than most of us though no implication of being older than some of us -- as some of us might be older than Bobby.
Martin Akpudo was a calm, amiable and jovial person or what might be described as a "gentle giant". He was "our own" going by his peaceful and fraternal dispositions towards us. Again, he had a luxury of living and appearance. Not only him but also his other siblings who were our junior by class. Bobby was known in the seminary, especially his streling qualities in intellectual and extracurricular activities. He was an outstanding footballer and also a great motivator.
Our movement to All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, the "Home of the Humble", again offered us opportunity to know each other very well. Martin Akpudo gained wider fraternity owing to his good heart.
Between 1988 and 1989, Martin Akpudo, Raphael Ezeogu, Isaac Nwose (formerly Nzeli), and my humble self (formerly Ikebude by surname) were entrapped in the web of one of the Auxiliaries (known as Iron-igwe). Our matter was escalated to the Rector, Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe. Four of us or what was known as the "Gang of Four Teachers" were united in our travails and resolved to shield eachother from the threats of Iron-igwe. We bonded. We resolved to be together and be one for all and all for one. We played Table Tennis, ate mercilessly seminary mangoes, enjoyed the luxury of endless free time, and attended Holy Masses at St. Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha. At the end, Raphael Ezeogu, indirectly saved our vocation. Do not ask me how it happened.
Then, the great dispersion after Apostolic work. The OBAAH'82, and later, the AHOBA '82 gathered us again as an Alumni association and a special family. Martin Akpudo was never found wanting for he was an active member up until his death. He was a good brother and friend. His eventual sickness and our involvement in attending to his welfare is an indication of our love for him. We have been with him until his death.
Bobby was a gallant soldier and dared death by his cheerfulness and great spirit in his social outreach to most of us. I for one, had the privilege of speaking with him on a weekly basis. "Compi" was his regular welcome though he would also say "Father". He laughed, giggled and exclaimed in appreciation of our past experiences, especially our saga as Teacher Prefects at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha. In all of these, he exerted energy and never complained about his health situation. Bobby was simply a great and generous person.
Witnesses abound of his generosity. Here, an example, suffices. At the burial of his late mother in Eziowelle, where I was the homilist, Bobby, surprised many of us with gift items and also gave our priest-members brown envelopes in support of ministry.
Now, I turn to you, Martin Akpudo (Bobby) our late brother, friend and classmate, and say to you, thanks for your personality, your gift, and the time we had and cherished together. Thanks for teaching us that there is courage in sickness and that there is peace in affliction. Every member of AHOBA'82 is now missing you and it pains everyone of us. You are always in our minds for you are not dead -- thanks to the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
I am very grateful to our brothers for their love, care, gifts and support to Martin Akpudo while he was here with us. In a special way, we are grateful to our able President, Chief Cyril N. Onyia, for his great leadership leading to the total welfare package and palliative extended to our late brother and friend, Martin Akpudo. Let us honour his passage with continued prayers and relish of our fond memories of Bobby.
Our brother and classmate, Martin Akpudo, rest in peace!
Bobby, ka e mesịa!!
Adieu, Martin Akpudo, the member of AHOBA'82 Set!!!
Fondly remembered by:
Fr. Dr. Chiedu A. Onyiloha
Member, AHOBA'82 Set
June 25, 2023.
UNIPORT
NNEWI DIOCESE
KU Leuven
VATICAN
ASUU
Knights of Columbus
