Yesterday, May 20th, a day onceder known in historsy as Empireertt Day, remains special to usf for a far greater reason, it is the day God blessed our family and many others through your life.
At 91, you remain a pillar of strength, discipline, wisdom, and excellence. Your life has been a living testimony to the power of resilience, hard work, faith, and education. Long before many understood the true value of education, you embraced it and made it a guiding principle for your children and generations after you.
One story you never tire of telling stays deeply with me — how your own father believed the first son did not need formal education because he was destined for the family business, and how by what you describe as God’s grace and a stroke of luck, you found your way back onto the path of learning. Today, the fruits of that decision speak loudly through your life, your accomplishments, your children, and the countless people you have influenced.
Daddy, at 91, your fire has not dimmed. Your mind remains sharp, your counsel invaluable, and your presence reassuring. We still sit at your feet and draw daily from your vast sea of wisdom and experience.
There are so many stories to tell about you… about your discipline, your standards, your insistence on doing things properly, your quiet sacrifices, your humour, your strength, and your unwavering love for family.
Behind your back, we lovingly call you “Epa.”
But to this day, with pride and affection, I still call you Daddy.
And truthfully, you remain my main man.
Your love for family has always been one of your greatest strengths. The way you have embraced everyone around you with warmth and ownership remains remarkable. Obosa and Osama are never just your grandchildren, you proudly refer to them as “my children.” In the same way, my wife is never simply your daughter-in-law, you fondly and confidently call her “my wife,” a reflection of your large heart, humour, affection, and deep sense of family unity.
Those little expressions, simple as they may sound, say everything about the kind of man you are: loving, protective, inclusive, and deeply connected to those around you.
Thank you for the values you instilled in us. Thank you for the sacrifices you made quietly. Thank you for showing us that integrity, discipline, education, and faith still matter.
We are deeply blessed to still have you with us at 91, and we pray that God continues to grant you strength, peace, good health, and many more joyful years surrounded by the love of your children, grandchildren, and all whose lives you have touched. Happy 91st Birthday Daddy.
With love, honour and gratitude, Chris Osa Nehikhare.
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