When the message from my friend and brother, Emmanuel IK Umeh, popped up on my phone in our mutual group, informing us that Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah had passed away, I froze for a moment, unable to come to terms with the reality that a man I deeply respected, loved, and admired was no more.
Had anyone told me that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah would leave this troubled world so soon, at just 52 years old, I would have not only challenged their mental state but strongly recommended they seek immediate psychiatric evaluation. But the harsh reality of his demise is a stark reminder of how fleeting the life we live is, and how important it is for us to live well and righteously, for none of us knows when the call to the great beyond will come.
My first encounter with the late Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah was in 2013, when a group of patriots and I paid him a courtesy visit at the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria headquarters in Maitama to discuss a way forward for our country. During the meeting, I witnessed firsthand a man driven by a deep passion and patriotism, a true visionary who saw a better future for Nigeria. As the chairman and convener of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, Dr. Ubah was a tireless advocate for the reelection of then-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
At the end of our meeting, Ifeanyi Ubah, impressed by our presentation, generously gave each of us in attendance one hundred US dollars. That was my first-ever dollar bill, a moment I will never forget. Even after I left the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria to embark on my National Youth Service in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Ubah remained in touch, continuing to support me in whatever way he could.
Upon returning to Abuja after my youth service, the support I received from Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah was unprecedented. In 2018, when I was arrested and detained at the SARS detention center in Guzape, Senator Ubah immediately instructed his Chief of Staff, Gozie, to call his senior lawyer to defend me in court and secure my immediate release. The following day, I was taken to a magistrate court, and the erudite lawyer he had sent was able to secure my bail, ensuring my freedom. But Senator Ubah’s generosity did not stop there; he invited me to his mansion in Maitama for dinner, where he provided me with funds to update my wardrobe and acquire a few essentials.
This was the essence of Ifeanyi Ubah – a colossus, a business mogul, and an extraordinary politician, but above all, a compassionate and selfless human being who genuinely cared for and supported the young people he encountered. The indelible mark he left on my life, and the lives of countless others, can never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to be remembered and sustained.
Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah was a true servant leader, a man who loved people genuinely and always sought the best for them. In the midst of the many challenges and battles he faced, both in the business world and in politics, his resilient spirit never wavered. He was a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, dedication, and commitment to making a difference.
The true measure of a man lies not in his material possessions, but in the lives he has impacted, and this is precisely who Dr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, Ebubechukwuzo, represented. From providing me with the opportunity to travel outside Nigeria for the first time, to attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and visiting Doha, Qatar, all expenses paid, Dr. Ubah’s generosity and support were truly transformative.
As I reflect on the life of this remarkable man, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and a deep sense of loss. The story of my life’s trajectory cannot be told without the indelible mark that Ifeanyi Ubah left upon it. His benevolence knew no bounds, transcending the barriers of tribe and religion. Many of us who were the beneficiaries of his kindness and largesse were not from his ethnic background, a testament to his detribalized and inclusive spirit.
Dr. Ubah’s life was a shining example of the power of dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. From his humble beginnings to his remarkable achievements, he embodied the essence of a true leader – one who inspired, empowered, and uplifted those around him.
To my mentor, boss, and friend, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, you will never be forgotten. The impact you have had on the lives of so many young people is a legacy that defies words. Though my heart is heavy with the loss of your physical presence, I find solace in the knowledge that you are in a better place, and the memories you have left behind will continue to be cherished.
Good night, Ebubechukwuzo 1. Until we meet again, at the feet of the Master.
Theophilus Abuh Agada, ANIPR
Development and Media Consultant