By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The children of late elder statesman and community leader, Ozo Ramsey Onyia (Nnabuodi, Item Okwojo), have paid glowing tributes to their father, describing him as a man whose life was defined by humility, integrity, service and love for humanity.

Speaking at a gathering held in his honour, his children recalled his dedication to his family and community, saying his legacy of selfless service and principled living would continue to inspire generations.

His son, Ozo Fred Onyia, described him as a humble and dedicated man who believed strongly in equity, fairness and justice.

“My father was first of all very humble. My father was a man who was dedicated to service. He was dedicated to his people. He loved them—his place. He loved the people around him. He loved his family so much,” he said.

According to him, his father also instilled the values of hard work and principled living in his children.

Reflecting on the responsibility of carrying on his father’s legacy, Fred said, “I am grateful that I have the opportunity to step into the shoes. They are quite big, but he has made sure that my feet are long enough too.”

His daughter, Pastor Ngozika Anochirimonye-Agu, described the deceased as a model father whose love and guidance extended through every stage of her life.

“My daddy was a model daddy. He was the model of fatherhood. My father had an answer to every stage of my life,” she said.

She described him as loving, loyal, kind and sacrificial, noting that he devoted his life to his family and the wider community.

She also encouraged people to read his published memoir, which documents aspects of his life, work and journeys, saying it would provide lessons on fatherhood, leadership and service.

Another daughter, Dr. Chizoba Ijioma, said her father was accessible to people from all walks of life and maintained an open-door policy.

She described him as kind and loving, adding that he gave himself fully to his children and community.

“I’m taking away his name—the name he preserved for us,” she said, pledging to uphold his legacy of putting others before herself.

The children said although his death remained painful, they were grateful for the goodwill and values he left behind, promising to preserve the good name he built throughout his lifetime.