By Awa Kalu, SAN

Continued from last week

EACH time I have had the opportunity to dedicate a tribute to a deceased colleague and friend, I always draw inspiration from a hymn. In the light of the very young children left behind by the demise of late James Ocholi, SAN and his wife Blessing, I believe that the words of hymn 176 (A&M) are, quite instructive. Penned by William Cowper, it is to the following effect:

The state of Ocholi’s car after the accident along Kaduna-Abuja road on Sunday. Inset: Ocholi

1.Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the lord who rises
With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shinning
To cheer it after rain.

2.In holy contemplation
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow
We cheerfully can say,
E’en let the unknown morrow
Bring with it what it may.

3.It can bring with it nothing
But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe his people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens, No creature but is fed; And he who feeds the ravens, Will give his children bread.

4.Though vine nor fig tree neither; Their wonted fruit should bear, Though all the fields should wither, Not flocks nor herds be there;
Yet, God the same abiding,

His praise shall tune my voice, For, while in him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

As Shakespeare noted in Macbeth, “life is but a walking shadow… full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

May the soul of the dearly departed James Ocholi, SAN, Mrs. Blessing Ocholi and Joshua Ocholi Esq., rest in the bossom of the Lord.