TRIBUTES: Forever in our Hearts: Ogu Kingdom Mourns the Passing of Elder Nelson Olube Karibo, a Worthy Son and Father.

The remains of my late eldest and older brother Elder Nelson Olube Karibo aged 69 years has been committed to mother earth on Saturday 18 May 2024 at his hometown Ogu, headquarters of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

The funeral service which was attended by dignitaries from all walks of including politicians, clergymen, traditional rulers, and close associates commenced with day vigil service was conducted by the Salvation Ministries Azuabie, branch Port Harcourt at Civic arena Ogu.

In his sermon by the resident pastor of Salvation Ministries Azuabie branch

Pastor Abiye Senibo stressed the need for everyone to know that life on earth is temporal and vanities that death is a reality which no person can escapes, hence the urgent need to be mindful and proactive of how one lives his life on earth.

He urged those present, the living to reconcile with God Almighty to gain eternal rest at death till resurrection morning, that heaven is real.

He stated that late Elder Karibo was a gentle man, a good family man, a man of principles, neat and punctual in the vineyard of God and adding that he died peacefully on January 31, 2024, in his Port Harcourt residence.

Until his death, was the head of the Karibo family in Sateh/Tuboiyiosi descendants in Chuku Polo (quarters) in Chuku War Canoe House in Ogu Kingdom of Wakirike Se ,an Eastern Ijaw city of Niger Delta region Nigeria.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF LATE ELDER NELSON OLUBE KARIBO

Late Elder Nelson Olube Karibo fondly called Nnam by his siblings and Emperor by his friends and classmates was born on the 5th of January 1955 in Ogu Town to Elder Karibo Erasmus Owutoku of Sateh/Tuboiyosi and Olube families and Madam Gloria Ibiapuamanga Angaka Karibo née Akanifika in Akanifika family both of blessed memory all in Chuku War Canoe House in Loko group of Houses in Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. He was the eldest son and the second child in the family of five.

EDUCATION
He began his elementary school education in St Martin's school Ogu and obtained his first leaving school certificate in 1973. Thereafter, he entered Government secondary school ogu through a successful common entrance examination from 1974 to 1979, where he sat for West African school Certificate Examination and obtained his WAEC.

Late Elder Nelson, obtained many professional certificates in senior management courses in Insurance from Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

WORKING LIFE
Immediately after leaving the secondary school, late community leader and worthy son of Ogu Kingdom Elder Horsfall Tasiere Minakiri, JP who took him to the former nation's capital of Lagos in 1980 and had him employed in Fidelity Bond of Nigeria Insurance Lagos in 1980 - 1984 as a management underwriter clerk and he was attached to the broker division.

He left Fidelity Bond and assumed duty as assistant branch manager with Bellcrest Insurance Lagos office as a marketing underwriter in 1984, till 1991, where he was an insurance broker manager with same company's Head office, Port Harcourt from 1991 to 1992.

Between 1992 and 1996, he worked as Manager General Business, General underwriter claims, life, and pensions with Global Insurance Brokers Nigeria Ltd Lagos.

In 1996- 1999, he worked at Dykes Insurance Broker Lagos and promoted to the post of an Insurance Manager General Business, marketing underwriter.

Nelson's last position is with the New Century Protection Insurance Brokers Limited as the Area Manager East in 2002, Area office Port Harcourt. Also, he has worked at motor licensing office Emekuku street D/line. Before his passage he worked with Law union and Rock insurance company and was also in alliance with Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue at Trans-Amadi in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

MARRIAGE LIFE.
In 1992, he got married to his dearly beloved wife Mrs Nina Nelson Karibo by the highest traditional marriage (Iya) according to Okrika (Wakirike) native law and customs and equally wedded her at St Martin's Anglican Church Ogu on the 4th of January ,1992.

Elder Nelson was very much a family man who kept a stable family, and their marriage was blessed by the grace of God with five lovely children. While his untimely loss is deeply felt throughout the entire family, looking back on his remarkable life there is no doubt he ran his race of life with a strong determination to reflect Christian values in his relationships and he touches life with unconditional love to deserve crown of glory.

RELIGIOUS LIFE
Hailing from a family of staunch Anglican Church during his early years. Young Nelson was baptized at a tender age at St Martin's Anglican Church Ogu and he was dedicated member of the choir and later got confirmed as communicant in the Anglican communion. But in earlier sojourned in Lagos, he became a Redeemer in RCCG in Surulere. Elder Nelson demonstrated Jesus Christ was indeed his personal savior.

As he moved to Port Harcourt, Elder Karibo has been a constant worshipper at RCCG, Liberty Centre parish and Christ Church parish. Also, he was passionate about God and his local church. He was a very committed member. His attendance at Sunday’s services and participation in all activities continued to be regular and active as a Sunday School Teacher, later leader of Sunday school and Altar minister in Christ Church.

Before his passage to Glory, he was currently member of Salvation Ministries Church, Okoma hall branch and Azuabie branch. He lived a life of simplicity and contentment.

SOCIAL LIFE
He was a socialite in contemporary times. In community service, he was a worthy Son of Chuku Polo and Warisenibo (Elder) of Chuku War Canoe House (Omu aru wari). He was member of both Ogu Town and Kirike-Se Community Lagos. He was also, member of Premier Social Club of Ogu, Lagos.

He was also, Old Boy of Government Secondary School Ogu 1979 class. On the political scene, he began as early in 1978 at the youth wing of defunct former ruling National party of Nigeria NPN and before he passed away, he was a dedicated member of Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria PDP in Ogu/ Bolo Local Government Area, where his associates nicknamed him Permsec.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.
He is survived by:
Wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, Nephews, Nieces, cousins and hosts of relations.

Wife:
Mrs. Nina Nelson Karibo- wife
CHILDREN:
Sons:
Mr. Samuel IbiKaribo Nelson Karibo
Dr. David Tamunowaribi Nelson Karibo
Barr. Faithful Atamunodukari Nelson Karibo
Daughters:
Mrs. Hannah Karibo
Princess Belema Blossom Nelson Karibo
BROTHERS AND SISTERS:
Madam Blessing Frank Tende
Mrs. Victoria Adokiye
Mr. Peter Buochesiechoma Karibo Nelson
Mr. Jinbobaraye Karibo-Nelson
Alabota Gloria Bapakaye Orabere
NEPHEWS AND NIECES:
Dr. Fyne Nwankwo
Mrs. Florence Ezekiel
Mr. Tamuosiki Tende
Mr. Miebaka Tende
Mrs. Dinah Samuel Nyeduko.
Mrs. Boma Eze
Hon. Daniel Tekena Karibo
Kingsley Adokiye
Ibinabo Karibo-Nelson
COUSINS:
Elder Tamunobereton-ari Adokiye Jones
Pastor Caleb Fab Vic-Nangibo
Elder Samuel Tamuno-Irouwarisima JP
Chief Adokiye Ochiemiebia - Chuku
Elder Tuboiyosi Adokiye Jones
Bishop Boma Williams
Pastor America Tamuno-Imbu
Elder John Amiso
Elder Adolphus Barnabas Sateh.
Elder Tamunobere Pius.
Mr. Okochi Precious
Madam Alice Ochiemiebia
Madam Auntie Okochi.
Elder Sunday Oba
Elder Buchiebo Herbert Kiri.
Chief Herbert Edwards Kiri.
Derefaka Sunday Oba
Victor Tuboiyiosi Adokiye Jones
Isaac Tuboiyiosi Jones
IN-LAWS:
Chief Bapakaye Orabere Okwodu JP.
Mr. Sopiriye Uriel (Son in-law)
Madam Fanny Royal Inibi
Mrs. Diepiriye Fab Nangibo.
Mrs. Christy Karibo-Nelson
and hosts of relations.
TRIBUTES
A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND
IT'S STILL HARD FOR ME TO ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER HERE, I REMAIN GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR THESE THIRTY-TWO YEARS OF MARRIAGE WITH GODLY SEEDS. YOU WERE AN EPITOME OF PEACE AND LOVE AT YOUR LEVEL. YOU WERE ALWAYS A PEACEMAKER WHO NEVER CAME ACROSS A QUARREL OR MISUNDERSTANDING AND DIDN'T WANT TO SETTLE. YOU FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE BEST IS YET TO COME AND YOU NEVER LOST HOPE UNTIL YOU BREATHED YOUR LAST BREATH. THIRTY-TWO YEARS WE SPENT TOGETHER AS HUSBAND AND WIFE WERE NOT ALWAYS SMOOTH AND ROSY BUT WERE THE BEST. THROUGH OUT YOUR ILLNESS YOU WERE COURAGEOUS AND HOPEFUL AND GIVING HOPE TO PEOPLE WHO ASKED ABOUT YOUR WELFARE. YOU MAY NOT HAVE LIVED LONG BUT YOU TRIED TO LIVE WELL. THE LORD HAS SEEN IT FIT TO TAKE YOU FROM THIS LIFE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, I CANNOT QUESTION WHY, I CAN ONLY HOLD ON TO THE HOPE THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE WHERE ALL PAINS COME TO AN END.

MY BELOVED HUSBAND‐----' FAREWELL!!

MRS NINA NELSON KARIBO
TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING FATHER.
To my father whose worth is more than Gold.
Daddy, I never knew you will leave this soon, you been an outstanding father and friend to me and to all your children, one who loved all His children, siblings, and relations, one who is very kind, compassionate, peaceful and loving, one who gave his all for his family. Daddy, I miss you everyday and I will always miss you, there's now a piece broken deep down inside of me that can never be mended. I Love you Daddy and I know without any doubt you had a good relationship with God and I will see you in Heaven,

most especially to make you proud with my Life. Rest well Daddy. I love and miss you daddy.

Your first Son
Samuel Karibo
TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER
Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. This to me is the summary of my dad who epitomised the very essence of Peace bodily. I am certain you've seen The Lord and you're wrapped in His very arms.

We miss you. I miss you. Thank you for your inaudible implants in our lives just by being yourself. We are better growing and understanding men, children cause of you.

Rest in His embrace.
I'd see you in good old age as Jesus Christ tarries. Adieu Daddy.

Dr. David Tamunowaribi Nelson Karibo – Son

A TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING FATHER.
Dad, writing this tribute to you was one of the most difficult things for me to do, it still feels like you travelled and yet to return home. But i have come to accept the hard truth that I would never see you, hear your voice, get the best advice, and your phone calls again. Seeing you lay lifeless was one of the most tragic scenes I've ever seen. It just reminded me that there's life beyond this earth and our bodies are not the real us. Your hands, legs, and everything else were complete but you couldn't talk or move. Your maker had called you back home. You left with so much peace and a smile on your face which assures me that you are in a better place. Dad, you lived the most loving, godly and peaceful life ever. You taught me love, contentment, humility and maintaining strategic relationships with people.

I am glad you lived an impactful life of love and peace that has affected the lives of your children and others positively. My siblings and I will forever miss you! We hold the best memories of you dearly in our hearts knowing that the memory of the righteous is blessed. We do not grieve like those that have no hope because we know that you are sleeping in Christ and in Heaven!

You're Forever in My HEART
Your son
Faithful Atamunodukari Nelson Karibo (Esq)

Tribute to my lovely Dad.
Daddy or senibo as I use to call you, you're one in a million, a man of peace and understanding.I miss you sweet Father,I miss your constant advice and discipline which has Made me whom I am today.Oh!! death has taken my beloved Father away from me, who will call me on my birthday and pray heavily for me?,who will be my gisting partner? You're a father to all your children and to everyone who comes around your way.Daddy sleep well in the Lord till we meet to part no more..

Your 1st daughter
Hannah Karibo.
To My Loving and Dearest Father
Daddy your passing hasn’t been an easy one it is an experience I will never want to face again anytime I remember it like how is it the person that was fine talking is no more like how But with thankfulness that you have gone to a better place,Makes me feel better I don’t know I try to be fine but deep down I break down cause I will never get those moment with you ,only if tear could have brought you back.Daddy this wasnt plan at all I love you always keep resting my personal old man your lovely daughter Princess Belema Blossom Nelson karibo

Tribute to our Grandfather
Grandpa, why did you leave us so soon.who will take care of us when we come for holidays at your place.Biscuit and mineral is the first thing to welcome us, we will miss market square bread of which you always buy for us when visiting us,your love and affection towards us is far greater than any other riches one could imagine.Death did not allow you to enjoy the fruit of your labour..we pray may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Your Grandchildren.
Sobieye Royal Sopiriye
Tamunonengiyeofori Sopiriye
Tamunosemiebi Heavenly Sopiriye
TRIBUTE TO MY ELDER BROTHER.
In you I had a brother, a father and a friend. For all the time you have been around you were the perfect example to emulate, you were loving, disciplined and intelligent. You were so devoted to our parents, our elder sister and myself. Your demise has left a great vacuum in our modest family, I wish someone will reassure us that all this is just one of those bad dreams. I feel the weight of the grief on the faces of all the family members especially your children you had toiled to uplift in life and today you are no longer there to participate in the joy of their achievements in the future which you relentlessly and selfishly laboured for. I am comforted by the fact that you left this world knowing and acknowledging God as your personal Lord and saviour. It is hard to say goodbye so I prefer to say rest on in God's arms till we meet again.

VICTORIA KARIBO- Sister
TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR BROTHER
An elder brother who was always there for us. We bid you farewell. We will miss you. You have gone but not forgotten, as you will always have a place in our thoughts and hearts until we meet again; bye and may your soul rest in perfect peace.

Mr. Peter Buochesiechoma Karibo Nelson - Brother

TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING AND CARING BROTHER. - A man of peace goes home.

My life almost stood still over the sad and shocking news of my mine most eldest’s brother demise. My unbelief, shock and awe being that, barely a week earlier, Nnam has called me on telephone, over the Glory rains program, which just ended,

We were so excited, we both talked about God’s miracles: it’s a small world indeed. I am therefore, shattered beyond words, by the passing on of my older and the eldest brother, father, and confidant, and I am yet to know how I can deal with this tragic loss. But one thing is certain, our action for each other will endure beyond the grave into eternity.

I love you with all my heart; I will miss you terribly and you will forever be in our hearts till resurrection morning.

You are gone too soon Osiyana Imbire Warisenibo. Dien namu Goodbye!

JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON Brother

TRIBUTE TO MY UNCLE
Words truly cannot express how I feel about your dismissal from this wicked world. It is indeed like a dream that I hope to wake up from when I heard of your departure you had an unusual way of touching the issue where they mattered most and did it with such finesse that it was clear what outcome you were seeking to explain. It is indeed sad that we have had to lose you but we take solace in the fact that your good works will never be erased. Rest in peace Uncle. Mrs.DINAH SAMUEL NYEDUKO - Niece

TRIBUTE TO MY UNCLE
Uncle, I still can't believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your nephew. You touched so many lives by your selfness and countless acts of kindness, always given and never expecting any favour in return. Uncle you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who walked with you. May your soul rest in peace.

Hon. DANIEL TEKENA KARIBO - Nephew.
TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING BIG UNCLE.
Big Uncle Nelson, those special moments with you will always bring a smile. Then we could sit and talk as big Uncle and Nephew, your pieces of advice meant so much and will always abide. The fact that you are no longer with me will cause me pain, but you are forever in my heart, , I will truly miss you. May your soul rest in eternal peace until we meet again.

Uncle Nelson dien namu !
IBINABO KARIBO-NELSON – Nephew

TRIBUTE TO MY UNCLE
It is with deepest sorrow and sadness that I write this tribute to you. You were an Uncle in a million, you like your Sister Mrs Victoria Karibo, my blessed mother you were humble, kind, loving, caring and good in your heart and soul. I remember like yesterday how you never failed to visit when ever you are around and always encourage me to always read my books. We did not expect it and wish we had more time to continue to appreciate you. God in his infinite wisdom knows best. May our lord comfort and sustain your family, your wife and children now and always, may your soul rest in peace till resurrection day.

KINGSLEY ADOKIYE - Nephew
Tribute to my father in-law
Death why are you so wicked, you took away my one in a million father. If it were possible to bring you back to life, believe me I will do anything possible to make sure that happens, but I leave all things to God's Hands.Good-bye sir,I will miss you so much...

Sopiriye Uriel
Son in-law

JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SCIPM, FECRMI , a younger brother of the deceased ,is a Social Commentator, freelance writer, and Security Analyst, an Alumnus of University of Port Harcourt, a registered member of many professional organizations such as, Fellow of Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, Senior Member Chartered Institute of Public Management Nigeria, Nigerian Legion, International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA), United States Institute of Peace (USIP). He also, an Elder of Ijaw Youth Council Eastern Zone and member of Wakirike National Congress (WNC) in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Nigeria writes from Ogu Town, Rivers State, Port Harcourt via [email protected], www.karibonelson.com