Deputy Speaker Kalu Mourns Alice Okoye, Pays Tribute to Chief Leo Ike Okoye’s Family, Recalls Family’s Influence on His Life

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D., CFR, has paid a condolence visit to the family of Chief Leo Ike Okoye following the death of his wife, Noble Lady Alice Nneka Okoye.

Kalu, who described the loss as painful, expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, recalling his longstanding relationship with the family and the significant role its members had played in his life.

“This family is very significant to me. My father was one of my leaders, and these are people I grew up knowing. I am fortunate to see their faces again, even though it is during these very painful moments,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker said he was particularly saddened by the news of her death, noting that he had recently shared a meal with the deceased’s husband and had looked forward to visiting the family under happier circumstances.

“The last time I saw him, we were together in my house and shared a meal. I had hoped to come here again and enjoy a beautiful moment with the family, only to hear the sad news. It is a painful moment,” he added.

He said the loss was difficult to comprehend, stressing that moments of grief often reminded people of the limits of human understanding and the need to find comfort in God.

While acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one, Kalu encouraged the family to draw strength from their faith, expressing confidence that God would grant them the peace and fortitude to endure the difficult period.

He also prayed for divine comfort for the children and other members of the family, asking God to fill the void left by the deceased and grant the family members long life, strength and renewed hope.

“That gap she has created, God will send a comforter to fill it. My prayer is that God will strengthen you and grant the family long life. We still need your advice, and we will continue to stand with you in these difficult times,” Kalu said.

Beyond the immediate purpose of his visit, Kalu reflected on the enduring relationship between the Okoye family and his own, recounting how Chief Leo Ike Okoye had been closely associated with his late father through his professional engagements in the insurance industry.

The Deputy Speaker spoke warmly of the family’s influence on his upbringing, describing the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect with people who had played important roles in his formative years.

He also paid tribute to Chief Okoye’s personal accomplishments, particularly his contributions to business, community development, philanthropy and the Methodist Church.

Kalu noted that the elder statesman’s life and conduct had served as an example to younger people, adding that his influence extended beyond those who knew him personally.

He assured the family of his continued support and prayers, emphasising the importance of standing together in moments of grief and maintaining the bonds of friendship and mutual respect.

The condolence visit was attended by Chief Ifeanyi Okechukwu and his wife, Ngozi; Chief Jerry Kalu and his wife, Comfort; and Rt. Justice Igbozuruike Akomas, among other dignitaries.