Fada Enwerem 

By Amah

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Fada Iheanyi Enwerem: When loud silence overtakes the rumble

By Anthony Iwuoma

Talking about the late Rev. Fr. Iheanyi Enwerem is arduous. The Dominican priest had an overwhelming presence that cannot be ignored.

 His voice rumbled and roared whenever he opened his mouth or put words to paper. Restless, effervescent and tireless. You could call him controversial but he did not mind as long as he made his point clear. He had a towering personality but yet so simply down to earth he never considered it an affront to be engaged by his inferiors as long as it was in the course of serving humanity and community.

Indeed, he passionate about his community and contributed in no csmall measure to make it better.

My best recollection of the man was as a youth growing in the village. We went for confessional one Saturday and when one of us confessed to having an issue with another, he sent her to bring the other party and there he reconciled the feuding duo to each other. That was unlike other priests, who would rather give penance instead of repentance. It was impressive and several years down the line, I still remember that.

Then suddenly the rumble was overtaken by a loud silence. The man’s unexpected passing caught me off guard and ‘ve not been able to come to terms with that.

The community, Nsu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, is thinking of plans to immortalise him. Good thought but I wish we could institute peace, unity and love above all else. These were the virtues he lived and fought for.

So many tributes have been penned in his honour but the one by Dr. Steve Madu stands out and captured thus:

Tribute to a dear friend and brother—Father Iheanyi Enwerem

My dear friends and family:

We gather both on burial grounds and in front of our cellular phone screens from all walks of life today to honour and celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Rev. Father Iheanyi Enwerem. 

As I write this piece of tribute in his honour, the weight of this moment is profound, and the words I share come deeply from my heart. 

I was privileged to have known Father Enwerem for more than 17 unforgettable years; years that I now cherish even more in the wake of his absence. 

Reflecting on his life, it’s impossible not to be struck by his fearlessness in the face of authority. He embodied the essence of truth, unafraid to shine a light where others preferred the darkness. Where many had turned away in silence, he engaged them; his voice unwavering, advocating tirelessly for justice and transparency. This courage wasn’t just for show – it reflected his deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place. 

Father Iheanyi Enwerem was more than just a man of God; he was a beacon of hope and compassion. Through his foundation, which sets up small businesses for widows, he lifted many out of despair, providing them with a path to self-reliance and dignity. 

He was also an educator in the truest sense. As an associate professor of political science at the university, he produced countless graduates, always advocating for the less fortunate. 

Despite his intellect and achievements, he remained ever approachable, a trait that endeared him to his students and the wider community. 

There was one cherished memory that stood out to me, as I remember Father Iheanyi Enwerem. In April 2023, he visited my family in Canada and spent a week with us. Our usually quiet home turned into a hub of joy and laughter. Friends from far and near came to see him; such was the love and respect he commanded. 

His presence was like a warm embrace, filling our hearts with happiness. I can still hear his infectious laughter and remember how he fondly called my wife “Mgboto Iho,” a testament to his love for people and his community. The week flew by with lively conversations, endless joy, and unforgettable moments that I will hold dearly forever. 

His death has undoubtedly left a vacuum of love and warmth in many lives. 

For me, personally, I will miss our late night gist – the calls where he would regale me with the events of his day or update me with the latest news. I will miss his prayers for my family, his sound advice, and his wisdom. 

There were many times when I found myself at crossroads, and his guidance always helped me navigate those difficult decisions. His unwavering support and friendship were constants in my life, and losing those leaves an inexpressible void. 

What I believe was Father Iheanyi Enwerem’s greatest achievement wasn’t just his intellectual brilliance or his role as an associate professor – it was his immense dedication to community development. He played a crucial role in ensuring that the Nsu community remained peaceful and united. Father Iheanyi Enwerem was a peacemaker, a unifier, and his impact was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His advocacy for the poor and the marginalised, his humanitarian spirit, and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice proved that he was a true servant of God. 

His love for his people was also evident during his tenure as vice president of NDCA. His contributions towards the development of the Nsu International Hospital and other activities of the organisation knew no limit. 

Today, as we remember Father Iheanyi Enwerem, I hope we can carry forward his legacy of compassion, truth, and unity. I would like him to be remembered for his boundless dedication to humanity and his relentless strive to serve God until his last breath. 

He was indeed an embodiment of  the true son of God. Perhaps, erecting a statue in his honour, situated at a centre in Nsu, would help many come to terms with his tragic exit and immortalise this icon in our hearts. 

In closing, let us celebrate his life by holding onto the values he lived by – fearlessness, truthfulness, and an unyielding love for humanity. Let us all strive to fill the void he left with acts of kindness, courage, and unity. 

Rest in peace, Rev. Father Iheanyi Enwerem, OP. You may be gone, but your spirit lives on in the countless lives you ‘ve touched and the hearts you ‘ve healed. 

Thank you, 

Chief (Dr) Ikechukwu Steven Madu. 

MBBS, Dip. Obs; FCOG, FRCSC.

Senior Consultant/Principal Specialist. 

Obstetrician & Gynecologist. 

Canada 🇨🇦.