Eleme, Rivers State -June 21, 2025
In a solemn and heartfelt ceremony, the 2008 graduating class of Community Secondary School (CSS), Alode, Eleme, Rivers State, gathered to honor the memory of their departed classmates during a Special Tribute Night.
The event was held virtually at 9: Pm with an opening prayer and was followed by a minute’s silence in memory of the departed mates.
Declaring the event open for tribute entries, Mr. Friday Apex, the former Deputy Prefect, Boy, (DSP, Boy), popularly called “Apeh Love” from Enugu State, who chaired the event, said, “We have gathered tonight with heavy hearts to mourn and honor the memories of our beloved mates from the CSS Alode 2008 graduating set, late Mr. Chanya John Igwe, popularlly called “Baby John” by admirers, from Ogale Eleme, late Mr. Amebeobari Onugwe, Aleto, Eleme, late Ms Lucy Nwolu, Aleto Eleme, and late Ms. Stella Mbae, Ogoni, all in Rivers State.
As we come together, we reflect on their lives, the joy they brought us, and the indelible mark they left on our hearts. Though they are no longer with us in body, their spirits and legacies live on in our, memories and the bonds we continue to share.”
Taking turns to share tribute and memories of the departed mates were the former Senior Prefect Girl, (SP, Girl), Vivian Michael, from Imo State, Mrs. Eunice Ogbonna, form Deputy Prefect Girl (DSP, Girl), from Ebonyi State, Mr. Friday Apeh, Apostle Kris Julius Ekunke, former, Senior Prefect Boys (SP, Boys), Cross River State, Mr. Saka Daniel Saka, Rivers, State, one of the leaders of the alumni and organizing committee.
Their tribute reflects solemnly different shades of memories, close encounters in and out of school, and relationships with the departed souls.
Vivian Michael wrote: Remembering Baby!”He was such a jovial human; he would always pick on me in school. Stella, the quiet girl with the best smile. Amebeobari, the blackie of Alode. I would always tease him and his brother whenever they came to buy Kerosene from my mum. We are remembering you all today, and pray you find peace with God. We light our candles for you all. Keep resting in peace”, she concludes.
Eunice Ogbonna wrote: “The little memories I shared with them… They were all great individuals, especially Baby John. John was a star, always active in any activity that had to do with sports. He was a jolly fellow. Always happy. John was a person who, even if you are sad, the moment he comes, you smile by force. His smile was contagious! Everybody loved him. Lucy Nwolu was also a sweet soul who loved playing with everyone, whether you were in Arts or Science class. Everybody was her friend. It’s a pity they are no more! Rest in peace our dear friends! May the Angels light up your paths, Amen. You guys are forever in our hearts”.
Friday, writes:
In memory, we gather, hearts aflame, for classmates lost, yet not in vain. Their laughter echoes, memories remain, though life’s journey ended, love sustains. May their legacy live on in our hearts, guiding us forward, never to part. Rest in peace, dear friends, your memories shine, forever cherished, forever divine.
Kris, pours out his heart :
In Loving Memory of Our Departed Brothers and Sisters.
Dear Esteemed Alumni Family
“With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, I write this tribute in memory of our beloved brothers and sisters who have journeyed ahead of us into eternity. We remember them not just as names or faces, but as cherished classmates, friends, and family — people with whom we shared classrooms, laughter, challenges, and youthful dreams. Their absence leaves a void in our hearts that no time can truly fill. Though they may no longer walk this earth, their memories live on, in the corridors of our hearts, in the stories we tell, and in the legacy of the bonds we all share as alumni of this great citadel. We honor their lives and pray that their souls continue to rest in perfect peace. May God comfort their families, uphold them with strength, and bless them with the grace to carry on. Let us never forget: Life is short, but love and impact are eternal. In their memory, let us live fully, love deeply, and uphold the values that bind us as one family. Rest well, dear comrades. You are not forgotten. With solemn respect, Yours heartily.”
From Saka Daniel Saka :
Those teenage years were something special. Baby, Amebeobari, and I were unbeatable teammates on the field. Then, I was the captain right from JSSI. I can also recall how the entire school talked about our victories back then. It’s amazing how some friendships can withstand time and stay strong despite everything we are going through in life. May the Almighty God grant their families the fortitude to bear their Loss.
Hon. John Mbonu Uchenwoke-Ekperechi, former ADP Oguta 2023 State Constituency Candidate, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheila Jacobs NTE, Rivers, Bishop Francis Edede, Rivers, Ms. Better, Rivers, Mr. Chuka, Ms. Friday Glory, Emily, and DJ, speaking at the event, described the loss of their mates late Baby John, pop John, Amebeobari Ms Lucy, and Stella Mbae, “colossal and deeply painful. They extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, urging them to take solace in the cherished memories and lasting legacies left behind by their loved ones.
In their sundry outpouring of tributes and memories, it depicts how valued, loved, and important those who died were encapsulated in their lines.
J. M. Uchenwoke-Ekperechi remarked:
“The circles of life always break, but memories linger even unto death.
In ‘Baby John,’ as he was fondly called, the CSS Alode 2008 set held their heads high. He was our pride—an energetic sprinter, full of life, whose vibrant spirit lit up every field and every room he entered and won trophies for the school. Stella Mbae was a reserved, hardworking, and intelligent student. She was a symbol of unity and collective spirit among her peers. Like Vivian Michael, alludes, Stella has a mesmerizing audacity to hold, to cheer, and to cherish with her smile. Her smile was second to none. The news of her passing came as a rude shock not just to me, but to the entire great 2008 set of CSS, Alode, Eleme, Rivers State. Ebony Black Amebeobari was a vibrant and charismatic young man, socially loved and full of life. His sporty nature and infectious energy lit up every room. The tragic motorcycle accident that claimed his life brought deep sorrow and no pride to me. Lucy was also one of us. A soul with subtle commodore nature but jovial to the core. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace”. Amen.
Sheila Jacobs NTE wrote: “The only person I can remember clearly is Baby John. Back then in school, he was social and was loved by many. His nickname, “Baby John,” made him stand out. You can’t graduate from the CSS Alode 2008 set without knowing him. It’s quite unfortunate that this happened to him. I feel so much pain remembering this. But we take solace in God and pray his gentle soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord”.
Bishop Francis Godspower Edeh wrote:
“A tribute to my beloved friend Baby John.
Hmmm… I give God thanks for everything. Baby John was such a nice person. We were the best in athletics in Eleme as a whole, and we won so many trophies for CSS Alode that our group picture appeared in the office of the principal, Mrs PC BaKel. He was such a hard-working guy. He was one of the first DJs in Eleme and so he was pushing life. But suddenly I heard of his demise, which came as a shock to me. Kai, I don’t have much to say but to God be the glory. To others- Lucy, Stella, and may all your souls rest in peace. Amen”.
Better, writes:
“Hmm! The death of baby John came as a shock to me. He was one of the few who received me the day I returned from NYSC. He happily introduced everyone around me as a classmate and immediately became friends with my siblings just because I was his classmate. He left without a proper goodbye. May your soul rest well, John”.
Still on tributes, Chuks remarks:
In Loving Memory of Our Fallen Classmates._ Forever in our hearts Dear Classmates,
“Today, my heart is heavy as I take a moment to remember our dear friends and classmates who have gone ahead of us — Lucy Nwolu, Amebeobari, Baby John, and Stella Mbae. These were not just names on a register. They were a part of our laughter, our struggles, and our shared dreams during those formative years. Lucy Nwolu – The ever-vibrant and jovial girl who never held back her smile, yet knew how to defend herself when needed. She was everyone’s friend and brought light into every corner she stepped into. Amebeobari – Full of life, strength, and spirit. A young, talented soul with a fearless energy that always inspired us, especially on the sports field and beyond. Baby John – Loved by all, not just because of his name but because of his cheerful nature. Always happy, always kind. A joy to be around. Truly the heart of the class. Stella Mbae – Her peaceful spirit and constant smile were a quiet source of strength. I honestly can’t remember a time she wasn’t smiling — even during tough times. A gentle soul. Though time and distance have taken us on different paths, the memories of these amazing individuals remain fresh. Let us keep honoring them by remembering the joy, the laughter, and the genuine connections we all shared. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace. Gone, but never forgotten. With deep sympathy and remembrance”.
James Nnah’s tribute comes with an unimaginable reality as he wrote:
“I will never forget the first Road Work of Alode Community Secondary School in 2004, which we kept up the raise from Refinery Junction to Elenwo, where we had a little misunderstanding with Elelewa Boys Secondary School that resulted in a fight with the Police intervening. Amebe was arrested by the police and handcuffed. I don’t know how he managed to run from the police with handcuffs back to Eleme. It was an incredible experience. I will never forget that memory! Rest in peace Amebe.
Friday Glory writes:
“John was more than just a fellow student; he was a bright spirit who brought warmth, kindness, and sincerity into every room he entered. Whether it was through a friendly smile, a helping hand, or a few encouraging words, John had a way of making people feel seen and valued”.
Emmy wrote :
“The memories were all love togetherness, and cheerfulness. Baby, as I fondly call him, his whole life was characterized by using jokes and play to soften every difficult situation. Lucy was the engine room of “No doll moment!” My own Amebeobari…What of the peaceful and gentle Stella? Words will fail me to mention all we shared in common, memories that live beyond. Adieu to all our Late Mates and may the Good Lord continue to grant them eternal Rest”.
Angela Aririguzo writes: What a loss of our classmates mostly John? You are the best runner in school in those days at CSS Alode. You are the world’s best athletes who never disappoint the school, come rain, come shine, no matter where and how; Baby John always makes the school proud. I can forget how you made me smile! Whenever I am angry, you put a smile on my face. It’s hard to say goodbye, may your soul rest in peace”. Amen.
Joseph Micah, a former Social Prefect writes :
“I’m still short of words seeing the pictures of all these fellows…I am seriously in pain. I was just looking at the picture of Stella Mbea over and over…It’s hard to believe she is no More! Stella and I were very very close! Sadly, John Chanya Igwe left too suddenly. I’m just remembering how many DJ music deals we had. I hired his speakers for some shows. I’m not even talking about the good times we had in school! Lucy Nwolu!!!Oh my God! The ever joyful girl. Very active in school that year. I was shocked when Happiness Nwolu broke the news to me in her shop the day I visited Ogale/Eleme. Amebeobari? He calls me Joe Mike all the time. We were living close to each other… I go to his house, I eat on the same plate as him… In all, they left too young! I can never forget you all in a hurry…I will always remember the moments we once shared”.
This Night of Tribute marks the final associative rituals and honors the graduating class of CSS, Alode, 2008 set, organized as we remember with deep affection four remarkable souls—Baby John, Amebeobari, Lucy, and Stella—who left us between the years 2003 and 2025.
Baby John and Amebeobari stood out as outstanding sports personalities during our school days. Baby John, often referred to as our own “Usain Bolt,” was a phenomenal athlete who brought countless laurels to CSS, Alode. Amebeobari, on the other hand, proved his mettle on the football field, earning a loyal fan base with his talent and determination.
Lucy and Stella were two beautiful souls, each unique in her way. Lucy, a true sanguine spirit, had a vibrant energy that brought life to everything she touched—she could make things happen, any time, any day. Stella, in contrast, was a calm and peaceful soul whose presence radiated serenity and whose charming smile warmed the hearts of many.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Friday Apeh, the former DSP Boy, appreciated everyone who took out their time to participate in the all-important night of tribute in honor of our departed classmates and friends. He prayed for their safety, longevity, and unity of the CSS 2008 family. Their memories remain etched in our hearts!
The solemn event ended at about 10:42 Pm with closing prayers made by Bishop Francis Godspower Edeh, one of our athletes who partnered with the late Baby John and Mrs. Eunice Ogbonna.
May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
