Tribute From Okeke Chima
I came into this world knowing your father (my great-grandfather DEEDE) and your brothers. My own mother’s father (your eldest brother) was gone long before I was born. But you, Big Daddy, as I always called you, where the grandfather I grew up to know, and my God, you were really THE BIG DADDY.
I remembered you at first for the big family parties you threw us, just to have the family together in one place as often as possible. I remember your home being the home for everyone. I have a memory of every single person in the family at your house at one time or the other for one joyful reason or the other. Your home was the town square where the Durus from far and near and all friends of the family gather. This was only possible because of the true family man you are and the big heart you possess.
In my early years, you very easily became my model for success. I recently met an old primary school teacher of mine and I remembered he used to ask me what I wanted to become when I grew up and I would proudly say ”a professor”, because I looked up to you so much at that young age. He would tell me that being a professor wasn’t a job and that I had to pick something else or be a lecturer, but I wasn’t having any of that, I was going to be a professor and that was final. Almost 25 years down the line and I am still not a professor and probably never will be, but I know now that I wanted to be a man like Prof. Jude Obiukwu Duru.
A man with big goals I am not afraid to chase.
A man with a big heart.
A man who knows and appreciates the value of family.
A beacon who isn’t afraid to shine.
In my small mind back then that meant ”a professor”, but as I grew older and watched you I really learned.
I was young, but I remember being present more than a few times when you counselled my mom on a few matters of career, family and growth, and today she stands by them still, and I like a child suckling, I have embodied them too. I owe a great deal of the man I am today to your early influence, you probably didn’t know it, but just by watching you hold the Durus together and build a stellar career while at it, you built a big part of the foundation I now stand on and grow.
Farewell BIG DADDY. I will meet you again in the land where the sun never sets.
Your Grandson,
Chima.