From Ochaja Secondary School to School of Basic Studies, Makurdi up to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as well as his duty posts in Kaduna and Abuja ,one thing stood out in the personality and character of now Late Dr Stephen Shehu Okeme. He was a gregarious, vivacious, urbane, self-effacing and unimpeachably disposed to infectious personality and friendly proclivities.
If Steve had cause to know you, he would certainly have cause not to leave you alone in your good and perilous times. Though he had elitist and cosmopolitan up bringing, class and gender did not determine his choice of friends from his days in Army Children’s School, Zaria till his demise on November 27, 2023.
In SBS Makurdi, though he was in Science class, he got emotionally and pathologically attached to the the platforms provided by his gregariousness and the campus magazine, PERISCOPE, edited by the likes of Dr Sunday Attah, Late Emmanuel Adegbe and Mall. Jibril Okeme and others.
The perchance to enjoy the beauty of life and to be the last man standing when humanity was in need, remained the essential component of his enviable character till death. It was this perchance to be of help to people irrespective of whether he knew them or not , that propelled him to be of help to those trapped in a car crash in Abuja.
Incidentally, he selflessly gave up his life to save others. What a sacrifice in a society known for its self- preservation and unfettered greed? If Steve had, he would give all ,without minding what tomorrow held for his survival. The generousity of his heart was unassailable even by those who have the gift of spiritual intelligence. It is best known to the unquestionable MAKER who is now his rewarder.
Verified testimonies from fora of veterinary surgeons, ABU Vet Alumni, Class ’81 of Ochaja, and those of us who had known Dr Steve for the past four decades, all attested to the fact that his eagerness to spill the milk of human kindness in cash or kind on the altars of moral gravitas, was inexhaustible.
We still maintain Poet Daniel Dafoe’s submission that “the good die early and the bad die late”. When Dr Steve joined us from Abuja in Ugwolawo to bury another classmate and his soul mate, Emmanuel Stinger Adegbe, we didn’t know that the bell would toll for him within six months. At 59, Steve is among the deceased who went early. When the good ones die early, the shadows of those on the queue for the bell of eternity to toll for them, do not only nurse anxiety for a time like this, they are also inconsolable because the good ones like Steve ,are ever irreplaceable. Steve’s work goes before him. There goes a compassionate heart, who loved and wished to love infinitum.
One day we shall meet at the feet of the Lord. As inconsolable as your family, may God give oil of joy to your wife, Barr. Ojoma Okeme, your four children, brothers and sisters, step mother as well as all the relations. We would have loved to say good night, Steve but as believers, there shall be resurrection morning. Adieu Stevo.
– Mrs Comfort Akinbode
For and on behalf of Class’84 SBSM
