Michael N Etekochay

Mr. Michael Nwenendah Etekochay (aka Mickey) was born in Kaduna State, Nigeria to his parents Late Chief Samuel Kenneth Etekochay (aka S.K. Etekochay) and Late Mrs. Gladys Thunda Etekochay (nee Orlu-Wiche Ahia Akwu), of Okporowo Ogbakiri in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. Mike, as he was often called by many, lost his father at the tender age of 9 years old, when his father, a former military officer turned politician, was unfortunately assassinated by his political adversaries on June 1*, 1965. His father was shot at the ljebu Ode junction on his way to Lagos State, for a meeting with the prime minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the time, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, for a Federal Commissioner appointment, a position presently referred to as minister. Michael attended Saint Andrew Primary School in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. With his late dad's absence and his older brother away in England pursuing his studies, Michael was forced to make a huge sacrifice for the family; he worked during the day, doing menial jobs to help support his mother and younger siblings at home. While still determined to further his studies, he opted for an evening school, instead of the traditional secondary school format, and later registered for the General Certificate of Examination (G.C.E). As a brilliant child from birth, there was no doubt that he was going to clear his GCE exams and even after he took his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, he successfully passed ALL of his A levels courses. Michael went on to driving school to learn how to drive, got his driver's license and became a licensed driver. He drove his uncle, Prince Sam Ndala around for a while and later got a driving job with the Nigerian Prison Warders, presently known as the Correction Center Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. He later got another job with CAMCO Oil and Services Company Nigeria, Ltd. as a Sales Representative Officer. Following this, Michael moved on to become a Sales Manager at GANI International, before moving to Warri in Delta State to serve as the Purchasing Officer for NISSCO Oil and Services Nigerian Ltd, presently known as INTELL Services Nigeria Ltd. He later went on to work for Bouygues Oilfield Servicing Company, a French-owned International Oil and Gas company with branches in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria at the time, and served as a Procurement Officer, handling their logistics and supply chain management work, in Warri and then back to Port Harcourt. Michael later met the love of his life, the beautiful Peace Etekochay (nee Nnah) and married her in 1983. God blessed them with 2 beautiful daughters - Maudlyn and Jennifer Etekochay. They lived happily as a family in Warri, Delta State as well as in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for a few years, until Michael unfortunately fell ill in early-1990 and was unable to walk. Through the support from his family and a generous sponsorship by his immediate elder brother, the late Chief Kenneth Etekochay, he was forced to seek medical treatment in the United States of America. Upon arrival, he was diagnosed with a popliteal aneurysm and had to undergo multiple surgeries, including a peripheral artery bypass surgery on his lower limbs. While recovering all alone in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, where he had no family, Michael briefly took shelter with a family he had met from his place, but after that experience, he quickly moved in with some northern friends, whom he had met while working at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. Mr. Musa and his brother selflessly housed him for a few months, until he was able to get back on his feet. Following his recovery, Michael quickly enrolled in Montgomery College in Montgomery County, Maryland. Following this, he was able to get a job at the Washington Hospital Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy Suite and then saved up to try to bring his immediate family to join him here. He went on to file for them and in August 1998, his children successfully reunited with him and many years later, their mother, Peace Etekochay was able to join them here. The decade plus apart certainly posed some challenges for the family, but to God alone be all the glory. With the added responsibilities and increased determination, Michael decided to transfer his college credits to the University of Maryland, where he then completed his Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration. Through the love and support from his family, he went on to complete his Master of Science Degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Purchasing and Contract Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He also completed his Procurement Certification as well as his Project Management Program from the George Washington University in the Washington District of Columbia. Michael was a results-driven procurement professional and contracts specialist with almost 40 years of experience in purchasing and contracts management, supply chain management, and diverse projects management in the oil and gas, health care, information technology as well as education industries, for the federal, state as well as the private sector. He worked at the University of Maryland, Office of Contracting and Procurement as a Buyer in Baltimore City, Maryland and later moved on to work for the United States Postal Service Head Quarters - Office of Contracting and Procurement, as a Purchasing and Supply, Management Specialist in the District of Columbia. Following this, he worked as a Contract Specialist at the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement and then transitioned to the District of Columbia Department of General Services. He was working as a Senior Contract Specialist for the District of Columbia Public Schools System, before he got ill and his health started to deteriorate. His body could no longer handle the long daily commutes on the MARC train to Washington D.C. To his colleagues, Michael was such a gentleman, a jovial fellow with a great sense of humor, a very focused and hardworking man, a go-getter, a "Specialist" in every sense of the word and knew his job inside-out. He hated racial injustice, and stood against it, even at the work place. To his OIUSA national body as well as the OIBWMA local chapter in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, he served and contributed financially until the very end. He loved his Ikwerre culture and mingled with his people when he could, attended meetings, picnics and was always interested in events and activities that helped move his people forward. He served both locally and even nationally as the first Secretary-General for OIUSA-Canada. He served his Ikwerre community in the diaspora with kindness and contributed to the growth of the organization. Michael also assisted with the educational committee that was in charge of selecting top Ikwerre students for scholarship sponsorships by OIUSA-Canada, to help further their education. To his immediate and extended family and close friends, Michael was a loving and caring father, big brother, cousin, in-law and friend. He gave generously and helped all those who sought his help. Even when he was sick and could not work any longer, he was still receiving monetary requests and helped out as much as he could, until God called him home. Michael as most humans, was not perfect and had his own shortcomings. He made some unfortunate decisions in the latter part of his life, which later led to the birth of his third daughter - Victory Etekochay, whom he also loved dearly. Michael fought hard to right his wrongs and luckily apologized for his actions and made amends with his family when his health started to deteriorate, and they later cared for and stood by him until he took his last breath. Sadly, he passed away at a ° local hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on July 24", 2024. He will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, love for his family and his service to community. Michael is survived by Madam Peace C. Etekochay, his children - Maudlyn Etekochay, Jennifer Etekochay and Victory Etekochay; his grandchildren and their father - A'ria Towles, Anthony Inr Towles III and Anthony Jr Towles II; his younger sisters - Mrs. Daisy Iwai Emesiobi and Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Alikor, who he fondly called "Yoyi"; his younger brothers - Mr. Obile Samuel, Mr. Henry Etekochay and Mr. Paul Etekochay; his nieces - Merit Etekochay, Chinwazilem Etekochay, Leruchi Etekochay, Enwere Emesiobi-Oruge, Nechi Emesiobi-Welle, Omasile Emesiobi, Faith Fayoyin, Joy Alikor, Love Alikor, Praise Alikor, Precious Alikor, Nkechi Etekochay, amongst many others; his nephews - Chima Etekochay, Ndamele Etekochay, Buduka Etekochay, Chikaike Emesiobi, and many others; his cousins - Esther Chi Mbata, Ruth Ozioma Asemota, Ebere Ndala, amongst many others; his in-laws - the Nnahs, the Emesiobis, the Alikors, amongst many others; as well as colleagues and friends all over the world and many other extended family members not mentioned. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace in Jesus’ name. Amen!!

Tributes

Michael N Etekochay

May 25, 1965 - July 24, 2024