FUNERAL ORATION OF GROUP CAPTAIN MIKE AMANYEIWE Group Captain Mike Esenwa Amanyeiwe meant many things to me. Primarily, he was my brother in-law; having been married to my darling cousin, Vero. But that was just the beginning of the story. He was also my mentor, my big brother, my special friend, and my confidant - all rolled into one. Despite the age difference between us, he would confer with me and seek my advice on many critical issues before deciding on them. On the other hand, he always provided help and solution to my problems. His joy was to see me fly high. He was experienced and very intelligent. Uncle Mike was a fine officer and a typical "gentleman of the Airforce". He loved education and the teaching profession. Perhaps that explains why he went for the Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Lagos even after he had retired from the Nigerian Air Force. He was the proverbial just man and a Catholic to the core. He lived and breathed the Catholic faith and even suffered many deprivations in the Nigerian Air Force on account of his faith. At 87, many of his friends and acquaintances would be consoled that he lived to a ripe old age but we, his kiths and kins and members of his inner household would wish he stayed longer to nourish us further with his priceless spiritual essence. It pains! It pains beyond what words can tell that Uncle Mike is no more!! And the pain will remain there for as long as we live!!! Good night and farewell my beloved Uncle. Sir Livy Obinna Mbata, KSJ and family, Okwu Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.