Emmanuel Megafu (5 Aug 1952 - 13 Jan 2026)

In loving memory of Emmanuel Megafu who sadly passed away on 13th January 2026.

Wake to be held at Chawkwell park rooms from 1.30pm on the 26th Feb.

The family asks that donations to Haven Hospice are preferred over sending flowers. As Emmanuels favourite colour was also red, please wear something red to the funeral as he'd love that so much.

DR. EMMANUEL IFEATU MEGAFU

Emmanuel was born in Onitsha, Anambra State (Eastern Nigeria) in August 1952 to the loving home of his parents, Mr. Augustine Azubuike Megafu and Mrs. Lizzy Nonyem Megafu, being their first child.

A brilliant and bright son, he had his early education, Primary school then Secondary school in Eastern Nigeria up till 1967 when the Nigeria – Biafra Civil War broke out abruptly terminating all schooling in that part of the country.

Sadly, this budding teenager was wounded during an Air-raid in that war damaging his spinal cord. After the war (1970) he was reunited with family at Onitsha. He was moved to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (L.U.T.H), Lagos for initial treatment and subsequently to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, England (then the only spinal injuries hospital in the world). During hospitalization he completed his O-level and A-level examinations before proceeding to the University of Aston, Birmingham. He graduated in 1976, a qualified Ophthalmic Optician. He started practice in Royton, Greater Manchester district and passed all professional studies acquiring three fellowships of the British Ophthalmology systems.

In 1982, he married and wedded Patricia (now deceased) and they moved to Essex County where they settled and he established two Clinics simultaneously at Shoeburyness and Leigh-on-Sea where he practiced for four decades. Well loved, he became a popular Family Optician often having patients of three generations in many a family.

A consummate medical practitioner he also read Law, qualifying in London in later years. He was passionate about automobiles and also an accomplished musician skillfully playing the Piano and some woodwind instruments (including the Alto Saxophone). In fact, as a teenager in Nigeria he played the Organ at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Inland town, Onitsha.

In the last three years he battled Colon cancer and passed on peacefully at his home (13th January 2026) in the presence of family and friends. He is survived by Michael Chukwuka Megafu (son) and Jennifer Ngozi Megafu (daughter) and also Engr. Samuel Ifeanyi Megafu (brother), Mrs. Stella Obiageli Udemba, Mrs. Dorothy Nneka Udemezue (sisters) and many other relations.

May his soul rest peacefully in the Lord’s bosom.

[Sam Ifeanyi Megafu, Lagos, Jan. 2026]

TRIBUTE TO MY ELDER BROTHER DR. EMMANUEL IFEATU MEGAFU - from Stella his sister

Dr. Emmanuel Ifeatu Megafu was my beloved elder brother—a man of rare kindness, a gentle soul, and a truly remarkable human being. He was good-hearted, jovial, loving, peaceful, caring, and exceptionally intelligent. Despite the many challenges life presented to him, he achieved so much and left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Dr. Emmanuel was a trained medical doctor and also a lawyer, a testament to his brilliance and determination. Although the civil war affected him deeply, by the grace of God he rose above its impact and lived a life of purpose and service. He cared deeply for people and consistently demonstrated compassion in both his professional and personal life.

He made several meaningful journeys to London. The first was in 1981, when he travelled with our father, mother, and grandmother, generously paying for our tickets and taking care of us throughout the trip. The second visit was in 2013, when my husband and I stayed with him for six months. The third visit was after the death of my husband, when he invited me again and personally paid for my flight ticket. For all these acts of love and sacrifice, I remain eternally grateful.

Dr. Emmanuel was a devoted family man who loved his children dearly—Michael and Jennifer —and ensured they were well nurtured and cared for. He never lacked anything and extended that same love to his grandchildren, especially Evelyn and Lilian. He also loved his workers and treated everyone around him with kindness, respect, and dignity.

As a medical doctor, he took personal responsibility for my health during my sickness in London. He encouraged and supported me through the process, advising me on the need for surgery. My surgery took place in September 2024, and he remained by my side, visiting me every morning and evening until I was discharged. Whenever I heard that he was ill, I prayed fervently for him, and many times God answered those prayers, granting him recovery.

Sadly, this last illness claimed his life. We trusted in God’s will, believing that he received the best possible care in the hospital. We prayed for him continuously and kept calling to check on his condition. When calls could no longer go through, I relied on updates from his daughter, who eventually broke the heartbreaking news that my brother had passed away.

I was completely devastated. The pain of losing such a dear brother is beyond words, and I found it extremely difficult to bear. His death has affected me deeply. Nevertheless, I give thanks to God for his life, a life well spent in service, love, and integrity.

May God Almighty be glorified for the gift of his life. May our father, mother, and the entire family find comfort and strength in this time of grief. May God accept his gentle soul into eternal rest.

Rest in the bosom of the Lord, my dear brother Emmanuel. Adieu, my brother.

From your loving sister,
Stella O. Udemba