The Christian community has been thrown into mourning following the peaceful passing of Pa Elder Sylvanus Chukwuma Ibeh, a revered man of God, who transitioned to glory in the early hours of Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Described as “a man of one Book — the Bible,” Elder Ibeh was celebrated for his unwavering faith, humility, and commitment to the Christian virtues of love, tolerance, and unity.
In a moving tribute, the Nwabuisi family expressed their deep sorrow at his departure, describing him as a true patriarch of faith and a vessel of divine grace. “Pa Elder Sylvanus Chukwuma Ibeh, you came, you saw, you conquered. A man of one Book — the Bible. A peacemaker and crusader of unity and love,” the tribute reads.
The family signed by The Very Rev. Joseph Chukwuka Nwabuisi, further noted that his (late Ibeh’s) humility and transparent honesty would remain etched in their hearts.
“The fluidity of your humility and transparent honesty will always fertilize your memory in our hearts all the days of our life. You taught and practised the Christian virtue of dedication and tolerance among the people. Many will testify the same.”
Quoting the scriptures, they reflected on the brevity of life and the legacy Elder Ibeh left behind: “Clearly, the times and death of your life is a show of the brevity and vanity of life (James 4:13–14; Ecclesiastes 12:7–8). You appreciated the obvious fact that you will tread this path of life but once, and you chose to impact your best to all that you encountered.”
Rev. Nwabuisi also highlighted the deep vacuum created by his departure. “A great vacuum has been created by your peaceful demise. Who will fill the vacuum? We shall miss your humour and cheerful smiles,” the family lamented.
He encouraged the bereaved family to find strength in the promises of God’s word. “We encourage the family of Pa Elder Sylvanus Chukwuma Ibeh to find solace in the Lord, and may the Holy Spirit console their hearts and wipe away all tears. We are optimistic that your soul will find repose in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Expressing their faith in the hope of eternal reunion, the Nwabuisi family added: “We are all comforted by the provisions of the Bible in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. We shall all meet again, alongside all other Saints, at the feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, at the sound of the trumpet.”
In their closing words, they offered a final salute to a man they described as a “triumphant soldier of Christ.”
“Nwoke Oma, Ga Nkeoma. Adieu the triumphant Soldier and General. Good Nite.”
