Permit me to solemnly appreciate all friends and well-wishers who, in their variety of tributes, have honoured the life of our friend and brother, and shared memories of the many ways he enriched our lives. We are all saddened by his passing, but we are also grateful that God sent him to live among us. His legacy will be enduringly treasured. We thank him for everything he was and everything he gave. May he rest in peace forever. He was, is, and will continue to be dearly loved by all of us across his professional, faith, and social circles.
Words are easy, like the wind, but faithful friends are hard to find. Sir Ifeanyichukwu Christopher Atueyi – Atus – was indeed a faithful, able, and dependable ally. Since receiving the news of his passing in the early hours of 15 July 2025, I have struggled with denial. I could not process it. But reality dawned when the family sent me details of his obsequies last Monday. The realisation that the Grim Reaper had come knocking, and that our dear Atus had been called to higher glory, filled me with the fear of God – He who gives and takes away according to His own timetable. May His name be praised forever. Ogechukwukanma! God’s time is indeed the best. Atus now rests in the heavenly realm, reunited with those who shaped his earthly journey.
His father, Papa Job “Joe” Nwakinyinya Atueyi – a Christian and generous Okija businessman based in Onitsha – was regarded as “the most handsome man in Umuapani”. He was popular among the children of Okija because he always had treats for them: popcorn, udo akpu enyi, and more. He named his son Ifeanyichukwu, in recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding his birth. Later, he gave him the name Christopher, in honour of his friend Christopher Obih, as was customary in Okija in those times. Some have said he could also have been named Sunday, since he was born on a Sunday, 1 October 1939.
Atus truly lived by his names. Ifeanyichukwu (“With God, all things are possible”) was reflected in his diligent approach to life: he did his best in every undertaking and left the rest in God’s hands. Christopher (“Bearer of Christ”, from the Greek Christophoros) was equally fulfilled in him, for he gave himself wholeheartedly to Christ during his working life. In his later years, his preoccupation was to carry Christ and His message to the world. This commitment led him to join the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI). In his carriage, speech, writings, and conduct, Atus reflected full dedication to Christ.
His mother, the industrious and elegant Mrs Irene Odira Atueyi, was a successful seamstress, even more devotedly Christian than Papa Joe. She imbued in Atus the values of honesty, integrity, and the fear of God. Known within the family for ensuring that her children and grandchildren regularly read the Igbo version of the Bible, she laid the foundation for a faith-centred life. Today, the Atueyi family remains deeply rooted in the Igbo Scriptures, applying them to life’s principles. These strict Christian values kept Atus from joining the local masquerade system or accepting the traditional chieftaincy title of Ozo Ulasi. Though the oldest in his clan of Umuanudo, Umuapani, he never wore the red cap, as he refused the Ozo title.
His uncle, Daniel Chukwudike Erinne, was another pivotal figure. An Okija man, the clan’s first university graduate (Chemistry, University of Birmingham, UK), Uncle Daniel stepped into Ifeanyi’s life at a crucial time, after Papa Joe’s passing, when young Ifeanyi was not yet eight. He filled the paternal void with devotion, proving once again the providence of God.
God’s providence also extended to Atus’s marital life. He was blessed with the right wife, Lady Joan, at the right time, even amidst the turmoil of the Nigerian Civil War. A paragon of beauty and a trained nurse from Mbaise, Lady Joan entered his life at the ideal moment. Together they faced life’s trials, including a harrowing two-day trek from Mbano to Okija while fleeing invading forces. To evade marauders at checkpoints, Lady Joan disguised herself as heavily pregnant, balancing luggage on her head. Later, as an EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunisation) staff member, she undertook challenging assignments across Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kwara States, all while remaining a devoted wife. I was privileged to witness their bond. At public events, Lady Joan still looked at Atus with the same affection as in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As they aged, they became even more alike – in speech, manner, and presence – fused together as true soulmates. Today, though deeply saddened, she will find comfort in cherished memories of her beloved Ifeanyi.
Atus made an enduring impact on the pharmacy profession. He inspired countless young people to study pharmacy through his exemplary life, mentoring many knowingly and unknowingly. His career was marked by remarkable achievements – whether as a rookie pharmacist in 1964 working with Pfizer, or as the visionary publisher of Pharmanews from May 1979. His awards, honours, and professional connections were numerous. Yet his journey was not without trials. He knew both lack and abundance, scaled the hills and walked through the valleys of life. Through it all, he remained humble, honest, and steadfast in integrity. He was a man of contentment, character, and selfless service to family, church, and community.
We are proud of his legacy. Pharmacy salutes him. Heaven has welcomed him. It remains for us to invoke divine blessings upon his beloved wife, Lady Joan, and their accomplished children – Uchenna, Dozie, Nzube, Nkechi, and Obiora. May the loving memories of Atus bring you peace, comfort, and strength today and always.
Adieu, our dear Atus – a pillar of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, a supporter and advocate of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, a bridge-builder across generations, institutions, and communities, a faithful evangelist, a dedicated family man, and a loyal friend.
Requiescat in pace.
Juli & Julia Adelusi-Adeluyi
