Family members, friends, associates and well wishers of the late Dr. Chris Chigozirm Asoluka gathered at Harbour Point Victoria Island, Lagos on the 17th of July , 2025 to pay their tribute to the statesman, luminary and patriarch.
The night of tribute was celebrated by mourners who were of the belief that even though Dr.Asoluka is dead, his legacies are unforgettable.
One of the people at the night of tribute who spoke with the media was the former speaker of The Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji.
According to him, the 70 years the technocrat lived on the planet was a memorable one. In his words; “Chris did more in his life than his peers could achieve in a short time. This is because, he realized himself on time and impacted meaningfully on the people around him,” he said .
Ikuforiji who eulogized the late politician, recalled the moments their paths crossed in the course of pursuing good governance and giving the people, the dividends of democracy.
According to him, Asoluka was a champion of collaborative governance, who believed that true political legacy is not by titles held, rather by the lives uplifted.
Ikuforiji went further to explain that he was a patriot, whose legacy would be remembered for many years. “And that will serve as a consolation for the family”, he said.
One time presidential aspirant in Nigeria, Professor Pat Utomi also described the late personage as a giant Iroko Tree, that fell in the jungle, but still standing tall. He said, “Chris, you may be dead, but let your spirit continue to rise to the purpose assigned to you among the mortals”, he said.
Also, one time presidential aspirant in Nigeria , Mr. Peter Obi who attended the night of tribute, spoke immensely well about the late personality. According to him, his legacy would not be forgotten in a hurry.
Another mourner, Martin Agbaso while speaking with reporters described him as an embodiment of humility, a man of great intellect- who touched the lives of people from different strata of the society positively.
MD/CEO of CHISCO Transport Company -Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu also present at the event said that since mortals cannot question God, he learnt to accept Dr. Asoluka’s death as the will of God.
In the same vein, The CEO of GOTNI Leadership Centre who was also the mentee of the late Asoluka-Dr. Linus Okorie, eulogized him as a great mentor who stood up for him as a father figure for 31 years, when he lost his father.
Okorie said; “Dr. Asoluka invested in me so heavily, even though my heart is broken as a result of his death, his investment in me and us would continually see the light of the day, as his legacy lives on”, he added.
His bosom friend-Okey Anueyiagu who spoke to the media at the service of songs held on the 18th of July at Our Saviour’s Church TBS said; “ I am proud to have associated with Dr. Asoluka for more than 40 years. He was a great man, whose academic achievements were well sharpened with such dexterous and potent references. He exuded great character from the beginning; that pointed him out for greatness”, he explained.
Other people that spoke included Mrs Ifeyinwa Anyiam Osigwe and Mr Kennedy Anyiam Osigwe who expressed gratitude to God for the good life the deceased lived before his death, while praying to God to give the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
Other personalities at the event included:MD/ CEO Champion Newspapers, Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa and her husband, Wife of the Former Chief of the Naval Staff Rtd. Vice Admiral Deke Joseph Ezeoba- Mrs Vivian Ifeyinwa Ezeoba, Mr Charles Anyiam Osigwe and Wife, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank-Mrs Nneka Onyeala-Ikpe and her husband, NIPR guru-Mrs Nkechi Alli-Balogun and Greg Mbadiwe amongst others.
Dr. Chris Chigozirim Asoluka who was born on the 1st May,1955; died on the 10th of May, 2025. He would be buried in his country home in Ihiagwa, on the 24th of July, 2025.
The deceased who has served Nigeria in different capacity is survived by wife, children and numerous relations.
