Ekele is popularly known as Skyski Onyeoma, that is what I always call him. At the early days when my brother came to Prairie View University , he was a constant support to my brother and quickly became a dear friend to me as well. I later attended Prairie View A&M University, where our friendship grew stronger.

In 2016, my brother threw me a surprise birthday party, and Ekele served as the MC, bringing his signature energy to the celebration. Our paths continued to cross after graduation, particularly at Microsoft; while I led the Prairie View A&M alumni group there, Ekele was always an active and dedicated contributor.

I was honored to attend his first daughter’s naming ceremony in Houston in July 2023. However, one of my most cherished memories was very recent in December 2025 at my brother’s wedding in Nsukka . We all had fun at the bachelor eve and the wedding event . I remember pleading with him to stay another night at Nsukka on the wedding day , but he insisted on heading back to his hometown with his cousins for other events. That was my last encounter with him.

Ekele was a joyful spirit who lit up every room he entered. The moments we shared made a profound impact on me. I will deeply miss him and will always honor his legacy. Rest in peace, my man. Continue resting, Onyeoma. It is incredibly painful to think you are gone, but the impact you made is forever.

Ekele… even now, it is hard to speak of him in the past tense.

When I think of him, I see a smile. Always a smile. A quiet warmth, a genuine laughter that made you feel at ease without trying too hard. That is how he lives in my memory; light, kind, and present.

There was something deeply reassuring about him. Even without many words, you could sense a good heart, a decent man, someone who lived with intention and treated people with sincerity. Some people leave loud impressions; Ekele left a gentle, lasting one.

His passing at this time just feels unreal. It is difficult to understand, difficult to accept, and even harder to process. There are moments when words fail, and all that remains is the weight of loss and the silence of questions we cannot answer.

Yet, in the midst of this pain, I hold on to God. My heart goes out deeply to his family and everyone who loved him. I pray that God will grant Ifeoma, Emeka, and you all daily grace and strength; strength for today, and strength for the days ahead. I pray you will not be overwhelmed by sorrow, nor consumed by the darkness of grief, but that God will surround you with His presence, comfort you in ways only He can, and make a way of escape when the pain feels too heavy to bear.

Ekele’s light was quiet, but it was real. And though he is gone too soon, that light remains; in the lives he touched, in the love he gave, and in the memories that will never fade.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Ekele… even now, it is hard to speak of him in the past tense.

When I think of him, I see a smile. Always a smile. A quiet warmth, a genuine laughter that made you feel at ease without trying too hard. That is how he lives in my memory; light, kind, and present.

There was something deeply reassuring about him. Even without many words, you could sense a good heart, a decent man, someone who lived with intention and treated people with sincerity. Some people leave loud impressions; Ekele left a gentle, lasting one.

His passing at this time just feels unreal. It is difficult to understand, difficult to accept, and even harder to process. There are moments when words fail, and all that remains is the weight of loss and the silence of questions we cannot answer.

Yet, in the midst of this pain, I hold on to God. My heart goes out deeply to his family and everyone who loved him. I pray that God will grant Emeka, Ifeoma and you all daily grace and strength; strength for today, and strength for the days ahead. I pray you will not be overwhelmed by sorrow, nor consumed by the darkness of grief, but that God will surround you with His presence, comfort you in ways only He can, and make a way of escape when the pain feels too heavy to bear.

Ekele’s light was quiet, but it was real. And though he is gone too soon, that light remains; in the lives he touched, in the love he gave, and in the memories that will never fade.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Today I honour the life of an amazing soul, Ekele — our true big brother in the house of God.

Your kindness, laughter, service, and love for God will never be forgotten. You were always there — in the choir, in drama, among the youth, and in the hearts of many.

It is hard to believe you are gone. My heart is heavy, but I am grateful for the memories.

Rest well, dear Ekele. You will forever remain in our hearts 🕊️

Please accept my condolences 

May his peaceful soul rest in peace 🙏

Praying for the family 🙏 

I find it hard to believe that you are no more, Dr. Ekele. Words cannot fully express the impact of your passing.

God knows best. He truly does.

You were known for your kindness, and your presence will be greatly missed.

Rest on, Dr. Ekele.

It is so hard to accept that you are no more, Ekele my brother.

You were full of life and joy, a true goal getter, devoted, and generous beyond words. You were indeed a blessing to us all… your kind is rare and unforgettable.

May God grant you eternal rest, dear soldier of God. Rest well till we meet again.

Forever in our hearts 🕊️

Ekesco—as I fondly called you. Skyski to many others. And “Uncle Bob,” as the teenagers of RCCG TFP would excitedly shout the moment they saw you.

I’ve searched for the right words for so long, but none seem enough. If tears and memories could bring you back, you would already be here with us. You lived a life that was good, selfless, and full of joy. One thing was certain—you were always there for others. Always present. Always giving.

There are so many things I wish I had said to you—so many thank-yous I wish I had expressed before the sudden news of your passing.

Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for living out Christ so genuinely and wholeheartedly.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You will be deeply missed.

Rest well, my brother.

TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN, BROTHER — KESCO

For days, I have grappled with finding the right words, yet I remain profoundly inarticulate. To truly write about my cousin, brother, and friend—Lieut. Dr. Ekeledirichukwu Arthur Asonye—would require more than mere pages; it would demand a volume.

From the innocence of our childhood, where you animated handcrafted cartoon footballers—Ran, Dan, Kash, and the rest—to the fervent reality of street football, where we forged an unbreakable bond on dusty pitches.

From the constellation of nicknames we fondly bestowed upon each other as young adults—Ekesco 8As, Kesco, Arthur “1000 Dollars,” Ekeson, Onyeoma Skyski—to mine—Holy Mo, Nwanna Moh, Mosente, Mascot—each one a testament to shared laughter, identity, and brotherhood.

From our mutual proclivity for humor and storytelling to our commitment to serving God—acting in church dramas and striving, in our little ways, to make Him proud.

From the disciplined ranks of the Assemblies of God Royal Rangers and Boys’ Brigade to the distinguished honor of becoming a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant.

From St. Timothy’s College to the remarkable attainment of a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University, Texas—your journey was nothing short of extraordinary.

You wore simplicity with effortless elegance, yet beneath it lay unmistakable class.

Your heart was pure gold—little wonder your mind was expansive enough to uplift others.

You were driven, magnanimous, and profoundly altruistic. Never once were you found perturbed or wearied by life’s demands.

You were, without question, a blessing to your generation.

Today, I do not weep in despair, for Heaven has indeed gained a noble soul. Yet, I mourn the irreplaceable void you leave behind.

You loved your family deeply and gave your very best—always, and without reservation.

You came. You saw. And I dare to say—you conquered.

Continue to rest in Christ’s eternal bosom.

Your Holy Mo!

Ekele was my Friend and Brother. We got connected in CASOR while we were students in FUTO. Our relationship deepened when we realized we're both from same community, share birth year and month with just a day apart. I never knew that speaking with him at year end while he was in the hometown would be our last.

He was dependable, ever willing to help, and never gets angry. His life, though short, left a great mark.

I have lost a great friend. We, at Hephzibah Generation, have lost a great Ambassador, but we're consoled knowing it's not the time, place, or manner of death that is the ultimate, but the eternal destination.

Continue to rest in the Lord. Adieu, my friend and brother: LT. Amb. Dr. Ekele Arthur Asonye 

My heart is heavy as I reflect on the passing of a truly remarkable man, Dr. Ekeledirichukwu Arthur Asonye. Words feel inadequate to fully capture the depth of loss we feel, but they can begin to express the impact he had on our lives.

He was more than a family friend—he was a brother, a pillar of strength, and a man of honor. His life was one of service, discipline, and compassion. Whether in uniform or in everyday life, he carried himself with dignity, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. He inspired everyone around him to be better, to stand stronger, and to live with intention.

Ekele had a heart that gave freely—his kindness, wisdom, and encouragement touched so many lives. He showed us what it means to lead with integrity and to care deeply for others. His presence brought comfort, his words brought clarity, and his life brought light.

Though he has departed from this world, his legacy remains alive in the lives he touched, the love he shared, and the memories we will forever cherish. We may not understand why such a good man was called home so soon, but we take solace in knowing that he lived a life of meaning and left behind a lasting impact.

To all of us and specially the family, my prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God grant you strength, peace, and comfort. And may his soul rest in perfect peace.

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.

Rest well, dear brother. 🕊️

It came as a shock to us to hear of your demise but God knows the reason why.

I pray God gives the Johnson's family, Umualokocha, Amaediaba and Nkpa in general the heart to bear this great loss.

Back in 2020, I came to Prairie View as a student, and during orientation, I shook the hands of a level-headed gentleman. That person was Ekele. He was the first PhD student I met, and he began helping me look for on-campus employment. Over the years, we would hang out at parties, soccer, and other festivities as they arose. 

He was not just easygoing but also generous. When I was soliciting funds to organize the Nigerian Students Association's fifth anniversary, Ekele donated funds towards the successful event. I also remember banting him at his daughter's birthday. All these point to the warm, jovial atmosphere around our friend.  News of your passing took me completely unawares and my heart is heavy. I continue to wonder why life happens spontaneously. 

You will be missed and I hope to see you once again at Jesus feet