Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. Dr. Bismark Chukwuemeka Okwor (MBBS, FMCS, FCIS), is dead. The late Dr. Okwor, was a member of LYNX 95, an association, which is comprised of the 1995 graduates of the University of Nigeria(UNN) College of Medicine). The late Dr. Okwor popularly called ‘Baggio’ until his death,, was an active member of the group.
Aged 47, the late Surgeon was a consumate medical practitioner. Until his death, Dr. Okwor was member, Court of Examiners, Faculty of Surgery, National Postgraduate Medical Council of Nigeria and Social Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Enugu branch.
LYNX describes its late member as an avid Golfer, playing off a handicap of 18. He was two-time Executive Council member, Golf Section, Enugu Sports Club. He was also an excellent footballer and football enthusiast who followed soccer keenly.
LYNX said in Dr .Okwor, it has lost a compassionate, dedicated and brilliant medical practitioner who will be sorely missed by all, especially LYNX members. It prayed that Dr. Okwor’s soul finds repose in the Lord.
Meanwhile, tributes for the departed surgeon have been pouring in from his colleagues and relations. One of such tributes is from Dr.Tochi Okwor. Dr. Tochi Okwor wrote in the moving tribute: “Baggio was a very witty person with a beautiful soul. However sometimes he could make you uncomfortable with his sarcasm. The last time I spoke with him he was so full of optimism about the outcome of the surgery. We will miss him but God surely knows best. We are consoled by the promise of a better life after death and the knowledge that he lived a full life full of love both given and received. Adieu Baggio a great Lynx”.
In another tribute, Dr. Obi Okoli wrote: “oh death, where is there sting? I cannot share the Apostle Paul’s sentiment for I feel the sting of your death! How does one in few words capture the essence of a dear friend they have had since 1990? Baggio tells the story of how as teenager his dad had sent him to a music teacher to learn how to play the Guitar. After a week of strumming at the keys to master the instrument, he got tired and asked the teacher when they would start playing the ‘old pirates, yes they rob I’ This in a way captures the essence of the man.
He was sharp witted and had no fear speaking his mind. You always knew when you stood with him. We will miss you. We will miss that sharp but kind wit, the unique laugh, the deep insight and analysis of politics, soccer and Golf. I read somewhere that by the time we die, we could count four people who were truly our friends, then we lived well. My friendship with you got me 25% of the way of claiming I lived well. Rest in Peace”
A native of Umuata, Akpuoga-Nike, Enugu State, Dr. Okwor’s rites of passage start on Monday, May 7th, 2018 with a night of tributes at Enugu Golf Course.
Tuesday 8th May at 5pm, a Mass/Wake will take place at his Doctor’s Quarters residence, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu.
Wednesday 9th May is night of tributes at the Enugu Sports Club while the next day is Mass/Wake at his country home, No. 1 Okwor Drive, Emene, Enugu.
Dr. Okwor’s body leaves 82 Division mortuary for Enugu Golf Course on Friday, 11th May for a stop-over ceremony.
At 8am same day, his body arrives National Orthopedic Hospital for a brief stop-over. This will be followed by arrival of the body at No. 1 Okwor Drive for lying in state.
There will be Requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Emene after which Dr.Okwor’s remains will be interred at his country home at 12 noon. A Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Emene comes up on Sunday, 12th May, 2018.
