Aba based OAP buried amidst tears …He is a God sent to mankind, Brother …He is a quintessential on DA DRIVE, says Employer

Family members, friends, fans and Staff of Magic Fm, Aba on Friday June 8 trooped out in their numbers to pay their last respect to late radio icon Mr. Tochukwu John Egegbara popularly known as TJMC whose body was laid to rest at his hometown Nguru, Umuaro in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

The burial ceremony which attracted his friends in the media industry across the states of the federation was also witnessed by the chairman of Magic Fm and Commissioner for Works in Abia State, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, Mr. Ikechukwu Agu station Head, Magic Fm, Mr. Bonnie Onogwu, Manager News and his People and Politics microphone partner, Mrs. Anastasia Uchenna who came with other staff and management team of the radio station where he worked last as the Head of Programmes.

Others were the Media Officer of Abia Angels and Flamingoes (Nigeria’s Under 17 Women’s Team), Miss Isabella Ekeoma, Aba Based M.C and radio presenter, popularly known as Mac Anthony among other Aba known Businessmen and women.

Infonet9ja.com’s correspondent who was at the event reports that relatives of the deceased and others in attendance cried uncontrollably both at St. Theresa Catholic Parish Nguru; where a commendation service was held and when the body of the media guru was lowered into the grave.

Some of the respondents who spoke to our reporter described late Egegbara as easy going, friendly and always there for others.

In a short speech, the station manager of Magic Fm, Aba who fought hard to hold back his emotion described death as an inevitable end and as such, cannot question God on why He chose to call Tochukwu to rest.

In a Biography signed by Mr. Chris Egegbara, the late media personnel and junior brother was born into the family of Late Mr. Raphael Agugo Egegbara and Late Mrs. Ezinne Agnes Adaku Egegbara of Umuaga Nguru in Ngor-Okpula Local Government Area of Imo State. He was the first son of his parents and seventh out of nine children.

He was said to have attended construction Primary School, Asata, Enugu State where he obtained his First School Leving Certificate (FSLC) and later had his Secondary Education at Holy Ghost College Owerri where Tochukwu was not only the labour prefect, but the best student of his set.

Late Tochukwu who attended University of Jos where he obtained a degree in journalism worked briefly as a presenter at Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and now Orient Fm, Owerri, Imo State.

Tochukwu who was said to have love new challenge, left Orient for Vibes Fm, Benin where he worked as a manger/Head of Programmes, a position that he held before moving into Aba to take up a job with the station where he worked last.

It was learnt that the deceased who had great regards for entertainment on appointment at Magic Fm, introduced programmes that would help to boost listenership.

Meanwhile, following an earlier announcement by Tochukwu’s employer that they would provide free bus that will convey people to the burial, an unprecedented crowd as early as 7am turned out for the burial which forced the management to hire extra 3 buses, while staff amongst professional colleagues brought out their cars to convey people to the venue.

In tributes written by his brother, Sunny, Ifeanyi, and Patricia, his sister lamented his exit.

One of the tributes written by Sunny Egegbara, he said, “Tochi, it is still difficult to believe that you are no longer alive. Your passing on came as a huge shock to me after our discussion days before your death, you never lived to carry out all that we discussed.

“Death has stolen a source of Joy, hope and philanthropist from mankind. It is true that you have died, but your good work will remain in the heart of people as all that met you had every reason to continue to be with you.

“You related and carried everybody along and you celebrated with all in their good times and grieve (sic) with them in their time of misery.

“You supported so many financially, morally and never shied away from challenges of people around you. You were a God sent to Mankind…”

In their tribute, the management of Magic Fm described him as quintessential and for the most part on the silent path, keeping tabs on the latest global entertainment flakes. This is even as they added that their former colleague, though has gone, but left his footprints in the sands of time.