Mazi Stephenson Okoro Inyama: Farewell to a warrior and technocrat. By Mazi ‘Osu Kanu Okoro

Originally posted in 2007June 1, 2007, New York: An Aro giant, erupting from and The Greatest Generation has just departed. When push came toshove, Mazi Stephenson Okoro Inyama stepped up to the plate and picked up the bat.

Mazi’s distinguished image (as shown, below, in the USAfrica-designed flyer for his wake) is not strange to many of us Aro sons and daughters. His unalloyed service to mankind in the quest to crush the Nazi/Axis scourge may never be overemphasized. An outstanding soldier, a brilliant military mind, a recognized, honored and decorated warrior of the 2nd World War, a supra-technocrat, are only a few of the positive attributes bestowed upon this gentle, humble Aro patriarch, husband, great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle, son and public servant. We remain proud and appreciative. (tribute continues after the flyer)

The fact Dede departed at 92 years old in tropical Africa is equally noteworthy. It is a feat only a few of us can attain. Dede, your descendants should limit their understandable sorrows but instead celebrate your time on earthgiven the strong/powerful genome you’ve already passed unto them. This is the time, the time to mourn and equally celebrate an enviable, worthy life.A good second look at the image on that obituary photo reveals military accolades pinned to Dede’s left breast pocket that speak for itself…circa 1939-1945.. the military campaigns of North Africa(Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and Somalia), Italy, and Burma. As the saying goes: Old soldiers never die…they just fade away.

Ndeewo Dede! Adieu! Farewell! Bye! Bye!, and God’sblessings!

•Mazi ‘Osu Kanu Okoro, former leader and member of the Nzuko Aro, NewYork, New Jersey/Connecticut, is currently a patron of the umbrella organization, All Aro USA. He is also a heritage issues contributing correspondent of USAfricaonline.com, first African-ownedUS-based professional newspaper on the Internet.