This booklet contains the order of the funeral Mass for Dr. Daniel Esene Okojie, including the rites at the entrance of the church, hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a biography of his life, education, family and work as a Senior Lecturer at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
ORDER OF FUNERAL MASS Rites at the Entrance of the Church Entrance Hymn Reception of the Body Opening Prayer 1st Reading Responsorial Psalm 2nd Reading Gospel Acclamation Gospel Homily Prayer of the Faithful Offertory Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist Eucharistic Prayer Sanctus Consecration Angus Dei Communion Hymn 1 Post Communion Prayers Recessional Hymn THE MAN, DANIEL ESENE OKOJIE A Biography of Dr. Daniel Esene Okojie Daniel Esene Okojie, the first son among six children, was born on the 11th day of December in the year 1974, a responsibility he carried all his life. He grew up in Asaba, Delta State, where he began his education at Ahaba Primary School and afterwards at Osadenis Secondary School, both schools in Asaba, in Delta State. As a boy, it was clear he meant to make something of himself, and he was intentional about it, even at such an early stage of life. That drive took him to the University of Lagos, where he earned his first degree in Physics Electronics. With this same drive, he proceeded to complete and obtain a Master's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the same University. Not done yet, he set sail across the equator to the southernmost part of the continent for a Doctoral degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This endeavour took real discipline, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet courage that has stayed with him his whole life. It was around this time that he met his wife, Mrs Jane Ntina Okojie, with whom he has built a home and bore forth one of the greatest joys and pride in his life, his daughter, Janiel Deziemhe Okojie. Upon completion of his educational sojourn outside the shores of his homeland, he returned in service to Nigeria, as a Senior Lecturer at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, where he has been moulding lives and developing a new generation of wholistic engineers and responsible leaders desirous of making lasting impact on the human race. From a boy in Asaba to a scholar who has crossed oceans for knowledge, Daniel Esene Okojie’s life showed what discipline, family, and faith can build. He didn't just amass degrees; he built a legacy of hard work and love that his wife, his daughter, and all of us who called him brother, son, friend and colleague will carry forward. This is the brother I knew, and one I will forever be proud of. - Patience I. Ibhalu (Sister)
ENTRANCE HYMN NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE (CHB 199) 1. Nearer, my God. to Thee, nearer to Thee, E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me. Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee 2. Deep in thy sacred heart let me abide. Thou that hast bled for me, sorrowed and died. Sweet shall my weeping be, grief surely leading me. Nearer, my God to Thee, nearer to Thee 3. Friends may depart from me, nights may come down, Clouds of adversity darken and frown; Still through my tears I'll see hope gently leading me. Nearer, my God to Thee, nearer to Thee IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL (CHB 239) 1. When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul." Chorus It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul 3. My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 4. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; even so, it is well with my soul. RECEPTION OF THE BODY OPENING PRAYER FIRST READING: A reading from the book of Wisdom 4:7-15 The virtuous man, though he dies before his time, will find rest. Length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life; understanding, this is man’s grey hairs, untarnished life, this is ripe old age. He has sought to please God, so God has loved him; as he was living among sinners, he has been taken up. He has been carried off so that evil may not warp his understanding or treachery seduce his soul; for the fascination of evil throws good things into the shade, the whirlwind of desire corrupts a simple heart. Coming to perfection in so short a while, he achieved long life; his soul being pleasing to the Lord, he has taken him quickly from the wickedness around him. Yet people look on, uncomprehending; it does not enter their heads that grace and mercy await the chosen of the Lord, and protection, his holy ones. The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 23) R.) If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear, for you are there. 1. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. (R.) 2. He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. (R.) 3. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. (R.) 4. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. (R.) SECOND READING A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 5:1–11 Hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us. We were still helpless when at his appointed moment Christ died for sinful men. It is not easy to die even for a good man - though of course for someone really worthy, a man might be prepared to die - but what proves that God loves us is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Having died to make us righteous, is it likely that he would now fail to save us from God's anger? When we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, we were still enemies; now that we have been reconciled, surely we may count on being saved by the life of his Son? Not merely because we have been reconciled but because we are filled with joyful trust in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have already gained our reconciliation. The word of the Lord. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, Alleluia GOSPEL A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you
on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’ The Gospel of the Lord. HOMILY PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL When I call on You, Lord, don’t reject me, Lord; don’t forsake me, Lord, but answer all my prayers OFFERTORY FADE, FADE, EACH EARTHLY JOY (CHB 225) 1. Fade, fade each earthly joy; Jesus is mine. Break every tender tie; Jesus is mine. Dark is the wilderness, Earth has no resting place, Jesus alone can bless; Jesus is mine. 2. Tempt not my soul away; Jesus is mine. Here would I ever stay; Jesus is mine. Perishing things of clay, Born but for one brief day, Pass from my heart away; Jesus is mine. 3. Farewell, ye dreams of night; Jesus is mine. Lost in this dawning bright; Jesus is mine. All that my soul has tried Left but a dismal void; Jesus has satisfied; Jesus is mine. 4. Farewell, mortality; Jesus is mine. Welcome, eternity; Jesus is mine. Welcome, O Loved and Blest, Welcome, sweet scenes of rest, Welcome, my Savior’s breast; Jesus is mine. LITURGY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST EUCHARISTIC PRAYER SANCTUS Holy..! Holy…!! Holy…!!! Lord God of Host Heaven and earth are full of your glory Hosanna in the highest…!!! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest…!!! CONSECRATION COMMUNION RITES AGNUS DEI Lamb of God You who take away the sins of the world...Have mercy on us (2ce) Lamb of God You who take away the sins of the world….Grant us peace
COMMUNION HYMN I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE (CHB 169) 1. I am the Bread of life, He who comes to Me shall not hunger, He who believes in Me shall not thirst. No one can come to Me Unless the Father draw him. Chorus: And I will raise him up, (3ce) on the last day. 2. The bread that I will give Is My flesh for the life of the world, And he who eats of this bread, He shall live for ever, He shall live for ever. 3. Unless you eat Of the flesh of the Son of Man And drink of His blood, And drink of His blood, You shall not have life within you. 4. I am the Resurrection, I am the Life, He who believes in Me Even if he die, He shall live for ever. 5. Yes, Lord, we believe That You are the Christ, The Son of God Who has come Into the world. POST COMMUNION PRAYERS RECESSIONAL HYMN GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN (CHB 230) 1. God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep in love enfold you; God be with you till we meet again. Chorus: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again. 2. God be with you till we meet again! ’Neath His wings protecting, hide you, Daily manna still provides you; God be with you till we meet again! 3. God be with you till we meet again! When life’s perils thick confound you, Put His arms unfailing round you; God be with you till we meet again! 4. God be with you till we meet again! Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Smite death’s threatening wave before you; God be with you till we meet again
TRIBUTES IN HONOUR OF A HERO Olufunmike Adelabu I am short of words to hear about your demise. It was such an unexpected and painful message to receive at this time. I had the assurance that you would make it, especially as you were responding well to treatment, but all of a sudden, the situation changed. Your smiling face will surely be missed. You left this sinful world on the 10th of August, 2026, but the memories of you will remain forever in our hearts. It is not how long we live that matters, but how well we spend the years God gives us. You lived your life and touched lives in your own special way. We cannot question God, because He knows the end from the beginning. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort, strengthen, and uphold the family you have left behind. May He grant them the grace to bear this great loss. You will forever be missed. Sleep on, beloved Daniel, until we meet again, where death will be no more. Adieu, Daniel. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Mabel Olanipekun I thought it was a dream, but I am caught between this reality! Brother Dan, my brother from another mother, you are gone too soon! Who am I to question God, why this early, but it was too soon! Ah! I missed a gem! Whose voice continuously sound in my ears. You shared my pains, because that is who you are. You will always call to know how I am fairing, you were always encouraging me, cheering me up, finding out opportunities for me and even sharing your resources. You were a comfort sent by God in my journey of life. Ah! now, all I see is your face with smiles on them far behind the clouds, far beyond the rainbows. Your memories will remain for a lifetime and I will ever cherish them. Adieu my big Brother. Remain in the Blossom of our Lord. Till we meet, never to part again. ADIEU! Eikhonmun Emmanuel Thankgod Dan my brother, a friend and my secondary classmate(Osadennis High school Asaba) once in a while you will call me to check on me and my family, your daily spiritual post on our old secondary WhatsApp was a daily spiritual food to start the day with, which will be missed by all in the group. . It was quite disheartening hearing you are gone, I still find it difficult to believe if not that I called your kid sister to hear from her. Daniel May God's perpetual light continue to shine upon you as you rest divinely. Daniel Nwankwo And so this is true? No, Bros Okojie, you will not forever be missed. For four good days, I couldn't summon up the courage to write a tribute to your name my beloved brother and friend, Daniel Esene Okojie, a.ka. Muzzezze. I regret not reconnecting back with you since you returned back to Lagos after your studies in South Africa and before your demise. It was in the 90's that our part crossed at the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka; and you were one of my bosom Great Akokites friends at undergraduate levels. We lived together, cooked together, ate beans, bread, soaked and drank garri, licked soups, together; we played together, cracked jokes together, and also lived briefly together post undergraduate years outside of UNILAG Campus as bachelors, before you proceeded to South Africa to further your education. Adieu my brother and friend, Daniel Okojie. You have ran your own race. You have finished your own course on earth. Go recieve your own crown of righteousness from Christ. We will forever keep loving you my brother Okojie. Mariam Traore I'm so sorry for your loss my brother! My sincere condolences to you and his family. May God comfort you all
Ikeji Daniel I am not just mourning a friend. I am mourning a brother of over 5 decades. A companion of life's journey. A man whose story was so closely intertwined with mine that it is difficult to remember my childhood without remembering him. From our primary school days in Ahabam, through secondary school in Osadenis, and all the way to the university, we walked side by side through life. We shared classrooms, dreams, struggles, laughter, disappointments, and victories. We grew up together. We became men together. Dan, you were a source of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance for students seeking direction and encouragement. You taught not only with your intellect but with your character. You believed that education was not merely about earning qualifications but about transforming lives. Farewell my brother. Farewell my friend. Until we meet again, your memory will remain alive in my heart, your lesson will remain alive in my mind, and your love will remain alive in the lives of all who were blessed to know you. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Prof. Bonginkosi Thango You’re gone too soon my friend, my heart aches for you and your family. The impact you had on us will forever remain in our hearts ♥️ Peter Enwelim Dr. Daniel Okojie, (a.k.a Daddy Dan). He was a friend and a beloved brother. We lost contact for years but recently got back only late last month through my elder brother who gave him my contact. We spoke of many great things and possibilities but just like that. I got this so, so, distressing sad news of his demise - only, too soon. Daniel was a simple and kind spirited man. Hard working with a great sense of moral balance. He worked too hard to get to where he was now as a lecturer and would have made it to be a renowned Professor in Nigeria and beyond the shores of this country. I feel life cheated him in this realm, but hey! He just might be happier where he is now (in the bossom of The Lord). Take care brother, till we see again. You will always be my special "Daddy Dan." Pauline Akharia Though you are gone from this world, your light continues to shine in the hearts of those who loved you. Though your journey ended too soon, We honor your memory not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for the time we had together. May your soul rest in peace, and may we carry forward your spirit of compassion, courage, and love. May God console your family you left behind. Eternal rest grant unto Doc. Daniel Esene Okojie O Lord, and let your Perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace! may he rest in peace Omofolarin David Adeya Dr. Daniel Okojie, fondly known to us as Dr. Muzzeze, was more than just a lecturer to me. He was a kind and encouraging teacher whose approach to teaching made him stand out. I had the privilege of being taught by him in both Electrical Engineering Materials and Digital Electronics. One moment I will always remember was after I scored 6.5/10 in my first continuous assessment (CA1) in Digital Electronics. After class, he called me aside and simply said, “Adeya, this is not you.” Those words meant more to me than he probably realised. They were not words of criticism, but of someone who had seen what I was capable of and genuinely believed I could do better. Thank you, Dr. Muzzeze, for being a teacher who cared, listened, encouraged, and believed in his students. You will be deeply missed and may your soul rest in perfect peace, Dr. Daniel Okojie.
Kehinde and Mojisola Kupolati Dr. Daniel Esene Okojie, my dear Matlab, as I fondly called you - a loving family man, a trusted husband, a caring father, a great friend, and a committed brother. You were an academic with purpose, a passionate teacher, a diligent researcher, an innovator, and a voice socially engaged for positive change. We will surely miss you - your beautiful smile, your pleasant laughter, your readiness to help, your friendship, your brotherliness, and your sacrificial love for all of us and for your family. May our Almighty God console, comfort, and strengthen your immediate family, your extended family, and all who were blessed within your sphere of influence. May your memory be ever blessed, ever cherished, and forever evergreen. Rest on, dear Daniel, in the bosom of our Lord. Nelisiwe Mathebula 6 years ago God placed you as a guardian angel in my life. I was just a girl with a diploma seeking to finish off her BTech, feeling stuck on that one subject and on the verge of giving up. You came with your smile and opened my eyes to Gods purpose for my academic journey. I did not give you the title “Sensei” simply because you were my supervisor but because you are my guide and have led me to heights I never imagined for my life. When you came into my life all I had was a diploma and 6 years later I’m a PhD Candidate with publications under my name. You are proof that God has no boarders, he sent a man from Nigeria to come in a young girl’s life from South Africa to place his blessing. To Mrs Okojie, thank you for many hours you allowed Dr Daniel to spend with us, impacting our lives and being patient with all his commitments. Dr Daniel was just one phone call away and he stretched himself beyond human capability. You and your daughter were his fuel that produced a man who changed lives. Farewell Sensei… Heaven is rich with a man like you and if Heaven has a university I know that’s where we will find you. Babatunde Olubayo It's sad to imagine that you are gone . Our last conversation was in 2024 when you checked on me and my loved ones during the Ibadan explosion. You care about others just as must as you care about yourself. Continue to rest in peace sir. May God be with your loved ones, especially your wife and daughter. It is well! Nicholas Igwebuike It is difficult to find the right words to describe your loss - my classmate and my friend. Daniel was more than just a member of SMP 101. He was someone with whom I shared experiences, conversations, learning, laughter, and memorable moments during our SMP 101 journey. His presence contributed to the bond we formed and his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt. As I reflect on the short time we spent together, i am reminded that life is precious and that the impact we have on others often goes beyond what we realise. Daniel touched the lives of those around him, and the memories we shared with him will remain with us. On behalf of the SMP 101 community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Daniel, you may no longer be with us physically, but your memory will remain a part of our SMP 101 story. We will remember you with fondness, gratitude, and respect. May your soul rest in peace, Daniel. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Adieu Dr Daniel “Muzzezze” Esene Okojie. Till we meet, never to part. We love you, but God loves you more. More tributes at: https://www.forevermissed.com/daniel-esene- okojie/tributesi
PHOTO SPEAKS The life and times Dr Daniel E. Okojie