
Dr Chima Obinna Emerole, MBBS, MPH, FMCPH, KSC, MNIM, JP

“Praise be to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion & the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2Cor 1:3-4
Obituary
Dr. Chima Obinna Emerole, MBBS, MPH, FMCPH, KSC, MNIM, JP, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, dedication, and compassion. Born on May 5, 1954, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Dr. Emerole's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to the field of medicine and community service.
Dr. Emerole's academic journey was nothing short of remarkable. He began his education in Enugu and demonstrated early promise by excelling in his First School Leaving Certificate Examination. His academic brilliance continued at Government Secondary School, Owerri, and College of The Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, where he achieved Division One in the West African School Certificate Examination in 1973. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned his medical degree in 1979. Furthering his expertise, he obtained a Master of Public Health from the University of Lagos in 1989 and became a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Public Health.
Throughout his esteemed career, Dr. Emerole contributed immensely to the medical community. His roles ranged from a House Officer at the General Hospital, Owerri, to a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. As the Director of Health Services and later the Director of Community Outreach at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, he left an indelible mark on public health initiatives. Additionally, his affiliation as an Adjunct Lecturer at Imo State University and a Part-time Lecturer at the School of Health Technology, FUTO, underscored his dedication to shaping future generations of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Emerole's professional influence extended across numerous organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Society of Public Health (London), and the American Public Health Association. His contributions to these bodies and his extensive publications in respected journals showcased his commitment to advancing medical science and addressing contemporary health issues.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Emerole was a pillar of his community. He served as a Knight of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion and a Justice of the Peace in Imo State. His leadership roles within the Nigerian Medical Association, including Secretary and Vice Chairman of the Owerri Zone, highlighted his dedication to ethical medical practice and community service.
Dr. Emerole's legacy is not only found in his professional accomplishments but also in the lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and a multitude of relatives and friends who celebrate his life and mourn his passing. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who benefit from his enduring contributions to public health and medicine.
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My wife and I wish you God's promised comfort in a time like this. Our prayers are with you and your family during the ceremonies ahead.
Smart S Ebinne.
The demise of your dad came to me as a rude shock. Rude because I often saw him at 7am service in Catol. My first recollection of your dad was when he and the entire NMA Owerri Branch led by Dr Richard Agbarakwe (of blessed memory) paid a sick visit to my late Dad, Dr Israel Onyirioha (Ksc) who once served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of NMA in the early 90's. He's disposition and care during the visit was remarkable.
Be consoled by the fact that your dad lived a fulfilled life.
May his gentle and benevolent soul rest in peace, Amen🙏
Abiakam Onyirioha
St John's Church, Dim-na-Nume Isu.
My Dad spoke highly of him, and was thrilled when you and Chidera got married, because your Grandfather, Daddy's Father, was like my Dad's Guardian when he was Registrar in UNN, and he related very well with your Dad.....it is well....such is life...may his soul rest in Perfect peace....
I know it is not easy for you at the moment, so we will respect your privacy, and please take you all the time you need....
Just know that people who love you are praying for you and whatever you need, please let us know....
May the Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen you and Mummy and your siblings in the way that only He can.....it is well....ndooooo biko..
How are you doing ma?.
Please accept my condolences on the passing on of your Dad.
He was my MD when I did my IT 2014 ,he was like a father to me.
Please be strong for me ma.
My family’s hearts are with you all at this time.
I have fond memories of him growing up in St. Peter’s.
May the Lord comfort you greatly.
Hope you're keeping well,
Just wanted to check in on you today.
I know it’s not easy saying goodbye to your dad, and I pray that the Lord wraps you and your family in His comforting arms..
I pray that God comforts you, your mom, your brother and sisters, and that His peace which surpasses all understanding fills your heart.
May His love hold you close and give you strength through this difficult time.
Wishing you strength, peace, and the assurance that your dad rests safely in God’s hands.
With my heartfelt sympathy,
Ezinwanne
Your Dad- a sound nd a scholar par excellence, taught my MPH set nd set above us primary Health Care. We praid for him when he was very down, then thanked our God when he came bk finally from hospital hale nd hearty.
I didn't even know he became sick again let alone going the way of all mortals, nd nobody, even you told my earlier. I just heard it from Prof Sally Ibe - she told me the burial ceremony took place y'day. Chai! Sorry, my Doc- it's well. Take heart, my sister, nd may our God console you , your mother, sibs nd the entire Emereole's family.
We pray God to grant him nd all the faithfuls departed rest and peace through christ our Lord . Once again, accept my condolences!
Today, as we laid to rest a man whose presence filled every space he entered, we are deeply moved by the love and support that surround us.
First, our sincere appreciation goes to the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Owerri/Rt Rev Chukwuma Chinekezi Opara, Clergy, and the entire St. James Ochii Ogwa/Michael’s Church New Owerri families,for the prayers, guidance, and pastoral care you have shown to us throughout this season. You stood by us not just as ministers, but as shepherds who comforted and strengthened us. May God bless your service abundantly.
To our family and friends, thank you for your calls, your visits, your comforting words, and your presence here today. You have lightened our burden with love.
To our in-laws (Iwuagwu/Obasi/Ogbonna) and neighbours, we appreciate your understanding, kindness, and support. You have shown what true community means, and we are grateful.
To the FUTO and IMSU communities, we say a heartfelt thank you. Daddy was proud of his academic roots and professional journey, and seeing so many colleagues and former students honour him today reminds us that his impact extended far beyond our home.
And to all those who could not be physically present but sent their love and condolences — we feel you with us. Thank you.
Now, if you knew my dad — Dr. Chima Obinna Emerole, or as many fondly called him, Chima, Oga Sir, Director, Daddy, Daddilo — you would know he was a man of many layers. His memory was sharp, his humour dry but unforgettable, and his discipline unmatched.
My father made so many strides both professionally and personally. He began his education in Enugu and demonstrated early promise by excelling in his First School Leaving Certificate Examination. His academic brilliance continued at Government Secondary School, Owerri, and College of The Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, where he achieved Division One in the West African School Certificate Examination in 1973. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned his medical degree in 1979. Furthering his expertise, he obtained a Master of Public Health from the University of Lagos in 1989 and became a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Public Health.
Throughout his esteemed career, my dad contributed immensely to the medical community. His roles ranged from a House Officer at the General Hospital, Owerri, to a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. As the Director of Health Services and later the Director of Community Outreach at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, he left an indelible mark on public health initiatives. Additionally, his affiliation as an Adjunct Lecturer at Imo State University and a Part-time Lecturer at the School of Health Technology, FUTO, underscored his dedication to shaping future generations of healthcare professionals.
My father’s professional influence extended across numerous organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Society of Public Health (London), and the American Public Health Association. His contributions to these bodies and his extensive publications in respected journals showcased his commitment to advancing medical science and addressing contemporary health issues.
Beyond his professional achievements, my father was a pillar of his community. He served as a Knight of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion and a Justice of the Peace in Imo State. His leadership roles within the Nigerian Medical Association, including Secretary and Vice Chairman of the Owerri Zone, highlighted his dedication to ethical medical practice and community service.
His legacy is not only found in his professional accomplishments but also in the lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and a multitude of relatives and friends who celebrate his life and mourn his passing. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who benefit from his enduring contributions to public health and medicine.
He was the kind of man who would remind you that “time is not just money — it’s respect.” It’s no wonder he earned the title “Punctuality Prefect” long before it became a family joke. He liked excellence — everything had to be neat, correct, and in its rightful place.
And oh, the dressing — Daddy didn’t just wear clothes; he presented himself. Every button, every belt, every dry-cleaned shirt and shoe shine said: “I respect myself, and I respect you too”.
He carried himself with social grace and discipline, earning respect wherever he went — not through loudness, but through quiet integrity and dependable character.
Daddy taught us that true wealth isn’t in possessions, but in character and relationships — his “social currency” as we called it. He left us rich in values, rich in laughter, and rich in love.
And we must not forget the remarkable woman who walked beside him through it all — our mother. Daddy truly enjoyed the blessing of a devoted wife. She stood by him with unwavering love, strength, and grace through every season of his life. She cared for him faithfully, and her dedication deserves recognition. Today, we honour her as well, because behind every strong man is a woman whose quiet sacrifices made his strength possible.
So today, though our hearts ache, we celebrate a man who lived well, served well, and loved deeply.
To everyone who came to honour him — thank you for showing that his life mattered. Your presence is a testimony to the kind of man he was.
May God bless you all richly for standing with us.
And may Daddy’s legacy continue to inspire discipline, excellence, and humour — just the way he would have wanted.
1 Thess 4: 1 NLT “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more”.
My sincere condolences to Dr.Mrs Obasi and every member of the family.
May God grant you all great comfort during this period and always.
May Daddy's soul Rest in the Blossom of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
Our excellent impression of him did not change over the years.
His good nature remained the same as he climbed the ladder, to become a consultant physician and the medical director of the FUTO medical clinic. I learnt that his retirement from active service was met with a deep sense of loss; and now with his passing, an incalculable and greater sense of finality of loss .
Chima remained easy going as God blessed him and my sister with four very brilliant children who have copied the footsteps of their parents in medicine and science to become medical and academic doctors .
His passing leaves a hole in our hearts that only God can soothe especially when I think of my sister ( his widow),my nieces , nephews ,grand nephew and niece; and what they must be going through .
May His gentle soul rest in peace . May the almighty God comfort and give strength to them and all of us at this painful time
Adieu Chima ( a.k.a Director).
from
Sir Fortune & Lady Lilian Iwuagwu
(Brother in law and wife)
It is with a heavy heart that I write to bid you farewell. This has left a void in our lives that cannot be filled. I will always be grateful to you for accepting me as your son inlaw. You were such a strong, caring and prayerful father. Memories of you will remain ever-green in our lives. You will forever be missed. This is not a goodbye, but it is ‘until we meet again’
We received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of your beloved father, Dr. Chima Obinna Emerole (KSC, JP). While we submit to the sovereign will of God, we share in your grief and extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Your father’s legacy of excellence, service, and integrity will continue to inspire all who knew him. May the Almighty comfort you, grant you strength, and bless the entire family with the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.
Bro Chima was a very humble, unassuming & a quiet person.He was quite respectful in his medical profession.He treated his patients with love & compassion.He loved discussing current affairs in his leisure time.
May God grant his wife,children & his siblings the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Adieu Bro Chima
Obiora Nwankiti.
1954 — 2025
Tall, lanky, and handsome.
Gentle, kind, with a
Big and generous heart.
With a raspy infectious smile
Chima got along with everyone.
Chima was wealthy,
Wealthy, not in financial outlay
But wealthy in compassion,
Wealthy in integrity, and
Left a wealthy legacy.
As death plucks us off
One after the other,
The good times and sweet
Memories shall linger and
Comfort the survivors awaiting their turns.
To his family and siblings,
You lost a father, spouse, and friend.
Be consoled that Chima fought
A valiant battle but death is
A necessary and inevitable event.
Adieu, my friend and colleague
Farmer Chukwudi Nwankwo, B.M., B.CH, MPH, MS, MBA
UNN Medical Class of 1979
He was never in anybody's way. A perfect gentleman. His accomplishments in the medical profession speak volumes.
He will always stay in our hearts because he touched our lives. May God console his wife, Chioma, children, siblings and the entire Emerole family. He will forever be missed.
Prof & Dr.(Mrs.) Michael Monanu
May his soul find eternal repose with the Lord 🙏
Your brother's passing leaves a tremendous void in our lives, but his legacy lives on through the memories we shared with him. As a loving sibling, he inspired you with his strength and resilience.
Please accept my deepest condolences and know that we're here for you during this difficult time. May cherished memories of your brother bring you comfort and peace.
and many more.he was very industrious and that made him to raise to the rank of medical director at FUTO.he will always.be.remembered by those how appreciate good things.people always ask why am always with,but they don't understand.infact a good brother is a brother indeed.fare well till we meet to part no more.

