My wife Huguette and I first met Lenka, Sophie, and their firstborn daughter in Boston in the early 1990's. We were temporarily in Boston, where I was studying for a Master's, and their warmth and hospitality were overwhelming. After we left Boston for D.C. and Manila, I kept in touch with Lenka through the Big Dig, his Wharton MBA, real estate and financial investments, and his bid to change Nigerian state politics for the better. Discussions with Lenka were always based on insights, new ways to think about old problems, and infectious optimism. I was with mutual friends (who had gone to Wharton) in Nigeria a few weeks ago, and Lenka's exuberant approach to new challenges came up in conversation. It occurred to me that we had not been in touch in a while, and it was only when I checked what he might have been up to recently that I shockingly came across his obituary notice from last year. Our deepest condolences to Sophie, the children, and the family. His body may be gone, but his warm spirit and love live on. May he be at Peace.

My Dear Mrs. Dewa!
I am deeply saddened  by the untimely going home of my beloved, caring, dignified, and humble friend.
Please accept my deep-seated condolences. I trust that the sure and steady arms of Christ will envelope you and the children and grandchildren. The Lord will give you sweet comfort and ease the pain of the priceless loss in Jesus' name.
Ephraim is a rare gentleman l ever came across. He was a dignified, mature and gentle. His communication was always sweetened with the nicest words garnished with affection and sincerity. 
Ephraim was one of those rare gentlemen, loving husband, devoted father,  and a proud grandfather. He will be sorely missed, but l believe we shall see again as believers of Christ ( 1 Thess.4:13-18).
Sleep on my friend and my brother. Heaven has certainly gained an amazing son, and a joint heirs  of Christ Jesus.  Adieu! Adieu! Adieu!

Dear Dr Dewa,  
My wife Angelique and I met Lenka and you many years ago  thanks to my good friend John Wall.  At that time we were living on Long Island NY, but now we are in Florida. We were greatly saddened by the news of Lenka's passing and we ask you to accept this expression of our deepest condolences.  Lenka will be greatly misssed by all who knew him, and his many good deeds will be rememebered.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family at this difficult time.
Best regards,  John and Angelique Robson
johnrobson1066@gmail.com

Your passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many whom you have touched. Your inspiring presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

What a shock to hear of Lenka's transition to glory! My deepest condolences to the entire family. 

The depth of our conversations will live long in the memory. So many qualities to miss and emulate - his towering intellect, his sense of humor, his compassion for humanity, his devotion to family, his love for the Lord. And that infectious smile and booming laugh. 

I will miss you Lenka, till we meet again.

From a Wharton friend -
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go to Ephraim’s family. I remember Ephraim as a gentle and caring person whose warmth shined through in his every interaction.  
-Jim P.

Our heart breaks for the Dewa Family. We mourn the loss of a beloved husband, a cherished brother, and a dedicated father. Lenka was special. He was an incredibly bright person, and it was a privilege to know him.

Always a force for good, I recall fond memories of our countless conversations and cherished encounters with him. His radiant smile, sense of humour and welcoming personality was something to behold. Having been blessed with so much success in his professional career, he oCen expressed a strong desire for public service. Hence, his quest for the office of ExecuBve Governor of Plateau State, Nigeria, in the most recent election cycle.

Lenka’s love and passion for his children was extraordinary. He, alongside his wife, Saphia ensured that they embraced hardwork and a strong work ethic. They owe a great deal of their current successes to the values they imbibed in them during their early childhood. Knowing that he lived a life of faith gives us true belief that he’s been called home to the glory of God.

Lenka was a treasure and an amazing person, and his passing fills us with such great grief. We weep with you as you weep, knowing that the Great Comforter will one day wipe away every tear. You have our deepest condolences and rest assured that you will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Hubert S. Shaiyen

It is with sadness that the Wharton Class of 2002 learned of the passing of our dear classmate.  Lenka was joyful, and a truly kind soul.  We are all still in shock and looked forward to all he planned to achieve for his community. We will miss him dearly. Our condolences to the family.

Ephraim,

I don't know where to start as you were such a lovely King's College, Lagos, Nigeria brother for over forty five years. On a lighter note, I'll always remember you for making the time to teach me matrices a few hours before  our additional maths (WASC)  exam in a manner which encouraged me to go on and study for a degree in Chemical Engineering! I'll greatly miss your affable nature, generosity, enthusiasm, insight, passion, wisdom, and commitment to excellence.

To Ephraim’s family, (his parents Mr Ndeh Paul Dewa and Mrs Teresa Talatu Dewa; his wife Dr Saphia Dewa; his children Wunikka Dewa, Sanura Dewa, Nenla Dewa; his grandchild Milan Dewa; his siblings Mary Dela Onyemaechi, Kizito Munaji Dewa, Metji Dewa, and Yves Awofala; his in-laws Kay Abdallah, Muharami Abdallah, and Uzo Onyemaechi; his nieces Pakrit, Zichat, Daphne, Onyi, and Tochi; and his nephews Panshak, Gabriel, and Tonji), Ephraim is gone but will never be forgotten. May God give you strength to somehow bear this loss and also comfort you during this very difficult time.

Sola Sonuga - KCOB79

One recent occasion where Lenka made a profound impact on me was when I told him I was about to interview for a job where he had previously lectured and in the city where he had previously lived and worked. We met up on the Saturday before my first of two interview days. Coincidentally, he was about to get a haircut and so was I. We met at his barbershop, but his regular wasn't there. The lady who stood in couldn't shut up and we both looked at each other in bewilderment at the end. After paying $45, I vowed never to pay for a haircut again! Their claim to fame was scores of celebrity photos on the wall. We agreed that that's what we paid for. I didn't tell him this, but that was probably the only piece of bad advice that he gave me 😉. We later enjoyed a meal at a nice Asian restaurant that he recommended and he told me all about the people in the area and what to expect as I contemplated moving here. Basically everybody knows everybody. And then he did another classic Lenka thing. He arranged for me to speak with one of his former Master's in Business students who attended the university. He apologized after our three-way call that it hadn't been useful, but I had none of it, assuring him that it was most appreciated. I could go on and on. Lenka was one of the classiest, kindest, funniest, and most genuine persons I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'll leave you with one piece of advice that my dear sister-in-law Princess Nwakego Ibrahim-Pam often gives: "Tell me while I'm alive, all the good things that you think of me. Don't wait until I am dead." Lenka, I know I've told you this many times, but I wish I had told you more, and spoken with you more, and seen you more before "God reclaimed his property" as my dear almost-nonagenarian aunty, Hajiya Mama said of her sister, Mama Ajuwa, who passed away about two years ago. I so wish I had had the opportunity to cook that Egusi Soup for you and Sophie that you wished for. Rest in power, sir!

I first met Ephraim in the Fall of 1974  when we all as 10 and 11 year old lads were admitted to the prestigious King's College, Lagos-Nigeria. For the next five years we bonded, played while also striving  to be our best.
         Individually and collectively we connected in more ways than one which relationship  has endured and spanned over a half century!
     Ephraim on a personal  level I am deeply numbed by your passing that has left me in a state of suspended animation. I  struggling to claw myself out of this hoping that it is a dream....sadly it is not!
         I am particularly grieved as we were in the throes of planning our set reunion which you were  deeply passionate about and your fervent wish when your lovely grand-daughter Milan asked on your last birthday.
   The call has indeed  been  sounded and I must answer....HERE!!!!
You have  undoubtedly left your footprints  in the sands of our time.
The good old school exhaults us to "pay by giving as we forge ahead....service to the leaving and honor to our dead".
Ephraim individually and collectively we honor..cherish and celebrate you!
FLOREAT COLLEGIUM! 
My brother...my friend the journey was indeed worth it!
ADIEU to the the quintessential husband, loving and caring father , adoring and proud grand-father  and true KINGSMAN!!!

Rest in peace and power, my brother! I will always remember fondly your bright smile, generous spirit and passion for African business. May God comfort your family during this time. Your friend, Amber Rutland Jangha

Rest in perfect peace Lenka! You have touched many lives positively in countless ways. Your warm personality, selflessness and kindheartedness was worthy of emulation. You shall forever be remembered! Rest well Lenka. Michael Larbie

May his soul rest peacefully with Jesus Christ. Amen.  On only two occasions that I met Lenka at my daughter’s house, he made an impression in me as a well educated, well spoken and kind gentle man. I’m sure his entire family and all those friends and acquaintances who know him better will miss him dearly. May God uphold members of his immediate family especially, and all his relatives and friends, and give them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amen. He surely will be greatly missed.

Dear Saphia, Nikki, Sanura and Nenla,

Paul and I are so saddened to hear of Lenka’s passing. He was such a wonderful man with a big personality and even bigger smile. Our families had such wonderful times together in CT. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Love,
Alice, Paul, Addie, Elisabeth and Georgie McKeon

Lenka boy as I usual call you, we became friends when we first met in SBS Zaria. After that we were inseparably pair until you left for the U.K to continue your A level. Next time I saw you , you were a grown married man with three beautiful daughters and a beautiful way. You came to London and stayed with me with my own family on your way to Nigeria. And since then we had kept in touch. Last time we spoke was when you came for Ayuba’s son’s wedding. 
I am still in denial and all I think of his your granddaughter Mimi. Mimi was your shadow pride and joy and you were more of father than a grand father to her. She will always cherish the quality time you gave and shared with her. Even when you were on the phone, Mimi was always part of conversation. 
You will be dearly missed my friend and brother. 
Sofi may the Almighty God continue to give the Endurance to bear this great! great! great ! Loss
Rest in Eternal Peace .
You will forever be in my heart!

So sorry for this untimely death of  our beloved brother and friend . May you find strength in his memorial and comfort in his love for you all. He will be deeply missed. Rest Well brother

My dear friend Lenka, it is so hard for me to say goodbye. There are so many good times that we spent together that are forever etched in my memory. Such as the times we spent sipping and enjoying “konyagi” (Tanzanian gin), while “picking our brains” (your favorite phrase to start a conversation) on various aspects of family, professional and, in general, life challenges. I always looked forward to meeting and spending time with you. Here is a photo of you mingling with your Tanzanian in-laws! I will miss you! Until we meet again, may your soul rest in eternal peace.

I remember my dear and longtime friend. A proud and devoted husband, father and grandfather. A man of integrity, loyalty, generosity and a sense of purpose. I enjoyed working with him on several projects, sharing coffee and conversation and I will always remember visits and activities with his wonderful family.
I am saddened beyond what words can say that my friend Lenka was taken from us so soon, my love and sincere condolences go out to his family.

I am heartbroken to learn of my college buddy Lenka's passing this morning. I am flooded with emotions, remembering our short time together. I had the pleasure of knowing Lenka for many years from our Northeastern days, and I was always struck by his kindness, intelligence, and wit. I enjoyed the few precious moments we spent over lunch in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and the lengthy conversations we had over the phone. He was a wonderful friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was taken from us too early.
Dearest Sophia, children, and Lenka’s wonderful parents,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and son. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
I know that no words can truly express the pain you are feeling right now, but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Ramin Zomorodi

OBITUARY

Ephraim Lenka Dewa

September 26, 1962 – October 9, 2023

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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