The atmosphere in Calabar was one of deep emotion and reflection as friends, family, and admirers gathered to pay their final respects to the late Mr. Orok Edwards Imaha, a beloved sportsman whose passion for fitness and fellowship left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 59.
The funeral service, held on Wednesday, was not just a moment of grief but also a solemn celebration of a life defined by energy, discipline, and community spirit. Those who gathered spoke of a man whose warmth, humour, and devotion to physical well-being inspired many within and beyond Cross Riverโs sporting circles.
In a moving tribute, the Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Orok Otu Duke, described Imaha as a man who lived with purpose and empathy.
โOrok Edwards Imaha was a sportsman,โ Commissioner Duke said with quiet reflection. โWeโd always check on health because of complications that come with age.โ
The Commissionerโs words, simple yet profound, captured the essence of Imahaโs approach to life โ one grounded in care, friendship, and the belief that health is the true wealth of living. His passing, Duke noted, is not just a personal loss but a collective one for the Cross River sporting fraternity.
A memorial card distributed at the service bore his image alongside the inscription: โWhat we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.โ The words resonated deeply, offering comfort to those present that Imahaโs legacy would live on โ not only in memory but in the lives he touched and the values he embodied.
Born on September 4, 1965, Orok Edwards Imaha was known for his enthusiasm for sports, his mentorship to younger athletes, and his unwavering belief in maintaining both physical and mental wellness.
As the city of Calabar continues to mourn, his story remains a testament to the enduring power of passion, friendship, and the quiet strength of a man who lived fully and gave selflessly until the final whistle blew.
