So from where do I start plotting this graph that has terminated so suddenly? Is it Obalende, Lagos? We were both Omo Obalende’s. Or is it St. Michael’s Catholic Church – the home church of our parents? It was the Lagos office of Voice of Nigeria that set it in proper motion.
I joined VON ahead of you, but your late mum, Mummy Ajayi was already there as the Secretary to the then Director News, late Mohammed Okoreijor. I was employed in the Programmes Directorate, but transfered to News. That was when my relationship with her blossomed as she singled me out as the daughter of her church society member. I enjoyed a couple of privileges as a result, before her sudden exit. I remember visiting her in Military Hospital, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, shortly before she transited.
Thankfully the replacement policy of Government was still very effective then, so in you came – a Zoologist employed as a producer. A damn good producer you turned out to be!
Not long after, you and Mr Olayinka Olatunbosun tied the nuptial knot. I remember your first pregnancy. Small stature with a long tummy. I would jokingly say in Yoruba: “Ha! Who did this to you?” You would smile, shyly. I remember visiting you at Mushin, your first abode after marriage when Demmie landed. I again joked about the relocation from Obalende to Mushin. (Those who know those environments will understand, though the apartments themselves were cool). Anyway, you accepted the humble beginning without any qualms.
Again, I came to Abuja ahead of you. By the time you did, I was back in Programmes so we now had a closer working relationship. That was when I really got to experience your “effico-nness”. You were always more or less the first in the office after the early morning school runs – a habit you kept up with till the very end, even as a Deputy Director.
You would always come with your breakfast in a warmer and there was always enough for a few extra spoons. You didn’t mind, though some seemed to take advantage of your hospitality.
You were always ready to teach as many as were ready to learn, even before you joined the Training Department. And you were a good and humble learner too. You were playful, but firm with your subordinates and principled with your supervisors, whenever the need arose.
You also had this knack of warming your way into the hearts of people with sweet pet names. Late Sel was your “Ore”. For me it was a musical “Mrs A”. (Hmmm…who will ever call me that way again?) Others were – Fyne Gel! Fyne Boi! Aburo! Haja mi owon!!! etc.
You and Madam Chets hit it off naturally after Sel left and when I had the accident you both were there for me. Can I forget the “Okpa runs”, plus the liquid shea butter and kuli kuli among others, that you personally supplied regularly?
Before then, I remember the year I was indisposed and you were co-opted as a member of the FRCN/NTA/VON Christmas Carol Planning Committee in my absence. You had already attended about two or three meetings before I resumed, but you immediately offered to step aside, requesting that I took over and continued.
When it was time for my group to pull out, I didn’t have to think twice about my replacement. And you didn’t disappoint. No wonder you were the first choice for Chairperson for the 2023 edition, when VON was hosting. But I saw wenh sha, because you made it clear that we were in it together. You never proved to know it all. No day or time was off limits when you needed to consult. I couldn’t complain. It was for good. You made us all proud.
Back to after the accident, while I was still at home you told me about an opportunity for a Housing Loan, which I needed badly then. You brought the form for me to fill and then signed as my guarantor, not knowing that it would deny you the opportunity of getting yours in the same batch with me. You willing made that sacrifice. No grudges at all. I felt so bad because I knew you needed it badly too. Thank God you eventually got yours in the subsequent batch.
Indeed, you were used to making sacrifices for others. Can I forget the regular stipend you gave my caregiver for months, saying she’s doing what you should have done.
Our birthdays were also something that brought us close – me 5th, you 6th, Papa, 7th March. In 2023 you gave me a birthday gift saying it had been quite a while you had done so, which wasn’t exactly the case sef. I’m still using the items. And this year you wowed me for my 60th! Again the items are there keeping your memory fresh in my heart.
Mamalicious!!! as I fondly called you because of your love for coke, I’ll of course always remember your warm hugs almost each morning when we met in the office. Thank God I retired ahead of this your “heavenly japa” .
You were a truly sweet soul, always full of life. That you will be greatly missed is an understatement!
While I am still struggling to grasp this reality, I can only thank God and pray for greater grace for your immediate family and loved ones, indeed for all of us whose lives you touched, one way or the other.
And in the midst of all the grief and outpouring of love, *Matt 11:15* drops on my mind:
*”He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (NKJV)*
Indeed, your life, times and eventual sudden transition all speak volumes. The messages are as loud as they are clear and they are for each and everyone of us.
Not everyone enjoys the privilege of such a loud and standing ovation, both on this side and most importantly I believe, up there too, as the curtains finally close. So the rest of us are left to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. May the Holy Spirit help us.
Again we accept that God’s ways are not our ways, and all His ways are best – always best!
But I wouldn’t have minded at least one more hug sha… just one more! Alas…!!!!!
Mamalicious, continue laughing and dancing with the Angels and other Saints Triumphant, till we meet to part no more!!!!!!
It’s reality.com!!!
ASHADE, A FORMER DIRECTOR, PROGRAMME OPERATIONS WROTE FROM ABUJA
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