One was my neighbour, sister, friend and a teacher to many students, with whom we shared many stories back and forth, her laughter genuine, her heart true; the other was a friend, a sister, a professional colleague whose groundbreaking appointment as presidential spokesperson told many how it was possible irrespective of your gender and how professionalism was all that mattered. The passing of both women within weeks of each other was gut-wrenching as it was highly emotional for me.
We shared so many things with Mary Okpanachi. We ate in each other’s homes and laughed out loud as we escorted each other to our houses in the dark of the streets or under bright traffic lights. We were two minutes away from each other for several years and I could count on her to check my residence and all that mattered in it if I was away, and vice versa. Her humour was infectious and her visit always was like a ray of the brightest sun. She smiled easily and laughed heartily; a truly warm human being who was at once loyal and deeply religious. A few years ago life threw her a curve when she lost her son; young, bright with great prospects. We felt her grief; we carried it on our sleeves. Mary was heartbroken. Then slowly she picked up the pieces and found her stride again, her son never to be forgotten. Mary, my dearest sister and friend, I have asked the question every mortal asks but our ways are not his ways. The man with the keys to everything has called. Mary, my dearest sister and friend, I will hold your memories dear, our evenings together, and your ability to see a joke in everything and bring laughter to our hearts. Your generosity to men across board will not be forgotten and your service to the Lord will always remain indelible in our hearts. We pray today for your family, your husband, and your lovely children, that the Lord will visit them in a special way and grant them grace and fortitude at this difficult time. May God in his infinite mercy grant you repose, Amen.
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I mourn with all my colleagues in the journalism business on the loss of Remi Oyo, journalist and media expert par excellence. She was professional to the core. It was during her tenure as spokesperson that I had the most interviews with her boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, although before that appointment, we had known each other for a long time. Her favourite greeting for me was “my sis”. It was a mutual greeting. It was our way of acknowledging where we had been, our efforts to make women better at whatever they do and our mentoring spirit, playing role models all the time. She was a senior colleague but was giving and generous in her ways and noted the strength and presence of everyone as we all tried to do our jobs the best way we could in a profession that was predominantly male for a long time, and really in many ways still is. I remember that it was Mrs Oyo’s sombre looks wearing her trademark short hairstyle that got me scampering back to town from a health facility in Gwagwalada, where I was caring for a sick relation. Although the TV set at this facility was noisy and signal was very bad, I still picked up something in her voice and carriage that suggested that all was not well. Mrs Oyo was announcing on that day the passing of the first lady, Stella Obasanjo. She delivered it with a sense of urgency and a carriage of a leader whose job it was to get us to understand the grief of her boss and ultimately the tragedy that had befallen the nation. I left what I was doing and headed straight back to the office, even though I had some time off for the day. The images of Mrs Oyo at that podium where she delivered many a statement from the State House will remain in our hearts forever.
Her smile was that of a special person who in spite of the pressure of her job in the State House always found a kind word to say and break into a warm smile, her eyes lighting up when she sees you. She remembered my milestones and would always write to wish me well.
Today, my heart goes out to her spouse of many years, Vincent Oyo, who has been her pillar of support, and to her children. Our Remi Oyo was a pride and mentor to many journalists, male and female, and her strides and contributions to the journalism profession will never be forgotten.
Remi and Mary came our way and gave us joy. I join hundreds of their family and friends to celebrate them today. We remember them with pride for they were good women who impacted their space positively. God rest their gentle souls, Amen.
Eugenia Abu
