Theresa Akpoveta-Nakpoberuo

Dear Auntie T, (Migwo) I'm writing this with a heavy heart, but also with so much love. You were more than just my auntie, you were family in every sense of the word, and you held a special place in my dad's life too. I loved you bad, and I always will. I keep thinking about the long conversations we used to have, we'd talk on the phone for hours, and it never felt like enough time. Those calls meant the world to me. You always listened, always had something wise or funny to say, and I'll miss hearing your voice on the other end of the line more than I can put into words. And I'll never forget that you named my son, Runo. Every time I say his name, I'll think of you, that's a gift that stays with our family forever. You left your mark on all of us in the most beautiful way. You brought so much warmth and goodness into our lives, and the memories we share will stay with me forever. It's hard to imagine this world without you in it, but I take comfort knowing how much you were loved — by me, by my dad, and by everyone lucky enough to know you. Rest easy, Auntie T. You'll never be forgotten. I love you, always. Jody A

Big Mommy I am unable to process the fact that you are no longer with us and lack the words to describe the feeling that is the void created by your absence; you have always been there for as long as i have been here and now, things will never be the same again. I also never got to fully express how much you meant to me. Your larger than life presence, encouragement, prayers, support, wisdom was such that i presumed will always be there but now there’s an echoing hollow emptiness. We’d take solace knowing that you have gone to be with your father, whom you loved so much. I’m going to miss you, Big Mommy.

My darling Big Mummy rests! It is still difficult to believe that Big Mummy has been called to the Lord's bossom. I take comfort in Wisdom 3:1-3 "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in PEACE." In every memory I have, Big Mummy is full of life, always active, engaged in one enterprise or the another, achieving great things, building the life that she wanted. Big Mummy has always been the epitome of a strong, capable and agentic woman, who was always there for her own. She always comes to mind when I think of the Proverbs 31 woman. Indeed: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." She lives on forever in our hearts.

Grandma, This is so hard to write because you were so full of life. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that I will no longer get to sit and gist with you about life, church, your love for God, your children and your grandchildren (whom you loved so dearly). I am so grateful that we met. You welcomed my husband, our children and myself with open arms and took us all as your own. I will always treasure the memory of you showing up at my daughter’s birthday last year, saying that we clearly must have forgotten your invitation! That was you, Grandma—present, loving and reminding us that we were family. It meant so much to us. You were a true mother with such a big heart. So caring, so kind and so generous with your love. There is so much more I could say, but above all, thank you for loving us the way you did. I am going to miss you so much, Ma. But I take comfort in knowing that you are resting with our faithful God, surrounded by His love, with joy and peace, probably reporting all your children to him. Through the sadness, we will find peace in that. Rest in perfect peace, Grandma. You were deeply loved, and you will be dearly missed.

Today, we honor the life of a remarkable woman whose greatest legacy is not in the years she lived, but in the lives she touched, a mother to so many of us, a woman of impact. Losing a mother is a pain that words cannot capture as she is our first home, source of comfort, our greatest cheerleader and the one who remains constant through every season of life. She was a present mother, grandmother and Auntie. Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the gift of her life. We celebrate the love she gave, the sacrifices she made, the wisdom she shared and beautiful memories she created with her family and all those of us that were fortunate to know her. My dear Erhi, to you and your entire family, I know there are no words that can take away the pain, but I pray you take comfort in knowing that her love is woven into who you all are. The values she instilled, her strength of character, her love for God and the memories she shared will remain forever. I looked forward to chatting with her to hear the stories she shared about my Mum who was her teacher. She constantly reminded me of who raised me, the high standards she set and I must maintain. Thank you Auntie as your counsel have kept me grounded. A true mother, kind, a prayer warrior, instilling Godly wisdom in us all. Her physical presence may no longer be with us but a mother’s love does not disappear. It lives on in her children, her family and in the lessons she taught all who encountered her. May God grant you and your family the strength to walk through this difficult season. May the Holy Spirit comfort your hearts, grant your peace beyond human understanding and preserve the beautiful memories of your incredible unforgettable Mother. She fought a good fight, she finished her race. Rest eternally with our Heavenly Father till we meet again Auntie. Adieu My Dearest Auntie. Esosa Anenih

When I think of you, I remember your kindness and selflessness; I was also taken by your strength and industriousness. You had a beautiful life, despite the contrasts of your life. What a pleasure it was meeting and interacting with you. Your benevolence will live on in my heart. Proceed on to eternal love, and glory. Your memory will be celebrated. Deepest Affection, Folu.

TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED SISTER, OMARE Dear Omare, Words are not enough to express the pain of losing you. You were a beloved sister, a cherished family member, and a source of warmth and love to many who had the privilege of knowing you. I recall how you carried me along in your spiritual journey with Maureen Ogbuoji (M.O.M). Your passion for GOD was second to none, I how I miss the times you spent with us in Jos. Alhaji Naira always fondly called you Omare you called him Idi. We will truly miss you Your departure has left a deep void in our hearts, but we take comfort in the beautiful memories you have left behind. Your kindness, love, and presence will continue to live on in the hearts of your family and loved ones. To your three beloved children, Pat, Ann, and Ufoma, may God grant them strength, comfort, and grace. May they always carry with them the values, love, and memories you gave them. You have left behind many family relations who will forever remember and miss you. Though you are no longer with us physically, your memory will remain a treasured part of our family story. Rest peacefully, dear Omare. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Until we meet again, rest in the peace of the Lord. Mr & Mrs Patrick Igho

Thanking God for the blessing thayyou we're. RIP Aunty