Uche Urum-Eke
My beloved cousin Ndenyi, your death has touched me so much beyond words because you were a special specie and I doubt there will ever be another with your kind of heart. Your death is a symbol of a limb fallen from the family tree because you were a symbol of peace and unity in this family right from our childhood.
I remember as children whenever I was smacked and I am crying, you would join me and was not afraid to solicit on my behalf to Mma or Papa. Over the years and as grown-ups we drifted apart due to our commitments and different values but whenever we spoke you were always very reassuring and sincere. The emotional support you provided gave me a great sense of family and belonging especially during my storms. You were a cousin that would do your best to be with someone both financially and emotionally during their dark moments. Ndenyi, I was never ashamed or afraid to open my heart to you with whatever problem that was confronting me because you would never judge or look down on anyone.
The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained. I will miss you dearly Ndenyi. When I look back at your life and your personality/perspective, I keep hearing a voice that says “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times full of laughter and the good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my legacy. I am counting on you." Sleep on my beloved cousin.
Oyediya Nwanze
Edwin Baiye
Caroline Ademiluyi
Your life was truly exemplary. I remember you always came around when Liz was in town especially on Sundays, when you will breeze in, singing some nice tune-- an indication that you must have been coming straight from Church.
You were always full of life: I remember when you were working with the GUARDIAN Newspaper, you were very passionate about your job, so much so, that one could easily identify with your writings. You loved Naturopathy - or was it Homeopathy? You talked a lot about Homeopathy and you benefited a lot from it,s services in those years( late 80,s and early 90,s ).
God knows why He allowed this to happen --why he allowed your passage back to Him to have been through the illness which you gallantry bore.
I think God wanted the world to learn from your COURAGE, RESILIENCE, GENEROSITY and the host of other virtues which you practiced in the course of your battle against cancer.
In the words of St.Paul, You have fought the good fight, ---you have won the race --- now, you will be forever with Our Lord and the Heavenly host in ever-increasing joy and fulfilment.
We shall continue to miss you, but filled with hope that one day, by the grace of God, we shall be reunited with you in Christ forever. I like to reiterate this Prayer---(PREFACE 1 FOR THE DEAD).----"----INDEED FOR YOUR FAITHFUL LORD, LIFE IS CHANGED, NOT ENDED:AND WHEN THIS EARTHLY DWELLING TURNS TO DUST, AN ETERNAL DWELLING IS MADE READY FOR THEM IN HEAVEN ".
Caroline Ademiluyi.
Felicia Otisi Omoji
Mrs. Helen John Eleanya
NY Branch ACIU Women Leader
Uche Urum-Eke
A Tribute to Ndenyi Ngozi Uche: A Time for Everything
When I received the sad news through a posting on face book (31st August 2017), the first thoughts that came to mind was the scripture passage: ‘FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, AND A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN: A TIME TO BE BORN, AND A TIME TO DIE….’; Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 A season implying a certain time appointed by God for its being and continuance, which no human wit or providence can alter. And by virtue of this appointment of God, all vicissitudes which happen in the world, whether comforts or calamities, come to pass. Man has his appointed cycle of seasons and vicissitudes, as the sun, wind, and water (Ecclesiastes 1:5-7). A man can no more reverse the times and order of "planting," and of "digging up," and transplanting, than he can alter the times fixed for his "birth" and "death." (Psalms 31:15, Hebrews 9:27). According to Susan Claire Potts, (Burning Faith) “... we all die, and the length of our life has been set before the earth was formed…..”
Ndenyi ‘my sister’, The Lord called and you answered!
If we had a choice we would have said ‘No, not yet!’ because while on your sick bed, many prayed and longed for your recovery, and to be set free from the pains of sickness, but God had different plans and thoughts for you. According to the Holy Bible ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts nor your ways my ways says the Lord ‘ Isaiah 55 :8
As I cast my mind back to our childhood days, years back (growing up in the same neighborhood in Ikoyi Lagos), I remember with a mixed feeling of nostalgia and grief, how we had always related more like siblings, hence I always called you my “sister”. I also recall your days with the Nigerian Guardian Newspapers as a young journalist and I dare say you were a career professional, and a brilliant writer. You have lived a decent life and will be remembered for your kindness, compassion, fairness, character, benevolence, and a force for good that had much respect for life, in general. You will be remembered for how you lived, not how you died.
Ndy my sister, I am saddened by your death no doubt, but from this sadness a feeling of gratitude emerges. I am grateful to have known you and I know that your passing serves as a reminder to me and many others that our times on this earth is limited and that one should seize the opportunity that we have to forgive, share, explore, and love. We can think of no greater way of honoring you.
There’s a saying that ‘what is lovely never really dies but passes into loveliness’. I believe it Ndenyi; you were lovely and will never die but pass unto loveliness. May Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer grant you perfect peaceful rest.
Amen
Uche Urum-Eke
The Guardian - Saturday Magazine
Article: Ndenyi Ngozi Nena Uche (1960-2017) journalist per excellence
Date: September 9, 2017
Excerpt: "Outside my immediate family, she was probably my longest and most consistent cheerleader, with an unwavering belief in what I could achieve. I heard she was ill a while back and I asked for her number but never rang until a couple of months ago. Even then, I was struck by her unwavering Christian faith which imbued her with a resilience and brightness even in very challenging circumstances."
You may read at:
https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/.../st-per-excellence/