Her name was Blessing and she was a blessing to many. She had such an exuberant spirit, valued integrity and transparency.
Blessing was a woman of virtue who made profound impact in the lives of those who crossed her path. She loved people and people loved her. Indeed, she was a natural-born public relations guru.
Show me a beautiful woman and I will show you Mrs. Blessing Nkiru Asoh Obewu. Her smiles illuminated her environment. But like a candle in the wind, she made a shocking exit from the stage called life at 60.
An amazing spirit, when she passed away a few weeks ago, the impact sent waves of sadness through the hearts of everyone who knew her. As she goes home in a blaze of glory on April 11, there is no doubt that heaven is agog to receive the returning angel.
Her younger brother, Pastor Harrison Odi, who is based in the United Kingdom, said: “You’ll live forever in my heart. My dearly beloved sister, they say a man doesn’t cry. But that’s not true. My tears have not dried up since the news came of your passing.
“When the news came, it hit me hard. And that’s because all the expectations, all the longing of seeing you again, were cut short suddenly. And that’s why, if I could, I would move heaven and the earth to have you here with me again.
“The tears are with me because, being so, so far away made it difficult to be with you to say my last goodbyes. The memories of our last meeting are etched in my mind. All the sweetness, the jokes, the laughter and the great moments we shared just talking. They are priceless.
“Life’s no longer the same. And it’s no longer going to be the same again. Since our mum left this world, you stood in the gap and I looked up to you to get the advice, the wisdom, which our mother would offer. Now that you’ve gone, who’s going to do that? See why I cry?
“It’s going to be tough. But I’ll take consolation in the fact that you left a lot of sweet memories that I can make reference to. So, I want to say thank you for these memories and a lot more.
“Thank you for being the big sister who looked after us, your younger ones. You worked so hard to ensure there was food on the table. Thank you.
“Thank you for being unique in so many ways. Your willingness to stand tall with a pure and genuine heart to care for mum and others in our family, sharing and not holding back in giving your time, concern and resources when no one gave us a chance.
“And so I cry again that I’m having to say goodbye like this. But I’m also happy that you have gone to rest and be in a far better place where you would have no pain anymore, where you would be happy. Goodbye, dearest sister Iruka. We will meet again in heaven, where joy is everlasting.”
For her son, Nduka Obewu, she was special in all ramifications. Take this from him: “Mama Africa! Action Mama, like I always call you. Who will I call all these now that you are gone?
“Your death is a great loss to me, which has caused an irreparable damage to my heart. You know, if there was anything I could do for you to still be here with us, I would. Your last days were so painful and unbearable for us, watching you go through those pains was devastating. I will cry no more because I know you found peace and you are in a better place. I will forever miss you. I cherish the memories we shared and will continue to love and miss you.”
Her niece, Regina, said: “If I try to describe you, words will fail me, but I’ll have to start from somewhere. You have been a God-sent to me right from my childhood to adulthood. You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to and pour out my heart to.
“You were the best, my lovely aunty, and in my next life I will again and again choose you to be my guardian. Go safe, ma.”