My dearest In-law, Ogbuagu Ernest (Erny) Nwapa. I commiserate with you on the home-going of your mom; Ogbuefi Georgina Nwapa, a beacon of light in your family, always radiating warmth and compassion to those around her. Her wisdom touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
You may not know but Ogbuefi and I were quite friendly. We will “ gist” whenever I saw her. Her unwavering love and support brought comfort and solace to me during my own times of need, and her wise words and guidance provided strength and reassurance.
I recall meeting her at the traditional marriage between you, Ogbuagu and my sister Ogbuefi Adobi Nwapa, when she told me all about her early days and contact with my Aunty Flora Nwapa-Nwakuche and my dad: C.fine about their lives in Oguta and their aspirations to climb the professional ladder via education .
Indeed, these forecasts became true as ogbuefi Georgena continued in her quest for excellence as a teacher just as aunty Flora and my dad C. Fine pursued writing and education.
Ogbuefi’s personable nature, confident and astute demeanor, added to her motherly disposition, was often reflected in her classroom at Shell Camp, Owerri, Imo State, where many of her students benefited from her style of teaching.
In fact, those characteristics of hers produced the personality of Ogbuagu Ernest, who rose in his career to lead the Nigeria Content Development Board ( NCDMB), deploying the goal-achieving tenacity seen in the streak of success recorded during his headship of the agency.
Talk about excellence, that was Ogbuefi Georgena.
Ogbuagu, as you and your siblings: Genevieve, Uzoma, Charles, Nancy, Gabriel, and Dr. Idu, all of us, your in-laws, friends, family, and well-wishers, lay Ogbuefi to rest, be comforted and assured of her journey to heaven where she will be greeted by our Maker.
Adieu Ogbuefi, Mama Ernest.
With much love,
Njigirl
Prof Njideka Nwapa-Ibuaka
Lonestar College Systems
The Woodlands, Texas, USA