Tribute to Lady BRIDGET CHIKEREUBA NWANKWO
Mummy, I was just beginning to enjoy the reference: "Paul Nwanne M", when it happened, and you were no more there.
Mmmmhhhh! But that's our World; that's our frailty.
I have chosen to believe that "It is well". And it is well! Therefore, live on in the Bossom of the LORD. "Ga kwa ije gi nke óma".
Adieu, Mummy! Adieu, Great Lady!
Paul Efughu
(St. Bridget's Schools)
TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED BOSS, AND MOTHER FIGURE
I am still reeling in shock, struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of my dear boss, mentor, and mother figure. The pain of her sudden departure is a wound that cuts deep, leaving an unfillable void in my life.
Mama, as I fondly called her, was more than just a boss – she embodied the warmth, care, and guidance of a mother. Her presence was a beacon of hope, inspiration, and strength that illuminated my life during our three-year journey together. Every moment spent with her was a precious gift, and her passing leaves an ache in my heart that cannot be soothed.
Last year, Mama's health began to decline, but her indomitable spirit and resilience led me to believe she would overcome. Alas, fate had other plans. On Friday, January 24, 2025, I visited Mama at the hospital, and it pains me to admit that our tigress was weak. Yet, even in her final moments, Mama showed remarkable courage, praying with us and saying "Amen" with a frail but determined voice.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, I was by her side until she peacefully passed away at 1:05 pm. As I held her hand, I felt a deep sense of loss, but also a profound sense of gratitude for the time we shared.
Though your departure is painful, Mama, your legacy will live on through The St. Bridget's Schools, which was your passion. Your staff will continue to uphold the virtues and values you instilled in us. Your memory will be a guiding light, inspiring us to keep your dreams alive.
Rest in Peace, dear Mum. May your soul find eternal rest. May your love, wisdom, and legacy continue to inspire us. ADIEU, our Queen Mother, NNE DI ORA MMA!"
Mrs Bertha Akuba Emeonye
(St. Bridget's Schools)
A Tribute to an Extraordinary Woman
To the woman who taught me life's most valuable lessons, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and tribute. Your influence on my life has been immeasurable, and I am forever changed because of you.
Your unwavering guidance, patience, and love helped shape me into the person I am today. You taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, and kindness. Your example showed me that strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary qualities that make us stronger.
I remember the countless hours you spent with us (SBC PIONEER), sharing your wisdom, and encouraging US to explore our passions. Your words of affirmation and support gave us the confidence to pursue our dreams, even when the journey seemed uncertain.
Your selflessness and generosity inspired us to look beyond our own needs and to consider the impact we have on others. You showed us that true fulfillment comes not from personal achievements alone, but from the positive difference we make in the lives of those around us.
As I reflect on the lessons you've taught us, I am reminded of the profound impact one person can have on another. You have been a constant source of inspiration, comfort, and strength in my life, and I am honored to have had you by my side.
Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, compassion, and love. I will carry your lessons with me always and strive to make you proud.
Ugochukwu Ozuzu
Tribute to Mrs. Nwankwo
The family of Drs. Peace and Bernard Edet wish to offer our condolences to the entire family of Emeka Nwankwo on the loss of their dear mother and grandmother. May the Almighty God grant you comfort and strength as you bid farewell to your matriarch. May Mama's soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
A Tribute To My Mentor
Mummy,
It is still a shock to me that you are no more with us. I have cried and cried wishing this sad news was a dream. I started chatting your phone but no response unlike you. Just going through our kasts chatting and living all our lovely times together. I remember all our many trips to the US, UK, UAE & Turkey. Just being your hand bag and tending you was my joy and Pride. You always checked on me and never shied away from helping when you could. You taught me many things including elegance and class. I learnt to be kind and graceful from you. I ascribe most of my inner strength from your encouragements and cheer. Aba is never going to be same again without you. I love you mum and happy that life does not end here. The hope of seeing you and all my loved ones in heaven where we will meet never to path again, Will keep me focused.
Adieu mum B.
Adieu mummy.
Your daughter,
Chinyere Emenike Uchegbulem (Mrs.)
We thank God for a life well lived "it is not the life we have that matters but the living in our years".
Da Bridget was a trailblazer throughout her life especially in the fields of education, governance and entrepreneurship. She was disciplined, forthright, generous and beautiful - those who stood in awe of her were easily relieved by her famed connection, relationship and love.
She was a pillow of strength to her late husband and amongst her numerous kindness to me. I remember them supporting our wedding and organising our honeymoon which took off from their house as well as easing me back into Health Service work on my return from the UK.
Thank you Dada, for your support and welfare of our people "ndi Umuahia" during the unforgettable Nigerian Civil War. You were a jewel of our people and a woman of our time. May God grant you eternal rest and comfort your family.
Adieu Dada
Dr Okechukwu Uduku
(Waltham Abbey, United Kingdom)
TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED AUNT
Just this last December, I followed you as you had your usual walks round the compound, just the way we did over the years along the street of Ekenna when the city of Aba was quieter. Just this January we were together and prayed together. I didn't know these were the last moments.
You were more than an aunt to me. Over the years, our relationship transcended that of an aunt- niece relationship to that of a mother- daughter relationship. How can I forget you Mum? You did the best you knew to ensure that this girl whom your beloved brother handed over to you as he was dying turned out well.
You didn't stop at anything in instilling discipline. You always said ; "spare the rod and spoil the child." Prov 13:24. God passed me through your hands to make me whatever I am today.
You taught me the principles of hard work. As a growing girl, there were times I wanted to use ill health as an excuse for lazing around but you would tell me; "work is therapeutic".
You taught me to dress simply and decently always insisting my dresses had to be below the knee and not above the knee.
How can I forget the sacrifices you made? Your visits to St Mary Magdalene's Anglican Girls Seminary, where you put me in the late nineties so I could get a touch of Missionary school training which you also had, cannot be forgotten.
You showed me the path of chastity and helped me walk therein even when my knowledge of the Lord Jesus was yet superficial.
You taught me never to waste resources, always saying: "no waste, no want"
I am gratefully passing on these virtues and values to my children and to those whom God has brought around my life.
My husband is eternally grateful that I passed through your hands.
For these and more which you did, I find it difficult to say goodbye but I have to. I find consolation in the fact that you are asleep in the Lord. I am assured that we will meet in the Resurrection Morning. 1 Thess 4 : 13-17
Emma ( as you fondly called my husband) says goodbye; David, Faithfulness and Mercy say goodbye to 'Mama Faulks Road'. Anna is also grateful for the love care and concern you showed her in the Akwada family.
You are already being missed by these all.
Sleep on Mum till we meet again!
Dr (Mrs) Kelechi Chidinma Chukwu (nee Akwada).
A TRIBUTE TO AUNTY BRIDGET (MRS. BRIDGET NWANKWO)
"Aunty, we cannot question God at such a time as this. He knows the end from the beginning and therefore had set everyone's path of destiny
At your departure to glory, you left an indelible mark in the hearts of everyone you touched, inspiring generations with your unwavering optimism, kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Indeed, your remarkable lifestyle was a testament to strength, love, and resilience.
You really added colourful moments to everyone's life, with such immeasurable "AGAPE" kind of love. Your presence was a blessing to all who knew you, and your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us.
As we bid you farewell, we take comfort in the memories we shared with you. We remember your warm smile, your infectious laughter, and your generous spirit. We celebrate your life, your achievements, and the countless lives you touched.
Rest in peace, dear Aunty. Your legacy lives on in our hearts, and your memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with purpose, love, and kindness."
Your Nephew and his wife,
Ugo & Timi Umeh
(Port Harcourt, Nigeria)
Tribute to an Exemplary Mother
Adieu to my mother, Bridget Nwankwo! I'm fortunate to regard you as my mother. You were, in every respect, a mother to me, and, as I have read, to countless others on this platform.
This tribute is to a woman of stellar qualities; an outstanding woman of uncommon virtues; a believer most of all. I remembered, ever so vividly, that over thirty-five years ago, I appeared at the doorstep of your home in Aba for my NYSC. It was my first trip to the East. Right away, you took me in without probing and ensured that I was well settled. Although we had never met prior to then, that was immaterial to you, being your darling son, Emeka's friend, was more than good enough.
Mother, my experience of your generosity, warmth, love, and care are forever etched into my memory. Thank you for all you did for me.
"And I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, “Write: ’Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.’” “Yea,” saith the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them” (Rev. 13:14).
Reserve a mansion for everyone who love His appearing! May the Lord be with my dear friend and brother, Emeka and sister, Ihuoma, whom I have not seen in ages, and may God comfort the rest of the surviving Nwankwo clan.
Dokun Onabanjo
(Saskatchewan, Canada)
TRIBUTE TO OUR DEAR BELOVED AUNTY BRIDGET
Dear Aunty's B,
With great pain and sorrow, we witnessed your passing. We least expected it so early, but God knows the best.
You came, you saw and you conquered. Your certificate speaks.
You were a mother, an aunty, a sister; a source of hope, discipline, direction, comforter etc to the needy and all. You left a vacuum that may never be filled.
We are missing you and continue to miss you. We are still praying and continue to pray for you where ever you may be now and pray God to accept you and grant you perfect rest in his bosom. As we pray, we humbly ask that you pray for us mourning, especially your dear beloved biological children, that God will continue to direct and comfort them and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Aunty's, we miss you, we adore and appreciate you.
Aunty's B., adieu, and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace , Amen.
Chukwudi Akwada
For his family
TRIBUTE TO MRS BRIDGET NWANKWO
We first met in 1973 when I returned to Nigeria with my family from the UK – for good we thought at the time. Well before then, it felt as we had known each other for years through the special relationship between you and Rose, my wife.
I remember how you had made all arrangements in advance of our arrival to ensure that our onward journey from Lagos to the East was as hassle-free as possible. You had arranged for us to spend a few days with one of your close relations in Lagos to allow us time to clear our personal effects from Customs before continuing to the East where you put us up in your home at Old Umuahia until we moved to Aba where you had already secured a flat for us. You even went as far as purchasing a piece of land in Aba for us in anticipation that we might wish to build our own house there once we were settled.
However, within a few months it became apparent that the environment in Aba at the time was not conducive to bringing up our children – there were marauding solders everywhere molesting and intimidating the civilian population. So the decision was made to relocate back to the UK.
During that period, you came up with the idea of starting a private school. First, we had to identify a suitable site, acquire it and then seek funding from the banks. When we found a site, I recall our trips deep into Ngwa village to negotiate with the land owners. On one occasion, the negotiations went on so late into the evening that we felt nervous and jittery driving back in darkness to town. I also remember our meetings with a couple of banks to negotiate for funding. That school stands today as a monumental legacy for which we are all very proud.
As for the piece of land you acquired on our behalf, we agreed not to sell it but for you to use to build a family house of your own.
When the time came to build a house at home, it was you I turned to manage the project. You chose the architect and supervised the whole work from scratch to finish. That involved return trips of over 50 miles from Aba to Okwe at regular intervals on roads that were often death traps. On occasions during the rainy seasons, I recall your phone calls to me to report how you had to take off your shoes and wade through the water and potholes on some of your journeys but you were never deterred. When the project was completed, what a joyful occasion it was when you handed the keys over to us.
My family owes you a lot. We will never, never forget you. To us you were special, kind, generous and always there for us whenever we needed you.
My one regret is that I failed in my efforts to persuade you to go into politics; I was convinced that you would have made one hell of a Governor for Abia State. Anyway, I had the pleasure of always addressing you as Governor-in-Waiting.
The good Lord has decided to take you from us and who are we mere mortals to question Him.
Adieu Special One and Rest in Perfect Peace until we meet again!!.
Paul Egwu Nwosu
(Sanderstead, UK)
Tribute to Lady Bridget (Big Mommy)
Big Mommy, as we call her, was indeed a humble, towering figure in the education sector in the southeast (SE) of Nigeria.
Parents who wanted the best education sent their children to Lady Bridget's schools. I attended her secondary school, St. Bridget's College, from 1997 to 2003. Around that period, her schools were considered to be among the best-performing schools in Abia State. Impressed with my educational progress, my parents also sent my younger siblings to the college (one of them joined from the primary school).
Discipline, hard work, excellence, and integrity were some of the principles Lady Bridget advocated and expected from students and staff. I remember there were students from across the southeast and a few from the UK and the US.
Lady Bridget did not like mediocrity or cutting corners. She wanted the best in all aspects. Whenever Lady Bridget visited the college, she spent time inspecting the school buildings, including the clinic and kitchen, to ensure that the staff were looking after the students the way she instructed. One fun fact I also remember was that the kitchen staff would prepare extra special food for students when Big Mommy visited!
Lady Bridget's college played a big role in where I am today. This was why I made the effort to give back some years ago when I tried to set up a twinning programme with a UK school. Lady Bridget expressed her gratitude for this effort in writing and over a phone call. The humility was astounding.
The last time I saw her was a few years ago in London (before COVID), at Mr. and Mrs. Nwosu's house. My dearest aunty Rose invited me for dinner and, as a surprise, to see Lady Bridget. As we shared memories, it was fascinating that she still remembered many of her students and events after all these years. Incredible!
Lastly, I must add that my parents were also fond of Lady Bridget. My dad, in particular, kept in touch with her, visiting her when needed and as time permitted. Like many others, he was also shocked to hear the sad news.
Lady Bridget touched hundreds, and by extension thousands, of lives in a positive way. Many across Nigeria and the world respected her.
She built a legacy, which I hope and pray continues to live on.
Rest in peace, Big Mommy.
(On behalf of the family of Mr. and the late Mrs. E. Egbuonu)
Chinedu Egbuonu
(London, UK)
TRIBUTE TO A NOBLE WOMAN
I schooled in HOLY ROSARY SECONDARY SCHOOL UMUAHIA, but you had left before I came in, but I taught in your School ST BRIDGET where you treated me as your very own, living off Fox road you will pick me up to school five days week. That was very rare ! Yes but you did it. You called me by my native name NKECHI.
You thought me a lot, you will correct my notes before we get to school and watch me through the window while I teach my class. You encouraged me and empowered me to pursue my dreams which I did. Thank you so much for believing I could do better. I saw you last in my village during the burial of your friend’s husband ( an uncle of mine) BONES OJIAH
Farewell Mama till we meet to part no more. AMEN!
Imma Nkechi Akalonu
(California USA)
TRIBUTE
Grief is the price we pay for love.
Is there anyone who didn't love Aunt Bridget after meeting her? If you were ever privileged to spend any amount of time with her, you can attest to the fact that she always left you better than she found you. Whether it was making you a delicious meal, praying for you, empathizing with whatever you were going through or simply just sitting and laughing with you if that's what you needed. She was beautiful inside and out and made everyone she came across instantly feel like they were a part of her family.
My mom fondly recalls the warm welcome she received upon meeting her for the first time ever. A memory and feeling that she has always treasured and tried to replicate in her own life. My sister Uche, remembers to this day, loving the pot of soup Aunt Bridget prepared so much at just 3 years old that changed her life forever. "THE SHOUP IS SHWEET OH" were her exact words then and we all still make fun of her for it today.
As we bid farewell to our most loving aunt, let us carry forward the love, warmth and beauty she brought into our lives everyday. Though she may no longer be with us here in body, her gentle spirit lives on in our hearts, reminding us to hold tight to the bonds of family.
On behalf of myself and family, my mom and sisters, thank you for the fond memories. I know you are finally home with the Father, resting in His bosom. You would want us to celebrate the exemplary life you lived and carry on your beautiful legacy of kindness, grace and love. I pray that we all continue to make you proud. Rest in perfect peace!
Mrs. Chidinma Key for the Bex-Akwada Family
(Dallas, TX)
A Tribute to a Woman of Elegance and Excellence
Truly, if elegance had a face it would be yours. You lived a life that was both regal and real. Excellence was your signature and integrity your compass. You gave, you nurtured and you guided. Now you rest, but your legacy stands tall, the truth you spoke, the lives you touched, the kindness you shared, they remain. I am grateful to have known you, rest well Elegant One.
Dr Ekaete Aniekan Etiebet
(Lagos, Nigeria)
