Ifueko Benedicta Uwaifo

Rest in Peace Ifueko.
You lived a good life and fought the good fight.
You made an impact in our generation.We miss you .
Sleep Restfully beloved soul. 

My Father's ways may twist and turn, my heart may throb and ache, but in my soul I'm glad I know; He maketh no mistakes!
My cherished plans may go astray......but still I'll trust my Lord to lead, for he doth know the way.. and He maketh no mistakes!.
Though the night be dark and it may seem that day will never break, I'll pin my faith, my all in Him;He maketh no mistakes! There's so much I cannot see, my eyesight far too dim,but come what may, I'll simply trust him.......He maketh no mistakes!
For by the mist will he lift and plain it all. He'll make through all the way though dark to me, HE MAKETH NO MISTAKES. 

“I write this tribute with a heavy heart, how would I have known that our unique friendship -a sisterly relationship would just be so short yet so impactful…. Another Precious one to me has left me!!!

I can’t believe you no longer here, I have no one to confide in like you, no one to speak words of wisdom to me in a gentle way like you do, no one to joke with that would reciprocate your unique laughter, Words fail me my dearest Ifks!

I thank God for that cold Monday morning I sighted you in your green turtle neck sweater, you sat a few rows away from me in the lecture hall in Dundee, Scotland. We introduced ourselves and when I realised you were Benin I automatically knew we’ll be friends. We went through ups and downs in school but we pulled through, oh yes we did by God’s special grace!!! I was so proud you made a distinction as I knew how hardworking and determined you were; always so gentle even in crisis. You welcomed me into your life with open arms, and your beautiful family, oh your beautiful knitted family …. Words fail my dearest Ifks!!

I came back from the UK unplanned just over a year ago and you my dearest sister welcomed me into your home, your husband was at the airport to pick me up that early September morning and you were home waiting patiently for me with open arms …. Oh, I bless God for the day I met you …. such a kind soul you were. You made sure I was comfortable on my return, you literally took me in. Words fail me my dearest Ifks!!!

I remember getting multiple invites for Owen’s birthday and I had to respond to say how can I miss it as a virtual panning committee member. Now thinking about it I guess you just wanted me to be around by all means and you wanted me to see you for the last time (my thoughts). Words fail me Ifks!!!!

I never told you this verbally but you were and would remain one the closest to a best friend (I don’t believe I have any) to me. I remain eternally grateful to God for the grace to have met a special being He created. Sometimes I ponder on how we bonded so well considering the 10years age gap between us … Words fail me Ifks!!!!!

We have been instructed by Our Creator to give thanks in all situations for that is His will for us in Christ Jesus (1Thessalonians 5:18) for Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted (Mathew 5:4).  On behalf of friends and acquaintances you made in Dundee, we thank God for the unique opportunity to have been a part of your life journey. I mourn you, we mourn you dearest Sister …God knows how much I will miss you, how much I miss you already …”

Rest in perfect peace my dearest Mrs Uwaifo.... Sleep well my fighter … Jesus Loves you more till we meet again….

Ifueks,

“Truer words were never spoken when Tavares sang "heaven must be missing an angel" 2 years after your birth, because an angel is truly what you are. But it seems heaven has reclaimed what it once lost

Words aren't enough to express how much you are missed and I think about you everyday, wondering why you were taken so abruptly but just because you are gone doesn’t mean you are no more. I will always hold you close to my heart and cherish the time I got to share with you

I can literally see you worrying about those you have left behind most especially Owen but you can rest peacefully; assured in the knowledge that we've got your back. Ya pips gat it covered, no shaking!!!!!

The void created by the sudden death of my best friend and colleague will not be filled. She was someone I took for granted would be around for much longer.

Ifueko was a selfless and dedicated professional – undemonstrative, industrious and highly intelligent. These qualities made her easy to admire but what made her truly special -and endeared her to many- was her warmth and generosity of spirit. Ifueko was unfailingly kind, fair minded and even tempered. Ifueko was always ready to listen, quick to offer encouragement and well considered advice. Now there is no one to talk to.

Ifueko, now that you have come to the end of this sentimental journey we call ‘life’ I would like to thank you for your love, friendship and kindness. I will remember.

Ifueko!! What a rude shock to us!! What Christmas gift you presented to the family this year!!! Why did you leave us so early? How will Iye Osamede cope? How will Owen and Uwaifo continue without you? Who will your siblings look up to as their second mother? Hmmmm...Only God can answer all these questions. We thank the same God for the short but beautiful life you lived, we also thank God for allowing us be part of that life, we remember our childhood days spent riding to and fro from Emotan primary school, the holidays, the cultural dances and so much more we cant forget. We will forever remember and cherish it our darling sister Ifueko.

“Ifueko okhionowie ooo”.                   

“How does one begin to write a tribute to someone so dear at such a time we didn't anticipate. To someone whom you didn't meet at a certain time nor a certain place: but knew of right from the moment you became conscious of your environment. 

Of course, this wasn't the plot; we where all supposed to grow old together and watch our kids and grandkids grow: just like our mothers do today and just as we did growing up together!

It's been difficult trying to put our thoughts together to make sense of your passing, but we take a few lessons from the quality life you lived.

You were Kind, Generous and Loving: if there was a Mother Theresa amongst us, it was you. You were the one who would go out of your way to meet the need of others. You gave so many people a reason to thank GOD by the way touched their lives. No wonder folks are so fired up to give back by setting up a foundation in your honour!

You also thought us by your passing on, the need to always be in touch with ourselves. Always looking forward to the next visit or gathering which never happened: we take this as a learning point and ensure those you left behind keep it together and continue being close.

You also teach us to always be of good cheer. There was never an angry moment by you. With your radiant smile, you lightened up our gatherings and our homes. You brightened so many lives by your presence.

Lastly, by your passing on, we learn an important lesson: death has lost its sting on us. We are consoled because we know you rest in the bosom of Abraham. We know that by whatever happens and whenever it happens, you're there already and we'll surely see you again”.

Thus far, we came a long way. Henceforth, we'll walk alone.

Our Sister, our friend and our playmate...walk on in HIS glory!

Tribute to a True Friend

My darling Ifuegzy, my Fren fren!! Hmmm...words fail me. Where or how do I start? I remember when I walked into the little law firm on Boyle street on my first day of work. How I naturally gravitated towards the small quiet girl in a cream suit because she was so friendly and approachable and made me feel welcome and at ease. You helped me settle in and not surprisingly from that moment our bond grew stronger. I always asked how someone could be so thoughtful and told you many times how I wished I could think of half the thoughtful things you did for others. It was just your nature. I can't even begin to recount or recall how our friendship extended to our spouses. I tell my husband he stole my friends because of how close you and Uwaifo became with him. You were just easy, open and endearing. There's so much I could go on and on but I'm sure all those whose lives you touched saw the many lovely sides of who you are. I remember once I travelled and you went to check on my kids bearing goodies. I never even knew until they told me when I got back. I was so touched, but that's who you were. I know you knew how special you were to me... how we teased and agreed to call each other "Fren" till we were 80!! Hmmmm...God knows best. You loved with all that was within you, never judging, never angry, kind, giving and never expecting anything in return. You were the epitome of a true Christian. We are so thankful to have had the chance to have you in our lives. My family and I were so distraught with the news but we take solace knowing you have risen to higher glory; a better place. Good night my darling, rest on sweet angel till we meet again by HIs grace. Adieu

 

“Ifueks, I can't seem to comprehend what happened. It's hard to bear. I am so pained and hurt. However I'm consoled with the fact you are resting in the bosom of our Lord!!!!!

Ifueko I am glad and privileged to be Owen's Godmother, I will definitely play my role by God's grace. Rest In Peace my darling cousin, sister and friend”.

 

“My madam as I fondly called you, I still can’t believe you are gone. You stood out of all because of your good character and big heart. Those of us who got to know you were very lucky for having crossed paths with you. I am consoled with the fact that I got to tell how much I loved you every time we saw. Rest In Peace dear sister! “