DEATH has struck in The Nation family, snatching the
co-ordinator of Campus Life Mrs. Ngozi Agbo.
She died in Lagos on Monday as a result
of complications from child birth. The baby boy survived.
The late Mrs. Agbo (formerly Miss Ngozi
Nwozor), who would have been 37 next month, got married on July 30, last year.
An English Language graduate of the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the late Mrs. Agbo bagged a Masters degree in
History and International Relations at the University of Lagos. She also
attended the Pan African University.
Mrs Agbo joined The Nation in 2007
having previously worked with New Age and a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO),
Fate Foundation.
Tributes have been pouring in from the
students she mentored through the column and from colleagues and friends.
Her Husband, Mr Agbo Agbo, a Public
Relations Specialist said: “Her death is a shock to us all. I pray to God to
give me long life to take care of the son she left behin.
“She was a very dedicated and
intelligent human being, a visionary who stood for high mood values. She never
cut corners.
“She was somebody that did the right
thing at the right time.”
“She was a rare gem that we cannot
forget in a hurry. Her death is shocking. We take solace in that fact that God
knows best,” said Joke Kujenya, an Assistant Editor with The Nation.
Wale Ajetunmobi, who has just completed
his national youth service, working directly with Mrs Agbo until her death,
recounted his last encounter with her.
“There was no premonition of death. She
looked forward to having the baby. Last Thursday, she sent me an e mail giving
instructions on how she wanted this week’s edition of the Campus Life section
to look like.
“On Sunday, she sent me another mail
giving further instructions which she ended by asking me to inform her as soon
as I’m employed by The Nation. I only read the mail on Monday, the day she
died. She was such an efficient journalist and a compassionate person to work
with,” Ajetunmobi said.
Some of the tributes by Campus Life
contributors are:
Ademola Samson, Obafemi Awolowo
University (OAU)
A loss is it. Too obvious to be denied.
I tried to look away but I cannot. Adieu Aunty Ngozi Nwozor-Agbo. We will miss
you, but your work speaks on
Comfort Ogon, 200-Level Political
Science, University of Calabar (UNICAL)
No! No! No! Please, tell me I’m
dreaming. My Editor is not... tell me Mrs. Ngozi Nwozor-Agbor is not dead. Not
after I promised to host her in Calabar for a carnival. The carnival is yet to
come but she is no more. It is hard to believe. What does the future hold for
us, CAMPUSLIFE writers? How can we exist without our mother; a woman of
inestimable value? Death, why?
Vincent Nzemeke, Graduate of Mass
Communication, Delta State University (DELSU)
Lekan Otufodunrin found a diamond. Sam
Omatseye, Sunday Oguntola, Joe Agbro, Simon Kolawole, Azubike Ishiekwene and
some others polished the diamond. But Ngozi Nwozor made that diamond shine.
Thanks NG for being a part of my life. God be with you till we meet again.
Abiola Salawu, graduate, Kwara State
Polytechnic (KWARA POLY)
Aunty NG, you live on in our hearts and
we are a reflection of your values, beliefs and principles. Yours is an
enduring legacy. Words cannot describe our feelings of loss and how dearly you
are missed. It is true that we have once enjoyed. We can never lose and all
that we lose, but love deeply. Forever remain a part of us. You are not
forgotten and never will you be. Rest in peace and in the Lord’s bosom
Michael Adebayo, 200-Level Computer
Science, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
“The Lord takes the righteous
away before the evil days” Isa. 57:1. Aunty, you have taught me in the hardest
way that death is inevitable. You will be remembered eternally for your
valuable input in my life. You prints are so indelible in the sands of time.
You have founded a generation after your heart. God be praised, you came, you
saw and you conquered. We love you but you are now in the bosom of He who loves
you best. Continue to rest till we meet to part no more. Very hard to say
Adieu!
Hope Ofobike, NYSC, Minna
Aunty, I can’t believe this. You just
called me to send story last week. Now you are gone. Your impact on youths and
Nigeria can’t be wiped away. I love you. Keep resting with JESUS
Dayo Nigeria, Ngozi’s Facebook friend
Your good deeds will always speak for
you. The many youths you gave voice will always imprint your name in the hearts
of millions... So sad that death shamelessly took you away even when your good
heart is seriously needed in a society starved of one. I can never forget you
for the love you always show, and your bluntness... RIP Aunty Ngozi.
Hannah Ojo, 400-Level English, OAU
Life gave us happiness and took away
joy. Life gave us a baby boy and took my aunty. I wish this is one expensive
joke but it is not. Cheerful moment never last, and good people are rare. We
were not born of the same parent but the bond surpasses that of relations. It
was you who started this light and now you are nowhere to be found. Ngozi
Theresa Agbo nee Nwozor, your demise is too much to bear.
Amaka Nwankwo
Rest in peace Aunty Ngozi. We both
chatted last week when I was teasing you about your big tummy. Little did I
know it would be our last discussion. Rest in the bosom of the Lord. You will
be greatly missed.