Priceless and irreplaceable Omada. It is a difficult task to stand here at 47 to give a tribute to a sister and best friend I assumed will grow old together with me and then at 46 she leaves for the other side of eternity. In her 2016 Journal, she had written that she and our Mom were going to travel to Nigeria together and then in September, she and I would take a trip to some resort together. Those plans were not to be. LORD knows that many prayers were lifted up. She prayed. Her family prayed. The Church prayed. Her friends prayed. Her well-wishers prayed. We stood on GOD’s word and believed that Omada would be healed permanently and live. On the 21st of February 2016, GOD answered our prayers. Not in the way we necessarily would have wanted or expected. But in a way that was best for Omada and ultimately would be good for us. We now see only in part. At some point we would see in full. Omada has received her healing. On the other side of eternity. Where there is no sickness nor pain nor tears. We are overwhelmed by the overflowing tributes that have poured in since the news of Omada’s passing. One thing we can affirm is that all that has been said of Omada and more is what she was. Omada meant different things to us all in her family. We would not be able to enumerate all but we’ll highlight a few……….
In the words of Ile’s family, she was a big sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a friend and a counsellor who acted as a source of advice and a sounding board on so many different issues. She was an organised and goal-oriented individual who encouraged people around her to lead purpose driven lives. She took her faith seriously and encouraged anyone who would listen to do the same. She was consistent at home and outside her home.
Omada was approachable and had a disarming nature about her. Always smiling. And she would always chide me to smile more and frown less. Frowning - something I am fond of doing – sadly. Omada was calm. Omada could be counted upon to give a calm, measured response to nearly any situation. She had strong opinions of course, but she usually gave them in a disarmingly cool way. And on the rare occasions when she would mention that “xyz” made her mad, I would cringe and think the offending person would have had to have done something totally abominable for Omada to be voicing her displeasure.
Omada was a caring daughter and sister. I used to smile in admiration as she and our Dad would bounce plans and ideas off each other. In many ways they were alike in their sense of order and organization and planning. She was the even-keeled respectful daughter and sister. Hostess with the mostess as we would often tease her anytime she had a full-house with family. She was upbeat and never allowed our Mom her caregiver to have a down moment or look downcast. Oh no - Not in her presence!
Ojoru was six years Omada’s junior in elementary, middle, high school, college and medical schools and she often referred to as 'Omada's sister'. That, in and of itself spoke volumes about Omada. Omada was a very well behaved, intelligent and excellent student, and left some really big shoes for her little sister, Ojoru, to fill. She tried really hard though and she admits that she fell short quite a number of times. And over time, Ojoru became not just her “baby” sister but professional colleague as well.

Omada was a lot of fun. She laughed a lot, smiled a lot, gave of herself a lot, danced a lot, was the go to person for planning family fun activities. Her nephews (Siji, Whanyi, Elem and Iko) and nieces (Seyi, Ogo, Ire, Uma and Anibe) loved face timing her and visiting her. We remember the many conversations Omada had with Iko who she referred to as "my buddy". Although she never met Anibe (her youngest niece) in person she was always excited to see her via FaceTime. The Frank-Ito family looked forward to their annual pilgrimage from Fuquay-Varina to Orlando during the Spring. She was the happening and fun-loving Aunt. What could be counted upon to put a sparkle in her eyes were her family, nieces and nephews and her Sunday school at church. To Boye, Ojoru’s husband, who has no sisters, she became a dear sister.
Omada took the time despite her busy schedule to ensure that Uneku was adjusting well to life in a foreign country when he started at MSU as a freshman. In particular, Omada took a great interest in ensuring that he was not neglecting his relationship with God, an interest which she maintained even after he had left East Lansing. Whenever he missed Sunday service, he could always expect to get a gentle reminder the next time he spoke to Omada as to why going to church was important for his spiritual growth. He also counted on Omada to give him very pragmatic advice about any problems that he brought to her attention. Omada was always about finding solutions and she spent very little time dwelling on problems or assigning blame when a solution could be had.
She was a take charge person and made the most out of her waking hours. Most importantly, Omada’s relationship with, and faith in God played an enormous role in her life and served as an inspiration to all of us. Omada came to the saving knowledge of her Saviour Jesus Christ during her first year in secondary school.
She demonstrated exemplary faith and trust in God despite her declining health, and she handled her condition with grace. Her illness became her new area of ministry for sharing the gospel. It was not uncommon for a few of us to call Omada in a worried state to inquire about her well-being and progress and end the phone call encouraged by her positivity and questioning the strength of our faith in God. Omada was a vibrant personality whose presence on earth with us was far too short. The journey she went through, though hers, was also ours as her family.
She was elegant. The Fashionista. Carrying her 5ft 11 height ever so confidently in flats and in heels. And her adornment was not merely outward in the arranging of hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather it was the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3-4). That was Omada.
Omada lived her short life to the fullest. Omada was a woman of faith. Omada's faith was rock solid. Sadly, the stars that shine the brightest, sometimes shine for the shortest amount of time. In her life and in her death, she has brought each of us closer to God and that to us, is the best testimony anyone could get. Omada you will be missed. You ran your race well and are now resting with the Lord where there is no pain, no sickness. To live in the hearts of those whom you love and love you is not to die. Rest on Omada, till we meet to part no more.
Ideally I should acknowledge each and every person who is here tonight to celebrate Omada’s homegoing at this Service of Songs. We would have loved to name each and everyone but time would not permit us. We are overwhelmed by your presence and immense support. Dear friends and family who have travelled from far and near across the U.S., Europe and Nigeria. Farida what you did six years ago will forever remain indelible in our hearts. Her Oncology team here in Florida, Dr. Baidas, Ellen and the rest of the team. Dr. Monisola Oni. Nikki Wilson. Julie Hillery. Members of the Igala Association USA. The Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan, Pastor James Pierce, John & Carolyn Little and members of Omada’s church, Dr. Tejumade Awosika, Mrs. Bridget Abuh, Prof. & Mrs. Ikede, Pastor John Oni. Thank you and GOD Bless you ALL.
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