
MY TRIBUTE TO OMADA
This is my second tribute to the memory of a close family member in 24 months, and it is much harder to write than the first.
My earliest memories of Omada have been dulled by time. I do not remember as much of our childhood as I wish I could. I vaguely remember a few squabbles when we were very young and I can say that Omada had quite a temper when riled up! I remember her playing the role of the elder sibling supervising (gleefully I should add!) my homework from school some 37 odd years ago. I also remember that Omada’s afternoon nap was non-negotiable – she had to have her nap come what may. I also vaguely remember Omada having a dislike of beans (which the rest of us had to eat, whether or not we liked it!)
The primary school years passed all too quickly and Omada went unto boarding school far, far away. Contact with Omada was limited during those years - I only saw her when she came home for the holidays for a few weeks. In no time I was off to boarding school and I got to see Omada only on holidays for the better part of almost 15 years.
Time marched (on as it always will) and Omada got into University of Ibadan’s medical school. I remember the Alexander Brown Hall years and Omada’s friends from that era, some of whom are here today. One thing I can say about Omada during her time as a university student was that she was active in the things of God even then. She was a member of the campus fellowship then and also a regular attendee at the weekly services of one of the Pentecostal churches in Ibadan then (I’m not sure of the name now).
Omada was about to go for national youth service just about the time I was getting into university – I remember this period because she had a car then that I had designs on! All too soon, Omada was through with youth service and was off to the US. Her place in Michigan became a transport hub of sorts for the entire family – I remember her threatening to auction off or give away my things I had left at her place if I didn’t come to pick them up soon!
How was Omada as a person? I would say she was a disciplined and organised individual who was very goal oriented. On my visits to her place in Michigan she would often share her plans for the year and beyond and would encourage me and everyone else to live a goal oriented life. Omada seemed almost free of the excesses and appetites that plague the rest of us and it sometimes seems so, so cruel that Omada was afflicted by an illness that eventually claimed her life. But in all things, we give thanks.
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 an unexcited way. What could be counted upon to put a sparkle in her eyes were her family, nieces and nephews and her Sunday school at church. And of course, her sister and friend, Ache.
There’s so much to say but I’ll stop here.
Omada will be missed.
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