It took me this long to put words together because I just couldn't take your departure in so quickly. I first close encounter I had with you was in 2005, when the Chancellor officially handed me over to you and since then you have been my guiding Angel. 

Last October when we saw, as your usual culture is, you still asked me pertinent questions and we agreed on some issues concerning what am suppose to achieve in 2019. I never knew that would be the very last time I would have the privilege of enjoy your motherly counsel. 

My greatest regret was not having the opportunity to tell you I Loved You. You live forever in my heart, Mother Eagle!

Rest in Peace, Mama

Dearest Aize, from our first meeting you told me not to call you 'Professor', you humbly apologised for not being able to spend more time together when ever we visited Canaanland, you invited us into your busy schedule just so we could catch 5 mins of precious conversation, you took my calls from Australia always encouraging me to keep the faith and stay connected despite the distance, you introduced yourself to my husband when he visited taking special care that he was well looked after, you shared our joy when our miracle baby daughter was conceived, you helped us name her 'Adeola' - the white baby with the Nigerian name, you created space for our son to speak to the professors at CU...... your generosity knew no bounds. My most precious memory is of the time we were praying together in your office at CU - the presence of the Lord filled the room and our hearts in a spectacular way - from that day we were one in Him. Not 'forever missed' dear Aize but forever sisters, eternally connected by the One who brought us together. My dearest African sister! What a privilege to know you and share the friendship we did over the years the Lord gave us. My greatest regret - that my daughter Adeola never met you. Oh the many times we talked of meeting in London! We were planning a trip to see you later this year.... she has read every one of these tributes to get a glimpse of the wonderful woman you were. 'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. As one seed falls to the ground, many others spring up and flourish. We pick up the baton you have passed on. We will run the race and finish the course until every tear has been wiped away and we share with you and Tok the everlasting joy of His presence. Thank you dearest Aize for being a devoted friend and loving sister. I love you and thank the Lord for your incredible example. Much love from your Australian family - Lilli, Mike, Joel and Adeola.

Dear Prof. Aize Obayan,

When I heard of your passing away, all that came to my mind was you lived a life of impact. Thanks for inspiring me with your life! Thank you ma for all the time at Covenant University.  Continue to rest in the bossom of our Lord. You are forever missed. Adieu!

Rest in the bosom of the lord. You always inspire me to do more, I would forever be greatful for that. Thank you so much. Goodnight Ma.

Words really fail me at this point. Sincerely, I was quite young when I joined The University & like every other youth, it was like you were too harsh, strict or perhaps wicked. 

But now I am older and I realize all you were doing was just sacrificing yourself to make me a better person. All you did was to make each & every graduate of The University a proud alumni. Your sacrifices were huge, to say the least, but they will forever be on the tenets of the history of The University.

You earned a special place in the hearts of many and your teachings, values and beliefs will still be nurtured and cherished because they have produced results that have been tested and trusted.

As a woman, you broke new frontiers, blazed the trail and challenged other women that they can be whoever they want and that women are not limited to the "Kitchen" or "Bedroom". You made me realize I have so much to give to my generation  and inspire younger people around me.

Thank you Professor Aize Obayan.

Professor aize. Your charismatic competent and loving leadership is one that must be reciprocated by the current leaders of our time . We indeed are the fruits of your labour of love.  I remember your heartwarming words and gestures to us at landmark university. Your response to the well-being of students unmatched you are Indeed  Our leading leader .

I honour and celebrate the life you have given us to emulate 

I console Myself that you're in the bosom of the Lord.

Chinonso iroemeh 

Landmark University 

The first time I was summoned to Professor Obayan's office, my 100 level self was in awe. I waited for a few minutes staring at the numerous books sitting on shelves and tables,  and felt totally at home. I had found a fellow book lover and it was awesome! 

After a very interesting conversation filled with excellent counsel on how to navigate my new life at CU,  you gave me my very first journal (which I still have) with a scripture in it. You said to me, "Miss Okoi, write down important events, prayers, testimonies and memories in this book, so that you never forget them". Today, whenever I write in any new journals, I think of you, grateful that you taught me the importance of putting thoughts, dreams and visions to paper. So, thank you for teaching me to never settle for the status quo but ask questions, to dream big and 'write the vision, making it plain'.

I am amazed when I realise that I would never have studied French, made life-long friends, or even attended CU and become the person I am today if it wasn't for you. I am grateful to you for all the love, attention, wisdom and patience you showered me with, and I promise to pay it forward. You will be greatly missed, but I know we will meet again. 

She always had my back! You live forever mummy Aize Obayan

On behalf of my wife, Mrs. Chinwe Nnamdi-Ekeanyanwu, my three children that call you Big Mummy and the entire Ekeanyanwu family that knew what you meant to me, I refuse to say goodbye. Mama Aize Obayan cannot die! You live in me and the lives of many others that you have touched in very unique ways.

My heart bleeds! I am deeply saddened and devastated even when I know you are with God your Maker. My wife and children weep uncontrollably at this devastating and irreparable loss. Words fail me. How could this happen? Why you? You didn’t deserve to go now! You have served and served well but you never said you were tired! Why now?

Yes, I can ask all the questions but I can never play God, who knows the end from the beginning. I am only expressing my grief at the loss of a dear mother, mentor, teacher, friend, and MY DESTINY HELPER. You adopted me into your family as a son and made me family. My wife became a daughter to you and my children became your grandchildren. Our birthdays were marked and celebrated by you. My children’s first books and toys were bought by you. You never failed to shower us gifts. You never refused me anything that was within your power to give! Anything that concerns me was priority for you. I was the envy of many because of your motherly love that was obvious!! When I was down, you were there to pick me up. You stood by me without reservation and taught me the true meaning of love, family and loyalty. For you, family is not extended but extensive, weaving many platforms and connecting to many stables. You also showed me God in Love and the true meaning of worship and service. Your devotion to GOD was unparalleled. Anyone that knows you and me know I just lost a mother but Heaven just gained soul.

Words fail me. My heart bleeds. But in all of these, I promise you never to lose Faith. You will “not approve” that! I am consoled that you lived well and served God to the end. Dear Mummy, good night and sleep well. Though we grieve, God alone knows why you left earlier than anticipated. We had plans even to the day you left. Now, I have to see some through by His Helps, others I will never fulfill anymore because they mean nothing without you. You prayed for me, my wife and family. You blessed me so well on my birthday on January 9, 2019 as if you knew that was the last you will wish me happy birthday in person. I was used to you pouring your heart out to me always that I never suspected anything.

We are proud of you and the life you lived. We now take solace in the fact that you lived well and know where you are going to spend your eternity. Death cannot stop or change that! The transition of your beloved husband to glory taught me a life lesson: It is not how long but how well! You have again confirmed that. I promise to uphold the ideals you taught me and that defined you as long as I live. I will also forever bless your memory. God will never abandon your children; He is too faithful to fail. As you would always tell me no matter the circumstances, all will be well!

Rest well Mummy until we meet in the Bosom of our Lord Jesus.

Professor Nnamdi & Chinwe Ekeanyanwu and Family