REMINISCING MY TIME WITH CHIKA OPARAODU
The run up to 2015 general elections, electioneering campaigns, the election itself and post-election saw political activities widely reported via the new media otherwise known as "social media or citizen's journalism".
It also improved people's social rating as the platform brought people from diverse background together to form what will continue to remain an ever increasing social circle.
We had just formed a Political pressure group which we named "Volunteer 4 Wike" around September or October of 2014 after Daniel Ogolo called me and a few others where we discussed the possibility of setting up the group. Eventually, we met at Mr. Sweet by CFC where our inaugural meeting was held and resolution reached. From thenceforth, we fathomed operationality of the group and motions were put in place with tasks and responsibilities assigned to members. That group became known even before Wike clinched the party's ticket in December 2014.
Chika David Oparaodu who had been on a solo political reportage in support of Wike had been seeing our activities. She became convinced to joining us when she and almost everyone that turned up for Wike's Obio/Akpor tour at the Civic Centre, Rumueme in which our colorful outfit emblazoned with Wike's picture added an effective colour to the occasion to the admiration of Wike himself who prior to that outing never envisaged or engaged anyone to set up such an enviable team. He was visibly happy that he called us for a handshake and photoshoot. Thereafter, formal contact was made.
My first physical sighting of her was a day after the Obio/Akpor Tour when we visited CSS, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, venue for Phalga's tour. Whilst we mounted our guard of honor, I noticed Chika smiling on members of the group. She was in the company of Sydney Ogolo and Rt. Hon. Austin Opara. It was Sydney who blew the lid on Chika's interests on the group by saying to her "you no go join them now. No be after now, you go dey worry person say you like them and wan join". Chika, noticing we heard Sydney, blushed. That spurring by Sydney made her to contact us there and eventually, she was registered as a V4W member.
Her membership of V4W drew her closer to other members. She socialized well. She didn't discriminate on other members irrespective of age, tribe or one's sex. She was dedicated to the cause and eventually, attended nearly every programs outlined even when it was inconveniencing for her. She contributed her quota in almost every meeting. Sometimes, her motherly attributes would be handy to resolve what appeared intractable disagreements amongst members at the time. She saw members of the group as her inner circle of friends. She invited and treated members respectfully to her 2015 birthday celebration at her home. We dined and wined and danced and wished her many happy returns.
Chika also wrote very well. She became a household name on this space with her posts on relationship, fashion, politics and even "aproko" trailed with reactions and commentaries running into hundreds for every posts. She indeed, influenced this space and became known in many quarters even off here. Sometimes, both of us ran into loggerheads disagreeing on political issues especially after I left the PDP and joined the APC but, we did still reach out to each other reminding ourselves of where we were coming from and how we shouldn't allow minor disagreements to break us.
She was a wonderful lady who respected people. She never looked down on people. She joked so much that if you don't know her, you would misconstrue her position especially when she and Emy Onunwor and the others were bantering.
News filtered into town last night of her demise. I knew she was a bit sick which she even posted on Facebook. Unknown to me that I wouldn't see my dear friend and sister again. It's shocking to say the least losing her at this time in her bid to excel in life's endeavors. I feel sad even as I key in these words in describing her. My heart goes out to the Oparaodus for having to contend with two deaths within two months. Father and daughter! To Kachi, her son whom she's always proud of, I pray God to grant him the fortitude to bear the irreparable and irreplaceable loss. This loss is a very huge one.
Chika my dear friend and sister, I pray for the repose of your soul. Long ago have I known that death is the inevitable ways of all mortals. Last night, you breathed your last. We that had the rare privilege to be graced by your elegance, mien, carriage, finesse are the ones most hit by your untimely demise. Whilst we mourn your passing, we are not unmindful that someday, we shall all meet in the great beyond to part no more. Adieu great woman. La n'udo. Leru anya