Tribute to Chinedum Ntianu Jaja-Wachuku
By NKEM NZERIBE

My friend Chinedum is dead. Today is Saturday, the 15th of October 2016: I started to write this tribute three days ago, but found myself at such a loss that it has been difficult proceeding with the piece. For the past 72 hours, I’ve been struggling to find the right words to describe my friend – to tell you about her, to explain why this death, this loss is so tragic and weighs more than most. I know; any untimely death is a tremendous loss to the ones left behind. Still I struggle with words to describe Chinedum and what she meant to me and all who loved her.

Chinedum was special. Dare I say extraordinary... But she is no longer and that realization unearths a deep physical pain. I am transposed to a corner of the world where the fire burns and is all-consuming. Breathing is difficult.

I can no longer just push a button on my phone and be connected, chat with her, tease her or laugh as she warns me of all the dangers that now lurk in Today’s Nigeria and the ‘weird’ people that appear to have overrun the good old country. Having her as one of my focal points on my sporadic trips to Lagos and her lovingly berating me is no longer an option. I will no longer hear and laugh at: “Abeg komot sha. U no understand. Oyibo no work here-o”. Sad!

Chinedum had been diabetic for a while. She uncomplainingly managed her illness. Through all the other challenges that life threw down her pathway this late in life, she remained a force of nature with kindness running through her interactions with her friends, adopted family, old school community and family. And then – death steals her away from everyone who loved her.

How do you write a tribute to Chinedum? How do I describe one of the most selfless person I know? Someone who often will neglect her own self-interest for the good of others so blessed with her attention? How do I explain the multitude of ways she made me better, or how she never missed an opportunity to encourage me, tell me she loved and was praying for me? How do I begin to recount the dozens of people who were direct beneficiaries of her time, pool of encouragement and generosity? This is not the time and place to call out the scores of voices, people that she helped, souls that she inspired and the lives she touched. In her own quiet, dedicated way, she went about all these deeds, donating her time, talents, experience because she felt called to do so. No questions. No discussion. Just did it!

Just in case, some of you may be staring into the void and searching for the other shoe. There are not only angels here. I am not interested in painting some cartoonish figures of Chinedum. In life, Chinedum was a fully formed multi-dimensional individual who inhabited and exhibited, sometimes simultaneously, all the registers of human emotions, attributes and actions. Yes, she was very kind, understanding, quick to champion the under-dog, people in need, a voice for the voice-less, and generous to a fault. But she was also stubborn, seemingly unforgiving, sometimes inscrutable, annoying, opinionated and difficult. She always was a fully formed human being imbued with all the complexity of life. She was a lady: a woman of impeccable tradition. In remembering her today, a life cut short by illness, I believe that her selflessness, inside-and-outside beauty, strength of character and generosity of spirit rightly overwhelm all other challenging attributes.
Chinedum, your candle burned out before it even gave an indication that the wax had run down. I can honestly say that you contributed to making the world a better place. For those of us that have known and loved you, our hearts will go on - as in the song immortalized by Celine Dion (http://bit.ly/2dYQKNA). “Near, far, wherever you are”: because you have opened the door to appreciate and love you, Ntianu you remain forever in our hearts.

I hope that the immediate Jaja-Wachuku family will draw strength from the outpouring of positive emotion surrounding the sad event of Chinedum’s death.

G. Nkem Nzeribe

CHINEDUM NTIANU JAJA-WACHUKU
1952 – 2016 BY EJINE NZERIBE

Chinedu Ntianu Jaja-Wachuku was my second cousin, born to my great-aunt, Mrs. Rhoda Jaja-Wachuku and her husband, Anucha Jaja-Wachuku. She was certainly much older than I, and I didn’t have the privilege of being close to her in those early days growing up in Lagos. She was very studious, given to much reading and very reserved. She would curl up on a bed or chair reading a book or magazine, anything readable, whilst we – Nwabueze, Ndubuisi and Emenuwa – the rowdy, playful ones would be all over the place playing one game or the other, getting on each other’s nerves and of course in my case, crying at the least provocation…especially from the boys!

Chinedum and I became closer in the last 3 years after we met at a social event in Lagos. We visited one another but not so often. My association with her at this time was enough for me to understand the person Chinedum was. She was understandably strict (an Uncle Jaja strong trait). But underneath that veneer was a very loving and kind person who wanted things done openly; who cared for people, enough to give of her possessions and love selflessly without question. Her trust knew no bounds, meted out to all and sundry just because it was her nature, and her ability to give without expecting anything in return reveals a rare quality in one so strict.

Chinedum, only God knows why He chose to call you home now. When I saw you about 2 months before your demise, I did not realize it would be the last. I wish I had another chance to deepen the relationship we had forged, to argue as we did about one thing or the other and reminisce about all those times growing up as children. I take solace in the fact that we will meet again someday, at Jesus’ feet.

My dear Chinedum, if anyone had told me on 10th September when we chatted via whatsapp that that would be our our last chat, i would never have believed it. I am happy that we caught up with each other after a long separation due life deals. All your children and I will miss you. You were such a wonderful Auntie and friend. To your son, Chukwuma, and the whole family, may God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Chinedum, rest in perfect peace in the bossom of the Lord.

Rest in peace Chinedum. Your intelligence, class and knowledge left a strong and lasting impression on me and many others. May the Lord keep you close to him.

BY Ejike Nwokolo

We acknowledge the transition of
Chinedum Jaja-Wachukwu , a valued NNP member and contributor.
Chinedum was a dignified,informed and intelligent commentator who often was able to give her eye witness accounts of important events in Nigeria's history including the ceremonies of our independence in 1960 which she took part in as a school girl,delivering the bouquet of flowers to Britain's Princess Alexandra.
She was the eldest daughter of 
Jaja Wachukwu ,Nigeria's respected premier foreign minister and second republic Senator. She has been laid to rest at her family home in Nbawsi , Abia State.
We send our condolences to her family and friends some of whom are also NNP members.
May she rest in peace. EJIKE NWOKOLO

A TRIBUTE TO CHINEDUM NTIANU JAJA WACHUKU
By Uloaku Amadi Uzamere
Chinedum,as your name implies,you were a lodestar,a shining guiding light.
You mentored many,you inspired many,you gave direction to many.
You had a caring heart so full of warmth.You treated the friends of your younger siblings(like me)as your own.
We looked up to you because you were so poised and accommodating. You gave shelter and focus to many.
For one whose spirit was so soft,open and harmless as yours,the craziness,meaness and deceit in the world must have utterly bewildered you.

You departed.
We will miss you but we are glad that we once had someone as wonderful as you in our lives.
Chinedum,it is goodnight not goodbye.
May your truly gentle soul rest in the bosom of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Ulo Amadi Uzamere.

My memories of Chinedu go back to a childhood in Nigeria that was free of worldly cares, when even then there was a strong stridency in her voice and an assertion of freedom that was unusual. Those were fun times and though brief were unforgettable. This is a death too soon, but we seem to be surrounded by them these days. I hope she has found freedom and peace.

"It is well, it is well" said the Shunamite
So we say..."it is well", for
God is our strength & refuge
A very present help at times like this

To my cousins: Dee Ndubuisi, Nwabueze, Emenuwa & Idu, ndo nu o!
Chukwuma, ndo o!
May God comfort & sustain you all.

Big cousin is gone
I remember as a kid, my dad her uncle Ibe always spoke so highly of her, so to me she was a role model, some one to emulate

Adieu cousin
Adieu.
You will always be remembered
Au revoir chere cousine, au revoir!!!

Very hard to believe. This came as a shock. I never met Chinedum though we kept planning to meet up. We communicated on social media and in private chat. We shared a live for plants. I later found out she and my first cousins lived together at some point growing up. Strong woman, beautiful in and out, sleep well. Greenfingers will miss your many comments and suggestions about flowers. I will miss our private chats.

Need, you left so early. You were a friend I can never forget. You helped me in a way that only a mother could when I had my son years ago even when I am older than you . You were there doing "omugwo" for me and teaching me how to handle a new baby with the type of live a mother would give to her daughter and baby. Your love was unquantifiable and you gave it whole heartedly.
The news of your demise came as a huge shock to me but when the Lord God speaks, we must all accept . You loved Him in life and we who are on this side of life believe that you have received your crown of righteousness and faithfulness from Him who has called you to greater and eternal life. We love you but He loves you more. Resting Him my friend .
Nwabs , Chukwuma and the rest of her family, do receive strength from the Lord who has called her home. She has only gone ahead of us. Do accept my love and condolences for we must not mourn as those that have no hope. Maranatha !!!

Sister Chinedum, I met you at St, Annes School Ibadan. I knew you as the older sister of my dear friend and class mate, Idu. Over the years, you became a friend to me despite the diffrence in our ages.
You were a wonderful and caring soul.
A star fell from the heavens; a star returned.
Shine on sweet star!!

When You don't move the mountains I wished that You would move
When You don't part the waters I wished that I'd walk through
I will trust in You
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
Lord, there's no place I'll ever go that you've not already been.

Sleep on Chinedum. We bless God for the life you lived.

Although I have always known Sister Chinedum was Sister Nwab's sister, it wasn't until last year that I became friends with her. I immediately took a liking to her and always felt SPECIAL whenever she shared my pictures or posts.I found her to be very smart and cordial with everyone. I will miss her dearly and pray for her soul to rest peacefully in the Lord's bosom. Sis Nwabs, may God console you, her Son Chukwuma , and the rest of your family. it is well.

As I reminise about the wonderful childhood we had together at Queen's School, Enugu, I'm reminded of your sweet nature and personality. We canvassed the grounds of Queen's School and certainly had our share of mischief and commotion together with the rest of our friends who were in our clique. These remain memories left for us to cherish.

The news of your passing came as a complete shock. Indeed God knows best. Rest easy dearest friend...

Nwabueze, on behalf of my entire family, I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Sister Nwabueze and family

Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. My sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss of Chinedum . "The memory of the righteous is a blessing." Proverbs 10:7.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” Isaiah 26:4

Please be assured that our God, the Everlasting Rock, the Rock of Ages, will strengthen and comfort your family.

From Livingstone and Mungo Park
BY CHISARA SANDRA NWABARA

From Livingstone and Mungo Park
To the Dining Hall, Locker Room and back.
From the Library and Madame Iype's Biology lab
To the Majestic Assembly Hall to sing and pray
Straight to the classrooms, we walked, every week day.


We canvassed that cherished ground
Where knowledge, courage, and hope still abound
We were destined and lucky to cross paths
We strutted our stuff and held our heads high
We did as we were told and never asked why.


I first met you in flesh during the onslaught of that war
You were an overflow from the other Queens, our competitor 
Mrs. KirkPatrick used to tell us how bright you all were
You blended in and showed us the stuff you were made of
I was never in doubt; you were focused and elegantly tough.


On that cherished ground that laid the foundation for us
I grew to appreciate you, and learned you were one of us
Not only were you my schoolmate, you were my sisterly-in-law
Few shared their pricey possessions with others
But for you, I was never hungry; I even had more than others.


We were suddenly summoned to that Majestic Assembly Hall
We knew a special announcement would us all befall
There, Mrs. KirkPatrick, informed us she was sending us home
It was no longer safe to traverse that cherished ground
We packed our belongings and bade all our mates goodbye.


I never saw you again, Chinedum, kind one
I never returned to that cherished ground so happily worn
I prayed that someday I would see you but that wasn't to be
The phenomenon called Facebook connected you and me
Could I, a magic wand wave, I will tell you all about the new me.


Adios my friend! REQUIESCAT IN PACE! 

Chisara Sandra Nwabara.

It's unreal to believe that you're gone nwanne mmadu! You were such a precious, kind, and beautiful spirit and facebook introduced you to me. We went on to share beautiful memories together and my husband and I grew really fond of you but alas, I heard you are gone! Journey safely back home beautiful big sister! Adeiu! May the Almighty grant your family strength to bear this painful exit!

TRIBUTE WRITTEN BY CHISARA SANDRA NWAGBARA




From Livingstone and Mungo Park
To the Dining Hall, Locker Room and back.
From the Library and Madame Iype's Biology lab
To the Majestic Assembly Hall to sing and pray
Straight to the classrooms, we walked, every week day.


We canvassed that cherished ground
Where knowledge, courage, and hope still abound
We were destined and lucky to cross paths
We strutted our stuff and held our heads high
We did as we were told and never asked why.


I first met you in flesh during the onslaught of that war
You were an overflow from the other Queens, our competitor 
Mrs. KirkPatrick used to tell us how bright you all were
You blended in and showed us the stuff you were made of
I was never in doubt; you were focused and elegantly tough.


On that cherished ground that laid the foundation for us
I grew to appreciate you, and learned you were one of us
Not only were you my schoolmate, you were my sisterly-in-law
Few shared their pricey possessions with others
But for you, I was never hungry; I even had more than others.


We were suddenly summoned to that Majestic Assembly Hall
We knew a special announcement would us all befall
There, Mrs. KirkPatrick, informed us she was sending us home
It was no longer safe to traverse that cherished ground
We packed our belongings and bade all our mates goodbye.


I never saw you again, Chinedum, kind one
I never returned to that cherished ground so happily worn
I prayed that someday I would see you but that wasn't to be
The phenomenon called Facebook connected you and me
Could I, a magic wand wave, I will tell you all about the new me.


Adios my friend! REQUIESCAT IN PACE! 

Chisara Sandra Nwabara.

Gone like the wind!! Left a Vacuum but will be remembered forever
Gone but not forgotten. Rest In Peace Chinedum.

My darling big sis, your death was a shock to me, have been going through my series of conversations with you and asking my self " Is sis Chinedum truly gone"? I quiver at this great loss of my darling big sis. Indeed, life is an enigma. While we mourn the exit of your mortal body from this planet earth, having been committed to Mother Earth and from dust to dust, we take solace in the fact that you died in Christ and such resting peacefully in the bosom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, singing praises with the saints. This is the utmost desire of every child of God. May the Lord be praised. Till we meet to part no more my darling sweet objective big sis, farewell, love you, Emeka Donald Wachuku (Emeka Don Wach)...

My dearest cousin , CHINEDUM , I never invisaged that my 'hanging out ' with you in July would be our last. As I always did when I came into Lagos, I called you on the 17th of July 2016 to inform you that I was around . Despite your ill health, you made time to be with me all through my 4 days' stay. All my life we had almost always been together, same ' Ota Akara' school at Aba, same lower primary school ,till you all left for lagos when your father, my uncle was made a Minister of the first Republic.All through the Biafran Civil war, we were together, living like siblings and doing everything together - for instance. Attending Biafran Youth Front gatherings, going to 'Jumps' etc . In Queens School Enugu after the war , we were together, at UNN we were also together, even living in the same ' New Hostel' . After youth Corps , we were all living in Festac village. when I had my first set of twins, you spoilt them with a whole lot of Toys! You always knew how to give the ' little ones ' fun times! Most of us called you 'Madam Fix it' because you always found joy in trying to fix people's problems . There were hardly any friends of ours who did not benefit from your benevolent nature ! You were a Cousin in a million! Always ready to assist others anytime even at your own inconvenience. You were humble to a fault , ready to associate with anybody irrespective of class or race. Ada UKWU Jaja, your friends will miss you! Your siblings' friends will miss you ! We your family will also miss you very much! Adieu oke Ada! Adieu Dum Dum! Adieu Nwanne eji aga mba' ! Till that Ressurection morning when we shall meet to part no more. From Your loving cousin , Chinyere Pam Jonah.

Our Princess Chinedum
We will not cry at your grave because you are not there. You have followed the path that God laid for you. You went with Him when you heard His call. You could not stay to say goodbye byes and farewell,to laugh,to work to play to love. Your life has been full,You savoured much,good family,good friends good times, a loved ones touch.
You have found peace. Your parting has left such a void but will be filled with Remembered Joy.

Our dearly beloved Chinedu Ntianu Jaja-Wachukwu 'Ada Ugo Ngwa' Ada Ukwu Jaja-Wachukwu your sudden exit was shocking but i take solace that on the last day we shall all meet to part no more.On Ecclesiastes 3 verses 2,3,4,5,am highlighting on 'BIRTH' 'DEATH''MOURNING'HEALING'and 'EMBRACING'which summarises our earthly journey.Big sister you were an INSTITUTION ,very loving and giving which you inherited from your late mum our Auntie Rhoda your maternal root of the reknowned Onumonu's Family of Oguta Ameshi.Am happy i you from your root,being an old Queen's school product of Enugu,our families are very connected and so shall it be.Our Ada ugo Ngwa whilst i say GOOD NITE with a heavy heart but who am i since God needed an Angel on 26/9/16.Your evergreen memories will forever be in my heart.Be strong and it is well i say to your siblings,amazing son,family ,friends most especially to Nwabueze,Ndubuisi,Emeruwa,Idu and Chukwuma on behalf of the late Sir Ogbuagu Sydney Ebini Okoroafor's Family of Oguta Imo State,Nigeria.

Dearest Angel

You lived and served the Lord as you were called by Him. Now He has called you back to Haven. Though you're dearly missed, we feel blessed, rest assured that you are with the Lord. Our prayers remain for the family you left behind, for the grace to bear this great loss.

May your soul rest in perfect peace, Chinedu.

It is well. May the Lord give you rest.

Delicate flower; rest in perfect peace Chinedum.

Oh Chinedum I am still in shock. Everyday, since you passed I remember the beautiful times we shared. You were very down to earth, very creative, loved nature and exhibited it in your gardening.
You were very open-hearted and loved family. You went lengths to help your friends and open doors for them.
My caring and loving sis rest in perfect peace until we meet to part no more.  You will forever live in our hearts.

Sis Chinedum. You are sorely missed. We became facebook friends by chance, but sisters by choice. I still cannot believe that I will not be seeing your comments on my posts and that you will not be sharing my posts on your timeline any longer. May you find eternal joy at the feet of your Creator, sis.

Sis Chinedum. You are sorely missed. We became facebook friends by chance, but sisters by choice. I still cannot believe that I will not be seeing your comments on my posts and that you will not be sharing my posts on your timeline any longer. May you find eternal joy at the feet of your Creator, sis.

As I write my eyes are filled with tears, it never occurred to me how much your death will affect me my darling coz. I find myself wishing that your passing wasn't real!
Every time I think about it pain is all I can feel. I am glad you feel no pain now, you are in a peaceful place and have left the pains & sorrows of this world behind. I regret I did not convey enough to you how much I loved you the last time we spoke on 9/13/16.
I will love & miss you forever Chi, until ressurection morning when we will meet to part no more. Until that day comes, I will wipe my tears away! Rest eternally my dear!!!!!