Chuka, we discussed how you had packed up the drinks that were left over from the trad for us to continue the "groove" in Jos.

Uchenna, we discussed that you wanted us to pass through Awkuzu to pick u up to drive down to Jos together.

Those were my last discussions with both of you. I constantly replay them in my head.

10 years on, and it still seems like yesterday. Since then, I have tried to make sense of the events of that evening to no avail, so I constantly seek out rays of hope to grant me solace in the fact that you are all in a better place. Time has not healed the wound; whosoever said that "time heals all wounds" obviously lied. Some wounds do not heal; you just live the rest of your life pursuing ways to live with them.

On a more positive note, what has happened since then:

Chimdi is a big boy! And I mean this in every sense. He is growing fast (you will not believe how tall he already is), intelligent, and developing into an excellent footballer. I'm hoping we push the Arsenal route, but his dad doesn't rate us (Gunners) anymore. You would both be proud of him.

Ralunna and Kasiemobi are maturing into independent and brilliant young girls. You can’t miss the “Okekeness” in them.

Esomchi and Chizulu are the fireworks you would expect them to be. They are a handful! 

Nelota is the baby of the house. Feed her, change her, and do not disrupt her flow – with these, you will find peace with her.

Chuka, Arsenal has gotten worse. It's bad o!!! From our steady "Top 4" to not making Europe at all.

Uchenna, Lebron put the Lakers back on the map with another championship last year. This year was a bit of a write-off, he is obviously older now, and the injuries are starting to pile up. Hopefully, we can still get two to three more "great" years.

We miss you guys. It is still very tough, from wondering what could have been done differently on the day to imagining the people you could have been today. It is what it is, I guess.

We'll see you when We'll see you. Say hi to Cathy and Nkiru for me.



Chike Agba

Chuka….
It started off a nice day.. I was heavily pregnant with my second child (Zara). I decided to drive to town and pick up some stuff. The federal road safety stopped me on Ahmadu bello way and insisted I showed them my licence. (Which I didn’t have on me then) they also decided I was going to follow them to the their office which was very far from town. It was really frustrating for me.. I was really emotional  (I blame it on pregnancy hormones). But I kept crying, I was thirsty and felt dizzy .  and then I called my husband. Chuka happened to be in his office when I called. I heard Chuka say “she’s crying?” Nnamdi don’t worry I will go. Chuka drove to where I was and took absolute control. Took me to his car, got me a cold drink and did what I called magic with the Officials who were previously very harsh. Chuka had this calm and friendly demeanor.. I sat in his car and watched them laugh and shake hands with him. He came back n gave me his keys, asked me to drive his car back to my hubby’s office. Said he will meet me there. He left everything he was doing, sacrificed his time and did it so lovingly. My eyes were swollen I was a mess but Chuka still gave me compliments.. when I remember Chuka I remember him saving me on 2 different occasions and giving the most compliments.. Chuka would hail your outfit, in his words (wow nne, lovely dress) compliment your hair and say the nicest things. He was so kind.. an amazing being. We miss him and Uchenna so much . when we were much younger , I would stop by  to see Amuche often, Uchenna always gave the best hugs and always wanted to know what we were up to. Her laughter, many questions and constant giggles all very hard to forget.,She made me constantly wish I had a kid sister, very beautiful chenna with the best laugh. May God keep them in the warmt of his love and continue to console all they have left behind. We will never forget.❤️

My dearest Uchenna,

I could go on and on with stories about you and how full of life you were. Some of my earliest memories of both of us include playing together at the back of the house in Rock Haven, climbing the trees there, riding bikes, lessons with Mr Ralph . I still remember that we always wore the same style (and in most cases color) of dresses for Christmas and family parties. We always wondered why we couldn’t get the same style as our bigger sisters …lol… or go to the same places/parties with Amuche. When I think about you, I’m sure you know how often this is, I always remember your full bellied laughter, the type you make when you get surprised and it kind of bursts out of you. In public you’d typically follow that with putting your hand over your mouth and looking around as you observe heads turning in your direction. Another memory that always comes to mind …is your signature dance move … you would typically stand…put up your right hand, tilt your head …lol…and then sway from side to side and shout “that’s my soooooooong”. In your mind you were like a hot stepper sha …lol.

Do you remember all the shopping trips you went on for me in Seattle? I think you kind of hated them … but you always went gladly…taking pictures, trying on dresses. But that’s you, always there for the people you loved and who needed you. For my wedding dress you must have tried on over 20 dresses and even when I wanted to give up, you refused. We did find the perfect dress and the perfect maid of honor dress which I never saw you rock. We had so many plans for that your trip to Nigeria. Finally we were old enough and working class girls and could be independent and do our thing. I couldn’t wait for you to touch down in Lagos. I still remember many of the deep conversations we had on that your trip to Nigeria …starting with the very first night you arrived. Did we even sleep? We had always been really close but on that trip we were inseparable. My colleagues at work knew you, I had talked about you so much and the day you came by the office so many came around to say hi to you. Later so many followed up with me to get your number …*wink wink.

I’ll stop with the stories now and wrap up by saying…thanks for all you were and still are to me. You were my confidant, my sister, and even though younger, you gave me so much wise counsel. Such a kind heart. Super smart and beautiful in and out, God took His time when he created you. I love you, and miss you so much.

Chisom