Tribute to my Twin Sister Florence Wogu
October 16, 2020
Florence and I met as young children in St Theresa’s Grammar School Ughelli , Delta State , Nigeria in September 1974. We were both starting secondary school. We were both very tiny, sharp , confident and outspoken hence the title “twin sister” . We gravitated toward each other.Florence was ( hard to refer to her in past tense) very intelligent, respectful and committed to any cause she believed in. She was very analytical, thoughtful and ever smiling . She would debate any topic intelligently holding her head high with respect. She was deputy head girl.
We spent five years together in secondary school and parted ways to meet again at the University of Benin where once again because of our common interest, we studied Law. We were both enrolled as solicitors on the same day in November 1988.
In all if this , my twin sister and I were still very thin and confident in our skins.
In all if this , my twin sister and I were still very thin and confident in our skins.
My darling sis Florence could not be intimidated by anyone. She held her own showing respect to those who have earned it. She did not care whose ox was gored. She spoke the truth as she saw it. After graduation and youth service, we found ourselves in Lagos trying to build our legal careers .
This sister of mine loved law passionately. One woman who worked hard for everything she got in life. Nothing was handed to her on a platter of Gold. No , she simply worked hard and was very focused. We maintained our relationship by visiting each other . She had the dream of forming an old girls association back then as she had a kindred spirit and enjoyed been with her secondary school mates.
She looked for me to be her chief brides maid when she married the love of her life Uche but I was not available. She forgave me . That’s Florence for you. She had no iota of malice in her . We visited each other and cried together when we became parents. She taught me how to make fresh fish stew, we shared our dreams together.
Distance played a role in our relationship but we still kept in touch. Florence was sunshine. She lit up the room with her infectious laughter. She understood what it meant to be a friend. She nurtured her relationships and was a friend indeed.
She sent a photograph ( about two weeks before she passed) to our class forum when we were concerned she was silent on the forum. Little did we know it will be the last. She looked cool and we were all happy to see her cheerful face.Then the news that she had passed! Just like that. I was dumb and numb. I could not comprehend it and still cannot. Whaaaat . But that’s life which is short and we don’t know who is next.
My twin sister, I salute your tenancity, your resolve to excel and you left a legacy of excellence. I salute your commitment and dedication to your husband , children and immediate family. You loved your siblings and understood your biblical role as a wife , mother and in law within the Nigerian context .
You have gone to a better place my darling twin sister. You have finished your race which you ran well. There is nothing more for you to do on this side of life. The finality of death is cruel but we must accept it as our creator who gives has the final say.
Adieu my twin sister Florence Ifeoma Wogu.
Roberta Avwerosuo-Adeda Nee Komori
