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His memories will live with us forever.
OBITUARY
Dr. Nowamagbe Austin Omoigui, pre-eminent interventional cardiologist in Columbia, South Carolina and foremost Nigerian-American civil-military historian, shed his earthly bonds and was called to the Lord on April 18, 2021.
Preceded in passing by his beloved mother, Mrs. Grace Onaiwu Omoigui, Dr. Omoigui is survived by his wife Moira Omoigui, their children (Ikpomwosa Omoigui, Ighiwiyisi Omoigui, Iyegbekosa (Egbe) & Izevbokun (Izzy) Omoigui, Iyare Omoigui and Iriagbonse Omoigui), his father, Surveyor Daniel Aiyanyo Omoigui and his four siblings (Dr. Sota Omoigui, Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, Eghosa Omoigui and Nosa Omoigui), their spouses and In-laws, nephews and nieces; aunts, uncles and cousins; friends and colleagues.
Born in the United Kingdom on March 28, 1959 and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Omoigui was a precocious talent who set records everywhere he went. He graduated from high school (with the ordinary level school certificate as it was known at the time) at age 15, from Federal Government College, Warri in Nigeria. He graduated with distinction and set a record as the first in the history of the school (and one of the first in the West Africa) to obtain a Grade A1, the highest available grade, in Fine Arts. In 1975, after a year at King’s College in Lagos, Nigeria (where he had entered for the advanced level, higher school certificate as it was known at the time), he gained admission to study Medicine at Nigeria’s premier medical school, the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. In 1981, he graduated at the top of his medical school class with distinction and delivered the valedictory speech. After the required internship (as a house officer), he spent a mandatory year of service at the Nigeria Army Brigade of Guards where he set new records by coordinating a never-done-before air, sea, and land military disaster drill, and received a National Award in recognition of his contributions from the then President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, in 1983.
In the U.S., he did his post-graduate medicine residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, NY and later served as Chief Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He obtained a master’s degree in public health with particular interest in Health Resource Management and Policy, from the University of Illinois. Nowa completed a residency in cardiology at Stanford University and in Interventional Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic (America’s best heart center). After relocating to the U.S., Nowa continued his tradition of collecting awards and setting records. He was awarded the Timothy Beckett (1992) and Hewlett Packard (1993) Awards, and awards for excellence as a post-doctoral fellow in Cardiovascular Disease.
He set the record among clinical fellows at the Cleveland Clinic for the highest number of abstracts submitted and presented (as first author) at a single National meeting (American Heart Association 1994). Dr. Omoigui also published numerous research papers in many of the world’s most prestigious medical journals. Importantly, he set a new record when he became the first Nigerian (and African) immigrant, and perhaps the youngest ever to do so, to be Chief of Cardiology at the University of South Carolina in December 1994 at the age of 35.
In 1996, he was the Chief of Cardiology, the Program Director of Cardiology Fellowship, Director at the VA Medical Center, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of Regents. During the Desert Storm military campaign, Nowa logged into the high-level war-room that was full of military Generals, discussing tactics and strategies of military warfare.
Dr. Omoigui was an academic researcher, a masterful orator, a precociously gifted painter, a world-renowned military historian and was widely recognized for his scholarship on national security, civil-military relations, national and traditional history, and politics. In fact, many would arguably call him a genius.
Prior to the advent of the Web, Nowa would casually give you facts and figures about events. By the time you checked, he would be correct about the date, time, place and everything else. His brain was like a walking encyclopedia. Despite his record-setting achievements and his intellectual prowess, he was always humble, easily approachable, and always ready to help friends, family and his younger colleagues who sought his counsel.Known for his intellectual sagacity, his polymathic breadth and depth of knowledge, expertise and interests, and his charmingly disarming sense of humor coupled with the loudest laugh this side of the Atlantic Ocean, Dr. Omoigui was a force of nature. Ever simple yet beautifully complex, he combined the perspicacious erudition of a sage with the boundless curiosity and passion of a child. He had an encyclopedic brain and a beautiful heart. He was sui generis, one of a kind, and just a genuinely good person.
Nowa was a shooting star traveling high above on its earthly journey, and lighting up the world below, in an incandescent myriad of colors, before flaming out in a blaze of glory. While on this earth, Nowa ensured that his name was engraved in record books for the ages, and as he has shed his garb of mortality and transcended into immortality at the throne of God, we pray that God engraves his name among His greatest servants and grant him glory and eternal life in Heaven.
His life and legacy will stand as an unceasing source of pride, comfort, and joy to all of us. There are truly things Death cannot steal.
We are immensely grateful to God for the life he lived, the service he gave to family and country, and most importantly, his love, care for, and devotion to, his wife, children and family and friends. We are also thankful to all those that supported him in health and in sickness.
We will miss him dearly. May his soul rest in peace and our memories comfort us.
Dr. Nowa Omoigui will be laid to rest in Columbia, SC on May 15, 2021.
Tributes
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We miss your powerful and fearless contributions to thorny issues;
We miss your ability, forthrightness and capacity to reach out and douse brewing conflicts;
We miss your positive reflections on issues concerning the wellbeing of our people.
Above all we miss your laughter, smiles and friendship.
You live on Nowa Omoigui in our hearts as you continue to rest in Peace.
Is Jesus' exegesis, as the gospels speak.
Whoever gives nothing,
For sure keeps nothing!
Nowa, because you gave much,
Hence to dwell on, we have much.
The truth is just bare,
That your kind is rare!
-Cynthia Enahoro
This is Amy Cheatham from Case Law School. I am so deeply sorry to learn of your loss. I'm praying for you and your family. I would love to be in touch with you -- 216.533.5812.
Peace & love,
Amy
Hunters do not go to the forest unprepared. You do not engage Nowa without arming yourself with a deep understanding of the topic you were going to challenge him on. Most times you would lose the argument anyway. He knew so much and so well. Dr. Omoigui exuded excellence, commitment, and respect. He demonstrated so much reverence for cultural values, his people, and as moderator, to Edo Nation and African networks! Thank you, Nowa!
May the Lord almighty grant his family, friends, and others who knew him in person or from afar, the fortitude to bear the loss of this rare human being! Rest in peace, Oga Patapata!
~ Sandra Frempong
Even though I did not have the privilege of meeting and knowing this man of God when he was on earth with all of us, I hereby put together the following prayers of comfort for a his wife, children, and relations that he left behind.
Prayer in Time of Bereavement HD - YouTube
Uplifting Christian Grief Songs - YouTube
Prayer for Strength when Grieving - Comfort in Loss - YouTube
Prayer For Comfort And Strength When Grieving - YouTube
Prayer For Grief and Loss | Prayers For Strength ... - YouTube
"Prayers for Those Who Grieve
Sweet Hour Of Prayer – YouTube
Prof. Joshua Olayiwola Oyekan
5-17-21
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.
Dear Moira,
On behalf of my family and I, I offer my sincerest condolences to you and the kids on the passing of Dr. Nowa. May God grant him eternal rest and may perpetual light shine upon him. May God give you and your family the strength to bear this great loss. He will forever live in your hearts. Amen
By Rosaline Osemetiti Okosun Ph.D; JP
I write this tribute with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of my dear friend and brother, Dr. Austin Nowamagbe Omoigui.
It has taken me weeks to come to terms that my friend Nowa is no longer here on earth with us.
Nowa, it’s been a privilege to have known you.
We were family, not just friends. You were a very good friend that anyone would want to have in life. You were very intelligent, and knowledgeable in many areas. We could discuss anything and everything. You taught me a lot, especially about our culture.
Nowa was kind, humble, loving and real. He was bold and fearless. He was a wonderful father to his six children. He also loved his wife, Moira. He loved his parents and siblings as well. When his mum passed few years ago, he said to me that “half of him had gone”.
Nowa, I thought you were getting better when we last exchanged messages. You assured me that you will not give up. You told me you were saying your prayers and especially your rosary on a daily basis. I encouraged you to continue to say your prayers.
Behold, death came calling and snatched you away from us. Death, Why? Why? Why?
Who am I to question God. He knows the best.
Farewell my dear friend and brother, Nowa. You left without saying good bye. I guess God wanted you to come home and rest. To rest in heaven where there is no pain, sorrow and suffering.We lost you, but heaven gained you.
Nowa, I will surely miss you so much.
May our Mother Mary continue to intercede on your behalf.
Eternal rest grant unto Nowa O Lord, and let Perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God Rest In Peace, Amen.
Good night my dear friend.
it’s hard to come to terms with the realization that you are no longer physically here on Earth. I can hear your usual reply of “I dey full ground” whenever I ask, “Brother, how now?”
Your presence was larger than life, you stood out wherever you were. That you impacted so many lives is no longer a secret. That you were a hard worker, and dedicated to your profession, was well known. Your colleagues and hospital staff who worked with you, all attest to this. That you were passionate about Politics, World History, Military intelligence & Warfare, the Arts, Culture, especially Bini/Edo African Culture is also well know. Your interests were vast and varied and you could converse effortlessly and easily with the most learned of persons, as well as a kindergartener. Your discussions were always witty, intelligent, educative and passionate., and I was often amazed at the fact that you were utterly impervious to the fact that most of your rapt audience felt they were in the presence of a genius. You took the many compliments that came your way with humility and sometimes, even embarrassment. I remember meeting an older gentleman a few years ago, and on hearing my accent, he asked where I was from. When I told him “Nigeria”, he excitedly asked me, “Do you know Dr Omoigui?” When I said “Yes”, he remarked very solemnly, “Dr Omoigui saved my life, when I had a heart attack, he is the reason I’m alive today” Such was the type of impact you had on a lot of people.
The most remarkable virtue I saw in you, was your selfless love for God, and your Family! You lived for your wife and children. You would sacrifice much for them. You loved your parents, and your siblings. You always wanted to make them happy. I remember how sad you felt after your dear Mother died a few years ago. I had to tell you about the conversation I had with her during her last visit to Columbia, how worried she was for you, and how she so wanted you to feel better, quickly and you promised you will.
I am glad that you were a Christian. You had a personal relationship with God. You did your best and were a good Catholic. You attended Mass, as often as you could and up until the Covid regulations made it impossible for you to, and you spoke often of your Faith in God.
Rest In Peace, Brother Nowa.
I pray that The Lord receives your soul and welcomes you into His Heavenly Kingdom with the Saints triumphant, Amen.
Ngozi Ezeihuaku
MD, MPH, FACC.
THE TRAILBLAZER.
By Abraham Ariyo, M.D.
Nowa Omoigui shattered the glass ceiling in Cardiology by being the first Nigerian immigrant to serve as Chief of Cardiology of a major University Medical School in the United States – The University of South Carolina, Columbia. His achievements ushered in a new era of possibilities. He inspired new generations of young Africans and African Americans in Cardiology worldwide. He chartered a new course, allowing us to redefine our future. By his example, we know that there are no limits in pursuing our dreams in the field of Cardiology. We celebrate his life this week.
Nowamagbe Omoigui was born on March 28, 1959 and passed on April 18th, 2021. He was a precocious talent who set records everywhere he went. He graduated from high school at age 15, from Federal Government College, Warri in Nigeria. He graduated with distinction and set a record as the first in the history of the school (and one of the first in West African History) to obtain a Grade A1 in Fine Arts. In 1975, after a year of pre-Med at King’s College in Lagos, he gained admission to study Medicine at the Nigeria’s premier Medical School, The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. In 1981, he graduated at the top of his Medical School Class with distinction and delivered the valedictory speech. After Internship, he spent a mandatory year of service at the Brigade of Guards where he set new records by coordinating an air, sea and land Military disaster drill, and received a National Award from the Nigerian President Shehu Shagari in 1983.
In the U.S., he did Medicine Residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, NY and served as Chief Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He obtained a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois. He trained in Cardiology at Stanford University and in Interventional Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic (America’s best heart center). Nowa continued his tradition of collecting awards and setting records in the U.S. He was awarded the Timothy Beckett (1992) and Hewlett Packard (1993) Awards, and Awards for excellence as a post-doctoral fellow in Cardiovascular Disease. He set the all-time record among clinical fellows at the Cleveland Clinic for the highest number of abstracts submitted and presented (as first author) at a single National meeting (American Heart Association 1994). Importantly, he set a new record when he became the first Nigerian (African) immigrant to be Chief of Cardiology at a US University Medical School in December 1994 at the age of 35. Perhaps the youngest to do so.
At the 1995 American College of Cardiology Conference, while I was presenting as a young Cardiology Fellow from Boston and my compatriot, Dr. Akinboboye was presenting as a young Instructor from Columbia University, we were both delighted to see Nowa on the podium as a Guest Faculty of the American College of Cardiology. It definitely opened our horizons. If Nowa could be up there, we too could. This trend has continued till today with young immigrants and young African Americans in leadership positions in every aspect of Cardiology in the United States.
In 1996, when I visited him at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, he was the Chief of Cardiology, the Program Director of Cardiology Fellowship, Director at the VAMC, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of Regents. The night of my visit, during the war of the Desert Storm, Nowa logged into the high-level, War-Room that was full of Military Generals, discussing Tactics and Strategies of military warfare. On Saturdays, he would email me his weekly political write-up for me to proofread, which I would send back to him on Sundays. That opinion would be published in his weekly column in the popular Nigerian newspaper, The Guardian.
Before the advent of internet, Nowa would give you facts and figures about events. By the time you checked, he would be correct about the date, time, place and everything else. His brain was like a walking encyclopedia. He was a preeminent cardiologist, an academic researcher, a prolific writer, a masterful orator, a Military and Nigerian historian, and a genius. Despite his record-setting achievements and his intellectual prowess, he was always humble, easily approachable, always ready to help the younger physicians. When he got comfortable with you, he would crack jokes upon jokes, and you would think he was a comedian. I miss his laugh.
While on this earth, Nowa ensured that his name was engraved in record books for the ages, we pray that God engraves his name among His greatest servants and grant him glory and eternal life in Heaven.
Nowa, we celebrate you today. Rest in Peace.
Abraham A. Ariyo, MD, MPH, FACC.
Director, HeartMasters Cardiology
Interventional Cardiologist,
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Texas.
Doris Nnadiri
You were more concerned & expressed much pain regarding your mums passing...
You acknowledged again that she was an outstanding mother and hoped she understood your absence at the relevant time. I responded - of course she did.
I’m unable to say more at this time ...others have said it all.
Only to add, the testimony of Mrs Omoigui’s amazing ability as mother and teacher shines bright in her entire family...
Rest well Nowa, till we see again...
A TRIBUTE RESOLUTION IN LOVING MEMORY OF DR. NOWAMAGBE AUSTIN OMOIGUI, MD, MPH, FACC.
We the members of the Ẹdo International Congress (EIC), want the family of Dr. Nowamagbe Austin Ọmọigui to know that our hearts are heavy with grief and sorrows as we join our Ẹdo people, our society and our whole world to say goodbye to Nowamagbe, a gallant soldier and commander of Ẹdo able-bodied men and women, an indefatigable intellectual of a genius, the first among equals. This was a character that which only the holy heaven could have given; a leader that needed not be elected. As in the genealogies of the Bible, it is so true that the longevity of life does not determine its fulfillment, for Enoch lived (365 yrs), much shorter than others, but he walked with God and was the only Patriarch who had no grave; for he didn’t die!
“Thy beauty O Israel is slain upon the high places, how are the mighty fallen”! (11 Samuel1:19). Thy beauty O Ẹdo is slain upon the high country, how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Iguiyasẹ, publish it not in the streets of Ẹvbowe, Iguagban and Iguiyasẹ; nor in the districts of Issi and Uhumwunodẹ, or Ẹdoland. O how are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle; and the weapons of war, perished!
Socrates famously said that the unconsidered life is not worth living. He meant that among other things, that a life well lived is one which has goals, and integrity, which is chosen and directed by the one who lives it, to the fullest extent possible to a human agent caught in the web of society and history. Anthonia Ọmọakhuana also remarked that: “A life of service is a life well and greatly lived”. Heaven and earth have marked the life of Nowamagbe, as a life well lived.
WHEREAS, Nowamagbe was born into the background of the enlightened family of intellectuals: Surveyor Daniel Aiyanyọ Ọmọigui, late Barr. Mrs. Grace Ọnaiwu Ọmọigui, late Ọdiọnwere Egbọn Ọmọigui, late Auditor Ọmọigiade Egbọn, late Mr. Nọma Ọsẹmwota, alias Tommy Weather; late Mr. Nẹhizẹna Ọsẹmwota, alias ‘Rain’; all being the Eseserese of the Egite family Dynasty in Ẹvbowe, Iguangban and Iguiyasẹ; and subsequently Nowamagbe led his sibling brothers and sisters in the same intellectual pursuits, in institutions wherever found.
WHEREAS, Dr. Nowamagbe Ọmọigui chose and obtained quality education in college of Medicine, graduating with distinction, and received national award during internship; with other post graduate studies and specialization in Public Health and Cardiology; Nowamagbe became both a chief and Director of Cardiology programs in several clinics and medical centers, ending in the title of Fellow of the American College of Cardiologists, (FACC).
WHEREAS, Nowamagbe Ọmọigui, the gifted Artist obtained a Grade A1in Fine Arts in High School Diploma examinations, also proved his intellectual prowess in research and writing, and became a world-renowned military historian who oftentimes debunked other scholars in presentations, with indisputable facts and figures. His versatility had superior contributions to every discourse on hand.
WHEREAS, Dr. Nowa Ọmọigui in Ẹdo International Congress fellowship, was always reliable for candid opinion and suggestions on critical matters regarding visions of Ẹdo nation and its fulfillment; he conclusively set our minds at peace with final counsel for empowerment towards success.
WHEREAS, the passing of Dr. Nowamagbe Ọmọigui imposes two hidden fears upon the organization and existence of Ẹdo International Congress, namely; his dignified leadership so apparently lost, and the management of the unavoidable resultant effects of the impending disintegration of the Nigeria State. Now that you have departed from your much needed leadership role, with courage we shall face the days and task ahead, to win and never to lose.
E Nigeria gha ghi kharha kua; Edọmwandẹ Ẹvbo na ghi gha tie ọghọẹ; Ẹdo hia gha ghi gbaaaaa; Ẹdo hia gha ghi gbaaaaaaaaaaa! Eeeeeeeeeeeee! Ẹdo hia gha ghi gba vb’ugheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! E Nowa i ghi de nọ do wan ẹrinmwin-o Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Ẹdo International Congress in humble submission to God Almighty, and in full salutation to Comrade Dr. Nowa Ọmọigui for the services he provided for Edo and the larger human society, that we commend the body of our brother to God our Creator, for eternal life in His presence, amen. May his vibrant soul, rest in perfect peace with God, amen. A copy of this TRIBUTE RESOLUTION shall be given to the family, and another copy shall be kept in the archives of the Ẹdo International Congress (EIC).
Humbly submitted this 14th Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty One, AD.
SIGNED:
Bishop Dr. Stephen Aghahowa Mr. Robert Igbinọvia
President Vice President
Dr. Ẹdo Aikhiọnbare
Assistant Secretary
Your love will always be here to stay.
You touched our hearts with so many things.
God knew you were the one to save,
He took you home to get some rest,
Even though we loved you best.
Our hearts are filled with so much pain,
God loved you more, there was no shame.
At this time we must let go.
Your memories we will keep a flow.
Rest our dear cousin Nowa with peace of mind,
Your memories will live on through.
Rest In Peace Nowa
Your cousin Mrs Meg Ogbeide Uzzi
I met NOWA THE GREAT when I joined ANPA Carolinas in 1999 at one of our meetings.The uniqueness of his contributions made me very curious about him and everything I heard made me more curious. We became closer when I became ANPA CAROLINAS Chairman. He was present at our meetings both local and national events with his children and when I asked him why so many he replied by saying they were the gifts from God.He came in with at least four young ladies at at a time. Another unique thing about this Genius is his ability to listen attentively when you disagree with him He will then dismantle your reasoning for disagreements one after the other.One of those we never finished when I called one of his historical writings alternative facts. He defended himself like a Genius he was, although we never agreed on this one. He continued to come for ANPA activities even when he was still recovering from his original illness.
NOWA THE GREAT would be greatly missed for his brilliance, intellectual conversation , calming exterior demeanor and commanding academic presence wherever he was.
Adieu Nowa . Go well and Rest In Peace.
a.k.a. NOWA THE GREAT!
His genius showed early
With SUNSET
The poem he wrote at college
That showed an old soul in a young body
A stamp of the Omoigui genes
As Ifueko Omoigui
A younger sibling would later show
The Omoiguis is a family steeped in intellectual prowess
And humility
Senior Nowa graduated from college with Distinction
And onto a sterling career in medicine
He sat atop the profession
As a renowned cardiologist
So I wonder how he got the time
To write so many volumes
And become the Shakespeare of military history
He ensured that his talent for writing
Also made an invaluable impact
His humanity and selfless giving
Is exemplified by the following encounter:
We had not seen since 1974
When Nowa left college
But I had cause to contact him in 2018
To recommend a cardiologist for a friend of mine in Nigeria
After so many years of separation
Senior Nowa was ecstatic to hear my voice
He not only recommended 2 cardiologists
He called for months to enquire
About the health of my friend
And catch up on old times
That’s exemplary for a very busy and renowned cardiologist
I marveled and wondered
Where he got the time
For all his many and varied engagements
The world has lost one of its finest minds
And we mourn deep into our bones
A rare gem who conquered life playful as a child
He was a simple and ordinary man
Who lived an extraordinary life
A full life made whole
By his affinity to the spirit that binds us all
For he was entwined
And bound to us by love
And so shall it be for ever
May the Lord rest his precious soul in His bosom
And strengthen his family and friends
With fortitude to bear this huge loss.
Dr. Gbadamosi Yakubu
School Captain
Fed. Govt. College, Warri.
1978-79
By Chief Oseni Elamah, mni
Like the 19th Century American poet, Albert Pike once said, “what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal”.
These words amply capture the feeling of the life and times of our brother, Dr. Nowamabge Austin Omoigui (NOA).
Having met him in 2017 during the final burial activities for mama, where we had extensive discussions on a wide variety of subjects, I was amazed at the depth of his knowledge, his intelligence and grasp of both local and international issues. His thorough analysis of historical and contemporary topics left me in awe and this impression has remained indelible in my mind till date.
He was a selfless, humble, and humane personality, an excellent networker and manager of people, and a compassionate loving and caring son, brother, husband, and father who loved life, and who lived life to the fullest. His role in ensuring that mama and papa became citizens of the United States was just one out of the many aspects of how he showed immense care and concern for the welfare of his loved ones.
His life and times in the field of medicine as an interventionist cardiologist at Columbia, South Carolina, United States has impacted countless persons, and it is to his credit that many lives have been saved. He was passionate about the arts and had made valuable contributions to the Nigerian, American and indeed the global art community. NOA also had a rich background with the military, a background that inspired his work as a military historian and had seen him establish strong and enduring relationships with the military intelligentsia.
His transition is indeed a great loss to his family especially, and to all humanity, and we can only but make our supplications that his transcended soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty God of creation.
We also pray that the entire Omoigui family is comforted in this very trying time, and we pray for courage and strength to deal with this painful loss.
May his soul rest in peace, amen.
His knowledge and wisdom will continue to impact current and future generations.
I first met Nowa in 1979 in Ibadan, then, I was a young 2Lt, and he a student at University College Hospital (UCH). It was quite easy for Nowa to get acquainted with strangers because of the confidence and intelligence he exhibited with deep knowledge of issues even in his young age. We got on very well until his sojourn in the United States, but we still maintained the link. He was always a material source to me and some other military officers of my generation. I benefited severally from Nowa's intellect during my service in ECOMOG in the late 90s as well as in my Staff and National War College courses respectively.
I will never forget Nowa's kindness to my wife and I when we had our first baby in April 1983. As a Youth Corper serving with the then Guards Brigade, Obalende, Lagos, Dr Nowa came to rejoice with us holding a pack of 4 cans of S26 Baby Food, then the most expensive in Nigeria selling for Three Naira Fifty Kobo (N3.50k). Unfortunately, my baby was not comfortable with S26 stuff, but settled for SMA, sold for Three Naira (N3=).
Nowa indeed, excelled in other academic fields beyond his core area of medicine. He was a very good military historian, narrating historical events as if he was there himself. I admired his academic prowess as a young man and was encouraged by his humility.
Through Nowa, I got very familiar with the Omoigui family, particularly Mummy of blessed memory and Daddy, Pa Daniel Omoigui.
Rest In Peace, Nowa, till we meet in Paradise to part no more. I pray that God Almighty will comfort and strengthen your immediate family, siblings, Daddy and friends you left behind to mourn you.
Brig Gen Mike Ndubisi (Rtd)
You remain a great friend even in death. While you lived, your wits and clarity of thought was a gift to all who knew you. From history, literature, sports, politics, and risk taking, we travelled but remained faithful to cardiovascular medicine.
An exceptional and gifted soul you are in life and in death.
Adieu my friend
I will always be grateful for the kindness you showed me. In my time of pain, you came to see me in New Jersey and welcomed me to spend some time with you and the family in Columbia. You always checked up on me; one of our last conversations was you saying you hoped I had not resorted to burning furniture to get heat, because it was so cold and people had resorted to doing so.
You were the brilliant doctor who did great things and did not think much of it. I was privileged to attend a 50th wedding anniversary celebration with you and the family and when encomiums were poured on you for saving the life of the gentleman, you simply said you were just doing your job. You were that down to earth. I will miss hearing you ask, “CY, how body?” I will miss your advice and counsel. Our people say, “Eki ma do do vba’agbon”. Indeed, we are all sojourners here on earth. You have done your part and have gone home. We would have liked to have you here a little longer but I take comfort in the word of God which says, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors and their good deeds go with them.” (Rev 14:13). You are at rest now. Sleep on beloved uncle, until we meet to part no more.
-Cynthia Enahoro Amanyeiwe
He was indeed one of our best. Even in our childhood days he stood out. He belonged to an outstanding class set at the Federal Government College, Warri. Nowa had guts. He was one of the youngest in the 1970/74 class set, which he joined by default at the institution, and was clearly a class act.
His brilliance was enveloping and for his age, it was breathtaking. Just as he came into FGCW in 1969 at age 9, and had to repeat the class one, not because he failed, but that he was too young, too pint-sized, to fit into the next class, so too, he had to come to King’s College, Lagos, as a holding bay, for a year, in the lower sixth form, because the University College Hospital, UCH, said he was too young for his admission into the University to read medicine.
After a year at King’s College, he was done and ready to go on to the same UCH where he distinguished himself in the medical school. He later grew to become a world renowned cardiologist
But it would be demeaning to box Nowa into a medical prodigy. That would be very unfair and incorrect. Nowa’s intellect found major expression in literature. He wrote intellectually and intelligently about different aspects of life. He became famous and an authority in military history.
In all of these Nowa was not what you would call a bookworm. He participated in school sports and all other social engagements and was fun to be with. Very witty, boisterous and humorous.
He once told a Prefect who wanted to punish him for engaging in overnight reading during the West Africa School Certificate, aka “Awoko” or “Ghosting”: “We were told in class to strictly follow the WAEC Syllabus and I have checked this syllabus over and over again and nowhere was sleep mentioned. Since WAEC didn’t recognize sleep, why would I”. Vintage Nowa.
Of course we were punished despite Nowa’s logic.
Nowa goes home as all mortals do. He did play his role here. He did it well and goes down in history as Nowa who conquered and left a path.
THE ALMIGHTY SHALL FORGIVE YOUR SINS, NOWA AND ADMIT YOU INTO PARADISE
written by MALLAM OKWECHIME
& read by
CHUKWUMA KATCHY PhD CP RTD
on behalf of
*FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE WARRI 1970-74/76 CLASS SET.*
May perpetual light continue to shine on upon and may your soul rest in peace eternally. AMEN
THE FAMILY OF S.E. AMUNE
Like a SHOOTING STAR, you came to this world and achieved greatness in such a short time. Now you hav gone back to your Creator.
I will always remember your goodness to humanity and my husband was a beneficiary of such kindness.
Your love for Edo Culture I greatly admired.
Even in death, many of us will continue to talk about the proud son from Benin.
Many will miss you but my prayer is that the good Lord will grant you eternal rest and comfort the whole family.
Although gone, your spirit and your good deeds live on.
ADIEU Uncle Nowa
Mrs P.U Erhahon
FOR THE ERHAHON FAMILY
HE KNEW ME FIRST BECAUSE OF MY FIRST BOOK, "EDO PROVERBS & FIGURES OF SPEECH" HE WAS A PERSONAL FRIEND & ALSO ONE OF US AT THE INSTITUTE FOR BENIN STUDIES. THE FIRST LAPTOP THE INSTITUTE EVER HAD WAS DONATED BY HIM. HE WAS A GREAT FINANCIAL SUPPORTER.
HE SHOWED EMPATHY WHEN IN EARLY 2000 I HAD THE ACCIDENT THAT ALMOST PARALYSED ME. HE UPHELD ME IN HIS PRAYERS & ALWAYS ASKING AFTER ME.
IN DECEMBER 2002, HE WAS OUR GUEST LECTURER AT THE JACOB U. EGHAREVBA MEMORIAL LECTURE ORGANISED US, INSTITUTE FOR BENIN STUDIES IN BENIN CITY AND THE TITLE OF HIS LECTURE WAS " THE MIDWEST REFEREDUM".
NOWA WAS A GOOD- SPIRITED NIGERIAN, ONE OF THE FEW GOOD-SPIRITED BENINS I SINCERELY KNOW OF. A GREAT PHILANTHROPIST HE WAS.
HE ONCE SPONSORED MY TRIP TO LANCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM IN DECEMBER, 2003 FOR A PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE.
HE TOOK ILL MYSTERIOUSLY FEW YEARS AGO & I WAS CHECKING ON HIM FROM TIME TO TIME AS I OWED HIM THE DUTY OF UPHOLDING HIM IN MY PRAYERS.
THIS IS A MONUMENTAL LOSS, I MUST CONFESS
BRODA NOWA, REST IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD, YOUR MAKER. GOODNIGHT GENUINE FRIEND.
I BID YOU FAREWELL
MY FAMILY BID YOU FAREWELL
INSTITUTE FOR BENIN STUDIES BID YOU FAREWELL.
U. I. A. A. EDO STATE BRANCH TO WHICH YOUR FATHER BELONGS BID YOU FAREWELL
THE ENTIRE ẸDO NATION BID YOU FAREWELL
ỌKHIONWIẸ ỌMỌ NE Ọ RẸN UYI.
Princess (Mrs.) Ivie Betty Uwa-Igbinoba
Zonal Director, Edo Zonal Office
National Council for Arts and Culture,
Co-ordinator, Institute for Benin Studies & Welfare Officer, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Edo State Branch.
He became a father, a friend, a mentor and as I always called him "my free prescription".
I told him I'd never fall sick again caring for an Interventional Cardiologist..
He would laugh so loud.
As much as I loved caring for Dr Nowa, hearing him talk was always the best part of my day. We talked about everything.
I was always amazed at every word or phrase he used, so much that I'd take notes, repeatedly ask him to pause and when I couldn't keep up, I brought a laptop. He laughed so hard at the sight of it.
"Abeg o, madam " he'd say. He made history so appealing. Every topic we covered was always so exciting.
Despite being so gifted and intellectually versatile, he remained humble. Kai! Too humble.
His sense of humor was out of this world. He cracked the best jokes so effortlessly.
Oh! I miss you so much Dr Nowa. I love you so dearly.
You were so good to me and my son. You were loving, caring and understanding.
Oh! Your death hurts so much. Too much Dr Nowa. To even think that I thought about you so much on Saturday the 17th that I had to call Aunt Ifueko to know if you were ok, unbeknownst to me you'd be gone the next day.
Hmmmm.........
Thank you for all you taught me. I'll hold onto everything I wrote down, the voicenotes, but most especially the video of you eating your favorite food ( Owo soup ). I'll find closure with your last text to me on August 1st 2020 :
Don't despair
You will not be forgotten
Regards
NAO
Thank you Dr Nowa. You need not worry again.
It is well with your soul.
Now, have that rest!
He was indeed one of our best. Even in our childhood days he stood out. He belonged to an outstanding class set at the Federal Government College, Warri. Nowa had guts. He was one of the youngest in the 1970/74 class set, which he joined by default at the institution, and was clearly a class act.
His brilliance was enveloping and for his age, it was breathtaking. Just as he came into FGCW in 1969 at age 9, and had to repeat the class one, not because he failed, but that he was too young, too pint-sized, to fit into the next class, so too, he had to come to King’s College, Lagos, as a holding bay, for a year, in the lower sixth form, because the University College Hospital, UCH, said he was too young for his admission into the University to read medicine.
After a year at King’s College, he was done and ready to go on to the same UCH where he distinguished himself in the medical school. He later grew to become a world renowned cardiologist
But it would be demeaning to box Nowa into a medical prodigy. That would be very unfair and incorrect. Nowa’s intellect found major expression in literature. He wrote intellectually and intelligently about different aspects of life. He became famous and an authority in military history.
In all of these Nowa was not what you would call a bookworm. He participated in school sports and all other social engagements and was fun to be with. Very witty, boisterous and humorous.
He once told a prefect who wanted to punish him for engaging in overnight reading during the West Africa School Certificate, aka “Awoko” or “Ghosting” : “We were told in class to strictly follow the WAEC Syllabus and I have checked this syllabus over and over again and nowhere was sleep mentioned. Since WAEC didn’t recognise sleep, why would I”. Vintage Nowa
Of course we were punished despite Nowa’s logic. .
Nowa goes home as all mortals do. He did play his role here. He did it well and goes down in history as Nowa who conquered and left a path.
THE ALMIGHTY SHALL FORGIVE YOUR SINS, NOWA AND ADMIT YOU INTO PARADISE
*FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE WARRI 1970-74/76 CLASS SET.*
May you rest in peace!
Vera Osarume Boyo
(nee Omo-Osagie)
We continue to pray for the immediate family and entire family at large.
I am still trying to process the shocking news of your passing. Your death has shown again that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. One wonders why good people always leave us too soon. You achieved in your lifetime, what people many times over would not be able to achieve. Of course, many of us knew you, as a renowned and brilliant Cardiologist, Writer, Military Historian and Family Man. I will add Influencer to this list, as you built a reputation, based on your intellect, knowledge and expertise in your career as a Cardiologist, Writer and Military Historian and as a result, influenced and impacted people from different works of life. But it was your humility, warmness, kindness, loyalty, generosity and approachability, in combination with your accomplishments that made you truly unique.
You had that Midas touch, and everything you touched, as they say, turned into gold. Not many people knew what a brilliant Artist you were as well. If you had decided to make a career in the Arts, I know for a fact, you would have been equally successful and famous. I recall as a kid, the portrait you painted of my dad, while you were still at Federal Government College, Warri. My dad was so proud of that portrait, because it was almost an exact replica of the picture you used.
Thank you for your kindness, in treating my mom as your Mother, and for being a big brother to Adesomo, Andrew, Cynthia and myself. You were never far away, and always available to offer advice, lift us up in our time of sorrow and despair, as well as celebrate with us during good times. The fact that you were physically present to celebrate our Mother’s 80th birthday with all of us, just a few years ago, showed us your love and affection for her. I will miss our phone conversations. I recall our compelling and informative conversations on politics, military history, Edo culture, and our individual experiences at Federal Government College, Warri, which we both attended at different periods.
You are a true icon and your shoes will be difficult to fill. I pray that the good Lord grant Moira, the children, Daddy, Sota, Ifueko, Eghosa, and Nosa the fortitude and strength to cope with your loss. I am a better individual today for knowing you and having you in my life. My Brother, sleep very well! Otenwen lowie, esenwense! Rest in Perfect Peace!
The close relationship between the Daniel Omoigui and the Daniel Enahoro families goes as far back as the mid-fifties, before Nowa was born. Nowa was a big brother to his siblings and my children as well. You can imagine the shock, my children and I felt, when we heard of Nowa's passing. Nowa, our dear son and brother left us too soon. A brilliant and kind Cardiologist, Nowa was never too busy to give a listening ear to any one in need of his expertise. When we had health concerns, he was always there for us. I had the privilege of visiting his Clinic for a general checkup. I tried reaching Nowa via text, on his 62nd birthday anniversary on March 28, 2021, but did not hear from him, and then I received the sad news.
Adieu NOWA ! Sleep well!!
Auntie Christie Enahoro.
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Blessed to have known and worked with him
Nowa's enormous breath of knowledge, ability to lead with humor, dedication, kindness, and deep concern for his patients, always served as an example to me of what a physician was meant to me. He was able to see the larger picture and analyze complex situations to determine how to best help patients when resources were limited; he was always respectful of those he supervised, tried to teach us some of his skills and was always generous with his knowledge and time. He would have tea in the evening with myself and other residents in the cafeteria, providing an uplifting break, always making us laugh, before we returned to a long night of calls and patient rounds though-out the hospital.
I am grateful to have known him, may he rest in peace and his family receive some comfort from the memories and experiences they will always retain.
Rest in peace Nowa,
Dr. Cocchiarella
MD, MPH, FACC.
THE TRAILBLAZER.
By Abraham Ariyo, M.D.
Nowa Omoigui shattered the glass ceiling in Cardiology by being the first Nigerian immigrant to serve as Chief of Cardiology of a major University Medical School in the United States – The University of South Carolina, Columbia. His achievements ushered in a new era of possibilities. He inspired new generations of young Africans and African Americans in Cardiology worldwide. He chartered a new course, allowing us to redefine our future. By his example, we know that there are no limits in pursuing our dreams in the field of Cardiology. We celebrate his life this week.
Nowamagbe Omoigui was born on March 28, 1959 and passed on April 18th, 2021. He was a precocious talent who set records everywhere he went. He graduated from high school at age 15, from Federal Government College, Warri in Nigeria. He graduated with distinction and set a record as the first in the history of the school (and one of the first in West African History) to obtain a Grade A1 in Fine Arts. In 1975, after a year of pre-Med at King’s College in Lagos, he gained admission to study Medicine at the Nigeria’s premier Medical School, The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. In 1981, he graduated at the top of his Medical School Class with distinction and delivered the valedictory speech. After Internship, he spent a mandatory year of service at the Brigade of Guards where he set new records by coordinating an air, sea and land Military disaster drill, and received a National Award from the Nigerian President Shehu Shagari in 1983.
In the U.S., he did Medicine Residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, NY and served as Chief Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He obtained a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois. He trained in Cardiology at Stanford University and in Interventional Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic (America’s best heart center). Nowa continued his tradition of collecting awards and setting records in the U.S. He was awarded the Timothy Beckett (1992) and Hewlett Packard (1993) Awards, and Awards for excellence as a post-doctoral fellow in Cardiovascular Disease. He set the all-time record among clinical fellows at the Cleveland Clinic for the highest number of abstracts submitted and presented (as first author) at a single National meeting (American Heart Association 1994). Importantly, he set a new record when he became the first Nigerian (African) immigrant to be Chief of Cardiology at a US University Medical School in December 1994 at the age of 35. Perhaps the youngest to do so.
At the 1995 American College of Cardiology Conference, while I was presenting as a young Cardiology Fellow from Boston and my compatriot, Dr. Akinboboye was presenting as a young Instructor from Columbia University, we were both delighted to see Nowa on the podium as a Guest Faculty of the American College of Cardiology. It definitely opened our horizons. If Nowa could be up there, we too could. This trend has continued till today with young immigrants and young African Americans in leadership positions in every aspect of Cardiology in the United States.
In 1996, when I visited him at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, he was the Chief of Cardiology, the Program Director of Cardiology Fellowship, Director at the VAMC, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of Regents. The night of my visit, during the war of the Desert Storm, Nowa logged into the high-level, War-Room that was full of Military Generals, discussing Tactics and Strategies of military warfare. On Saturdays, he would email me his weekly political write-up for me to proofread, which I would send back to him on Sundays. That opinion would be published in his weekly column in the popular Nigerian newspaper, The Guardian.
Before the advent of internet, Nowa would give you facts and figures about events. By the time you checked, he would be correct about the date, time, place and everything else. His brain was like a walking encyclopedia. He was a preeminent cardiologist, an academic researcher, a prolific writer, a masterful orator, a Military and Nigerian historian, and a genius. Despite his record-setting achievements and his intellectual prowess, he was always humble, easily approachable, always ready to help the younger physicians. When he got comfortable with you, he would crack jokes upon jokes, and you would think he was a comedian. I miss his laugh.
While on this earth, Nowa ensured that his name was engraved in record books for the ages, we pray that God engraves his name among His greatest servants and grant him glory and eternal life in Heaven.
Nowa, we celebrate you today. Rest in Peace.
Abraham A. Ariyo, MD, MPH, FACC.
Director, HeartMasters Cardiology
Interventional Cardiologist,
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Texas.
Tribute to my brother Dr Nowa Omoigui
As the next sibling to you, separated by just fifteen months, you led the way for me. I was part of your journey as we grew up together. From inauspicious beginnings, your talents and gifts were revealed every passing year as you progressed through our nursery school, Corona Cretch, Ikoyi, primary school of St Saviour’s, Ikoyi and then St Mary’s School, Lagos and then your secondary school, Federal Government College, Warri as I went to Kings, College Lagos. You came to join me in Kings College for your lower six and then got admission to the University of Ibadan. I later came to join you there and then years later followed you to Cook County Hospital, Chicago, where our paths diverged from there.
Your encyclopedic memory was the foundation of your accomplishments in Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Political and Military History and Strategy, including Nigerian, African and European history. Your genius is the stuff of legends and will be heralded to the end of time.
Nowa, people like you come once in a million years. I am glad that we shared the earth for most of your journey here. Earth’s loss is indeed heaven’s gain.
As we mourn your loss here on earth, I am comforted by the fact that you are receiving a hero’s welcome by our late mother Grace Onaiwu Omoigui, our aunts Iye-Ogbe and Iye-Nohuwa, our uncles Egbon and Tommy Asemota, our grandfather, Pa Aiyanyo Omoigui and Pa Elekhuoba Asemota, our grandmothers, Sarah Aiyowieren Omoigui and Izevbokun Asemota, and our great grandmother Iyeye Ogbewe Asemota on the other side. Your good friends in the Nigerian Army who passed before you including Lt. Col Mike Iyorshe, Major Alaiyemola, General Azazi among many others are welcoming and prayerfully worshipping with you at the throne of God.
Nowa, you now belong to the ages. You were a good and generous man to your friends, family and strangers. You were your brother’s keeper. Go forth to your heavenly father and exchange your cross for a crown.
Dr Sota Omoigui