Happy Post Houmous Birthday, Angel!!! Continue to rest in the Lord's bosom, Amen!!!

Jojolee worldwide, my miracle baby, it is with a grateful heart I thank God for the opportunity of the 21 years I had you in my life. Every year, month, week, day, hour, minute and second spent with you was a plus!

You had your convocation, birthday and thanksgiving all planned out; Man proposes, God disposes. I will forever cherish the memories we shared. Sleep on, in the Lord’s bosom, my beloved daughter, my gist partner, my event planner, my fashionista, my photographer…. Till the resurrection morning when we meet to part no more.

Queen Omoregie

The moment I realized; my sister just died. My heart simply dropped, and felt a sharp pain. My hands cradled my face, and I frantically cried. Why did this happen, and how could this be. She had so much to live for, we could all clearly see.

I was truly lucky, to have a sister like her. Countless others, nod and concur. I want to know what crossed your mind unspoken words you’ve left behind undone things we’ll never do.

I wish you sweet sleep, my dear sister. Although there’s so much that you’ve left bare, I hate that you had to endure such pain.

Rest on in the Lord's bosom!!!

Aizenosa Oni-Omoregie

A great star you are indeed.....sister. I love you for an infinite number of reasons. I feel so blessed to have you as my sister. Being your little sister was awesome and you know what, I loved it!! I didn’t enter the world through your body but I entered through your heart. The bond we shared is unlike any other connection. I always enjoyed your jokes which I couldn’t help but laugh to. You made me smile, helped me when I was down and couldn’t get back on my feet, you were a beautiful person, I still remember when you said on your birthday that I should call you actual graduate Claire Ifueko Oni-Omoregie. A special sister is hard to find, I would keep you in my mind, I wish you could have stayed forever. A smile, a special somebody I can’t replace, I love you and always will, you filled a space that no one would never replace. 

Omoregie Osato

Claire my Niece, acquired her name Ifueko even before she was born. Her mother Queen Onaghise-Omoregie, my sister-in-law and I, had both conspired to name their first pregnancy 'Ifueko' as we were both sure it would be a girl! Thankfully, it wasn't and Victor Oni-Omoregie, my late brother, appropriately named their first child Aizenosa meaning, ' you can't choose for God'. The next child was of course Ifueko, and her arrival delighted everyone in the family. Her father also named her Clara, after my late Mother Clara Ada Omoregie. As she grew up, Ifueko preferred the French version of Clara and came to be known as Claire.

Claire was clearly the apple of her father's eyes and he loved her deeply and she knew it. She had respect for her Mum and later appreciated the discipline her mother gave her as she matured into adulthood. 

When we lost her father, my brother Victor four years ago, she told us she knew instinctively the moment he departed. She habitually called her father every day and he was always prompt answering her calls. But on that dreadful day, her calls went unanswered, and she knew that something was terribly wrong. She mourned her loss deeply and kept his memory forever in her heart.

Claire was a very lovely soul. She was deeply religious as her parents brought her up as a Catholic and she learnt to serve the Lord in every capacity.

Recently she fell grievously ill and was hospitalized at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital where she remained for 31 days floating in and out of consciousness. She overcame that and was discharged and sent home. I remember the last time she visited me on my birthday in June, was actually the last time I saw her alive. It was for me now in hindsight, a 'goodbye' visit. Bless her soul.

She later relapsed into the illness and this time; her frail body could not fight back. By the time she was rushed back to the hospital on that fateful morning of 1st July 2021, she had passed, and Heaven had acquired a new Angel.

We are all devastated by her sudden passing but we thank God for giving us the privilege of knowing such a lovely soul for more than 21 years. She left us at a time when she would have received her First Degree from the University of Lagos at their Convocation on the 7th of July, 2021; and would have celebrated her 22nd birthday on the 28 of July 2021. Before her passing, Claire had realised and appreciated the depth of her mother's love especially during the time she lay sick in the hospital. Her mother never left her side and with the help of friends and family, Queen was able to provide all that was needed financially to see her through to good health. Later Claire thanked her mum and promised to return the same love and attention to her in future. We thank God for that.

Claire, my dear Ifueko Mama, you will always remain in our hearts for as long as we live. Rest in Perfect Peace dear one in the bosom of the Lord, until we meet to part no more, Amen!!! Adieu, Cherie.

Dr. Esohe Molokwu née Omoregie. (Aunty)

I am heartbroken to say the least, especially as I was so happy at your recovery last month, when I spoke with your mum and Aunty Esohe!

As the daughter of one of my favourite senior cousins, you occupied a special place in my heart and that's why this is so, so painful!

I will always remember your gentle smile and quiet respectful demeanor on the few occasions that we met!

Hmmm, your name means peace of mind!
So, even though our hearts are bleeding now, I just have to trust God that He will somehow make your sweet memory to bring healing and peace to your mum, Aizenosa, the Molokwus, the Omoregie-Foreman Family, as well as all who knew and loved you!

Rest on, my sweet little cousin!

Festus Omoregie

Ifueko you just left like that. Really don't know what to say but God knows the why. We were already planning your convocation and birthday never did I know you were going to leave earlier than our plans. Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more.  Adieu.

Austin Onaghise (Uncle)

You were stubborn gon! But you were true blue... you spoke your mind and bared your heart.. you were a free spirit and always your own person...We thank God we had a month with you...we are extremely thankful for that...God knows why He decided the choice of events that took place...no one can question Him... love you to the moon and back...your cousins will miss you always...my always fashionable Ifueko.

Paula Molokwu (Cousin)

To begin to express the feeling of losing someone is infinitely difficult when selecting the right words.

Especially if you watched that person grow up from a tiny baby to a beautifully confident, smart young woman, as I did with my cousin Ifueko. Although it pains me to commit my thoughts to paper, I will try to do my best.

When I think of my cousin, I will always remember how much she loved her family. Her mum, always by her side, supporting her encouraging her, and letting her know she was sometimes too big for her own boots. I also remember her with her dad (may He rest in peace). Ifueko was the quintessential daddy’s girl, never wanting to be without him when she was a little girl. She was the light of his life, and now they are reunited in eternal life.

My cousin was also deeply fond of her friends, she formed truly deep bonds with those she met. I would always be glad to see them around her when times were great and even at the lowest points. In this world that we live in, when all else fails, all we have is family. My cousin made a family where ever she went infecting people with her grace, honesty, hard work and quirky sense of humour. We may miss her here, but there are so many others who will forever cherish her for the work she did in the community. Both within and outside the church.

Ifueko leaves behind a legacy in its infancy. She was just starting to make her in print on the world. She leaves behind a mother who has lost a daughter, a friend, a confidant. She leaves behind a brother who has lost the closest person to him, his sister, the one person who he could always trust and who he will always love. She also leaves behind a family who can only dream and wonder about the woman she could become, and finally, friends who will be forever touched by her presence.

A thing is not beautiful because it lasts, but because it lived and touched our hearts and inspired us to be better. My cousin did that and more. She was taken too young, but so are many of the great ones. So to my cousin, our daughter, our sister and friend, we say “Till we meet again, go in peace and rest in Power”.

Ronald Molokwu (Cousin)

An untimely death of a sweet cousin "Aunty Claire". Never is it possible to forget. A life of fantastic friendship shared between us, but now death has taken it all. Aunty Claire we've made a lot of memories throughout our childhood days. We don't bother about anything all we just did was to play with no worries. I can still remember when we disturbed the street with our knockout during Christmas period, what a sweet memory I can't forget!! We were there for each other, and we'll be to the end. By blood we are cousins and by heart we are friends. I think this is all my fault! just a week before you left to Heaven, you asked me to come and see you but I failed to. This is just so annoying!!! I wish I had gone this won't have happened. Only if tears could build a stair way and memories were a lane, we will all walk right up to Heaven, And bring you back Aunty Claire you will always be special to me.

Amusa Olamilekan Ridwan (Cousin)

Aunty Ifueko, we cannot believe you’re no more, we never thought of one moment that you would go and leave me behind. Remember the day we baked cake on children’s day last two years and it was so sweet. We’ll miss you is an understatement of this century, but even in our pain, we know you’ll continue to live in the great legacies you left behind. Rest until we meet to part no more.

Amusa Zainab, Aishat and Pelumi (Cousins)

My dearest sister, continue to rest in the lord, till we meet to part no more.

Dr (Mrs) Adesuwa Arigbe 

Aunty Ifueko was the funniest, most caring, serious at times and joyful person. She was simply one amazing person. She was very energetic, told us jokes, play music and danced with us and took lots of photographs.

Thank you for being there when we needed you most. Safe journey and rest in perfect peace.

Fiyin Ojo

She was the best and so nice and I miss her. The last time I saw her was upstairs in the living room on Nana’s birthday. She will always be with me forever and ever until the end. I will remember her to the bottom of my heart.

She is with me and us in prayer to her – Amen forever and ever.

Tire Ojo

I'm speechless, I’m still in shock. I watched Claire die in my hands. I know baby girl is resting now. till we meet again in heaven. I love and miss you Claire

Friday Roseline

I really never imagined I'd ever have to say goodbye and I still can't dare say goodbye to this amazing part of my heart, the space you fill no one else can and will be able to fill the void. I have never really felt so numb or so blank in my entire life, hearing this news made me know how it feels to hurt so much you want to pass out and wake up when all the pain is gone. I love you so dearly and I wished I told you enough to keep you alive. I usually always know the things to tell you or do when you are sick or feeling low just enough to get you back on your feet and it was usually you and I against this whole world of bitterness *** I don't know why this water won't stop dropping ***** we shared our pain and joy equally. It's funny how I still feel you cheering me up to be my best self and stay strong even in all this, please be rest assured that you'd always be my best friend and sister. I'd cherish every bit of memory we've shared like they are just today and recreate other ones with you always in my heart. I could keep writing on and on but I'd drop the pen here you know I can't dare say goodbye so I would take this as you travelling on a long trip to a far country and we'd definitely see at the end of this trip.  Till then my *dearest bullion van* as we usually call each other. Have a safe trip home!!!

Lasisi oluwaseun

Meeting you Jojo was the best gift I have received. You didn’t just get to know me and make friends with me, you were an awesome best friend, a beautiful partner and a wonderful sister. I never knew I would have to say goodbye to you so soon because we had a lot we agreed to accomplish together, but now you have left me in this cold and cruel world to go about it all by myself.

Sincerely speaking, words are failing me right now, sleep is so hard to come by, I don’t even know what to do. I can’t stop myself from thinking about how broken I was holding your cold stiffed body.

I miss your cute smile, your sweet laughter, our long talks, our long walks, our ice-cream outings, our movie nights and most of all I miss your trouble because at the end of it, our bonds just grew stronger.

Since your passing, I try my best to take each day that I am able to sleep and wake up as a blessing. Everything just seems so wrong though…

Why does it have to be you?

Why did this happen to me so soon?

Why did everything come to an end so quickly?

Why did you have to leave me?

Mhen, Jojo, you made my life sweet. You put in so much when it came to me. What can I do without you in my life?

I want to call, but I know you won’t pick up

I want to text, but I know you won’t reply

I want to watch food network, but you are not here

I want to bake, but you are not here to direct me

I want to cook for you, but you are not available to even eat it…

This hurts so much Jojo. If I have to get all the flavour of ice cream and cakes for you in the world just to have a moment of laughter with you again, I would. If I have to give up anything just to talk to you again my best friend I will. I will sacrifice anything just to have you back, alive and well.

I will forever cherish the memories and love I shared with you. You’re not gone forever because you are always in my heart and you’d forever remain there.

Thank you for trying so hard to stay strong. You are and were a great fighter, like you used to say “fighting”, with your fist raised up and all (chuckles)…. I know you fought the good fight, but God knows best.

Between us, your death is just distance to a better land filled with angels like you yourself have become. When the time comes, we’d meet again.

I love you so dearly Jojo. Safe Journey home till we meet again and part no more.

Rest in peace Jojo.

Egbudu Harrison

I met Claire during 33 days consecration class. We weren't close during that period but after we became consecrated slaves of love, we realized that we were staying in the same hostel, so we started going to church together. We would walk together from new hall to the church for Tuesday fellowships and cenacle meetings on Sundays, we visited each other's room a lot, we ate together and watched movies together. We shared everything with each other, from our guy crushes to dating relationships.

Claire was a friend who was always there to help me figure things out, listen to me when I was upset, confused, excited and cheer me up when I was down. She listened to my fears and always told me to look past it and envision what better things I could achieve and the good things that would happen to me instead.

After we finished university, we kept in touch. We called and texted each other all the time, sent selfies on WhatsApp and talked about how I would come to stay at her place for like a week or so and the movies she told me to bring along to past time but that won't come to pass now.

She was strong, bold and courageous. She lived without holding back. She never hesitated to do anything that she wanted to do. She was nonchalant atimes but caring at the same time. She made me laugh and angry but most of all, I learned from her what true friendship is. She taught me how to cherish myself more and not accept less than I deserve from anyone.

The memories we shared will forever remain in my heart. I'll always love and miss my dear friend. We have always been together in good and bad times. Everyone has to go one day or another, but some departures are too much to bear. The world deserved people like her but I guess heaven deserves her more! Goodnight my love.

Esther Awoyemi

I‘ve never experienced the kind of pain I feel now, I’ve never experienced this kind of heartbreak, I still can’t believe, you were always the glue that brought everyone together, you were always there during the good times, bad and ugly time. I keep on looking at your pictures hoping it’s a lie, hoping that you’re trying to pull a prank on us, hoping that we would celebrate your birthday this month together, hoping that I can hug you again. You were always a shoulder to lean on, you were always there to make bad days good days, I miss and will miss you so much, I know I just gained an Angel, I know! My heart is broken, my forever friend and sister, My Angel. I love you forever. Rest on my love!

Akagha Ugo

"Smiley!" I already really miss the way you call this nickname you gave me.. Baby girl, you will always have a special place in my heart and I cherish every moment I spent with you in our little "squad". Hopefully we'll meet again at the very end in the bosom of the Lord. Finally, you can rest from all the pain and suffering this world brings.. Sleep well Marie...

Udumukwu Victor

The loss of a friend like you is something that can never be recovered, I'm sorry for not always being available, I'm sorry for not being by your side always, you have always been an important part of my life, we have always been together in good times and bad times. With teardrops running down my face, I bid you farewell, never knew just how painful goodbyes were until death took you away from me. Today you may be leaving this earth without me, but someday I will meet you in heaven May God rewards you a peaceful afterlife! You would never be forgotten, the little time we shared were the most memorable part of my life, you loved and cared for me without conditions. My baby may we meet again!!!

Olukeye Oluwadamilola 

I had spoken with you a week earlier and you sounded so happy and elated so the news of your death brought me so much shock and disbelief. The Bible verse which says "God does not allow his elect to suffer on earth and those who did good, eternal life they'll gain" gave me hope and solace because I believe you're in a much better place. Your friendship was a blessing. I will forever honor your legacy and remember you always. Although you’re away physically, you’re always in my heart. I wish you sweet sleep, my dear friend. _Dum invicem rursus occurremus, Claire!_

Orefo Sophie

My first encounter with Claire was at the reception at Mother Teresa Medical Centre during my first day of duty there. I got attracted to her at first sight, I commented on her beautiful hair do and her reply went this," Thank you doctor, I know I am a fine girl. Infact, I'm surprised at how beautiful I am!

I loved her spirit, Her confidence!

Claire was a strong girl. She was a fighter. She was confident, funny, open minded, easy going, and very caring.

Claire loves herself to a fault! She loved to dance, sing, make videos of herself and take pictures. Once Claire sights me trying to take a selfie, she quickly runs over and says, "hey! How dare you take a pic when the "fine girl" is not there. And then boom, she enters into the pic.

There was a time early last year, I got a new phone, and I was at the reception desk with her, checking out the features of the phone, I had to attend to a patient so I left my phone with her.

By the time I had finished seeing the patient and went back to get my phone, Claire had snapped about 50 pictures of herself and made numerous beautiful videos of her dancing, singing and miming songs. I still have those on my phone till date.

I was always happy when our duty clashes cos I always find time to sit with her at her desk when I'm less busy as she always has this strong positive energy around her! So at any opportunity I have, I am with her.

Claire hated needles, but she loved medicine. She always wanted to know new cases, watch deliveries, watch surgeries and surprisingly she was very brave. She told me one day that if she was given another chance, she will be a medical doctor.

Claire is very caring. She will buy me fruits, bring my share of goodies whenever they have a function at in her home, or when there is a church program and she or her mom is involved, Claire will make sure she brings my own share of " item 7". God bless her soul!

I left mother Teresa March this year, but there is no week that passes without Claire checking on me. She never loved to bug her loved ones about her personal issues, Claire will prefer to keep it to herself so she doesn't make you worried! About 3 months ago, her mom called me and told me Claire was ill and admitted in LUTH. I was very destabilised during that period. I disturbed her mom with calls on a daily basis to ask how Claire was faring. I really appreciate Claire's mom for her patience cos I think I was beginning to become a nuisance with my incessant calling.

One particular day when I called to ask after her health, Her mom told me that she referred to every female doctor that attended to her as "Dr Belinda"! I was really touched to the extent I cried that day after the call. Prayers for Claire to get well never departed from my lips during her days of admission in LUTH. My joy knew no bounds when her mom called one faithful day to inform me that Claire had been discharged.

I spoke to Claire, and from the tone of her voice, she sounded much better. I promised to visit her soonest at her home which we both looked forward to.

About a week later, I called to inform her of my coming over but she told me she had some NYSC stuff to do and from there, she will be going to St Francis to pray at the Blessed Sacrament. So I decided to see her there. What a delight and joy to see My Claire Bear on her feet again! Cheerful and funny as ever! We talked for a while and I promised to take her out on her birthday which happens to be 28th of July. Little did I know that was going to be the last time I would see my Claire.

We talked a couple of times on phone afterwards, last time we spoke was about a week to her demise. Only for me to be informed on the 1st of July that she has passed away!

Claire, you will forever occupy a large part of my heart. You were one person that I always loved to be around. Despite all that happened, I still remain grateful to God for making our path cross. I strongly believe you are in heaven alongside the saints as you lived a very Chaste life on earth. You will forever remain in my heart, Claire bear. I love you like a mother loves her daughter. May God console your family and all your loved ones you left behind. Keep resting, Dear Claire.

Dr Belinda Jolayemi

I knew Claire as a member of our Lady Queen of immaculate conception. She gave the time she could in the course of service to our Lady. Rest in peace Claire.

I call ifueko’s mum(my church mother) that was the best way to describe her at home, So ifueko was simply like a sister to me. I haven’t been able to cry until today because I still couldn’t believe you are gone and I feel so bad, I feel so bad that I wasn’t there enough, I feel so bad that we didn’t spend much time together, all those times I said I was going to show up at the house and didn’t, I feel bad, I’m so sorry sis, and today I truly felt pains in my heart. I love you truly, I love you a lot, I wish I told you this a lot when you were still alive. Rest In Peace my sister.