While we deeply miss your presence, we are grateful for the precious memories you shared with us all.

Your birthday is a reminder of your beautiful soul and the love you brought into our lives.

May your soul find eternal peace and may you continue to shine as a guiding light in our hearts.

     Happy Birthday in Heaven
   CLAIRE IFUEKO ONI-OMOREGIE
             JOJOLEE

Happy Posthumous Birthday!!!
Rest on till we meet to part no more.

Continue to rest in peace Claire, God loves you more. You are surely missed by all

I am yet to find someone that calls my name like you do Claire. Seun reminded me of your smile yesterday. The bond you both shared is inspiring. I pray God continues to strengthen your loved ones and grant them solace in Jesus name. Amen. Rest on Claire.

It's been two years and it seems like yesterday. We remember you fondly every day, you sure left a mark. This shows that it is not by how long you lived but by how you impacted those around you.

Thank you dearest daughter for the friends you passed on to me, they are wonderful! I miss you so so much that it hurts. Rest easy in the bosom of the Lord till the resurrection morning. Ehimwin nuye, evbu evbu!

My darlyn sister,is been a year you left us,we miss u dearly, continue to rest in peace.

It's been 365 days my Angel, I remember your beautiful Soul with all the love you deserve and celebrate your life as a precious gift from God. Thanks for being in our corner, we remember all the sweet moments you shared with us.

You will live forever in our hearts. We love you!!! ❤️

Continue to rest in the Lord's bosom till the resurrection morning Claire Ifueko Oni-Omoregie.

Hey Claire,

You always had a smile on you, and a joke or two, with your cheeky yabs here and there. We felt your presence and
even now.
I know you’re in a Better Place with the Lord.
It’s going to be hard for a lot of people you left behind, but we would remember to always leave a smile.

Thank you Claire, Love You❤️

Dear Claire, I wish this was a lie. Claire with the beautiful Natural Hair, Oh how I love your hair, ever cheerful claire with a lovely smile, Ugo's Sweetheart. A consecrated slave of love, devoted to Cenacle and Church. I like the way You wore your Scapular and attended Mass regularly, I love the efforts you made, You did it well ❤❤❤ You were devoted, dedicated and diligent.
May GOD bless your Soul . You came, you saw and you conquered. You lived very well I wish you stayed longer with many more years but GOD ALMIGHTY knows best. May GOD grant comfort and fortitude to all your family members, loved ones, and friends in JESUS Name Amen. Eternal rest grant unto Claire Ifueko Oni-Omoregie Oh LORD and let perpetual light shine upon Her, May Her Soul and the Souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of GOD rest in peace Amen. 
Love You and GOD bless .

Oh, Ifueko!!! Just like a candle in the wind?

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!

Dear Claire,

You were all smiles whenever we saw. I remember how little you were in SFCSS and I was truly amazed on seeing you in Unilag as an undergraduate. I remember thinking of how your smile had gotten bigger and how you’d grown to become a pretty and confident lady.

You were so cheerful and chatty whenever we saw which was mostly at The Chaplaincy.
Seeing the tributes and hearing what others have said about you further reaffirms my thoughts; you were such a sweet and amazing soul that just couldn’t be ignored.

Thank you for imparting our lives positively
For your sweet smiles and calm aura
Till we meet again
❤️❤️

Really short of words, you were a lovable person, the few years we stayed together I have come to love you as my sister. Sleep on sister, may your soul rest in peace

Still in shock though, all I knew about you was youre always smiling. Rest on dear Claire

Claire was a friendly and ever smiling beauty. She had a unique way of calling my name and was happy to tell me of her mother's achievements. She weirdly pronounced LOL rather than actually laugh out loud and since I met her I have not been able to stop doing that. A kind heart is gone but you live on in our memories.

Rest on Claire . We’ve gained an angel in heaven. I’m short of words, I don’t know what to write. This is still a shock. Rest on, rest easy Claire

Claire was my roommate in 2016, University of Lagos. She was a breathe of fresh air. She had a great personality. She was funny and cool. She was friendly and loving. She was brilliant and intelligent. She was a lover of Christ. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been your friend from 2016 till date. Thankful for the friendship, love and everything I received from you. I know you have gone to rest and find peace with the Lord. May he grant you eternal rest and may he comfort your family and give them strength fo bear this great loss. LOVE YOU.

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FRIEND

Claire dear, it is with Tears in my eyes that Im writing this.. I still haven't been able to bring myself to the Realization that I will never hear from you again or see that your Beautiful Smile! You were a wonderful Creature,Gentle and Loving! With a Beautiful smile that Can melt the Hardest of Hearts. You were a Very Dedicated Nfcser, and a very integral Member of Thomas Aquinas House! Always readily available to Serve and Help out with anything and Everything. I know no amount of Writeup will ever Bring you back but Im really going to Miss you and I will forever Cherish the Memories we Generally Had together as Friends and Nfcsers!! I still wake up Daily and Go through our WhatsApp Chat hoping to get a message from you, I guess the News of your Demise would forever be an impossible Pill to Swallow!


Rest on My Friend,till we meet to part no more.
I Love You,but God loves You more that's why he Called you.

Nwosu Kizito Ugochukwu (friend)

Claire, although we did not relate at a close level but whenever I see you around you're always smiling.. It's extremely sad you left us so early but the Lord ways is not the same as man.. I hope and pray you rest in perfect peace and yes you will never be forgotten.. May you join the church triumphant in heaven to praise the Almighty and pray for us... Your thoughts forever be in my heart.. Till we meet again.. Adieu

May the lights guide you home, Claire. Thank you for leaving good memories behind for us. You touched everyone positively, and you'll live on in our hearts.

The first time I spoke to you when I needed to find someone and asked you a question, you told me not to be confused and rest. Ever since then, I was engrossed with your smile. May days and time with you were blessed; Nature never made it for me to know you more. It pains to believe your demise but I know you're smiling and resting peacefully in the bossom of the Lord.

Claire was a wonderful soul. Claire 2, as I fondly teased her (because she had so many namesakes at St Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy) and she'd laugh and tell me I'm not serious. Truly, Claire was a distinguished person, always took her studies with such dedication so much that most of the time we spent together was when we saw each other at the Library. She was a kind hearted human and definitely one who cared a lot about others before even putting herself first. Her legacy would be remembered. And she would be missed greatly. Rest on, Claire.

Dear Ifueko, I was shocked to hear of your passing however I am consoled by God's promise in Revelation 2:10 "If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life" . The tributes written about you shows you lived an impactful 21 years on earth, we thank God for the life you lived with us here. Eternal rest grant unto Claire oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she RIP with the angels and receive the crown of life, amen

It hurts so much knowing that you've left us so quickly. I love you and i'll always love you. You'll always remain in my heart forever. Sleep peacefully dear.

We never really sat down to talk or laugh, but once I asked you a question and you were so cheerful to answer with a smile. The fact that you were a part of our NFCS family makes this even more painful. Goodbye Claire. May your soul rest in Peace.

I met you through Oge, I remember I used to tease both of you about coming to church and I invited you to join the board of chapel wardens which you and oge did at that time. You were an hardworking and cheerful worker and there was no dull moment around you. It is very sad that you're gone. Rest in peace love.

Met you during my days as a warden in St Thomas More Unilag, continue to rest in peace sweet soul❤

Claire, daughter of my beloved sister, Queen.
The closest I got to knowing you was when I saw you in some of the pictures posted on our FGC Idoani '83 class WhatsApp chat..
You had gone with your mum to one of the Lagos reunions to honor one of our own...
You looked charming and adorable, just like your mum and I could instantly connect with you as Queen 's daughter.
How cruel, death denied me the opportunity of knowing you better, perhaps physically at another reunion or may be even at your wedding, to celebrate with your mum...
But I thank God even for this brief encounter, I can still see those pictures clearly in my head.
Rest on dear, at the bosom of our Lord.

To my sister, Queen and the entire family, I say, cherish the fond memories of the love and moments you shared, death lacks the power to rob you of that.

Bola Iluromi (FGC Idoani '83 set)

You are always loved & never forgotten. Rest easy, dear

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.

My gratitude goes to all family members and friends; You all stood solidly by us in our moments of need, anxiety and grief. Thank you all for your prayers, calls, visits and support. We appreciate and thank the following:
- Priests and Parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Idimu,
- Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Lagos,
- LUTH chaplaincy,
- Administrator, staff and Alumni of St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu,
- Doctors in Haematology Unit LUTH,
- Staff of Ward C1 LUTH,
- Deeper Life Corpers Fellowship,
- National Youth Service Corps (NYSC); Alimosho LGA,
- Mother Teresa Medical Centre (MTMC), Idimu,
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Isolo Particular Council and St. Francis Idimu Conference,
- Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria (CWON)
- Zone One CWON,
- Finance Council,
- Human Resources and Welfare Committee,
- St. Dominic Society,
- FGC Idoani Alumni and FGC Idoani class of ‘83,
- Class of ’89, Department of Zoology, UNIBEN,
- Department of Zoology, Unilag.

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 TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED SISTER.
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 at. 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 ever replace.

Omoregie Osato (Sister)

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)

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)

My darling sassy cousin...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)

TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN CLAIRE (Because that’s what she would want)
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)

The 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 play with no worries. I can still remember when we disturbed the street with our knockout during the 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 for 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 stairway 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

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

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"*
(Romans 8:38-39)

This verse has been our conciliation since we heard of your demise, Claire.

When we heard we were all surprised, everyone said but we prayed, she was given a second chance, why then did she die again?

Our darling Friend we know you could have died from the beginning but you were given a second chance because of the love of our father towards you so you can finally be with him.

We pray and hope to meet again at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

We only wished we saw you once again as we promised before you left this sinful world

With love from

Deeper Life Corpers Fellowship

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 from 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 had 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 travel 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 stiff 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 the 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 a 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 the 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 them 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 times 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 times. 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

My sweetest dearest Claire, 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 with a peaceful afterlife! You would never be forgotten, the little time we shared was 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 honour 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

(Claire Bear as I fondly call her)
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 hairdo and her reply went this," Thank you, doctor, I know I am a fine girl. In fact, 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 to 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 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 in 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 to 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 about 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 the 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 the phone afterwards, the 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