6 years on and still miss you, the memories of your beautiful life and the love you so freely gave remain with us. The beautiful and godly children you raised remain sources of strength and comfort. Yours was a short but highly impactful life. Continue to rest in peace my beautiful sister until resurrection day when we will all be united with our Lord and Saviour.

Continue to rest in peace Aunty Oby.

Six years and I think about you with Love and admiration. I thank God for the time you spent with us. Your memory will be cherished for eternity.

Akona

I miss strategizing with Oby!

Dear Aunty Oby! It's already 5 years you passed and it seems like it was yesterday I saw you last in that meeting in Enugu. Oh Your charming and gentle smile! I know you are still very active where you are. You are an angel influencing things for us. I miss you! We miss you in CENGOS. We miss you in NCAA! God bless your powerful soul.

OBY it is already five years since your passing. I do not have any doubt that you are resting peacefully in the bosom of our Lord, away from the troubles of Nigeria which has gotten much worse since your departure. Thank God your children are doing well and your dynasty continues to expand. Watching them from above no doubt gives you a lot of joy. Pls continue to watch and pray for them. Rest on dear friend till the resurrection day!

Remembering you always but especially today Aunty. May God continue to Keep us all as your memories live on. Forever in our hearts.
On behalf of your Nieces and Nephew Confidence, Kingsley, and Peace (Chichi)

Oby is missed at the ICC circle. The ASP is now on, and she would have been here, being an eminent contributor to the body of international human rights law. Oby's memory lives on.

I miss you Mummy and you will always live in my heart.

5 years gone without hearing your tender & calming voice . We miss you so much Aunty Oby. So many good memories of you can never be forgotten. Keep resting in Gods house until we all meet to part no more

To an iconic Nigerian - Oby Nwankwo, serene sleep in the bosom of our God . Missing you and your great services to us all. We love you still and pray your family continue to be in the divine favour of God.

Forever in our hearts and prayers. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. 

“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭57:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
I read this scripture this morning and it reminded me of aunty Oby and the legacy she left behind.

Dear Aunty! Greetings to you! Yesterday would have been your birthday, it was my birthday. I never knew we shared the same birthday. I remember you with a smile. Even as I smile I see your gentle smile. Thank you for all you did for women and for humanity. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet you in this life. As Amina Salihu would say, May Your Legacy Endure!

I remember you today as i often do, dearest sister. It is said we dont get to choose our siblings as we do friends but despite our blood relationship as nieces, we deliberately chose each other as sisters when you and your husband sought me out and practically ‘adopted’ me. Thank you for all you were and did for me, your words of wisdom, grace, tact, diplomacy and extreme kind and accommodating heart continue to inspire and challenge me. You were extremely blessed with uncommon intellect, wisdom and character…the quintessential beauty and brain! May our good Lord continue to bless your memory and the family you left behind. Though the pain has been dulled by time, i still love and miss you.

Aunty Oby, as you were fondly called, is still like you passed away today. I miss your kind words and encouragement to push on. Your commitment towards enduring women have a better space to live in, cannot be overemphasized. You were a beauty, in and out. As you were seen in the physical, so your heart was. Every member of my organization miss you. If there's anything like next life, I will still be your friend and associate. All the moments we had together, were great ones that cannot be forgotten. Continue to rest in peace sweetheart, in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Rest on, dear sweet sister. May your legacy endure❤️

My darling Aunty Oby. We miss you always. The pain doesn’t go away but as Christians, we believe we will see you again in eternity with God. Continue to rest peacefully in heaven. My best Aunty/Big sister❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Aunty your memory will live on. Your warmth, welcome and love impacted us all. Although 4 years now since we had to sadly say goodbye in flesh, but you will forever live on in our hearts. Rest on Aunty Oby.
Your Niece
Peace Ainerua (“Chichi baby” as you will always call me)

No matter how old I get, I'll always need your warmth, your smile, your hugs, your counsel...I'll always need you, my Mommielove.

Though I flinch when I think it's been 4 years since I heard you call me "Choko baby", I am forever grateful for the legacy of love and the beautiful memories you gifted me with.

Your love is timeless, and it will always be my life's guide. At every juncture of my life, I still feel you beside me, egging me on. I'm so blessed to be of you.

Miss you everyday & always, my forever MommieLove.

May the Lord continue to rest your soul in perfect peace. You are forever in the heart of the living.

Beloved sister and friend , you live on in our hearts where it is best to be remembered. Your selfless life of service and hard work and love for humanity still mentor us several years after your home call. I am grateful to God I met you one on one and learnt volunteering at your feet. Missing you so much and praying daily for your kind soul to continue resting in perfect peace in Paradise . Your family is always on my mind for good as I pray daily for them all too. Kachifo iconic Nigerian legal guru and matriarch .

Forever your sis
Dr( Mrs ) Adewumi Oluwadiya fwc
NNVS Volunteer Ambassador
Retired Director ( PRS)
The Presidency
Abuja Nigeria
U S Resident Bowie MD

Happy, happy birthday in Heaven to a beautiful soul. Memories of your kindness and warmth will forever be in my heart. Your were a role model, an amazon, a woman of substance and great humility. Your good works live with us. May perpetual light continue to shine upon your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed. Amen.

Happy 65th birthday Aunty Oby. Thinking of you today and how you impacted our lives. We miss you daily. Continue to rest in perfect peace.

Aunty Oby,
I was thinking of you today. Your memories will live on in our heart forever. May God continue to bless your children, their spouses and your grandchildren. I miss you Aunty 
In loving memory
Peace (Chichi) Ainerua

Aunty Oby Your memories are forever fresh in my mind and it will remain so forever. Your contributions to the development of my career can never be forgotten. The very first NGO training I attended was organised by your CIRDDOC in Enugu and in that program I learnt about gender.

My exploits on affirmative action was due to your training, mentoring and support for me and others in Rivers state to conduct advocacy campaigns for the adoption of the affirmation action measure in the state. You were instrumental to the first public hearing I participated in at the National Assembly.

Your contributions to women empowerment and development is enormous. I recall the series of training on Advanced Women Human Rights. Those capacity building sessions moulded and prepared me for a career in the non-profit sector. You believed I could do it and you invested so much in me. It is still hard to believe that you are no longer with us on earth. I keep feeling that one day I will see you again in one program or the other. God knows best. Adieu! Daughter of the most High God! Rest in Power in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen!

I was literally just thinking of Oby when the anniversary reminder showed up. This is a time of year when I would often get to see Oby at an annual meeting of states who are part of the International Criminal Court. She was a treasured activist and colleague. I miss her.

Dear Nne Oby,
Just last week, some of us met to talk about the gender and equal opportunities bill, and how to advance that cause. And we remembered you. First one sister, then another, by words, by a smile, by a faraway look recapturing your essence, we all felt you and your impactful work. God bless you more, and may your legacy endure.

My darling Aunty Oby. Happy 64th birthday. I got a reminder today to celebrate your birthday. I miss your tender and loving voice so much. I know God called you early for a reason but I still question Him. May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace. Amen. Love you so much and happy postmortem birthday.

Aunty, Uncle Agwunas remains was interred today and your special touch and presence is missed. Your children have continued to live your values because you planted the seed in them and God watered and gave it life. I remember specially how you used to care for Uncle, you will sometimes send Philmon to Awka to bring him to Enugu to spend some time with you and Ojiefi. And even while you were ill in the USA you remembered to send money for his upkeep. When you transitioned to higher glory you paid a visit to him in a dream....you always felt he was your responsibility....that is who you are ie caring, selfless, kind, loving and family oriented.
Thank you so much for all you were to us, knowing you has made me a better person.

Aunty, I remembered you today, and I just want to say that I miss you so much. please continue to rest in peace.

FOREVER MISSED DEAR

My dear Oby,

It still feels like a dream especially whenever i see a picture or hear people talk about you. I really miss you but i am glad to know that you are in a better place. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord and may God continue o comfort all those you left behind.

Dear Oby you are missed greatly Dearie rest in the Lord's peaceful bosom Resquescat in pace.

I met Justice Oby Nwankwo at the United Nations Building in Abuja some years back. We got talking and I got to know who she was and the volunteer work she was engaged in . We exchanged phone numbers and kept in touch for years . She was a gentle , humble and amiable lady with a zest for service to her community and nation . She mentored me and aided me in learning to be the best volunteer resources manager I can be . I miss her and pray the good Lord to continue to rest her kind soul. May the Lord continue to prosper her family and comfort them Amen . I was excited to know some of her family members reside in Maryland and I met one a year or so ago. Each time I see her in church , I remember Justice Nwankwo and thank God for her life and legacy.

Adewumi Oluwadiya PhD
Retired Federal Director
The Presidency , Abuja

Dearest cousin,

We're consoled that you are resting peacefully in the Lord.

We miss you.

The Harris-Eze family

It is still hard to refer to Oby Nwamkwo as a "was", but reality is what it is.
She was resourceful, kind, dependable and a child of God.
It was about the time of one of the Nigerian Constitutional conferences, my Igbo Organization here in the US wanted to get a copy of the then operative Nigerian Constitution (not sure which one before 1999 or was it 1999?) and since I was about to visit Nigeria, I was given the task to procure a copy.
I thought it was an easy task like going out to any bookstore and buying a copy or as ,many copies as you liked.
But, like anything Nigeriana, what you think is easy usually twists you around. I had two more days left in Nigeria before catching my return flight and nobody between Onitsha, Awka and Enugu had any clue where I could find any copy of that book. It occured to me to call Oby. She confirmed that  no copy of that constitution was readily accessible but she would ask around. She was a judge of the Nigerian High court and would know about such publications. A day before my flight. Oby got me a copy of the book. I could only imagine what labor and finance she expended to get hold of that one copy and I was afraid to ask further after she refused any payment.
Quiet and reserved , she would comfortably sit in any public function without attracting attention to herself, unless she is officiating or called out for recognition.Her warm personality endeared her to so many people of commendable character and disposition. She is missed and will remain missed for a very long time.

It was only a week ago that I learned that Oby Nwankwo had died. The last I remembered of her was the appointment to a UN role in NEW YORK...
So, my friendship with Ifeoma Rosemary Ndigwe which led to my meeting her elder sister Oby, first at New Haven in 1987, and later at Independence Layout Enugu, has ended with both sisters dead?
Satan, you're a bastard! And I was sending email wondering why Oby wasn't replying...
My condolences to the family, especially her twin girls.
I'm Dame Joan Oji, PhD
Ifeoma's course mate at ABU Zaria

Dear big sister Oby. Sitting here, looking at your picture, and seeing your phone number, I just want to call you up and hear your soft spoken but firm voice. I remember you when as a young 29 year old girl, I had joined Constitutional Rights Project, CRP as the Programme Officer, Women and Children. You were a Magistrate then and Chairperson of FIDA. I admired how you spoke on women’s issues. Your passion and conviction was unrivalled. I saw in you a role model - that a woman can have it all (beauty, brains, work, husband and family). Though not married at the time, you gave me confidence that it doesn’t have to be an either work or marriage for a young girl. Both you could have and find fulfilment. Such a beautiful soul you were. You continue to live in our hearts, and so you are not dead. Love you sis.

Hello Aunty Oby, I want to say so many things, but my mind is filled so many things at once that I can't seem to make any words.. I really miss you a lot.. and I am very grateful for how you took care of me and Emeka through all those years in Nigeria. Thank you so much being a big part of the reason I am who I am today. You really inspire me a lot. You were always on the move when I lived with you, so I never really knew how much you were doing to change the world. Gosh, I hope I can do cool and amazing things just like you did. I miss you, love you and can't thank you enough. Ttyl.

Aunty Oby, I remember the monograph you wrote for WACSI: Reviewing the 50+ Years of Women Participation in Politics in Nigeria in 2011. It showed your wealth of experience and understanding of the complex and often difficult terrain women in Nigeria need to navigate to gain prominence. As we eagerly await the 2019 elections, we hope your dream of a better Nigeria for all its peoples - men or women or children or youth would be achieved. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace Ma.

Dear Aunty,
It’s still painful knowing you’re no longer with us :(
We love and miss you always and forever, you will never ever be forgotten.
Continue to rest in the Lord’s bossom.
Love always xxxx

Always remembered with a smile. Wondering what we would have being doing together if you were still on this side of eternity.... Plateau State gazetted the GEO law this year. And it reached second reading in Adamawa State as well....your work lives on..Aunty Oby.

Oby, The Africa Network on ICJ, which you inspired in 2013, and ceaselessly encouraged me to move on with it, holds its first outing at the world's stage: its Side Event at the ASP17, tomorrow, but without your inspiring smiles. Oby, you were an inspiration, and an angel gone home too soon. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Sister Oby's passing away a year ago was and still is an extremely sad and big loss to the field of human rights and social justice. May her soul rest in perfect and eternal peace.

My tears are still flowing. Remain in Peace.

Dear Oby,
Recently, at the Women's Conference in Nigeria, I shared a story about women who are the true sheroes of our time. Even though you are gone, your name featured prominently in my submission. You remain a true icon of our time whose legacy will endure. Rest on darlyn Nnem

I got to know Oby Nwankwo through my work with the Goodness and Mercy Foundation , Atlanta , Georgia that mounted yearly Medical Missions to some states in Nigeria - Amambra, Enugu, Abia, etc. This Volunteer Organisation with several medical professionals from the Nwankwo, Nwosu , Ononu families of Ajjalli is well known for her quality medical services , which are often free, and is recognized by the people, the Federal Government and the state governments as a force for good in Nigeria. Oby Nwankwo was a great supporter of this work and that's how I got to know her . A passionate volunteer and fearless ,knowledgable , peaceable leader, she blazed a trail in all she did . Her passage has robbed us all of a worthy role model. We are already missing her , but take solace in God Almighty to guide , protect, prosper, and keep her family . May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Aunty, When are you in NY for the CSW62 Session! Aunty this is our usual conversation and you always respond with instruction and discussion on what you want us to do. Why are you not doing it this time. Remember you once told me, ada umu nwanyi ime obodo na ata afufu, now the discussion is on rural women and I cant receive instruction from you on what to do. I am handicapped. please say something Aunty.

Oby - you will be so missed. I am pasting here a dispatch I have just published from Human Rights Watch as a tribute to you.

JANUARY 22, 2018
Nigeria Loses a Treasured Justice Advocate
Nwankwo Advocated for the ICC, Women’s Rights

Elise Keppler
Associate Director, International Justice Program

Oby Theodora Nwankwo, a Nigerian activist who tirelessly advocated for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and women’s rights, died on December 9, 2017. She was 61 years old.

I got to know Oby through our common work to push back against unprincipled attacks by some African leaders on the ICC. The attacks surged after the ICC issued arrest warrants in 2009 and 2010 for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

At the time, people had limited knowledge of the ICC’s role as a court of last resort, and many did not know that several African governments had requested the ICC to investigate crimes in their countries. The court’s critics exploited this, spreading false information about the court being biased and targeting Africa.

Oby stood out as someone willing to jump in and speak up on behalf of victims, whether in Nigeria or around the world, countering the prevailing narratives in African media. “It is high time African governments and the AU [African Union] put themselves on the right side of history and support justice for victims, not abusive leaders,” she said.

Over the years, Oby was a member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and she led the Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court and the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Center. Oby also helped guide the work of the global Coalition for the International Criminal Court through its steering committee.

Oby encouraged strategic activism. When al-Bashir turned up in Nigeria after the ICC issued warrants against him, Oby went to court to insist on his arrest – after which al-Bashir hightailed it out of the country. Activists in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa have taken up similar efforts, campaigning on the streets and in the courts for al-Bashir to be arrested when he arrives or threatens to arrive in their countries.

I looked to Oby for guidance, sound advice, and the passion needed to keep at it even when the landscape was challenging. Her efforts have made a difference. In the past year, some of the worst attacks on the ICC emanating from Africa have ebbed, and more than a dozen countries stepped forward to reaffirm their commitment to the ICC.

Nigeria – and Africa – lost a tremendous activist. Oby’s energy for the cause will remain in my heart as the work continues.