My Tribute To My President And Ugofufu Of The Universe
Oh God, Your Will Be Done
I have only managed an hour of sleep since that brutal, urgent call at 4 a.m., on Monday, inviting me to St. Luke’s.
That Monday for me was the longest day.
My last interaction with Ugofufu (Mrs Shimite Love, popularly known as Shimite Bello) was on Saturday morning, two days before she joined the triumphant Saints.
I had reached out to her to thank her for her push for Ebu. The Commissioner for Rural Roads, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, had told me about Shimite’s persistent advocacy for the tarring of the internal Ilo Ebu Road and the one along the Ezi axis. He said when I broached the subject: “My Ebu people! Mrs. Shimite is always on my neck about those roads. Don’t add your own—Mrs. Shimite’s trouble is enough, ooo! I’ve promised her the roads will be tarred, even if just to extricate myself from her persistence.”
That conversation happened immediately after an event at Government House, which I was privileged to anchor that afternoon as the moderator (Year 2025 Edition of Maris Annual Public Service Lecture held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.)
I reached out to Shimite that morning, telling her about my encounter with the Commissioner, with a plea for her never to get tired of “really disturbing” him. She promised she wouldn’t.
For Shimite, she sincerely wanted the best for Ebu and for every human being she came across. She had a large heart—very intelligent, a gifted orator, beautiful, and a wonderful team player, but sometimes misunderstood.
She was human,
She was fallible,
She never pretended to be all knowing,
She never pretended to be God Almighty.
With Shimite,you knew where you stood with her, she was brutally frank.
But I still cannot imagine that I have to refer to her in the past. Amidst intense pain and falling tears as I write this, Shimite was my friend and sister. She could talk with me for hours, she confided in me, she shared her dreams.
Shimite loved and respected me. She was strong-willed, but I could influence her—except in that unholy liaison with that wicked soul who called himself a pastor.
Even in very difficult situations, I could usually find a middle ground with her. Propelled by David, she refused to settle with someone close to her, saying: “Prof, you know I truly cannot say no to any request you make, but this one is difficult.”
Just last week, she had called me and said: “I will visit — and fully settle with him by December 2025.”
We had hoped to continue that discussion before death called.
I know that Individually some of us are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our friend and sister, Shimite. Yet we take comfort in the knowledge that, in her last hour, she was not alone. Not the greatest nor the humblest living being dies alone—for in the hour of our death, our Lord Jesus Christ is with us and within us. And in Him, death is sweet.
Love or loathe her, Shimite was a force—a positive force with a sweet heart. She was a pillar of the Ebu community, a pillar of the political class for the poor and lowly. She built her treasure in heaven by taking care of the poor and bringing succor to them. Yes, it was the poor and lowly that she loved more than anyone else, for she understood so well the words of St. Matthew: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
It is painful that she left us so soon, but let us take recourse in the words of the Scriptures that beautifully describe her sojourn here on earth:
“But the righteous, though they die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for anyone, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There were some who pleased God and were loved by Him, and while living among sinners were taken up. They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding or guile deceive their souls. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years; for their souls were pleasing to the Lord, therefore He took them quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, or take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with His elect, and that He watches over His holy ones.”(Wisdom 4:7–15)*
This aptly describes the life of Shimite. Shimite was an Amazon. She was our Ambassador. She was like the Roman General who came, saw, and conquered. Again, Ebu has lost someone great. Love her or hate her, Shimite was great—and even in death, she remains greater.
This time, Ebu lost big. Shimite has finished her race, leaving us speechless.
In all, what can we say but to pray for her immortal soul—that she, whom we loved in life, will enjoy her just and eternal reward.
And let us not forget: we are dust, and unto dust we shall return. Though painful, we take recourse in Your divine plans.
Lord God, Your Will Be Done.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Nothing else.
Amen.
Prof. Kemi Emina
OdiEga
