Rest on, dearest Auntie
Learnt so much from you
I wonder how those numerous people you never stop helping will cope
I was with you on all the journeys so i know what you did for so many people who would have been stranded
Thank You, Ma
I also admired your dedication determination and courage in your purpose
I hope your book comes out soon so the world can know about your benevolence and philanthropy
Thank You again, Ma on behalf of those numerous voiceless souls to whom you gave lease of hope and faith in God
And thank you Ma, for the endless lessons you blessed me with
Thank You for being so different in your generation
We are grateful Ma
May you rise in Glory on Resurrection Day in Jesus Name
AiG Chief Dr Amechi ELUMELU rtd

— 31 May, 2026

TRIBUTE TO AUNTY CHIKEM
“Aunty, you are smelling yike your yoom!” Meaning: Aunty, you are smelling like your room. As children, we could never understand how someone could embody a fragrance so much that it defined them. For weeks after you left our house in Lagos back to America, you literally left a part of you behind.
Those visits had started weeks ahead with anticipation of tons and tons of luggage, “cleverly packed”…no pair of shoes or set of clothes together in one box. If anyone dared take your luggage, they would wear only one leg of shoe! Thank God all suitcases always made it safely, filled with gifts; each carefully packaged and named…no one was ever left behind. In fact, it was from some of those labels we were informed about distant cousins we had in different parts of Nigeria such that, diligent Daddy would be delivering presents long after you had returned to America. We remember those piercing words- This one is not for you! They remind us of your large heart extending kindness to everyone, even those who could never pay you back. “Rich Aunty vibes” one hundred percent, but you would lodge with us for the entire visit. We knew it was a huge sacrifice not to be in a hotel that simulated your comfortable American life, but we never felt pressured to please you. We were just happy to be in your “yoom!”
You stood by Mummy in the most trying of times; you were that one person who “understood”. You grieved deeply for Daddy but still exuded so much strength through the years. We always valued your reminding us of his punchlines whenever we excelled. Now, we yearn for Mummy to remind us to come from all walks of life for our yearly ritual of signing your birthday card. We were always amazed that the postal service still worked; yet your gratitude was proof that it needed to keep running. Oh, what we would do to sign that card one more time! Even when we started to bear children, we found comfort and support once again in your “yoom”. This time, your American “yoom!” Ozulu, the originator of the word, poetically enjoyed it the most. She will miss you more than words can express but for her especially, we thank you!
Dear Aunty, we don’t know how 80 years flew by; we were not ready, we would never have been. We shall remember your kindness, your counsel, your strong will and your wordplay that turned the most serious of conversations into humour.
Farewell Aunty, till we meet in the “Upper Yoom”.
Love, Ifeyinwa and the children of Ifeuwa Johnstone Elumelu- Buchim, Ogo, Ngozi, Zulu, Uche & Olise.

— 29 May, 2026

My dearest beautiful Aunty Jo. What else is there left to say other than You are truly one in a million. As you were bold and strong, you were equally so gentle and kind. There is nothing I couldn't share with you. How glad am I our good Lord gave me and our family the opportunity to see you one last time. Seeing and hanging out with you and Adorah when you both came to London is something I will truly cherish. I'm so grateful that we got to meet. I cried when I saw you as my heart was filled with happiness at seeing you after such a long time. My tears are now full of such sadness at loosing you so soon. I know God knows best and knows the reason why he took you at this time. All I now wish is for you to rest in the arms of our merciful Lord and be at peace in Jesus name. Amen.

Our condolences to the immediate family, Nwora and Ada and Elo and family. May your hearts be filled with love and strength at this very difficult time. Amen. We love you all.

Ada (nee Okafor) and Emeka Nwandu

— 28 May, 2026

Sister, thank you for the support you gave us all these 31 years. Most importantly, thank you for sharing your light.

— 28 May, 2026