Tributes to Bel

It is still so hard to believe that you are gone. 💔 You were strong in character, loving, caring, and always thoughtful towards others. Your presence meant so much to the people around you, and your memory will remain with us.

I never imagined that I would have to write these words for you, especially in such a painful and unexpected way. You will be deeply missed, but I pray that the love you gave to others will continue to live on through everyone whose life you touched.

May your soul rest in perfect peace. 🕊️❤️ Isoken Okolo

Bellibo, as I fondly call you, Onofeghare My beloved sister, my mother hen, always protecting me, fighting for me, and taking care of me. As your friends would often say, "Bel will never let a file get close to Koko." You have been my personal chef that I could never repay, my personal shopper, my worship partner since we were kids , my trusted friend, and my beloved sister with whom I am well pleased. You cared for me the way a mother cares for her own child. You were always there for me, always looking out for me, and you inspired me to be generous and give to others. Helping people was never a burden to you; it was part of who you were. You were constantly thinking of ways to help, reaching out to check on everyone, speaking the truth no matter what, and somehow saying things long before they happened. That's why I always called you Prophet Bel. Thank you for your love, care, wisdom, and selflessness. I love you so much and will forever

❤️ be grateful for everything you have done for me and for so many others.

Ochuko koko Ikolo You beloved sister

Tribute

To my lovely sister Bel. You were always the oldest and the boldest, yet the most giving and understanding sibling I’ve had. I will always admire your strength, resilience, kindness, and generosity. I will always cherish the memories of watching Nollywood movies at your apartment when I was a child, birthdays where you always managed to find a way to provide multiple cakes, store pickups in college where you would order groceries for me, and all the in-betweens. I know and trust in the Lord that you are in a much, much better place, receiving ultimate rest with the only One who can provide it. I pray that your eternal soul continues to rest well and peacefully.

With Love, your little sister, Destiny

For Bose, My Sister — My Very Own Chica

There are people you love, and then there are people who teach you what love is. Bose taught me.

She loved without keeping score. Months would go by — my fault more than hers, if I'm honest — and just when the silence had settled in, her name would light up my phone. Her last message to me, after months apart, was simply: "Sis mi ohh Happy mothers day."

I've read it over and over. That was Bose in a single sentence — no scolding, no distance, just pure, beautiful love. She never asked why I hadn't called. She only wanted me to know she was thinking of me.

That's the thing about Bose. She didn't love people for what they gave back. She loved because that is what her heart did — the way flowers bloom, the way the sun rises. It was simply her nature.

She was more than my friend. She was my sister. Some sisters we're given at birth; the rarest ones, we're lucky enough to find along the way. I found mine in Bose.

My heart aches in a way I don't have words for. But even through the tears, I am grateful — so deeply grateful — that I got to be loved by her. Not everyone gets that. I did.

So thank you, my sister. Thank you for choosing me, again and again. Thank you for loving me exactly as I was.

Rest in the sweetest peace, my love. You will live in my heart forever — and every time I check in on someone I've been missing, that will be you, loving through me.

Yinka

Tribute to a Beautiful Soul

Bel was truly a remarkable soul—a woman whose presence left an indelible mark on the lives of those blessed to know and love her.

She was a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to helping others. Once Bel set her heart and mind on helping you, you could rest assured that she would do everything within her power to make it happen.

Bel had a gift for caring for people in ways both great and small. Her cooking skills were unparalleled, but what made her meals truly special was the love behind them. She was attentive to the needs of those around her and always seemed to find a way to make someone else's life a little easier. Even when she was tired or exhausted herself, she continued to give of her time, her energy, and her heart.

That was Bel—selfless, compassionate, and generous. She loved deeply, she loved genuinely, and she was loved deeply in return.

The qualities that made Bel so special are the very qualities that make her life so worthy of celebration. Her kindness, her strength, her generosity, and her unwavering willingness to serve others are a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of those she

touched. For me, these qualities remain a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the beautiful person she was.

Bel was, and still is, a rare gem—one of God's precious gifts to us. Though our hearts are heavy because she is no longer with us in the way we knew her, we can find comfort in knowing that her earthly journey is complete.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:8: “…to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

And so, Bel, we say farewell with tears in our eyes, gratitude in our hearts, and faith in God's promise.

Congratulations, Bel, on making it Home.

Rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your work here is finished, your love has been given, and your legacy will continue through all those who were blessed to know you.

You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Ndidi Ananaba

Tribute to my beloved Cousin Bose. Bose was a beautiful, loving and wonderful person who cared deeply for her family. She was always there for us, her cousins, and brought happiness to everyone around her. To me, she was more than a cousin; she was my family and a very special part of my life.

Writing this tribute is very difficult because Bose and I were extremely close. Her passing has left a deep pain in my heart, but I remain thankful for the precious time we shared and the beautiful memories we created together.

I fondly remember our childhood, especially during Christmas and the Igwe Festival, when we performed cultural dances dressed in beautiful Benin attire. I remember waking up early in the morning and go get mangoes ehen we were on campus,and dressing as chiefs’ wives for our grandfather. We called each other the Mubekulohe's She was Mubekulohe One, and I was Mubekulohe Two.

One memory I will never forget was my wedding day. I spoke with Bose that morning, and she told me she would not be coming. While I was getting dressed, I suddenly heard her voice. I was overwhelmed with joy and kept shouting, “The Boss Mi!! This is my cousin” Her unexpected arrival made my special day even more memorable.

I will always cherish our laughter, conversations and adventures, including the times we went to buy fish from SnT, Dtaff Club suya. What seemed like ordinary moments then have now become treasured memories that I will carry in my heart forever.

I wish we had been given more time together, but I am grateful for the love we shared and the joy she brought into my life.

Rest peacefully, the Boss mi, my beautiful and beloved cousin. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, never to part anymore.

Rest in perfect peace, Bose. I love you

Efehi Okunorobo

With heavy hearts, we remember our beloved cousin, Bose, whose passing has left a deep silence in our family. Though words can never fully capture the pain of losing someone dear, they can help us honour the beauty of the life she lived and the love she shared with those around her. In moments like this, we are reminded that life is precious and that the love we share with one another is never wasted. Bose’s memory will continue to live in the stories we tell, the lessons she left behind, and the special place she will always hold in our hearts. To her family, friends, and everyone who mourns her passing, may God grant us comfort, strength, and peace. May we find consolation in the love she gave, the memories we shared, and the assurance that she is now at rest. Dear Bose, your journey on earth may have ended, but your memory remains with us. We will miss you dearly, cherish you always, and hold you close in our hearts. Rest in perfect peace. From: Egbe Osikhena

Bel ! We will miss you so much! We are thankful you have a relationship with Jesus. You were so warm and kind...I remember meeting you years ago...you planned a Thanksgiving get-together with Koko and cooked so much food ..that was the kind of

❤️❤️❤️ person you were giving and kind and warm...the kind of person that enjoys bringing other together... Kemi

Dearest Aunty Bose,

I still haven’t fully processed or understood how this could even be real. I had been looking forward to your visit to Nigeria, and you told me it would be very soon. Now, I’m being told that you have gone to be with the angels.

I will forever miss the beautiful memories we all shared together—the jokes, the times you gave me a time-out whenever I was misbehaving or fighting, the countless games of Ludo and other indoor games we played, the many clothes, jotters and magazines you always gave me to use for writing my stories, the movies we watched together amongst other overwhelming fun memories we had at your place, and the fun times you also had in ours. You will never, ever be forgotten. You will forever remain in our hearts, and the beautiful memories we shared with you will always have a special place in our lives.

Rest so peacefully, Aunty Bose ❤️ With all my love, Your cousin, Eghosa

My Bosom Aunty,

Words fail me to express how incredibly sad it feels to say goodbye. Aunty B, you were such a light. Your strength, boldness, and confidence were such an inspiration to me and everyone around you. Although you are no longer with us, your memories will always remain in our hearts. I pray that your beautiful soul rests peacefully in Christ. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Your bosom, Sonia

To my Dear Cousin Bose:

It is hard to believe that someone so full of life could be taken from us so suddenly. You had a larger-than-life personality that filled every room you walked into, bringing a spark of pure, unforgettable energy wherever you went.But what made her truly special wasn't just how bright you shone—it was how fiercely you loved. You always showed up for people, no matter what and could always be counted on for everything, big or small. Though you may be gone far too soon, your incredible energy and love will never leave us. Rest in peace, dear cousin. You are deeply missed.

Osahon Iguodala

My dear Bose,

Words are not enough to express how much I miss you. You were more than an in-law to me; you were my sister, my confidante, my friend, and someone I could always count on. I will never forget how you were always the first person to call me on my birthday, exactly at 12 midnight. You would call with so much excitement and say, “Happy birthday, Egbokor girl!” That name you fondly called me will forever remain precious in my heart. Many times, after wishing me a happy birthday, we would gist and laugh deep into the night. Those moments were so ordinary then, but today they are some of my most treasured memories. Whenever I was unhappy you were one of the first people I would confide in. I could talk to you freely because I knew you would listen. You had a way of making me feel understood, comforted, and loved. We would have loved to have you longer with us but God's ways are not our ways. Rest on my darling Bose. Adesuwa Esewi Iduwe

It was very hard for me to believe you were gone. I can't really still believe it is true but God knows best. You were more than a cousin to me ,you were like a sister. You always find time to attend events of family. We will miss you greatly. From Gloria your Cousin

Tribute to my Cousin Bose

I remember the memories we shared whilst growing up, how you stood against oppression for your loved once. These memories will linger forever in our heats.

From your Cousin Emmanuel Ohizoba

In loving memory of my mother

To my mother (mama Bel)

They say a mother’s love is unconditional. However there were moments i did not feel this due to personal differences. But as I grew older, I came to recognise the struggles, sacrifices, prayers and love my mother carried for her children (Aaron, Alex and me).

I will remember my mother as a woman who was determined, effervescent , wise, gentle yet mighty, and above all, a go-getter. She was an evidence of a selfless person as she always cared for those around her and put the needs of others before hers.

She was a woman who worked hard, dreamed big, and did what she enjoyed with courage and determination, although life circumstances hindered her progression, she still had faith that all good things will come to pass!

Mum, I still miss our weekly and regular check-ins, your “hola chica,” your “happy Sunday,” your “how you dey,” and all the catchphrases and words that were uniquely yours. Those simple moments and conversations meant more than I realised.

Embarking on motherhood without you by my side is an everlasting ache—a void I know I will carry with me. There are so many moments when I wish I could call you, hear your voice, seek your advice, or simply share the experience with you. the dreams i once anticipated for all gone

I wish you were here to see me accomplish many milestones, including become a mother, to guide me, encourage me, and share this beautiful journey with me. But your love and legacy will live on through me and through the generations to come. Thank you for sharing your teen, youth and adulthood with me for the last 28 years!

Rest peacefully, Mum. I pray you are now in a better place with the Lord. Till we meet again

Ama Estee

ONOFEGHARA, WHY DID YOU LEAVE US SO SOON? A Tribute to My Beloved Sister, Onofeghara Ikolo

The news of your death, my dear sister, Onofeghara Ikolo, still feels like a terrible dream from which I wish I could wake up. At just 44 years of age, you left us suddenly and unexpectedly, barely weeks after we lost our younger brother. Your departure has left a deep wound in my heart and an emptiness in our family that words cannot adequately describe.

Onofeghara, you were not sick. There was no warning that you would leave us so soon. What began as a seemingly minor complaint that took you to the hospital ended, within barely two hours, in the heartbreaking news that you were gone. How could this be? How could someone who was with us suddenly become a memory? I still find it difficult to believe that you are no longer with us. Your sudden departure was a rude shock and a painful reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be.

You were such a lovely, kind-hearted, generous, sincere and lively sister. Your presence brought warmth and happiness to those around you. You were the kind of person whose goodness was expressed not merely in words but in practical acts of love and concern. You cared about your family, and you demonstrated that care whenever there was an opportunity to do so.

One of the things that will remain indelibly written in our family history is the tremendous contribution you and your immediate younger sister, Ochuko Ikolo, made towards our father's burial. Your support, both in cash and in kind, contributed immensely to the success of the burial. You gave willingly, generously and wholeheartedly at a time when the family needed everyone to stand together. That act of love and sacrifice will not be forgotten in a hurry.

Little did we know that, while we were mourning our father and celebrating his life, we would later gather again in sorrow to mourn you. Life can indeed be so unpredictable. You gave so much to the family, yet you were not given the opportunity to stay long enough to see the fruits of many of the things you cared about.

Oh, Onofeghara, why did you leave us so soon?

Your death has brought another wave of sorrow upon the family. It is difficult to reconcile the lively sister we knew with the reality that you are now gone. We wish we could hear your voice again, see your smile again, share another conversation with you and simply have you around us as before. But those moments have now become precious memories that we must treasure.

Your departure has taught us once again that life is indeed temporary. We know that death is inevitable and that no human being can escape it. Yet knowing this does not make the pain of losing someone we love any easier. We may understand death with our minds, but our hearts still struggle to accept the departure of a beloved sister. Onofeghara, you came, you lived, you loved, you gave, and you touched the lives of those around you. Though your earthly journey was unexpectedly shortened, the memories of your kindness, generosity, sincerity and lively spirit will continue to live in our hearts.

As a family, we mourn you deeply. We will miss you greatly. We will miss your presence, your laughter, your warmth and the special place you occupied among us. But in the midst of our grief, we hold firmly to our faith in the Lord and the hope of the resurrection.

My dear sister, rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord until the resurrection morning, when we shall meet again, never to part anymore.

Until then, your memory will remain alive in our hearts.

Good night, my dear sister. Good night, Onofeghara. Good night, Belle.

You left too soon, but you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace until we meet again on the resurrection morning. Adieu, my beloved sister.

Richard Okiemute Ikolo, PhD

Oh my Belle! My adopted sister as you always introduced me. Hmmm...Where do i even start from? Your heart is so large, kind, caring and sweet. We don't talk everyday, week or even month but we always know where to pick up the conversation from. The Last time we spoke,you said we need to hangout...and that has been ringing in my head. We take comfort in the assurance that you're resting with your heavenly father. Thank you for being a sister, friend and confidant. Rest in peace, Belle Your adopted sis, Favor.

Tribute to my Beautiful Sweet Cousin.

I am still shocked that I will not be seeing you anytime i visit Houston. Bose was very dear to me. She was hardworking, kind and very generous. She loved children and was a giver to the core.

She was very thoughtful. Always wanted to make me happy- she knows my perfume preferences, my food preferences and will always get them for me. I would ask her what do I owe she will smile and say nothing....

She loved to take care of people very excited to assist Everytime. Always thought of everyone and very very very kind hearted and generous I will like to add again.

I remember all our fun times, gist times and outings... you will always be in my heart.

I am glad we had good memories together.

Rest on sweet cousin.

Amenzee Iguodala.

My Darling Bose I still find it so difficult to believe that I am writing a tribute to you. It all feels like a dream—one that I wish I could wake up from. When I heard the news of your passing, I was completely devastated. Even now, I think a part of me is still struggling to accept that you are no longer here. What do I even say about you? You were not just my cousin. You were my friend. You were someone I could laugh with, share moments with, and simply enjoy life with. I remember your laughter. I remember your drama. I remember your crying. And honestly, those memories make me smile even through the tears. Bose, you knew how to enjoy life. You enjoyed the moment. You enjoyed good food. You lived your life, and you brought your own special personality into every room you entered. I truly wish you had stayed with us much longer. I wish we had more time—more conversations, more laughter, more food, more memories. There was still so much life to live and so many memories left to make. But God knows best. Although my heart is broken, I am grateful our paths crossed and I had the privilege of having you as my cousin and friend. Thank you, Bose, for being a part of my life. Thank you for always being willing to show up, to

support, and to be there for the people you loved. Your presence was a gift, and your absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. I love you dearly, Bose. I will miss your laughter. I will miss your personality. I will miss having you here. I will miss you plenty. Until we meet again, my darling Bose, rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. You will always be loved. You will always be remembered. And you will always have a special place in my heart. Love always, Osarenoma Iguodala

Dear Big Cuz, The news of your demise came as a huge shock, but regardless I thank God that your soul has gone to rest.

I will not forget your random messages asking how I am doing, and how you always message me “Holla, Happy Mother’s Day” when I least expected it.

Thank you for the little and big ways you have impacted my life.

May you continue to find eternal rest.

Amen.

Love Osasumwen your Cousin.

TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER

Today, I honor the life of my dear sister, Onofeghara. Though distance and time often kept us apart, her presence was always felt in the family. She carried herself with strength, grace, and a quiet resilience that inspired those around her.

Her kindness was steady, and her love for family unwavering. Even in moments when words were few, her heart spoke volumes. We may grieve her absence, but we also celebrate the gift of her life….a life that will never be forgotten.

She will always remain a part of us, living on in our memories, our prayers, and the love we continue to share.

Your sister, IGHO