“I could never fathom
how you managed to do it all; it seemed inconceivable. Turning everything you
touched to gold while remaining an unwavering anchor for your family and
friends.”
Speaking about the late Wigwe’s steadfast love, Tochi
recalled how the late businessman always encouraged and pushed her and her
friends to elevate their ambitions.
She further appreciated Wigwe for nurturing relationships
during his lifetime and leaving her “with people to guide and protect her”.
“Distance meant
absolutely nothing to you. You traveled continents on a whim just to see me for
a couple of minutes before heading back to your responsibilities,” she
continued.
“According to him, my mother Hannah and I were the most
beautiful and my nickname was also ‘pretty.’
“Who will prompt me to flash a peace sign in every photo;
who will engage in marathon debates with my friends and myself on flights to
Cape Town; who will inquire ‘what are they saying about me online today?’ And
who will ask me about my thoughts on Wigwe University.
“You were Paradox, a tower of strength with a heart as soft
as silk. You can never raise your voice at me without calling me an hour later
to apologise.
“Your influence extended far beyond our family circle. You
effortlessly convinced my friends that their futures lay in Nigeria, urging
them to elevate their aspirations.
“You’ve left me with enormous shoes to fill but you’ve also
gifted me with an unwavering support system. You nurtured your relationships
with such care that you’ve bestowed upon me farthest to guide and protect me
for that I’m eternally grateful.
“I love you deeply and I ache for the day we will be
reunited to resume our cherished gossip sessions to continue our pep talks
about life and everything in between with all my love, Mama T, aka Your
Pretty”.
Wigwe, his wife and son alongside others met died on
February 10, after they were involved in a helicopter crash in the United
States of America.
Wigwe’s funeral programme started on March 4, and is
continuing as the deceased will be laid to rest on March 9 in his hometown in
Isiokpo, Rivers state.
