A Valentine Like No Other!

 

Love is in the air!

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in different styles all over the world, but 14^th February 2016, witnessed a unique Valentine Dinner in the Coal City of Enugu. Designed for exclusive couples, and tagged Sweet 16, the organizers, JetSet Events, in association with Aaron’s Place, used the occasion to introduce a touch of class to this uncommon event.

Even Cupid would be proud of the ambience at Aaron’s Place, as Katchie of White Magic, decked out the atmosphere in glorious Valentine colours, with a matching Red Carpet, anchored by the beautiful Miss Betty. Activities opened by 5:30 pm as guests began to arrive, resplendent in the day’s dress code, which simply said: A TOUCH OF RED.

As the guests settled down for the main event, Dr Igwebuike V. Onyiaorah, a Consultant Pathologist, of the Directorate of International Collaboration and Linkages: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, stepped up to deliver the first presentation. He had chosen a theme in sync with the prevailing circumstances of the day – Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Economic Crisis. This was followed by a second presentation by none other than the iconic Rev Msgr Prof Obiorah Ike, of CIDJAP, Enugu. The Monsignor traced the history of Valentine Day, from the time of St Valentine in the ancient Roman Empire to the present day. The respective medical and spiritual counsels from these two professionals made all the difference to this unique gathering.

The seminar speeches were naturally interlaced with spectacular performances by the Young African Stars, led by Ambassador George Urunwoke, which left the guests asking for more! But it was time for the main course, after all it was still a dinner party, and since the kitchen at Aaron’s Place was ready, the guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner from the assorted menu. Moreover, Coca Cola, Nigerian Breweries and Juhel Nigeria were available with their distinctive arrays of drinks, and Westlog Nigeria also introduced a new member of their line of products – the Rowlands Rosé Spritzer wine.

Entertainment was powered by MC Daddy Saint, featuring MC Attraction, with some amazing upcoming artistes, including VanPee, Silver, and De Two Brothers, just as the guests took to the dance floor. Interludes of comedy were much in excess; and prizes were awarded to the longest married couple, the best dressed couple, and the best dance couple.

The presence of Waterock Global, JetSet Interiors and Mekkan Technologies also contributed in no small way, towards making the evening a most memorable event. The Coal City is already looking forward to the next Valentine Day!

Tribute to Sista!

It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to a true friend! A stranger who became a colleague, a friend and then a sister! As one of the first people I met after arriving in Nigeria, Tina’s attitude and work-ethic impressed me! I saw a fighting spirit, a willingness to learn and grow! Her eyes sparkled, her smile mischievous and her passion unrivalled! 

Tina challenged me like none other, her sense of humour made Nigerian life easier and her ability to see the positive in any situation was admirable! We shared so many experiences opening hotels in Enugu, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos and Obudu! She was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get on with the job at hand! 

We don’t know why God chose to take Tina this early but I am blessed to have known such a strong character! My condolences to BJ, Emeka and the extended family! 

RIP Sista!  ~Sven Goosen.

Tribute to My Mother In Heaven

Oh Mommy! I miss you. I wish you were here. I can tell you that a Mum is irreplaceable for a child. I still cannot believe that you're really gone. The loss makes it hard to breathe.

It is unimaginable to think that I will not see your smiling face again! I will miss your laughter forever …and I will feel your absence every day of my life. Such emptiness will be the hardest point of each day.

Now that you’re in heaven, I know that you will continue to guide me, as the Angel you have always been. Rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord.

Adieu, Sweet Mommy.

- Emeka.

Tribute to My Angel

 

My light went out on 27^th January 2019 when you, my beloved wife, passed away after a four month struggle with a debilitating illness. It was a terrible shock because we all believed you were making favourable progress towards recovery. You resisted this fate; you fought it with every essence of your being; we could see that you wanted to live. From both far and near, friends rallied round family, providing support, absolutely committed to your recovery at all cost. But God in His infinite wisdom had other plans. He took you to a heavenly home to be with angels just like you.

My dear wife, Omalicha Beejay, you were not only a wonderful wife and mother but you were a meticulous homemaker, with an amazing capacity for multitasking. Combining your very busy schedules at work with keeping us happy at home could only be achieved by specialized abilities, possessed by someone with a definite natural advantage. Your job demanded a lot from you and you handled every challenge with the same positive mind, always cheerful and completely trusting God.

I am left with a combined feeling of humility and submission to Divine authority. I know many men have a wonderful wife but no one has ever had a better one than I. You were my love, faithful, efficient, loyal and true. You inspired me in ways I cannot explain. I have lost a worthy helpmate in you but I have nothing but happy memories of our nearly fourteen years of life together. Your interest in helping the needy is exemplary. I will do my very best to ensure your legacy lives on.

I sorrow now for you, my love. You will be deeply missed.

Rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord, till we meet to part no more.

BJ Chiawa