I looked up the day 3rd December 1976 on the calendar: it was a Friday and 371,000 babies were born on that day. However, this Friday was special because it was the beginning of a journey for Glory Enyidiya Okebe.
She is the 3rd child of the Late Elder Okebe U. Ukariwe and Elder (Mrs) Comfort Okebe and what an adventure it was.
When the family moved from Douala, Cameroon to Aba, Nigeria, she was enrolled at Constitution Crescent Primary School and though she was about the smallest, she certainly proved her mettle by being one of the best grandaunts in her class.
She attended the St. Joseph’s college and later moved on to study at the Institute of management technology (IMT) in Enugu where she obtained her HND in Computer Science.
She proceeded for National service (NYSC) and served at the United Bank for Africa, Minna and she was retained there; a testament to the quality that she brings to all that she sets herself to do.
She moved to Jos in February 2013 where she worked as the Area Control Manager.
When she died on the afternoon of 11th May 2016, it was a Wednesday: she had spent 14404 days on earth.
No one can truly write the biography of another’s life. Each of her has a version of it that is unique and special to us. As we reflect on moments we shared with “Glo”, we become aware of how much she reminds us of the love of God. Glory was patient and kind. She was not envious of others seeming achievements. She was neither boastful nor proud. She was not self-seeking, neither easily angered nor boastful. Even when she was unfairly treated, she kept no record of wrongs, was never a part in conspiracies but rejoiced with the truth. She was always trusting, protective of her own, hopeful even for the worst of persons and situations and, she persevered through so much.
I will summarize by the words of Elizabeth Edwards
“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered...We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious”.