It was a moment of grief as mourners gathered on Saturday to bid farewell to Late Mrs Queen Obuje, the wife of Dr Joseph Obuje, the Head of Department ( HOD) History and International Studies at the Federal University of Lafia ( FULafia ), Nasarawa State.
As early as 6:30 am on Saturday, 11th January, 2025, mourners had gathered at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia morgue where the remains of the deceased had been deposited since 8th January, 2025.
The remains were taken to her husband’s home town in Agbashi, Ekye Development Area, Doma Local Government Area ( LGA) of Nasarawa State for burial.
During the funeral service, Dr James Azan who spoke about life’s unpredictability and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones, said that God was not man and whatever He choses, He will do.
Reflecting on the book of Numbers 23: 19 – 23, he said that God spoke and it came to pass, urging the family to accept what has happened and move on.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor ( VC) of FULafia, Prof Shehu Abdulrahman described the passing unto glory of the deceased as a great loss that cannot be replaced.
Prof Abdulrahman whose funeral oration was said by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof Aleruchi Chuku, condoled Dr Obuje over the loss of his wife and appealed that he accepts the fact that only God has the power to give and take life as it pleases Him.
” Do not ascribe power to anyone because life belongs to God alone. Each and every one of us will die one day and people will gather just as we are gathered here today.
“The question we should be asking ourselves today is that what would people say about you when you are gone? ,” he said.
He, therefore prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The first son of the deceased who is a graduate of Zoology, Justice Obuje while giving a testimony of his mother, said she was a woman of virtue who balanced her responsibilities with grace and determination.
Justice said that the deceased was an entrepreneur who ran multiple businesses to support her family, adding that her energy and commitment to loved ones were boundless.
He stated that his mother’s sudden death which came as a rude shock has created a vacuum which cannot be filled, even as he prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest.
On his part, the second son of the family, Abama Obuje, a 300 level medical student, said his mother left behind a legacy of love, faith and resilience in them.
According to him, the deceased was a dedicated social welfarist and was evident in her service, noting that all her efforts were targeted at uplifting and supporting the most vulnerable in the society.
He said that he was confident that people will continue to remember the values she lived for.
Responding, Dr Obuje said,” She was my confidant. We had no marital issues since we got married because she was my best friend. I am happy because she lived a life that pleased God.
” God has never made any mistake. She has died but heaven has gained,” he said.
He further appreciated the VC of FULafia, Prof Abdulrahman for all his support and the university community as well as other sympathisers for standing by him in his moment of grief and prayed God to bless them abundantly.
Other mourners presented their testimonies recalling how Mrs Obuje often made everyone feel at home with her hospitality saying that her loss was irreparable.
Words of comfort were spoken, but nothing could ease the pain etched on Dr Obuje’s face even as his colleagues, students and friends were there to pay their last respect but they all knew that the journey of healing would be a long one as his heart, once full of joy and love, now bore the weight of an unbearable loss.
Late Mrs Obuje who died at the age of 45 is survived by her husband, Dr Obuje and six children.
The burial was attended by the DVC of FULafia, Prof Chuku, Prof Adam Sirajudeen ( Arabic ) Prof Paul Haaga ( Philosophy), Prof Auwal Ibrahim ( English), Dr Alamin Abdullahi ( Dean, Faculty of Arts), Dr Thaddeus Kyegh ( former HOD, History and International Studies) and Dr Philip Idachaba ( Philosophy).
Others were; Dr Sophia Adofu ( History and International Studies), Dr Attah Abashi ( English), Dr Musa Sankira ( History and International Studies and Dr Macaulay Ukomi ( History and International Studies), Hon Ibrahim Musa, House of Assembly member representing Doma South among others.
