Where Are The Friends And Business Associates Of Late Nuel Ojei? -By Princess Amb. Afoma Ojei-Adigwe

Death is a painful teacher. It teaches us great lessons about life, family, friendship, loyalty, relationship, gratitude and the people who truly matter to us.

My late brother, Nuel Ojei, was a global giver.

He was the kind of person who did not wait to be asked before helping. When friends, business associates, their wives or children were celebrating weddings, birthdays or other important occasions, Nuel was often there to support them. He identify with his friends and associates at all times.

But what touches me most about his life was the way he responded when people were sick, struggling or genuinely in need. When someone was admitted in the hospital, facing a difficult situation, or needed financial and personal support, my brother would step in.

He helped friends families struggling to keep their children in school especially aboard. He gave financial assistance to people in difficult moments. He helped people quietly, sometimes without anyone knowing. He gave because that was simply the kind of person he was. He supported those around him because he saw that not just as an obligation but a privilege to help.

Today, I ask a painful question:

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Where are the friends he stood by?

Where are the business associates who benefited from his generosity?

Where are those whose families he supported?

Where are those whose children’s school fees he paid in Nigeria and abroad?

Where are those he helped when they were sick and in difficult moments?

Where are those who came to him when they needed help and found his door open?

My brother’s house in Abuja today looks like a grave house, not because his body is there, but because the man who brought life, laughter, friendship, business opportunities and generosity into that home is no longer there. The family feels isolated and abandoned.

Nuel Ojei is gone!!!

And one of the hardest things about death is discovering how quickly the world moves on. People who once called you their brother can suddenly become strangers. People who benefited from your kindness can become silent. People who knew where to find you when they needed help may suddenly forget where your family is when you are gone.

I am not writing this out of hatred or slight for anyone. I am writing because I feel the pain and the family is feeling dejected and isolated. It is written by a younger sister who watched her brother give, help, encourage and stand by people, and who now watches the silence and apparent neglect that has followed his departure.

Maybe this is the greatest lesson my brother’s death has taught me:

Appreciate people while they are alive.

Stand by people while they can still see you standing.

Remember those who helped you when you needed help.

Remember the person who paid your school fees when your family could not.

Remember the person who stood beside you in the hospital.

Remember the person who supported your family when you were going through difficult times.

And never wait until someone dies before acknowledging the value of their life.

In due course, some names and stories may be made public, not to embarrass anyone, but so that people can understand the relationships, friendships and sacrifices that formed part of Nuel Ojei’s life as a global giver.

THE GLOBAL GIVER HAS GONE!!!

But his family remains committed to preserving his dignity, honoring his memory and giving him the befitting farewell that he deserved.

At this difficult time, the Ojei family, the people of Issele-Uku, the Delta State Government and a few committed friends and business associates have continued to work together toward his burial arrangements.

To those who have stood by the family,  supported us, remembered Nuel and continued to show love since his passing, May God bless you. We will never forget your kindness.

And to my beloved brother, Nuel, the Omoyele: you were a philanthropist per excellence!

You were a problem solver and a crisis manager.

You gave to many.

You helped many.

You paid school fees for children.

You supported families.

You empowered and uplifted people.

You mentored and groomed many to become somebody.

You stood by many in sickness and in difficult times.

You remembered and comforted many.

Now it is our turn to remember you.

And our God, the rewarder of those who diligently seek him, in His infinite mercy, will remember your labor of love.

May your soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord!

Princess Amb. Afoma Ojei-Adigwe

Younger Sister of Late Nuel Ojei

Founder/President, Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture (UYOTA)