Read touching Tribute to Late John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman, a Mandela Washington Fellowship by Ati Kengkeng.#MWF2016

FAREWELL MY BOY
Tribute to JOHNPAUL USMAN #MWF2016

I called relentlessly and waited eagerly for you to arrive the airport because I knew that the experience would be incomplete without you and the value we would add to Nigeria post-MWF would be vital. I remember how we spoke continuously on the phone as we found our way around Abuja airport.



Finally, you arrived and then we shifted our worry to Fr. Onoja Akpa. In Frankfurt, while awaiting our flight to D.C we “photo bombed” each other’s selfies relentlessly, little did I know that that was going to be our last meeting. Barely a week later and you’re gone. We prayed all night amidst the sketchy information we had, hoping that it would be a lie or that you were successfully resuscitated but No. God didn’t change His mind. Our hearts are heavy, our eyes are wet, our bond has been broken, the light on our fellowship experience has been turned dim…


Because you were the youngest of all fellows from Nigeria, “My boy” I often called you, “Yes boss” you would always reply… It saddens me that you had to depart in this way and without saying goodbye. I wouldn’t have accepted it anyway. You've left us with a great task and we shall see it through to honour you.

We departed Nigeria to America 100 in number, now we are 99. We departed Africa a 1000 in number, now we are 999. Who am I to question God? I am consoled by the fact that God loves good things too and has taken you as such. May the saints, John and Paul whose names you bear, receive and keep you with God till we meet to part no more. Also, prepare to give me a tour of heaven when I receive my call home. R.I.P my boy.

Ati Kengkeng
Mande Washington Fellow from Benue.