What A Concern! A vote of Thanks By Dr Austin Agbahiwe.
2 min read
For sure, “in prosperity, our friends know us, but in trying difficult times and adversity, we know our friends.” I am overwhelmed by the love and concerns shown me and my family at the demise of my beloved wife, Mrs Frances Nkechi Austin-Agbahiwe. From the moment the unexpected happened in far away Colmar in France, my kith and kin all over the world rallied around me and family, praying for us, visiting, condoling, and sending in resources. You all made us feel specially loved and denied yourselves the alternative use of your scarce resources of time and funds in order to see that her remains are brought home for a deserving interment. The volume and depth of your sacrifices were, to say the least, overwhelming. Your kindness and care were refreshing wind to our saddened spirit. What manner of friends are these?
Thank you, God, for the strength and direction.
For my friends in the USA, who led the movement that I and family should not walk alone, thank you.
For my friends in Europe, who walked the talk, thank you.
For my friends in Nigeria who visited, called and contributed, thank you.
For my friends in Asia, South America, Middle East, you guys were simply amazing, thank you.
For the people’s senator, distinguished Senator, Osita Izunaso, who took it personal to ensure that I remained stable to face the reality of the circumstances by several visits and calls, just like so many other closer friends, very many to be individually mentioned, thank you.
What about the members of our church, the Living Faith Church (Winners Family, Imo State Headquarters, Owerri), Winners Family, Umuaka, the Assemblies of God Church, Ibele Umuaka, the St Andrew’s Catholic Church, Ibele Umuaka, the St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ibele Umuaka, When Women Pray International, Owerri Chapter, and Firebrand Ministeries, Owerri. Thank you for your prayers and steadfastness. You walked the talk.
To my colleagues at American Cancer Hospital, and former colleagues at First Bank, Access Bank, Intercontinental Bank, Global Bank, Omega Bank, Liberty Bank, United Bank for Africa, Diamond Bank, Equatorial Trust Bank, and Merchant Bank of Africa, thank you.
What of the alumni of Lagos Business School [Pan Atlantic University], Cornel University, New York, USA, University of Nigeria, Imo State University, Abia State University, and the University of Science & Technology, Port Harcourt, thank you.
For the Bikers Club [Imo State & Nigeria), Waka Group International [Owerri Chapter], Nupi, Ucof, Agboju Secondary School, Lagos, St Saviours College alumni, High School [Class of ’81], Federal Govt Technical Secondary School Umuaka, Girls Technical School, Umuaka, and Akajiaku Old Students Association, thank you.
For all the numerous “Umunna, Ndiogo and Umerenne” Groups and Associations, thank you.
What would I have done without all your sacrifices and support?
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
