By Barth Ikiebe.
Lady Ngozi John – Anigbogu (Nee Egbuedike ) fondly called Aunty Ngo, was a devouted Christian, whose path crossed mine at a selection interview for employment in early 1990. As fate would have it, we were among the 15 successful candidates, who scaled the hurdle to get employed and we both resumed almost at the same time except for Yinka Atolagbe, who reported before us.
We were both tutored mentored then by Seniors like Chris Okoyomo, Mike Ukana, Osaze Iyamu, Tolu Olanrewaju, Iyabo Abubakar, Ben Egbuna, Ishola Dada and the big Ogas, MHO and Tunji Oseni.
Ever since then, Ngozi and I have been very close family friends. Ngozi was hardworking and dedicated to the job, News Production. Serious minded and blunt, you can hardly fault her judgement. She was adjudged the best Producer for two consecutive years in 1993 and 1994, while I was her runner up. Ngozi doesn’t rush to do things, no matter the urgency, she would take her time to study the matter before taking a stand, an attitude, I later imbibed from her.
Having worked together in Lagos, we were again among those choosen to begin operations in Abuja in 1998 under our late Boss, Ben Egbuna. Others were Gabriel Omonhinmin, Obiora Ani, Udo Etefia, Godwin Ukaa, and later joined by Tony Ekata, Aminu Umar, Uche Aneke, Paul Oke, Olajide Subair Lady Regina Okoye, while those already on ground were Ben Shemang, Aliyu Othman and Corpers like Lati Afegbua, Lekan Sowande and Sherifat.
I never saw her quarrel with any one of us, you just see her smiling all the time. The only person altercating her then was Gabriel, and would gently respond, Gabriel, “Afumakaa ooh!!!” i.e leave me alone.
Ngozi was firm and straight forward, not somebody to be easily swayed or manuvered.
Lady Ngozi was a cheerful and generous giver, even to a fault. Emptying what she had to please you if in need. She is a lover of Children and very hospitable, as observed during our short stay in VON rented quarters in Area 8. Our last moment was last Thursday, we had a robust discussion on how to manage ourselves after retirement, I gave her some tips which we intended to concretize but unable to do that now as death came in a jiffy. Ngo, you fought a gallant fight over health issues but God knows best as the siege is over. Adieu, best Sister!!!
