Dearest Augustina Enechile Abraham,

The last time we spoke was for almost 4 hours over the phone. We discussed your fears for me, talked about Kogi, family and all your plans for 2018. We talked about YALI Fellowship (I looked forward to you and Nemie making the cut) and the Fashion show in New York (I told Helen Wada just last week Friday she would work with you to churn out lovely designs). 

If I had known the call was farewell, I would have pleaded with you not to go for your life had only just begun. 

We chatted almost daily in the last few weeks strategizing for Patience ‘Miss Nigeria’ Contest. As at Sunday, we were already giving up because we noticed the voting pattern wouldn’t favor her. Was this one of the reasons you got stressed?

I missed your live video on Tuesday, I would have asked you to take a break. Amina said she noticed you looked stressed and wanted to talk to you but let it be. Truly Wish she spoke with you; it may have made a difference, but Allah knows best.

I loved you like a Sister and was ready to support you no matter what it would take. Our home was your home. You always had my best interest at heart. I remember how you came to my rescue when I complained about my Kanuri hair style I was finding difficult to losen. It took us many hours to finish..but that was my Tyna being an Angel. 

I woke up to pee yesterday morning and thought of you whilst peeing. I had planned to call you later to make beads I would wear for the Igala Education Summit later. I was just climbing the bed after bringing out the Sneakers you pimped for me with the Achi, when I saw Haruna’s call. I picked and “he said what happened to Tina”, I said nothing. He said two people just told him you had passed on, and I said “nah, my daughter isn’t dead”. I called your lines and they both weren’t connecting. I checked Whatsapp and saw someone who knew how much I cared about you, had sent me your photo. I told him same thing I told Haruna..”Nah, my daughter isn’t dead”. I quickly went to Facebook and saw your name and photos trending. I still didn’t believe. I called Sis Saidat, she was crying and told me it’s true. I said lailai, she should let me know when she gets to your house and confirms. I still didn’t believe when she said she was at the mortuary, and that your name was registered even though they hadn’t seen you. I had to go there myself to confirm it’s really true. You left just like that without saying bye..haba. This wasn’t the plan fa...😟

Every time I said you inspire me, you would laugh and say “my Queen, how can I inspire the one who inspires me?”

You left an indelible mark even though your sojourn on earth was brief. You’ll never be forgotten Sis. You and late Mary Taidi will always have a special place in my heart.

Adieu my dearest Lil Sis until we meet again. May Almighty Allah grant you Paradise, Ameen. 

NB: Bobby told me this morning that you guys were always chatting oh, yet una no let me know say my planned ‘in-lawship’ was almost a reality fa😁

Your Queen.