Tribute to my Beloved Aunty Nanma “The objective of development is not merely to increase incomes or to improve poverty indicators, but also to expand people’s real freedom.” This quote, by journalist Bella Akhagba, regarding the role of community and social development projects in mainstreaming gender and vulnerable groups perfectly captures the lifework of my beloved, inestimable, dearly departed Aunty Nanma. With her passing, I feel like the world has lost a Superstar, a tremendous voice in the fields of Environmental and Gender Issues…and the Okoye and Achebe families have also lost their own Superstar—a mother, sister, and daughter to all-a TRUE Omelora. Her CV reads like that of the product of the finest erudition. I have always estimated that in little time all of the world would know her name. But, sadly, she left before many could herald her name. Although I have expressed my admiration and respect in past and recent conversations with her, Aunty would never fully know how much she positively influenced me, both professionally and personally. A Women’s and Gender Studies and Environmental Law scholar as well, conversations with Aunty always flowed naturally and with much zest. Until 2010, my best memories of Aunty were those of my youthful days when we vacationed at her house during holidays: learning how to play “Do-Re-Mi” on the keyboard, going to Sunday worship with the entire family, and touring around in her blue Volkswagen Beetle. In those days, Aunty was a secondary mother figure to me and my siblings, treating us like her children—for better or worse. But it was in 2010 that the grown version of that young girl who loved vacations with her Aunty Nanma would see her beloved Aunty in a new and far-more inspiring light. That summer, I traveled to Nigeria with my then-fiancé to visit family and friends. One of our stops in Abuja was her house. After greetings were exchanged, she and I sat in the dining room table, engaged in the most interesting conversation for hours! Lost in the sweet conversation, the guys interrupted us to remind me that Abuja nightlife awaited. Ever the hospitable hostess (much like her mother, Ugwueze), Aunty prepared the most comfortable accommodations and made arrangements for a hearty breakfast for us in the morning. The treatment we received in her home made us feel like spoiled vacationers. Two years later, in August 2012, I called Aunty on the eve of my Traditional Wedding in Ikenga. I knew that she would not be able to make the occasion due to a prior work-related obligation, but I wanted to hear her voice, hear her blessing. She gave me the most heart-felt matrimonial advice an Aunty could give a niece, and followed up the next morning with a phone call to find out how it went. I remember her profound outlook and words: “I am so impressed that you brought your entire nuclear family to celebrate your wedding in our family home—the family will know how huge this is in coming years.” That was Aunty for you—always caring, always invested in one’s success, always one’s biggest cheerleader and well-wisher. She loved her family—children, husband, siblings, and extended--with a passion. The wedding parcel she sent through Nnenna—a fashionable jewelry set with a touching note attached—will forever serve as a token of her love for me. Of all of Aunty’s stellar qualities, her ability to ‘get down to a younger person’s level was my favorite. As accomplished as she was, she never made me feel intimidated, never acted “higher and mightier”—she was always down to earth and had a remarkable ability to open her heart, express, and relate well. While she is no longer physically here with us, I feel her presence around, and will feel it in every accomplishment I am blessed to achieve in the future. In a world where men are often seen as the only capable heroes, a world in which women do not often have the space or voice to contribute intellectually, Aunty Nanma consistently went against the grain. She served as an adviser and consultant to many, the true star behind the ‘superstars.’ For me, she has paved the way and normalized the notion that women should challenge the status quo and urge inclusion in dialogue that impacts their social, economic, and environmental well-being. She will forever be my personal hero and her legacy will live on in my heart and through my deeds. Aunty, I am so proud of all of your extraordinary lifetime accomplishments—you have done superbly well. You are a role model for young women everywhere—both professionally and domestically. May you rest in perfect peace. I will continue to pray for strength for your children, my beloved cousins, and your husband, Uncle Goddy. Until we meet again, to part no more. Love Always, Ugonma Achebe, Esq. New Jersey