I came across Dr. Uju Okoye in late 1990s when she took appointment with the defunct FEPA. Since then, I have remained very close to her. When she celebrated her 50th birthday in year 2002, she personally invited me (not minding my status then) to the bash. The occasion was a great one indeed, with many top dignitaries in attendance. At the Ministry of Environment level, she remained close too and always ready to assist anybody that come across her (in respective of ethnic or religious background. Dr. Okoye participated actively to the success of the 1st ever National Environmental Summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in year 2008. HE, The Vice President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan(now the President and Commander-in-Chief) stood in for Mr. President at the ceremony. Recently in Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil, we were together in the same apartment at Copa Cabana. She coordinated effectively the Nigeria Pavilion at the Exhibition Ground located in Rio Centro. The news of Dr. Okoye's death was a rude shock to me and members of my immediate family. However, Im consoled by the biblical injuction that says: God Giveth and God Taketh. May God in His infinite mercy console the family you left behind, the entire staff of Federal Ministry of Environment, the entire citizens of your country home in Enuge State; and grant you eternal rest in His bossom. Adieu!! Good mother.