Late in the night some two weeks while in Owerri, I received a call from a close friend in Abuja. He didn't say much. He said in a very subdued voice and heavy heart, "we have lost Omelora". I couldn't comprehend that. I dropped the phone. I was in denial. It was not true. May be he was asleep and was dreaming. I didn't want to call him back. That night I couldn't sleep. The next morning, I was still struggling with the news and still wouldn't like to call so that I would not be told that we have lost Omelora. It was when I started receiving many calls from Abuja that it became obvious to me that Omelora had gone. Dr. (Mrs.) Uju Nanma Okoye, Omelora as we call her, was a very close friend of ours. I first got to know her in 1998 when I came back to the then Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) from Canada. We were in the same Department. She was a big sister, a friend, a colleague and a close confidant. She was a great inspiration to many of us. She made us have confidence in ourselves. She was very pleasant and loving. She never hid her feelings. She would let you know her views in any situation or circumstance. She was a positive thinker, with a lot of ideas and initiatives. Recently we served together on the National Preparatory Committee for the Rio+20 Summit, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Dr. Okoye was in charge of exhibition. By her usual style and initiative, she made the Nigeria's Stand to become one of the best at Rio Centro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Omelora, we are going to miss you dearly. We will miss your infectious smile; your advice and words of wisdom; your magnanimity; your unique style and individuality; your perspective on issues; and your inspiring confidence. Unfortunately, your retirement party that was being planned and was to be hosted by me will never happen! God be with you till we meet again. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the Lord. And may God give your family and all those who loved you the fortitude to bear this pain. Dr. Lawrence Chidi Anukam, Director, NESREA