ESTHER Ekene Jarikre (nee Ugboko) hailed from Ogwashiukwu in Delta State. But she was born and bred in Lagos and attended St Gregory Primary School, Falomo and Orile-Iganmu Secondary school.

‘’Aunty Esther’’, as you were fondly called by friends, especially those of us who laboured with you at Tower Gate Private Schools, Ipaja, Lagos, you were indeed special.

Though you enrolled as a cook but through hard work and determination, you were redeployed to the teaching section where your love for kids was explored.

Your age and background meant nothing to you among the kids and you humbled yourself among the staff, parents and students. No wonder you later obtained a Grade Two certificate at the National Teachers Institute, NTI and a  National Certificate in Education, NCE, from the same institute.

Your passion for the kids was evident and within a space of time, you became a force to be reckoned with, especially among nursing mothers. Today, many children who received tutelage under you are reminiscing your caring heart.

I remember your days at a dilapidated building at Ipaja where you stood as a pillar of encouragement to the family. Inspite of the various challenges as a teacher and a mother of four, you stood as a symbol of encouragement to the school, ensuring that the school was always neat.

Ekene, you were a moulder of destiny, a visioneer and teacher to those who came in contact with you.

Though our days in Tower Gate were not rewarded but you pitched your tent with Honey land Private Schools, Ipaja where your Montessori talent was discovered and you succeeded in moulding the lives of many children to the delight of their parents.

Gradually, your business acumen also came to manifestation and you gave up the teaching job and ventured into the boutique business. You were able to leave a legacy for your children, especially Charity who now runs a business alongside her studies.

Esther, our ten years of friendship was no joke though they were filled with numerous challenges both physical and spiritual.

I remember your gentle voice at all times; you were a teacher, a counsellor and a confidant among your friends.

Also, your prayer life was spirit-filled and many benefited from it. Your last visit to my family on April 28 keeps ringing in my heart. If I knew the ailment would degenerate so fast, perhaps we would have taken some drastic steps.

I remember my moment of challenges in year 2008 and your words of encouragement to heal my broken heart. Esther, you stood as a pillar of strength during the period. Ekene, I find it difficult to forget our stay at Ipaja-Ayobo where your role as a comforter proffered solution to some challenges.

What about your dress sense which  was quite unique? If I knew the April visit was the last one, I would have tapped more idea from you, especially in the area of business. You told me you would visit again within two weeks oblivious that death was close by. Indeed your sudden eclipse on Wednesday July 18, 2012 remains a mystery to many.

You have always told me to ‘put the past behind and forge ahead’ but your thoughts keep running in my mind. Aunties Comfort Ajibade and Funmi Adebisi will never forget our days together as four jolly good friends.

During our friendship, we dreamt of so many good things, part of which was to be responsible mothers and wives. Alas! The cold arm of death had snatched you in your prime.

As a pastor’s wife at the Manna Mountain and a Women Leader at Foursquare Gospel Church, Majiyagbe, Ipaja, your life as a prayer warrior has left a vaccum which is difficult to fill.

Your husband of 22 years, Felix Jarikre, of Our Daily Manna Ltd ODM, will never forget your role as a mother and wife, while your children: Charity, Christian and Caleb, will live to remember your kindness to all.

Esther, I love you but God loves you most. Rest in the bosom of your creator till we meet part no more.

Adieu my good friend.

Mrs. BOSE ADELAJA is a staff of  Vanguard Newspapers.