The end of the beginning: Onyeka and Maimuna Anyaene: So, so, sad a love story

By Chioma Gabriel
“A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and  loud lamentation; Rachel  was weeping for her children; she  refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15

Indeed, for a long time to come, the love story of Onyeka and Maimuna Anyaene would be a reference point for all lovebirds. It was a love story that defied ethnicity, religion and all reasonable imaginataions such that death could not do them part.

Their love story from its beginning to its end was so strong  that even the legendary William Shakespeare would have  turned  in his grave in envy for a real life love story that trascends the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Onyeka Anyaene was a decent young man. The last time I saw him was  last year when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal visited Lagos  for a parley with Editors after he was sworn in as Speaker. Onyeka came in his entourage and  during our encounter, I realised  he was working in the Speaker’s Chambers.

But knowing him went beyond Tambuwal’s visit to Lagos. Onyeka Anyaene was a very close friend of my brother Emeka Obiakor who is also a lawyer. Their friendship was so deep that Onyeka was spending a lot of time in our house then at No 11 Ladipo Street Olodi Apapa in the 1990s.

Onyeka and Maimuna and son

He was always kind and  was never given to talking too much even though he could  crack  jokes out of very serious situations.

I spoke with him occasionally after the Tambuwal visit and  then this.

At Ndiowu in Orumba North LG of Anambra State, the mood was sombre.

The peace loving people of the sprawling town of Ndiowu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, unfortunately are the worst hit by the crash of the Dana Flight 992 of  Sunday June 3, 2012.

Like other Nigerians ,most members of the community were either relaxing or watching the Eagles football match which was the greatest event of the day when the news of a plane crash filtered into the town. No one took it seriously until Monday June 4, 2012 when the manifest was released indicating the town had lost over six members of its own. People clustered around popular joints like the Ibeagwu, Avenue and Easy Junction, a popular joint beside Onyeka Anyaene’s beautiful mansion.

The joy of the previous days’ Football victory against the Namibians had suddenly given way to a flood of anguish, dismay and wailing.

Along with other villages, Ubaha village was thrown into mourning just as members of the St Lawrence Anglican Church where he worshippers were seen in groups whispering, wondering and ruminating over what has befallen them. The atmosphere was so tensed up you could almost touch it.

To insiders, the mood of the community was not a surprise considering the popularity of the Anyaene’s family as a result of the contributions of their late father Ben Anyaene, a popular church teacher whose intelligence and selfless service touched the lives of many citizens of the community.

First to break the news was Chibueze Kingsley Kanu who wrote on the community’s forum on facebook “Please my dear brothers and sisters,can someone help to find out which of the Anyaenes. According to the manifest of the Dana Air plane crash, I saw Onyeka Anyaene and other Anyaenes in the manifest. Please make some diligent findings”.

It was no longer a matter of speculation when the towns’ President General, Engineer Chike Emenike followed it up on the same platform asking for prayers. Hell was let loose as comments and lamentations began to flow. As at the time of writing this report, it had become a deluge.

One reaction that touches the essence and soul is captured by NkolikaNwankwo, a daughter of a prominent citizen of the community. She says. “I have called out severally and cannot but cry out now again for us all to demand immediate change.We cannot allow this country to drift so aimlessly whilst innocent lives are being lost in such cruel, irresponsible and heartless ways. So many children are orphaned, so many parents forced to bury their children, some in totally un-identifiable states, because we sit back hoping someone else will speak up.

Is it when, God forbid, it comes home that we will feel the pain of this carnage? It could have been anyone of us caught on a distressed flight, unable to land even after a May Day call. Hers and others on that flight are gone out of negligence. A death that has resulted from the criminally negligent act of another should immediately be prosecuted.

Maimunaand son

“ The Dana management and Nigerian officials responsible should be tried and jailed for mass manslaughter. This corruption, nepotism, criminal negligence, dereliction of duties, state sponsorship of terrorism, blatant theft of state property, murder of innocent souls, must end. We must re-occupy until we are heard. We and no one else, must end this!“

The death of Onyeka and his family was the third of its kind for the community and apparently seems to be too much to bear. The first was the ADC airline which claimed the life of Ifeanyi Kanu. IfeanyiKanu was a young man that was yet to find his bearing after graduation. He was a member of the ADC crew that perished without compensation on the ADC flight. This was closely followed by the Kenya Airline that claimed yet another member of the Kanu’s family, the Sosoliso clash also claimed one of its own and now the Dana Airline flight 992.

Onyeka was in his early 40s and has had a successful career as a lawyer. He was a law graduate of the University of Jos and the eight out of a family of 10. Of course,he was the last of the six men born by late Ben and Madam MercyAnyaene of Ubaha village in Ndiowu Town, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Onyeka was a twin with her sister Odinaka.

The Anyaenes had lived in Townhouse, in Elmwood’s newly-developed Quaker Green condominium complex, for several years. According to the Hartford Courant, Maimuna, Onyeka’s heart throb was a human resources manager for United Technologies in Gold Building in Hartford. One report says that residents described the neighbourhood as very community-oriented, where neighbours immediately reach out to meet newcomers. Anyaene’s family would socialize by the pool, and come to neighbourhood parties, they said.

The mood in his Lagos residence was even dizzier following the arrival from the United States of the family’s elder brother Dr Anyaene  Tuesday night. Tears flowed uncontrollably as emotions poured out for the whiz kid who was just bringing his family home for the first time for mum to see and hug.

“ Where is Onyeka and the  kids he promised to bring to me,” his mum oblivious of what was happening around her would demand from time to time. Providing a suitable and comforting answer was a big challenge and would remain so for long.

In Connecticut, United States where Maimuna lived with her kids before the ill-fated crash that claimed her life  and her kids, a makeshift memorial is being put in place tomorrow.

Already, flowers, stuffed animals, and photographs now blanket the front stoop of 28 Park Place Circle in West Hartford, the townhome where Maimuna Anyaene  lived with her four children before they perished.

“Your family will be in our hearts forever,” reads one handmade card which included a photo of Maimuna and one of her children in costume.

Hundreds of friends and relatives from all over the globe also expressed shock, grief, and condolences through  a website dedicated to the memory of Maimuna, her husband Onyeka, and the couple’s four children

A total of nine members of Anyaene’s family perished in the crash. In addition to Maimuna and Onyeka, the couple’s four children;Kamsi, twins Kayna and Kayne, and baby Kamal, also known as Noah; Maimuna’s mother, Hajiya Berikisu Mijindad, and two cousins were passengers on the plane.

The family was en route to Nigeria to attend the wedding of  Maimuna’s brother Ndako, which was scheduled for June 9. Maimuna and her four children lived in West Hartford, but her husband, Onyeka, lived and worked in Nigeria most of the time.

Onyeka and kids

Anyaene’s oldest child, Kamsi, was a student at Whiting Lane’s Early Learning Center. Dr. Eileen Howley, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum for the West Hartford Public Schools, read the following statement at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting: “The entire education community extends its deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

Maimuna, 32, was originally from Zaria, Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 2001. She earned a Master’s Degree from the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University in 2006. Her brother Mohammed Mijindadi also obtained an MBA at Penn State, graduating in 2008.

“It’s certainly difficult for us  to know that she’s not with us anymore,” said Robin Brouse, director of MBA student services at the Smeal College of Business.

The MBA program is a small, close-knit group of 85-100 students in each cohort, Brouse said, and the students and staff know each other very well.

“Maimuna was a very special person. She had an infectious smile and was a humble and kind person. It was joyful to have her come through the office. It’s hard to fathom,” Brouse said.

A post on the Smeal College of Business’ Facebook page reads, “It is with great sorrow that we pass along the news that Maimuna (Mijindadi) Anyaene, along with her husband, four children and her mother were killed in the Nigerian plane crash last Sunday. Maimuna was a Smeal MBA graduate of the Class of 2006. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Anyaenes and Mijindadi families, especially Maimuna’s brother Mohammed (MBA ’08). We will pass along any news or updates we receive in the coming days.”

Brouse said that the University has not yet made any definitive plans for a memorial.

Maimuna Anyene worked in the human resources department at United Technologies. UTC spokesperson Maureen Fitzgerald said in a statement, “Maimuna Anyaene was an invaluable part of the United Technologies team for more than four years. We are saddened by the loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends around the world. She will be deeply missed by all, including her colleagues at UTC.”

In a website dedicated to the memory of Maimuna, her husband Onyeka, and the couple’s four children, over 1000 condolences have been posted by family members, friends, school mates, colleagues in the office and those who were touched by the tragic  love story of Maimuna and her husband.

Onyeka’s sister  is former Vice President Alex Ekwueme’s wife.

In their family house in Ndiowu, Anambra State, the villgers were still too stunned to express their sorrow.  Onyeka Anyaene’s twin sister, Odinaka  as at Thursday had not recovered from the shock and the entire village could not comprehend what came upon them.

Writing his condolence on Maimuna’s Facebook, Uche Okeke revealed “ Ada Ekwueme, my friend was your husband’s niece and that was how I met you  before you got married. I and Ada were always at Elf estate where your husband lived.  When I heard from Ada that all of you were on that ill fated flight, my heart bled and still bleeds. When your corpse was found, your husband was on top of you and your kids. He protected you and your children from burning but rather got himself burnt beyond recognition all for his family. You both loved each other to death. Maimuna, we will not question our creator, but may you all rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more.”

A childhood friend, Kunle Lawal recalled their days from Zaria.

Growing up with Maimuna in the ancient city of Zazzau had fond memories of an always smiling,pretty lady.  She was very intelligent and we kept in touch even after she left the shores of Nigeria.She had a wonderful personality. Its tragic how you left ,my old friend but who are we to question the Almighty.”

A University colleague, Uju King, nee Enuenwosu is yet to get over her shock.
“ I just can’t believe it. I can rememeber our fun days on Benue road quarters in UI. It’s  so sad.I ask myself if I feel this way, then I shudder to think what her relations and closest friends are feeling right now. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this grave and unjust loss of such a beautiful, loving family.”

A relation of  the Anyaene’s,  UO was looking forward to the wedding for which Maimuna and her kids returned but the story turned out differently.

“ I was expecting to see you at the wedding over the weekend so we could have a drink, have a good laugh, talk about the good old days, but do you and the kids, your mother and your husband had to go so soon. Ehm, sleep well Maimuna and take care of the kids okay.”

Her school daughter,  Emem Assam’s heart is still racing.

“ I couldn’t sleep for two days. Maimuna, you were my school mother and dorm mate in Queen’s College and then my school mate in UI. Somehow, you’ve always been there. Your laughter, those dimples!!!You taught me so much in boarding school. All those secrets. I remember the days we used to exercise together. You  did all those sit ups and leg ups and kept adding on everyday. You’ll hold my legs, then I’ll hold yours. Then leg ups, then more. You had so much faith in me! Even more than I had in myself.

You never missed a prayer! You inspired me. You handed over your prefectship to me, and taught me how to ring the bell for dinner, do inspections, etc. No, I didn’t become a prefect but I know you believed in me. I knew you’d make a perfect mother and wife. I wish I was able to see you one more time last year in DC. I feel bad for not reaching out more in the recent years. I can go on and on. I wish I got to see you and your family. I wish our children and husbands became friends. I wish I know we’ll meet again. For me to hurt this much here, I can only imagine how your family is doing.”

Maimuna’s neighbour , Gail Goddard in West Hartford, Connecticut , United States saw her last  “a little over two weeks ago at our town library’s used book sale. We were picking out books for her children to read, and be read to, which was very important to her. We then had lunch and discussed the trip to Nigeria and her new job opportunity in Rhode Island. Maimuna was radiantly beautiful that day, as always with her calm smile even though she had so much going on in her life. I cannot believe she and all of her children are not coming back from Nigeria. I am crying writing this. So sad, so much loss, so much to mourn.”

Joke Thompson would always remember Maimuna’s loud and heartily laughter on the phone when she called her  that saturday, a day  before  the unfortunate incident.

“ Your loud laugh through the phone still rings in my head. I met with you at Sami Court in Maitama that Saturday.I saw all  of you, your mum, husband, children and cousins. We all gisted at the dinning area.Mummy was so hilarious as we talked and laughed about everything. You asked about everyone. Mummmy told me you all would be flying on Dana the next day. She asked who owned Dana flight and we said we have no idea, she then wanted to know if it was a good flight. Hmmmm, I wish I told you all I know about it now, just wish all the news flying around by the flight had come in a day earlier. Would it have stopped you? Maimuna, you said you wondered why anyone could name a flight Dana, that it sounds funny. We took pictures with your camera. Mummy also snapped us with hers and I snapped with my phone.I was privileged to meet you all before  your last day.”

Another childhood friend, Kayode Gbodi remebered their days and “ those precious times we all spent back in the days at both our homes at  Area A in Zaria and NVRI Qtrs in Vom/Jos,from childhood. We played,ate and did so much together as brother and sister. I remember your warm welcome and hospitality,coupled with your entertainment with a barrage of albums with thousands of beautiful pictures. As an undergraduate at U.I when I visited from O.A.U,you always loved trapping memorable moments in pictures like you knew.They are vivid display of your smiley and warm personality, now vivid for all to see across continents.Those lovely pictures of yours really took hours to glance through,but were really worth the while.I will miss you Sis,Mumsi,Oluchi and all your adorable angels and their dad.”

Rita Eyo Arharhire saw Onyeka on Tuesday before they died on Sunday. “I saw Onyeka on Tuesday before this accident, how marriage had changed him for the better. Where you are now, there will be no more death and sorrow. May your souls rest in perfect peace”

The Anene  family memorial services would hold tomorrow at 10am at beachland park47 Squaker laneWest Hartford, CT 06110.