Emzor Pharmaceutical Boss, Stella Okoli, in Pains

Death, that unrepentant villain! Whenever has it felt guilty about causing much pain to people, great or small? Does it know that the family of the beloved singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu would tear it apart if they could? Does it realise that Stella Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical would have given anything to stop it from knocking at her friend’s door?

On Tuesday, July 30, Onwenu passed away after performing at a birthday party hosted by her friend, Okoli. The 72-year-old is reported to have collapsed shortly after her performance and was pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital in Lagos. Essentially, by visiting to whisk Onwenu away on this day, death effectively turned it into a day of sadness for all involved.

According to reports, despite the quick medical response to Onwenu’s collapse at Okoli’s party, she couldn’t be saved. For someone who was a special guest at the event, her untimely demise has now left an emotional void on what should have been a day of celebration. This loss hits hard, and the birthday celebration feels overshadowed by grief.

Indeed, Onwenu lived a brilliant life. From her time at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to her music, her acting career, and even politics, she cut the figure of a true icon, a peerless icon. It is the same narrative for every other pursuit she is known for, including her activism.

But all hope is not lost. Her two sons, Tijani Charles and Abraham, now have the responsibility of carrying on her legacy. It will not be easy, but there is no alternative. Her light, which was both warm and dazzling when she was alive, cannot be allowed to fade away.

As tributes and condolences continue to come in for Onwenu, the family left behind must now cope with this unexpected grief. The same is true for Okoli, her friend, whose every birthday celebration will now be overlaid by the memory of Onwenu’s passing.