A close friend of the late Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene has shared a heartfelt tribute and rare mementos from their university days, four days after Nwangene's tragic death from a venomous snake bite in Abuja. The friend, Christiana Aneke, posted on Facebook to mourn the loss and recall cherished memories, including gifts exchanged during their faculty week as freshers.
Emotional Facebook Post Reveals Deep Bond
Christiana Aneke expressed profound grief in her Facebook post, stating that she never imagined mourning her friend so soon after their university admission. She shared a photo from ten years ago, showing a wristwatch and red muffler that Nwangene gave her for their Faculty of Engineering Students' Association (FESSA) week. "Ifunanya Nwangene, Facebook just reminded me of this picture I took ten years ago," she wrote, highlighting the sentimental value of these items.
Sweet Memories and Personal Anecdotes
Aneke reminisced about Nwangene's gentle nature and shared a touching anecdote about their shared living space. "Do you remember the day you said to me, 'Christiana, even if I’m still sleeping, I know when you’ve woken up,'" she recalled, explaining how Nwangene noticed her morning stretches. This personal story underscores the close friendship they maintained over the years.
Criticism of Healthcare Response
In her post, Aneke also voiced frustration over the circumstances of Nwangene's death, questioning why venomous snakes were in her apartment and criticizing the delayed medical response. "When she got to the hospital she wasn’t attended to immediately because Nigerian hospitals don’t have snake antidote," she lamented, pointing to broader issues in Abuja's healthcare system. Her words reflect a mix of personal loss and public concern.
Social Media Reactions Pour In
The post garnered emotional responses from other users, with comments like "May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace" from Modupe Florence and "This is sad. God help us" from Anthony. These reactions highlight the widespread impact of Nwangene's death within the Nigerian community, both online and offline.
Background on the Tragic Incident
Ifunanya Nwangene, a gospel singer, died after being bitten by a snake in her Abuja home. Reports indicate she was rushed to a hospital where doctors administered anti-venom and oxygen, but efforts to save her were unsuccessful. This incident has sparked discussions about snake safety and emergency healthcare preparedness in urban areas like Abuja.
In a related account, a young man mentioned seeing Nwangene at church before her death, describing her as calm and kind, though he was too shy to approach her. Such stories add to the narrative of a beloved figure whose sudden passing has left many in mourning.
Christiana Aneke's tribute not only honors her friend's memory but also brings attention to the need for better healthcare resources and safety measures in Nigeria. As the community grieves, these shared memories and rare gifts serve as lasting reminders of Ifunanya Nwangene's life and legacy.
