Tribute to a good and faithful sister

Mama Sinani, as I used to call her, had been known to me since 2008. We got close in 2009 when her child was enrolled in my class. I was Sinani’s class teacher in Nursery I and Nursery II. I remember one fateful day when Mrs. Kperogi and her husband brought Sinani to school for our end-of- year party and they forgot to collect their daughter’s result from me before leaving. So, I took the result to their house. The late Zainab insisted on cooking for me, which she did. She later dropped me at my house that night. We talked before I left and I told her I was travelling the next day to see mummy and grand mummy. She said, “Please, take good care of them. You are so lucky to have both your grandmother and mother together. How I wish I had mine.” I was touched and prayed for her that her children would live to know and care for her and she said “amen.” Her words always ring in my ears from time to time.
The tragic news of her death got to me on the 5th of June at about 7:10 am. One of our staff members (Mama Ibeji by name) called and told me. I did not believe it at first. Then, all my body started shaking. I quickly changed my clothes and left to her house with two of our staffs but we met no one. We cried and asked God why. But no answer came forth. I asked why good people die like this. But the fact remains that God knows better than we do. He loves her more than we do. Who can question God? He is unquestionable.
We thank God for keeping her children for us to see. God in His infinite mercy kept her children. I started calling Sinani “big sister” after the birth of her younger sister, Maryam, and her younger brother, Adam. Praise to the Lord.
I will never forget Mama Sinani. I know her to be a caring mother. For two years since her daughter, Sinani, was in my class, I got to know her as a wonderful mother who would do anything for her children to make sure they come out the best. She believed so much in her daughter and encouraged her all the time. Oh, a golden mother is gone! Who can replace her in the eyes of her children? No one! I say no one.
I pray to God to give all the staff of Media Trust, her loved ones, especially her husband, children and the family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Please, stop crying over her death. Just keep thanking God for the little time she spent so well on earth. I pray her humble soul rests in perfect peace of God (amen). 
Good night, Mama Sinani. God be with you till we meet to part no more.
Miss Mobolaji Olaiya teaches at Unity International School, Gwarinpa, Abuja.