Let's Immortalize Christy Essien Igbokwe... Says Onyeka Onwenu!

One of Nigeria's famous female singers, and a former colleague of the late Chief Christy Essien Igbokwe, Onyeka Onwenu has called for the immortalization of the late Christy, as well as other fallen heroes and heroines in the entertainment sector.

According to Onwenu who paid a condolence visit to the Igbokwes' Ikeja home yesterday, Christy must be immortalized by Nigerians. because she was a complete Nigerian.

Her words 'She cared, loved and lived for Nigerians. And it is time we began to recognize and appreciate our heroes. She was one of such Nigerian heroes. We need to honour her with a landmark. It is not just good enough naming streets after her, but create a landmark so that future generations of Nigerians can learn from the life of Christy, who pushed herself up from an obscured background and made herself an International star.''

Asked about a specific award for which the late lady of Songs should be remembered, Onwenu said 'I cannot say anything now but we have to collectively think of something that would be a permanent reminder of her great achievements. In this way, those children who are now growing up can look at her life and say, 'if she can do it from a humble background, then there is hope for the rest of us."

Explaining further, Onwenu said 'Much as we look at our President today and say 'he came from a poor background and look at where God has taken him to'. The same way, Christy came from a poor background and this is where God had taken her. Let her immortalization be one that will inspire the future youths of Nigeria.

Onyenu who was equally popular as a leading female voice at the time Christy reigned as Nigeria's Lady of Songs added ' Christy was one of a kind and there can never be anyone like her. I think about her commitment to duty, she was a wonderful mother, wife and citizen of the country. Her care for other people knew no bounds. She was an artistes' artiste. One who took it upon herself for the survival of the music industry, beginning from her stage performance, and her kind of music.

The issue of what will be the form of the immortalization should be left to a committee to decide. But it must be a permanent one. It should not be something that will be eroded with time. It must be visible.''

More tributes…

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State
From my teenage days, I had been a fan of this exceptional gifted woman and multitalented artiste, who started quite early on the path of stardom at the age of seven. Chief Essien-Igbokwe, has etched worthy legacies in the sands of time with her memorable positive value projecting songs and for her equally unforgettable role in the popular television drama, The masquerade.
Truly exemplifying the role of the artiste as a leader and agenda setter for the society, she would be surely missed for her sterling qualities as a former President of the Performing musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and her positive contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom her home state, Lagos State, where she lived for most of her eventful life and the nation in general.
Chidi Amuta, veteran journalist, columnist
A great lady and a national treasure has left us. God bless her and her family.

Chris Hanen, musician
God giveth and God taketh. We thank God for a life too short but fulfilled. Rest in peace my dear sister.

Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State
A wonderful woman, a good mother, we will miss you very much.

Tonie Tailor, actor
The impact you made with music industry is unforgettable. An icon of note, a rare gem, missing you is an understatement.

Source:
The Sun