Death is a door. Death is a forest gate, bramble to bluff (Siloam). It is a way through – not a way out. It is but the way through to continue what we have begun. Death is a hope; Death is a future. It draws us deeper into the self’s whole. It allows us to penetrate the wall of fear. In death, their witness lights: Jesus, Gandhi, Biko, King. Through death, their work becomes known: Day, Merton, Hammarskjold, Romero. After death, their message expands: Lennon, Chavez, Foucault. Despite death, their songs are sung: Paz, Shakers. Seeds sown! Life given! Tales told! Songs sung! To life (to come). Charles McCarthy wrote
It was a black Saturday in the Nigerian Sports journalism industry as journalists from various states, languages, beliefs and philosophies took to their respective Social Media pages to bid their colleague, Bibian Onwugbolu, farewell after the sports journalist exited the wretched world in the early hours of Saturday.
The news of the departure of Bibian Onwugbolu, which was reported Saturday in the wee hours of Saturday by close pals, was sorrowful and heartbreaking for the fraternity, and confirmation was a bitter pill to swallow for some who have had contact with her, physically or virtually.
In her honour, the administrators of Nigeria’s busiest and most credible WhatsApp platform for the Nigeria Premier Football League declared a six-hour morning for the beloved colleague who painfully left them without a farewell.
While registering their condolences, many recounted their time spent together, how she was able to fight way out for colleagues with her connection, her journey in the industry, her sense of humour and other good things to mention about her.
In the words of Oluwaseun Taiwo, “May God repose her soul and give us all the fortitude to bear the loss”.
“May the lights guide you home, Bibian”, wrote Fisayo Dairo.
Tobi “Oga Nla” Samuel mentioned Bibi’s great assistance to colleagues in Cameroon during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon: “AFCON in Cameroon. She was with us. I recalled the role she played in helping journalists get accredited in Cameroon; may Bibian’s soul rest in peace”. Additionally, the celebrated photojournalist cum administrator said: “Bibian was instrumental during my wedding ceremony in Enugu. She was supportive. May her soul rest.”
Greatman, in his condolence message, said, “I’m still heartbroken. I remember our first encounter during the Super Eagles game in Uyo against South Africa. She paved the way for me to have access to some Super Eagles players at their hotel. I’m in grief. Rest in peace, ma.”
According to Kelechi Onwudiwe, “I wasn’t very close to Bibian, but I met her at a few events and was impressed by her hard work. A lot of those who know her say a lot about her professionalism. She will be missed.”
Another photojournalist of high repute in Africa, Modo Victor, tagged Bibi as a combative woman who cared for herself and the people around her.
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria football team top striker, Jesse Odoba, added his words to the earlier praise of Bibi and how she was instrumental during his wedding preparations. “Bibian, Can’t remember where we met, but I know we speak very often on the phone. Even before my wedding, she called to ask about preparations. Asaba, Abuja, Uyo and Enugu were always there for me. Na the food I wan talk about or the fights; we will fight but settle immediately. Great soul…Rest in peace.
International photojournalist with great marks in marketing, influencing and branding of teams, players and business, Sulaimon Adabyo, world-renowned as Pooja, identified Bibi as a hustler who benefited others – “Bibian hustled money for journalists from the ambassador of Nigeria to Cameroon. She spread the money, ‘e reach me’. We were roommates in Egypt. A good woman”.
My go-to person recounted to Sportsto: “I quite remember the first time I met her in Aba during a CAF Champions League match involving Enyimba and Rayon Sports of Rwanda. I had an issue with accreditation, and she was on hand to help. She has been my go-to person, especially when it concerns accreditation and interviews, even with some Super Eagles players and NFF bigwigs. I am deeply saddened by this sudden loss.😭😭😭 May her soul continue to Rest In Peace. This life is nothing but a vapour.
Favour Itua, in his tribute to Bibi, wrote, “She’s a hustler, one who doesn’t miss major tournaments. I remember the last time we saw each other; it was in Uyo during the CAF Confederations Cup Final. You still got me a cold beer, even though I was in a hurry. May your soul find eternal rest🕊️.
Quoting Ecclesiastes 9:10, Engr. Adeniyi Adebayo said Bibian’s death is a lesson to us, the living. “She has come, fought, won, gained, travelled wide across the globe, profited, bonded and connected, influenced, mentored, loved, dated, served and eventually gone back to her Creator. Bibian, the Lord giveth, and in His time, He taketh. May God the Almighty rest her soul!”
Nasarawa United’s Media Officer, Eche Amos, tagged her death as heartbreaking: “Disgusted and broken! Rest in Peace, sister”.
Lokoja-based ‘Jour-Ducator’, Wale Onward, said Bibian was accommodating and friendly: “Met for the first time in Nnewi – FCIU vs Tornadoes (Aiteo Cup semi-final). She was accommodating and friendly. As if we’ve known each other for years. Next was in Uyo for the Eagles’ game.
She relates well with colleagues and always provides support. May God be pleased with her soul.
Africa’s only representative amongst the selected 18 under 25 journalists across the world to cover the forthcoming FISU Games, Hassan Abdulsalam added his tribute. “No doubt every soul shall taste death. I never knew her or met her before, but it’s heartbreaking to hear the sad news. May God comfort her family”.
In a long write-up, Flamingos Media Officer, Faith Oluchi, mentioned all the benefits colleagues gained through Bibian. “Journalists travelling for international tournaments without media accreditation- who do you call to help out? Bibian. Arranging to secure a visa to travel for a tournament- who do you call to help out with contacts? Bibian.”
“Looking for accommodation when you travel for tournaments, who will easily volunteer to help out? Bibian. Bibian’s passion for helping her colleagues is indescribable.”
“I was hopeful that she would recover, and she even believed that she would be fine, but God knows best. Sleep well, Bibian ❤️”.
Remo Stars FC coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, also took time off his busy schedule to pay Bibi a tribute: “May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace. Rest well, Bibian”.
Enyimba International assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju also added his tribute. “RIP BB, she was always available to serve and help. May God bless your soul 🙏🙏💙💔”.
Editor with sauce of all varieties, in reporting, branding, marketing and tech in sports, Enitan Obadina wrote: “Before meeting her in Asaba, I got to read her stories in the Sportsday newspaper, and then I finally met her at the African Athletics Championship in Asaba. It wasn’t a pleasant meeting, but I concluded she did what she needed to do. Later on, when we set up the multimedia journalist group, she joined and later DM me about wanting to get opportunities we were sharing in the group too. That was a pleasant conversation and probably the last time. Rest well, Bibian.
Erstwhile Warri Wolves chairman, Moses Etu, joined others to pay tribute to Bibian: “I met Bibian when I was struggling to become one of them, and she helped a lot. The question I always ask her is: where and how did she manage to do it that she attended virtually all sports events? Whether it was the World Cup or Festivals, she was always present, and she knew “who was who” in Sports. She has played her part. May God console her family.
UK-based Ayo “AY Sugar” Olu-Ibidapo Obe wrote: “So Sad to hear of the demise of Bibian. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
Awka-based journalist, Michael, in summary, said Bibi was an amazing personality with a lot of benefits he got from her, and despite both not agreeing at all times, she always looked out for him.”
Retired FIFA-badged referee, Anietie Ferdinand, wrote: “You lived a good life and made an impact; rest in peace, my friend”.
Owerri-based The Nation sports editor, Tunde Liadi, joined his fellow in paying tribute to Bibian, stating various encounters with the now-resting journalist: “Bibian was my go-between at Super Eagles assignment in the past. I remembered Super Eagles games in Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt and so on. She was always on hand to help out. I was sadly hit by the news of her death. I’m yet to recover. I pray that God gives her family the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.”
Chinatu John wrote: “With all the fresh memories, all I can say is Goodnight, Bibian. May God give your family and all of us the fortitude to bear this loss. 😔”
Another international sports editor, Fisayo Dairo, inked his tribute to Bibian: “I remember Russia 2018. She did something significant for me. While I had carefully planned my remaining money to last me till the end of the tournament and believed I wouldn’t buy anything back home for my nephews & nieces as usual, suddenly, Bibian called me to say that there was an Ifeanyi Ubah press conference a day before the final.”
“Long and short, I attended. Plenty of small fights there over what was being shared but she ensured I got my 1,000 Robles and an authentic Super Eagles jersey, which I wore for years, including that Yoruba AFCON Video in 2019 wey you video for me.”
“She had offended me a year before on our trip to Cameroon but I remember telling a few friends after that day in Moscow that “Bibian, your sins are forgiven for life.” I was able to buy PLENTY things back home and still get beta money for my pocket with that money.”
“As I wrote on Facebook, not a perfect human (no one is perfect at all), but her heart and love are exceptional. It is sad. May her soul rest in peace”.
Port Harcourt-based journalist and Rivers Angels Media Officer, Jessica Amadi, in tears, paid her tribute: “It’s difficult to say goodbye, Bibi, but God knows best. You promised to fight this and get better. I still remember that conversation I, Isabella, and you had in your place when I visited a few weeks ago 😢”
“Bibi was never shy or scared to say her mind, and I admired that about her. I remember how she sent me a message asking for my shoe size during one of her trips to the UK in 2017 and got me sneakers when she came back. Bibi would always call me whenever WAFCON was close to encourage me to write to a few people for sponsorship and even gave me a few contacts.”
“Bibi was a good person; she really was. Went through a lot in her final days 😭. I take solace from the fact that she’s in a better place and free from that torture. May God console your family, Bibi 🙏🏾🕊️”
Kings don’t die; they multiply, wrote Joy “Euphoria” Ojeabulu. “This is heartbreaking even from a distance.🥹 I’d take solace in the fact that she lived a life that will be remembered. Rest well, Bibian, because for sure, kings don’t die; they multiply!”
According to Benin City-based Ayoola Adeleke, “Met on various occasions, and she was always a good, jolly fellow during those periods, plus putting her best in all she did; I gave her the title of Minister of Logistics – very passionate in her dealings and with the people around her. I know God will comfort the family you left behind and give them joy even in your exit. My condolences to her family and close pals; a big loss!”
“I pray this will not be a continuous death in the industry.”
In another account of Bibian’s great act while on earth, Michael “Mike The Pundit” Imiavian wrote, “In Benin for the Aiteo Cup final, she was one of the few that supported Bayelsa United then, we met at the stadium as per usual and the following day, we met again to get Bus out of Benin, while we were waiting, the Bayelsa state convoy passed and she said she didn’t know they were leaving the following day, that she could have followed them.”
“I replied okay, and she said, ‘ You think I am joking? ‘ only for her to make a call, and they apologised to her, and an alert entered.”
“We shared the same bus, and she kept buying things for me. May her soul rest in peace.”
A father figure in the industry, Elder Paul Bassey was not left out of the tribute as he painfully registered his shock and sadness over the loss.
“ADIEU BIBIAN: I have come to accept the sad reality that Bibian is no more. I commiserate with the Undiluted Family over the loss of a professional colleague.”
“If I had known that Bibian was ill for some time, the news of her death would have been more bearable, perhaps because I did not know, it hit me hard.”
“Reality Check. As we wander about this space called the world, let us learn to number our days, to let our today shape our tomorrow, to be of service to humanity no matter the consequences and to be at peace with all men. Adieu, Bibian, till we meet in the great beyond.”
Aba-based multi-talented journalist, Bethel Kalu, recounted an adventure he took alongside Bibian, riding on a bike from Aba to Uyo, to see a game. “It has been a gloomy day. I have yet to accept that she is gone. Coming to WhatsApp has even made it more heartbreaking, as I see different pictures of her, and I wish to say something to her. I feel like going to her DM to ask if it’s true, to ask: “Why have you not responded to the fake stories? She will always jokingly say, “This boy, they will beat you one day.”
“Last year, we travelled on a bike from Aba to Uyo to see a game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. It was an adventure, as I had never travelled that long a distance on a bike.”
“After the game, we could not get a vehicle to Aba, so we stayed back. Along with our guests and residents in Uyo, we talked till about 2, when I slept. She bought food for all of and the next morning, we returned to Aba on a bike! I will never forget.”
“She went to the UK and came back with an illness. I heard she was getting better, and I wanted to visit her soon. How I wish I did, at least for one last time. I’m still in disbelief. I can’t even look at her pictures because it makes the news of her death hurt more. She was kind, determined and self-sacrificing.”
“Typing this…I feel like I did it under duress because it’s hard to say goodbye. I pray God shows her mercy. The hope of a resurrection comforts us as we hope to see her again when God raises the dead. When He calls, and Bibian will answer.”
Another journalist recounted how Bibian helped her find her feet in the industry with a piece of advice that has changed her life: ” I can’t but find it so difficult to believe she’s truly gone.”
“I met her in a WhatsApp group three or four years ago when I didn’t even know most people in the industry, and she’s always looking out for me, always telling me I can be a big name in Indigenous sports presentations. Her words of encouragement alone that year helped me a lot. I never met her in person, but she has an impact on my life.”
“And it is so sad to say goodbye this way without ever meeting her in person, which makes it even sadder 😭, but it is well. Rest in power, Bibian Angel”.
A close pal, Joan Iwuchukwu, painfully penned her tribute to her friend: “I am the worst hit. I lack words to say. Because she practically became a sister and family. Line up plenty. Which one will I say and leave? We fought a lot; I go lock up na she go still say Joan mu na gi aha se okwu. (Joan and I are not quarrelling). She had her shortcomings, but at the same time the kindest-hearted soul. I was with her through all the ordeal till she gave up. I can’t sleep. I am wrapping my head around all this. Inside life. There is nothing about her I don’t know, likewise.”
“If the matter fills her head, na Joan. After hours of talking. She will say Joan Chukwu gozie gi. This one you tell me is what I will do. My heart is at peace as I talk with u. Please be praying for me. I will, Bibi Nne. As I usually call u. I will always pray for you, Bibi.”
“You fought a good fight. But God knows best. Like I said. Story plenty. Rest easy, Nne. We will meet again. My kids are still in shock because they are always in the chapel praying for you to get well. But God knows best. I will miss you, Sis. I will really miss you.
In a reflective rhetorical question, Remo Stars Media Officer paid his tribute to Bibian: “Will anyone say good things about you when you leave this sinful world? Rest in peace, Bibian! 😭
Popular Andrew Randa wrote, “We had a lot of run-ins with her, but what you cannot question is her commitment to uplifting others. She was always willing to point one towards projects or rackets.”
“BIBIAN wasn’t perfect, we clashed heads a bit, but then no one is. I remember the trips we made together and how she always sought me out for advice on life and finances. Rest in peace, Bibi”.
Tee A: “BIBIAN was a true hustler. She was virtually everywhere. How she managed to do that is still surprising.”
“She wasn’t perfect, as we sometimes had issues during the job. But I recall that while planning my trip to cover the World Cup in RUSSIA (2018), BIBIAN was very helpful with information, and even when we arrived in Russia, she was there and offered help, especially around St. Petersburg (Where the Super Eagles camped).”
A great loss to the sports media family. May God receive your soul. Keep resting!!!😢
Bibian is survived by her husband, a daughter and parents.