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How Onwordi bowed to God’s wish
Justin Bialolisa Onwordi, a Nigerian died in Iraq recently
fighting on the side of America. His death, was not only a big loss to his
family and loved ones, but a blow to America where he was a soldier and the
world at large. FIDELIA MOGEKWU who knew him very well captures the life
and times of Justin.
Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin
to live - Henry Van Dyle
Justin
Bialolisa Onwordi, a Nigerian
soldier who died in the Iraq war, fighting on the side of America was certainly
not afraid to live or even afraid of death, when he joined the United States
Marine.
He knew the risk that came with the job,
but also perfectly understood that life was not worth living without its
attendant risk.
Ironically, to enlist in the army is not a
child’s play. Ditto for any of the armed forces. Generally, it takes more than
courage to be at the war front. And such decisions are usually taken by
strong-hearted mortals. Weighing all sides of the coin, Justin was a strong and
fearless young man.
When death came calling, while performing
his duty on that fateful day, August 2, at Baghdad, Iraqi capital, he bowed to
God’s wish, true to his native name, Bialolisa, which means, bowing to God’s
wish. He courageously bowed to the ugly hands of death, ending his glorious
years on earth.
Justin Oliseh, as he was proudly known and
called by family members, died of injuries sustained from an explosive device
that shattered the patrol van they were travelling in, in Baghdad, according to
official sources.
The death of Justin came as a huge shock
to many who knew him. A Lagos-based relation, Osulonye Agbasapuka, regretted his
decision to join the United States of America Marine. When the news was broken
to her she said: "But why did he join the US Marine? If he did not he would have
been alive today, with his loved ones". But then who knows tomorrow? If he had
not joined would he have been alive today? That is the question on his
relations’ lips. And it is only God that can provide the answer.
Devastated by his death, the eldest
sister, Jacqueline Ajala, when she heard the news said: "So, I am never going to
see my brother again. I remember when he was leaving for America, I saw him off
to the airport and the security men at the lounge would not allow me in, I
pleaded with them, telling them that I did not know when I will see him again.
Today, I can’t ever see him again", she said.
His death is a big blow to the late
Charles Onwordi’s family in Ibusa, Oshimili North local government of Delta
State, which has remained inconsolable by the death of their last child. Justin
was the last in a family of four children.
Even the Nigerian community in Arizona
America, where he lived initially with his mother, Mrs Virginia Onwordi, his
sister, Martina Nwakaego, and his brother Charles Chibuzor Onwordi, a fitness
instructor before joining the army is severely affected by his death.
Reportedly, the Nigerian Community in
Arizona, United states of America has been overwhelmingly supportive to the
family since he passed on.
Twenty-eight year old Justin, left Nigeria
for America after winning the American lottery visa in 2000, he joined the US
Marine in 2001. The same year, he got married to Monique, an African-American
and they have a son by name Jonathan.
Justin was born in Lagos, where he had his
primary and secondary education at the Nigerian Airforce, Lagos, before
proceeding to Delta State University in Asaba, Delta State.
According to our sources in Arizona,
Justin though young was accorded a burial only deserving of heroes. He was given
a full military burial on August 19, 2004, at North Carolina, where his wife is
based. The burial we gathered was graced by high ranking US military officials.
The coffin of this gallant soldier was draped with the US flag and 21 gun
salutes were fired at the highly ceremonial burial.
Justin who was six feet, 3 inches tall,
would no doubt be missed by his family and friends.
In a telephone interview with this writer,
Jacqueline, the sister who had to travel in the company of the husband, Sola
Ajala, to the US for the burial said in an emotion-laden voice, "It is true
after all, Justin is dead, gone and buried. Honestly, my dear brother is gone".
In another vein, a London-based cousin of
his, Mrs. Thecla Ugoh, who spoke from her base paid glowing tributes to Justin:
"He was a brother, a warm, loving and caring person. A close confidant whom you
could discuss your problems with. He always had a listening ear. I would miss
him a whole lot".
Another relation, Ngozi Ushedo, described
Justin as "a jovial and easy-going person", adding "we were on campus together,
and throughout his stay in school, he played the role of a big brother. It is
very sad that Justin is gone and gone for ever."
Asked what she would remember him for, she
said "His smiles and his willingness to listen to others."
A family friend, Koko Kofon, who preferred
not to refer him in the past said "Justin is a friend and brother, we grew up
together, he is someone you could confide in, with a good ear for listening.
Continuing, she said: "He is always
dancing and singing. I never thought it would be like this. He likes good
clothes and he always dresses well. We had pet names for each other. I called
him "Puff-Man" because he is tall and stately, while he called me "kwa kwa".
"I will always remember Justin Bialolisa
Onwordi forever. I don’t believe he is gone, because I still feel he is
somewhere out there waiting for the right time to come in. Meanwhile, I will
remember him for the laughter and all good memories we had. For now, those are
what I have to hold on. As the years go by, it brings us closer again. With time
we will definitely meet".
Similarly, Mrs Vivian Odafe, Justin’s
cousin said: "Justin was a fun loving person, a funny and nice young man, he was
a cherished brother."
No doubt Justin will be missed. Even before and after his
death more souls have been lost and many more would be lost. And people who have
their loved ones or have lost loved one, like Charlie Onwordi’s family members
are eager for a cease fire - no more blood shedding in Iraq and other warring
countries or regions in the world. Justin lost his life so that others could
live in freedom.
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