A Year of Remembrance: Celebrating the Life of HRH Queen Njideka Eugenia Appolus Chu
Mary Nnah
The one-year remembrance of the passing of HRH Queen Njideka Eugenia Appolus Chu, Owa-Emere Do-Owe, wife of HRM King Appolus Chu, The Oneh Eeh Nchia X, and The Egbere Emere 1 of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, was marked on April 11, with a ceremony held at the palace of HRM King Appolus Chu in Ogale, Eleme, Rivers State.
Queen Njideka, wife of King Appolus Chu, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and compassion.
In a goodwill message, Bode Bamtefa expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for His mercy and grace over the Royal family and the entire people of Eleme Kingdom.
Bamtefa’s heartfelt goodwill message paid tribute to the late HRH Queen Njideka Eugenia Appolus Chu on the occasion of her one-year remembrance.
The ceremony honoured the Queen’s legacy and impact on her family, community, and beyond.
Bamtefa described the late Queen as a woman of integrity, courage, strength, and humility of character, who served in the financial sector with distinction and later became a devoted wife, mother, and Queen.
He described the late Queen as a woman of exceptional character, adding, “Indeed, the nation in general and in particular, the Eleme Kingdom, have lost one of their finest Royal queens and brightest daughters,” he said.
The late Queen’s contributions to the peace, love, progress, and development of the kingdom were notable, according to Bamtefa. “Her contributions to the peace, love, progress, and development of your kingdom bear eloquent testimony to her versatility and acumen,” he said.
“Those who knew her closely could attest to her uncommon refinement and cultured personality, as well as her unfailing good humor and readiness to help others, Bamtefa added.
Bamtefa highlighted the late Queen’s remarkable qualities, saying, “Those who knew her at close quarters as your wife/Queen, mother to your children Princes and Princesses, as well as being the co-wife to your beloved first wife, HRH, Queen Emereowa Grace Appolus Chu, with whom she had an affectionate and sisterly relationship, could attest to her uncommon refinement and cultured personality.
“Her casual acquaintances would recall her good humour and willingness to help others, especially the womenfolk, whom she led and promoted their needs and causes to the king-in-council as their Matron-in-Chief and battle Commander.”
Bamtefa also commended the King for his love and devotion to his late wife, saying, “To you, my great king, late Njideka, was a devout wife whose love for each other since her departure has been made apparent to all and sundry.”
He advised the King to find solace in God and the timeless memories of the good times they shared.
“Please try and continue to find solace in God, you trust, and those timeless memories of the good and loving times you shared,” he said. “After all, as they say, those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still cared, still missed and very dear!”
Bamtefa commended the King’s gesture of writing a book in memory of his late wife, saying, “HRM, that must have been the premise upon which you went beyond lighting candles in honour of your dear late Njideka, and you wrote a book in her memory and adoration. The late Queen’s legacy lives on through her only beloved daughter, Princess Ajuri-Obari, who has followed in her footsteps in service and devotion to her family and people.”
Bamtefa prayed for the King’s continued comfort and solace, and thanked relatives, friends, and well-wishers who attended the occasion.”
“HRH, Queen Njideka is sorely missed by all and sundry, but we must take solace in the many accomplishments of her brilliant life, the courage with which she faced all circumstances and the enduring legacy of her only beloved daughter,” he said. “I love you, brotherly. Long live the King. Long reign HRM, King, Amb. Dr. Appolus Chu, OFR. In loving memory of Queen Njideka. Adieu!”
