The grandmother of Dr. Kurannen Baaki, Managing Editor of The New Times (TNT), Mama Nyiayima Tarzaa Jembe, has been laid to rest following her passing at the age of 94.
Dr. Baaki arrived in Nigeria from the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday, January 28, for the funeral rites. The events commenced in Gboko and concluded with the final interment at Tse Jembe, Mbangor, Mbaivende, Ukan, Ushongo Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, on Saturday, January 31.
Reflecting on her life, Dr. Baaki expressed his peace with her passing, attesting to her life of contentment and her great sense of humour.
Mama Nyiayima Tarzaa was born in 1932 to Pa Akpem Kankeng of Mbashengen, Ugambe, Shangev-Tiev, Konshisha LGA, and Ma Kasevikyundu Akpem (daughter of Ai, from Diiv, Konshisha LGA). She was the second of four children: Baba Noah Azer Akpem (deceased), Mama Nyiayima Tarzaa (late), Rev. Dr. J.Y. Akpem, and Mbatimin Akpem (deceased).
Mama married Pa Tarzaa Jembe Inja of Mbangor, Mbaivende, Ukan, Ushongo LGA, early in life. The marriage was blessed with nine children: Mr. Fateman Tarzaa; Mrs. Mbanengen Ahura; Atese Martha Mbavan Baaki; Mr. Msugh-Aôndo Tarzaa; Miss Ade Tarzaa (deceased); Mrs. Terkimbi Amua (deceased); Mrs. Terzungwe Shie; Mrs. Mercy Mrumun Chia; and Mr. Bem Tarzaa.
Blessed to see her lineage extend to the fourth generation, Mama is survived by 46 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Until her final illness, Mama was an avid and accomplished farmer. She was also renowned for selling fermented locust beans, a staple of Tiv culinary tradition.
Though not born into a Christian home, Mama became a steadfast believer through the ministry of her younger brother, Rev. J.Y. Akpem. She was later baptized in 1990 by Pastor Kyukyundu at NKST Zaki Biam Central.
In a moving tribute to her grandmother, Dr. Kurannen wrote: “The memories we shared together, too numerous to recount, each one of them profound, will last till the day we meet again to part no more.”
Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem, the Chief Executive Officer of TNT, sent condolences to the family, praying for God to grant Mama Nyiayima eternal rest.
