By Reverend Father Vincent Hassan Bulus
There are people whose presence in your life leaves an imprint so profound that words often struggle to capture their essence. Mama Ambassador Professor Joy Ogwu was one of those rare souls. A woman whose life was a sermon, whose gentleness carried authority, and whose faith illuminated every space she entered.
To me, she was more than a mentor, more than a mother in faith. I was her personal confessor, and she – my friend.
“Mummy,” as I fondly called her, her humility was disarming; her love, deep and selfless. Though she held one of the highest offices our nation could bestow, she remained profoundly simple and untouched by materialism. She lived her Catholic faith not as a ritual, but as a rhythm of life—daily, devoutly, and deliberately. Her rosary was her constant companion, and her trust in Jesus was unwavering.
I remember vividly her soft, reassuring voice—never hurried, always thoughtful, and deeply reflective. Every word carried weight, every counsel shaped by prayer and grace. In moments of silence, her eyes spoke volumes of kindness, patience, and divine wisdom.
She often said to me with a smile, ‘Son, are you here to bring Jesus to your Mummy?’
And I would reply, ‘Yes, Mummy, I am here.’
Then she would say, ‘Uche is not back yet, but he will soon be home. Let me open the door from here so that you come in. Thank you for bringing Jesus to me and having Mass with me.’
Those memories… those sacred encounters, were more than visits, they were moments of heaven touching earth. Afterward, she would always insist, ‘Son, you know there is food in Mom’s house, so sit back and let Mummy serve you a nice meal.’ Such was her heart—always giving, always motherly, always ready to nurture body and soul.
From 2012 until her final days in 2025, I had the grace of walking beside her, witnessing her unwavering devotion to God, her enduring love for her children, and her gentle grace.
Mama never held grudges. Her forgiveness was instinctive; her peace, unshakable. She believed that love was stronger than pride, and that humility was the true mark of greatness. Her life was a quiet masterpiece—a testament to faith, service, and divine trust.
Now, heaven has welcomed her home. Her earthly pain has become her crown of glory. I imagine her radiant, surrounded by light, whispering to the angels in that same calm tone that shaped all who knew her: “Let us thank Jesus for His mercy.”
Mama, you have finished your race and kept the faith. Thank you for loving us, teaching us, and blessing us with your life. You remain in the depth of my heart—as mother, mentor, and saintly friend.
Rest now, Mama Ambassador Professor Joy Ogwu.
You have simply gone to prepare the house of peace you always spoke about—the home where Jesus Himself will finally say, “Welcome, my faithful daughter.”
N.B: Vincent Hassan Bulus.
Catholic Priest of Kafanchan Diocese. Nigeria.
Reverend Father Bulus teaches International Relations and Diplomacy at Cica International University and Seminary, He wrote from New York. USA.
