AUN Alums, students, and staff on November 5, 2022, paid glowing tributes to the late final year software engineering student Daniel Ndemyara as he was laid to rest amidst tears in his hometown, Coalter 1, Takum, Taraba State.
The American University of Nigeria was well represented at the funeral service. Mr. Danjuma Keyebya, Assistant Director of Resident Life in the Student Affairs Division, who represented the AUN President, Professor Attahir Yusuf, and the Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students, Mr. Byron Bullock, offered sincere condolences and deepest sympathy of the entire AUN community to the family. Mr. Keyebya also praised Daniel's contribution to sports at AUN, especially basketball and volleyball. He said Daniel will be missed.
VP Bullock through a condolence message presented to the family said: "While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. The recent loss of your son who has left us at such a youthful age is definitely in that category of those hard losses for which there is so painful a reminder of what might have been"
The VP further revealed that "Daniel was a productive, conscientious, and caring member of our University community. His concern for others was one of his most cherished traits." He prayed for God's blessings on the family.
In his sermon at the well-attended funeral service held at the family's compound, Rev. Luka Anitse of the Reformed Church of Christ in Nigeria, Roadblock, Jalingo, Taraba state, said the late Daniel lived a short but extraordinary life. The clergy described the deceased as a young man who touched the lives of many people.
Mr. Ikedichukwu Kennedy Ozor, final year software engineering major and roommate to the deceased was soaked in emotion. He penned this tribute:
Daniel and I were roommates for the past 3 semesters; I knew him before we became roommates because we played basketball together and it was through basketball that I was opportune to meet someone as wonderful as him. After Daniel and I became roommates I got to know him even better. He told me a lot of things including his medical challenges, but he always showed signs of improvement. We shared lots of good times and I am still trying to accept the reality of this situation. In the three semesters we shared the same room I can describe Daniel as a warm and friendly person, a true friend. He was highly disciplined. Neither of us did drugs or engaged in any anti-social behavior. I wish I could say more about Daniel because I knew him well enough and he was more than a roommate or a friend to me and others close to him. He was FAMILY!
I honestly believe he's in a better place and may his soul Rest In perfect Peace.
Another close friend of the deceased Mr. Wokoma S. Manuel, a 4th-year law major who spoke on behalf of the friends at the funeral service said "The best part of life is the ability to meet people who make positive impacts in your life because those memories would last forever. Very few of those people exist, and one of them was Andy. It's not goodbye forever, it's just goodbye for now because we'll definitely meet again; just in somewhere better. Rest In Peace Andy. You know up there that it's big love forever my friend. Bye."
To Mr. Obinna Iroakasi, a final year CMD major, "It is sad that it is time for you to go. Nevertheless, your friendship was a blessing and I will miss you. You brightened up my days; You brought me so much happiness with your kind and loving ways. You lifted up my spirits when I was feeling blue. No matter what is happening, you knew just what to do. I'll miss you my friend. Good bye for now."
Among AUN Alums that graced the event, Ms. Abijah Mamman class of 2021 Speaker narrated how the deceased was so full of life. "His positive attitude to life was contagious and was admired by many. Daniel was just the right man to turn to when life gets difficult. One can be sure that he will always lend a shoulder to lean on, give a listening ear and then crown it up with encouraging words. Truly, he was a friend and brother."
Mr. Habila Daniel, the father of the deceased expressed gratitude to the AUN community for the show of love and support during this hard moment.
It could be recalled that on October 31, 2022, Daniel Ndemyara succumbed to death as a result of an asthmatic attack in Yola town, an unfortunate incident that threw the entire AUN community into mourning.
May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.
Reported by Noel Sashi