On June 13, family and friends attended a memorial service for media personality Jahmby Koikai, a champion for women’s health.
Her father, Ambassador Daniel Koikai, shared his reflections on their complexities, highlighting the complexities of their bond due to his professional commitments.
“A time has come for me to atone for my acts of omission and commission. It has been one of the most difficult episodes in my life, especially for your close family, your mum, sisters, aunts, uncles, colleagues in the media, and friends in and out of the country,” he expressed.
Ambassador Koikai narrated the events from the time Jahmby was born until her untimely death on June 3, 2024.
He recounted their early years, beginning in 1985 when Jahmby was conceived, and her birth in 1986. At that time, he was working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“She visited me in the office to inform me of the pregnancy and later, after she gave birth to you, she came back to see me. At that time, you were about four months old, and that was my first encounter with you as a child,” he reminisced.
However, their encounters were brief due to his postings abroad. “Though our encounter was short-lived and we never saw each other after that as I was posted outside the country, your mum and other family members took care of you,” he added.
It was only when Jahmby was in high school that they had the opportunity to reconnect. Ambassador Koikai recounted, “It is only when you got to Form One and I was back in the country that we were able to meet when you came to the office to look for me.”
Despite the distance, he ensured he provided for her education and supported her in various ways.
“From the time I accepted you as my daughter, I never stopped paying for your education and supporting you in other ways. I would also support you from different parts of the world, especially when I was in Nigeria and London,” he said.
In an emotional moment during his tribute, Ambassador Koikai asked for forgiveness for the times he might have fallen short as a father.
“I take this opportunity to thank her family for being there for her when I was absent… I’ll remember you in many ways. I ask here in public, where I may have not fulfilled my duties as your dad, please forgive me, forgive me, forgive me,” he pleaded.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer for her soul, hoping for eternal peace until they meet again. “I pray that your soul will rest in eternal peace till we meet again. Bye bye!”
Jahmby Koikai’ s uncle during her memorial service on June 13, 2024.
They remembered her as a strong, inspiring figure who touched many lives through her work and advocacy.
Jahmby Koikai will be buried on Friday, June 14, 2024.
