TRIBUTE TO MY LATE SISTER AND FRIEND, HON. DR. JOPHIA NANKER GUPAR
By: Rtn. Evelyn Onyilo
My dear sister, Hon. Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar,
Our journey together was one of sisterhood, genuine friendship, and a shared vision of building a society where women and young girls can thrive in equity, fairness, and justice. You were more than a colleague—you became an ally, a confidant, and a cherished member of my family.
When leukemia struck in 2023, we stood firmly by your side in faith and prayer until God showed us mercy, granting you victory over the illness. Together, we rejoiced and gave thanks to Him. Sadly, the disease returned months later, but we never lost faith in the God who knows the end from the beginning.
You fought courageously until your very last breath. We remain grateful to God for giving you another opportunity to live, and you lived every moment with purpose. Even in the face of immense health challenges, you continued to serve humanity with unwavering dedication. You went on to contest the House of Representatives primaries for the Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke (PKK) Federal Constituency of Plateau State, a testament to your indomitable spirit, resilience, and commitment to public service.
Our greatest consolation is that you lived for Christ and have now departed triumphantly to be with Him. Though your passing has created a void that will be difficult to fill, we trust that God, in His infinite mercy, will restore peace, strength, and joy to all those you have left behind.
You will be deeply missed, my dear sister. As your body is committed to mother earth today, may the hosts of heaven receive your soul into the glorious presence of our Lord, where there is no more sickness, pain, or sorrow.
We pray that God grants His divine comfort to your family, the gender equality community, your siblings, friends, and everyone whose life you touched.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
Adieu, my dear sister.
Evelyn Onyilo
President/Founder
Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD)
