Published Tributes

A TRIBUTE TO LATE MRS KATHRYN HAUWA HOOMKWAP.

Author: Chris J Maiyaki | Date: 3/24/08

I grew up as an orphan into the exceptionally warm embrace of Senator George Baba & Late Mrs. Katryn Hauwa Hoomkwap. History tells me that both of them  were close confidants to my late dad and that the late Mrs. Hoomkwap was my late dad’s  favourite  in-law. And so when we lost our parents well over thirty years ago, they extended this show of love, support and camaraderie to the children of the late Simon Bala Maiyaki (Longumba) as we confronted the challenges of  life in all its ramifications.

 

I have no particular dates as to when I first made an acquaintance of the Hoomkwaps, but I can confirm that they have remained consistent in their philosophy of life, in character, leadership and compassion, and above all,  in their dedication to the cause of the down trodden and community service. To her  children  and husband, the Late Mrs. Hoomkwap did not  relent,  as she has never been less than 100% supportive. She lived in active commitment to their wellbeing and that of others. Little wonder therefore, that they are such brilliant, self-motivated and self-assured children. You were most likely to  draw the wrath of  auntie Kate, if you appeared  to have perverted the course of justice or took her for granted,  or if you left the most important things at the mercy of the least important matters, as is the norm today. And so auntie Kate remained the same old sophisticated, elegant, feminist, amiable but humble  and deeply religious woman, as she toiled with the community,  in both political and business realms  in pursuit of her core values. One of my bosses in the office and her old schoolmate, at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, opined that ‘Kate conducted herself then and thereafter in life, in a very dignified, disciplined and  responsible manner, and that even in death, he had no doubt, that she would have died in like manner’.

 

The question may be asked as to what gives a human being the most satisfaction in life. What legacy would you like to be remembered for? I think the lifestyle, convictions contributions and personal values of the late Mrs Kate Hoomkwap, should provide a blue print. She lived for those impressive and eventful sixty years on earth, to be  one of the most descent and best of women, that I have ever seen.

 

There is no doubt that death has denied,  the immediate family, friends, the Goemai community, Plateau State, the Roman Catholic world and indeed  Nigeria, the services and rare attributes of the Late Mrs Hoomkwap.  But we are consoled by the fact that ‘ from Him we come, and To Him we shall all return’

 

Adios to an exemplary leader, a mother per excellence  and a beacon of hope to so many.  We will keep your dreams  for Kwande youths, the church, for family and national rebirth at all levels, as a panacea for moving our country and society to greater heights. When moral decadence and poor governance seem to be at the root of our present predicament, the likes of Mrs. Kathryn Hauwa Hoomkwap have made their token mark as we chart the way forward.

 

May God in His infinite mercies, grant her eternal rest. May He provide for  her husband and children, the strength, good health and harmony to carry on, without her. Only God Almighty can reward this servant of His.

 

 

 

 

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