Dear Mrs Maurice Diya, I searched for you for many years and only recently discovered you passed away nearly a decade ago! I am so sad and sorry at your passing. You taught me history and made me fall in love with the subject, and inspired my career till date. I was a student at Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Osbourne road, Ikoyi, when I met you as your SSS2 history student in 1992, and you became a mother and mentor in words and action. You took keen interest in my academics, and my evolution as a person. You had and oozed class and you wanted me to add this to my academic talent. I remember your black Daewoo Racer car and the grace and class with which you moved! I was looking forward to meeting and telling you how well I have done and doing to make you proud of me. I rehearsed what and how I was going to narrate my life trajectories to you, alas this is not to be! I wanted to make you proud ma, and I was looking forward to telling you a professorial chair was nigh! I am sure you are seeing from high above and must be proud, still. My beloved Mrs Maurice Diya, I pray God forgives your sins and grant you eternal rest, amen. Good night ma, and my sincerest condolences to your immediate family.

Never a day without you on my mind. You will live forever, Mama mi…

My favorite teacher back in eletu odibo high school, your love and encouragement towards me strengthened me academically. Still remember how I searched for years to reconnect with you years after my graduation with no success, only to pick up an old newspaper in my uncle’s office turning to a page ‘lo and behold all I saw were pictures with caption “ at the funeral service of Maurice Atinuke Diya……….” I almost passed out, well all I wanted to say to you was thank you for your Love and praises towards me as a little boy, and to let you know that your memories always were, and forever will be in my heart. Adieu my Teacher from your boy, Okuya Ejike