Amira Green Supo-Orija

Ann Amira Awuta Gbamure Supo-Orlja (nee Akume) June 16, 1962 - December 13, 2024 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 Family Ann Amira Awuta Gbamure was born on June 16, 1962, in Yaounde, Cameroon, the second of the five children of Joseph Akende Akume and Helena Mayin Besong. The father was Nigerian from lkurav-Ya, Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State and the mother Cameroonian from Mamfe, South Cameroon. Both parents preceded her in death. Her siblings Mrs Beatrice Besong Enefola, Prof Elizabeth Mbeng Mngusen Kembe, Peterside Aondonna Akume (deceased) and Mrs Mwuese Mayin Garba. Her Childhood Ann grew up as a very healthy, active, hardworking and conscientious child with a daring spirit at achieving what she sets her mind on, having been raised in an exciting family, full of adventures that matches her explorative nature. The name "Gbamure" in her native Tiv (a Nigerian language), meaning "a big tree that everyone runs to" depicted the person she was, even when it was to her discomfort. She was always available to help, willing to put a smile on every face. Ann grew up as a very healthy, active, hardworking, and conscientious child with a daring spirit to achieve what she sets her mind on, having been raised in an exciting family, full of adventures that match her explorative nature. Early Education Ann had her early education In Jos, North Central Nigeria at the St. Theresa's Primary School (1969 to 1975) and high school at Government Girls Secondary Shendam (1975-1980). She acquired further education in the course of her Broadcasting and Journalism career at the Television College and Radio Training School, both In Nigeria. She later studied Criminal Justice and Social Work at the Everest College, on her relocation to the United States of America. Work Life & Activism Ann had a chequered career in television across Nigeria with the Nigerian Television Authority, until she veered to radio where she honed her skills on Voice of Nigeria (VON), Nigeria's radio external service. Ann established herself as a renowned Journalist in Nigeria, prior to relocating to the USA, where she lived until she went to be with the Lord. She replicated similar traits in the areas where she was privileged to serve in her over two-decade residency in the US. Ann was a firm believer in civic rights and in the rights of women. She was a Nigerian delegate to the 1995 Beijing International Women Conference and to other conferences across the world. She was elected to office in Nigeria's National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and was a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Marriage & Family Life Ann's second marriage was to Charles Supo-Orija, and together both walked in faith and enjoyed friendship, each other's support and companionship until she was called home. They raised their beautiful biological and adopted children in love and the fear of God. Their children Mike Agbo Onyilo (deceased August 1 1 2023), Reverend Dennis Aloga Johnson, Mrs Cynthia Shobowale, Charles Supo-Orlja (Jnr), Mrs Damllola Gbago, Samuel Olakunle Supo-Orija1 Ms Karina Cabrera, Mrs Fala Oyewole, Pastor Wole Supo-Orlja Their Grandchildren Mike Pitapwa Onyilo, Jophlel Amira lhotu Onyllo (named after her grandmother), King Avisha Tobias Denis Johnson, Adrlel Yeshua Denis Johnson, Asher Isaiah Denis Johnson, Nya Gbago, Ezekiel Gbago, Klkl Shobowale1 Temldayo Shobowale, Samuel George Supo-Orija, David Supo-Orija, Margaret Supo-Orije, Oba Oyewole. Daughters & Sons-ln-law Hinambo Cynthia Mike Onyllo, Christiana Denis Johnson, Jibola Gbago, Sesan Shobowale, Dlpo Oyewole Hobbies Ann's love for discovery took her and her husband to many countries around the world and to many places in Nigeria and in the US. She loved cooking and was always delighted to have family and friends enjoy her culinary skills. One of her greatest expectations until she went to be the Lord, was to be able to return to her kitchen. Health & Social Life Ann enjoyed good health in childhood, in adult life, and during her work life. She had a robust social life and was a delight to be around. However, she contracted COVID-19, in the course of work in 2020, from which she did not fully recover. Ann's Christian Life Ann was a woman of great faith and believed in God. Her oft expressions were "It is what it is" and "enjoy it while it lasts." She walked with faith and believed that one day she would be with her Lord and Saviour. She loved the Scriptures, which she always said held her standing strong through her challenges and sustained her faith. Ann and her husband undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a testament to their devotion to God and their shared faith journey.