The appeal was made at an evening of music organised by the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance in collaboration with the British Council in Abuja to commemorate what would have been Ifunanya’s 27th birthday.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Nnenna Ani Okwuobasi urged greater awareness, advocacy and collective action to ensure that access to life-saving treatment does not depend on chance. She expressed hope that concerted efforts would help spare other families the profound pain they continue to experience following Ifunanya’s death.
She also disclosed that the family had concluded plans to establish the Nanya Music Foundation in her memory. The foundation will honour Ifunanya’s love for music by creating opportunities for young and aspiring musicians to develop their talents.
Mrs Okwuobasi further expressed the hope that Ifunanya’s story would inspire meaningful conversations and initiatives around snakebite awareness, prevention and timely access to life-saving treatment.
The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, Rotarian Pat Ofik, paid tribute to the late singer, recognising her invaluable contributions to the early discussions and vision that culminated in the formation of the club. She described Ifunanya as a gifted and passionate young woman whose warmth, talent and love for music touched lives and brought joy to many.
Also speaking, Chikodi Onyeamerela, Programmes Director of the British Council, recalled that Ifunanya had performed on several occasions at the Council and would undoubtedly have been invited to participate in its end-of-year activities, as she had been the previous year.
He particularly recalled her performance of the national anthems at an event held last year to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. He noted that her passing represented a significant loss to the Council and the wider community that had come to appreciate her musical talent.
The event was attended by Ifunanya’s parents, Mr and Mrs Christopher Nwangene, as well as Rotary Past District Governors Goddy Nnadi and Victor Onukwugha, alongside members of the Rotary community and friends who gathered to celebrate her life and honour her memory.
The evening featured performances by some of Abuja’s finest creative talents, including Louisa, Pat the Singing Bird, Victoria, Matt de Baritone, Pascal de Tenor, Regal Bel, Zitu Benafa and Anaeto Nwannebuife. Group performances were also delivered by the Great Voices Ensemble and the Ammemuso Choir.
Through her music, Ifunanya had a unique ability to connect with people, uplift spirits and create moments of joy. Her talent, warmth and passion for music left an enduring impression on all who encountered her, and her untimely passing remains a profound loss to her family, friends, the music community and all whose lives she touched.
The Nanya Music Foundation is scheduled to be officially unveiled on 14 February 2027, to coincide with the first anniversary of her burial. Through the foundation, her family hopes to preserve her musical legacy while creating opportunities for young talents and promoting greater awareness of snakebite prevention and access to life-saving treatment.
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