Nigeria’s award winning journalist Juliana Francis loses mum

Mrs Ezinne Chinyere Francis Onyemelam, mother of one of Nigerian’s award winning journalists, Ms Juliana Francis, is dead.

Mrs Onyemelam, died on February 25, 2026, at the age of 94.

She passed on after a brief illness in a hospital in Abia State.

A native of Amaoba Ikputu Oboro in the Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Mrs Onyemelam was a cherished matriarch.

She is survived by five children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Married in Amaoba Ikputu Oboro to the late Francis Onyemelam, Juliana Francis’ mum lived a life marked by perseverance and devotion to God and her family.

She had 11 children, five of whom survive her.

Juliana shared her heartache in a touching tribute:

“Time rolling into time… everything so surreal… my iroko tree has fallen. How do I go on? Why should I go on? Mama, how do I go on?”

In her reflection, Nigeria’s foremost investigative reporter highlighted her mother’s remarkable resilience, noting that she fought numerous health battles and left an indelible mark on her family.

She also spoke about the deep bond they shared, recalling the love, lessons, and inspiration her mother gave her.

“RIP to my sweet mother, a woman with a generous heart. If there’s a rebirth, I would still want you to be my mom. Hug Papa for me. Tell him we miss him so much. Both your pictures are glued to the gallery of my heart, forever,” she said.

According to Juliana, a private funeral service will be organized by her family soon, and the date will be communicated to members of the public.

“Mrs Onyemelam’s memory, love, and lessons will remain a guiding light for all who knew her,” she added