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By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The death has occurred of a respected nursing professional, community leader and devoted Catholic, Mrs. Rose Titi Obaje (LSM), former Head of Department of Nursing, Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.
She passed on in Lokoja on January 25, 2026, at the age of 68, following a brief illness.
Her husband, Mr. Joseph Obaje, announced her passing in a statement he made available to The Reporters on Sunday, describing her death as a painful but faith-filled transition.
Paying glowing tribute, Mr. Obaje said his late wife was “a woman of deep faith, gentle strength, and unwavering commitment to God, family, and humanity,”noting that she lived a life defined by service, love and purpose.”
Giving the history of life and time of his wife, he said: “Born on May 4, 1958, the late Mrs. Obaje’s life journey was marked by excellence and leadership from an early age, qualities that were evident during her secondary school days at Ogugu Community Secondary School, Ogugu, where she served as Head Girl in her final year.
“Driven by compassion and a calling to care for others, she trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Jos, and later at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Makurdi, where she qualified as a Registered Midwife. Her quest for professional growth took her to the University of Benin, Edo State, where she obtained a Diploma in Nursing and Administration, and later to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lokoja Study Centre, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
“A highly dedicated professional, Mrs. Obaje served humanity with diligence, integrity and empathy throughout her career in the Kogi State health sector.
“She rose through the ranks to become a Matron and eventually attained the pinnacle of her profession as Head of Department of Nursing at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. She was widely known for her clinical competence, patience and reassuring presence, qualities that, according to colleagues, ‘brought comfort, healing and hope to countless patients and families.
“Beyond her professional calling, her life was firmly anchored in faith and service to the Catholic Church.A committed Catholic, she was a Lady Knight of St. Mulumba (LSM), rising to the 4th Degree and serving as President of the Lady Knights.
“She also served as President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), President of St. Mary’s Society, and President of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary societies, where her leadership was described as humble, wise and deeply devoted.
“As CWO President, she worked tirelessly alongside the late Bishop Joseph Sunday Ajomo to secure the present site of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Lokongoma, a legacy that continues to stand as a testament to her commitment to the growth of the Church.
“She also served as Matron of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) from parish to provincial levels, mentoring and inspiring young people through faith and example.”
According to Mr. Obaje, a former permanent secretary, family and community life were central to the identity of his late wife.
“She was a loving wife to her husband, Mr. Joseph Yusuf Obaje (KSM), a devoted mother who raised her children with discipline and prayer, and a cherished grandmother whose warmth and wise counsel endeared her to her grandchildren.
“She was also deeply involved at the grassroots, serving as President of the Ogugu Development Union and Ogugu Daughters Association, and as a member of the Ikem Development Union, reflecting her strong connection to her roots.”
Mrs. Rose Titi Obaje is survived by her husband, six daughters, six sons-in-law and thirteen grandchildren, as well as extended family members and a wide circle of friends.
The husband noted that although she is deeply mourned, the family and loved ones take comfort in the enduring legacy she left behind.
“As aptly captured in the Scripture that now defines her passage, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord’ (Matthew 25:21). Her life remains a shining testimony of faith in action, service rooted in love, and leadership by example,” he said.
