Tribute to the Late Ustaz Ezekiah Wayo, who Passed Away in Juba on 16 April 2024

By Hon. Eng. Charles Barnaba Kisanga, Juba, South Sudan

Saturday, 20 April 2024 (PW) — In the heart of Yambio, where the sun sets behind the rolling hills and the cool breeze whispers tales of the past, a remarkable man once walked among us.

Ustaz Ezekiah Wayo, a pillar of education and a true son of the Azande people, has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. As we mourn his passing, it is with great honor that we pay tribute to his life and legacy.

A Reunion and a Rekindled Friendship

It was in 1985, after years of absence from my beloved Yambio, that I returned, taking a much-needed break from my studies at the University of Khartoum. Little did I know that this homecoming would reignite a friendship that had been forged long ago.

In my efforts to assist our children in their pursuit of higher education, I encountered the late Ustaz Ezekiah Wayo, a man whose friendship with my late mother, Mary Biba, had been unwavering.

His presence was like a breath of fresh air, and our conversations about education were nothing short of inspiring. It was as if fate had brought us together once more, and I felt a profound connection to this man who embodied the true spirit of the Azande people.

With Ezekiah, there was no need for formalities or inquiries about clan affiliations – his warmth and genuine nature made him a brother to all.

A Journey of Knowledge and Passion

In the late 1980s, Ezekiah and other teachers were sent to Bakhita Ruda for further studies, a pivotal moment in his life. During this time, he became a regular visitor at my home, and our bond grew stronger.

As I embarked on my own journey as a married man with a family, Ezekiah’s presence was a constant reminder of the importance of education and the role it played in shaping the future of our community.

His passion for teaching was unparalleled, and his dedication to the development of education in Western Equatoria was unwavering.

Among the few trained teachers from Bakhita Ruda, an esteemed institute of education in Omdurman, Ezekiah stood out as a shining example of competency and commitment.

For those born during and after the war, Bakhita Ruda was a beacon of hope, a place where educators like Ezekiah honed their craft and prepared to mold the minds of generations to come.

I, too, received training there as a specialized mathematics teacher for secondary schools, a foundation that allowed me to excel at St. Augustine Secondary School.

A Legacy Etched in Stone

With the passing of Ustaz Ezekiah Wayo, we have lost a man whose character and competence are rarely found in today’s world.

He was a part of a generation that possessed a unique blend of wisdom, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to imparting knowledge to our children and administering educational programs with the utmost care.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the profound impact he has had on our lives.

His legacy will live on through the countless students whose lives he touched and the educators he inspired.

To Ezekiah’s family, especially his children, we extend our deepest condolences. May the memories of his kindness, his unwavering spirit, and his dedication to education bring solace during this difficult time.

And may his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of the Almighty.

With heavy hearts, yet profound admiration, we bid farewell to Ustaz Ezekiah Wayo, a true son of the Azande people and a shining beacon of hope for generations to come.

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