By Danjuma Amodu | March 15, 2026
ABUJA – Friends and loved ones gathered in Abuja on Sunday, 12 April 2026, to mark the posthumous birthday of Louis Linus Inyang — fondly called Zaza — with an evening of candlelight tributes, hymns and shared memories that turned grief into collective celebration.
Born on 12 April and a native of Akwa Ibom State, he worked with the Federal Judiciary and lived in his own home in Wuse 2, Abuja. A Christian by birth and a private man by nature, Zaza was remembered as a happy soul who loved to travel, savour good food, and keep the company of peaceful, joyful people. At the time of his passing, he was undertaking a PhD programme. He is survived by family and friends.
Themed “Remembering Zaza”, the remembrance was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Konakry Restaurant and Bar, BMT African Garden, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, beside the Switzerland Embassy. Guests began arriving from 4:30 p.m. for the intimate event powered by Zaza’s friends.
Organisers said the evening was designed to honour a life many described as “warm, distinct, and quietly impactful.” White balloons, white candles, white tablecloths, a tribute book and pen set the tone at the venue, alongside a portrait of Zaza mounted by Edith Prince.
Moderated by Bond and New Level, with virtual support from Ize Pretty and Said Abubakar, the programme blended physical and online participation. Ose led hymns, while a keyboardist, microphones provided by Henry, and a brochure produced by Bond supported the flow.
The solidarity on display was engineered largely through a professional WhatsApp group that became the nerve centre for planning, coordination and mobilisation. From assigning roles to sharing updates, circulating the brochure and hosting a virtual link for those unable to attend in person or based abroad, the group demonstrated how intentional social networking can convert affection into action.
In an era where digital communities often drift, this one held firm, curating logistics, accountability and emotional support with the discipline of a project team. Friends noted that without the group’s structure, the scale of turnout and the seamless blend of physical and virtual tributes would have been impossible.
Tributes poured in from friends near and far, read aloud and shared in a brochure.
Nsikat Ettentuk wrote: “Today would have marked another year in the life of a remarkable soul — Sir Louis… He was not merely a name or a face in our circle; he was a spirit — warm, distinct, and quietly impactful… Happy Birthday, Sir Louis. You are remembered. You are missed. And you are not forgotten.”
Others sent brief but heartfelt lines. Ju, writing on WhatsApp, posted: “Happy posthumous birthday my friend.” Honey added: “Gone but never to be forgotten.” Another friend, known in his circle as Alhamdulillahi, described Zaza as “Ever loving! ever kind!! Am gonna miss you loads.”
Edith Egbe-Okpenge of Mercy Hospitality Ventures delivered an extended tribute, calling Zaza “not just a friend, but a brother, a confidant and a constant presence,” adding: “He was a good listener, the kind that didn’t just hear you but truly understood you… Rest well and easy my bestie… You will always be fondly remembered, always be missed and forever be loved.”
Rachel, reflecting on the turnout, said: “Seeing so many people gather, united in grief and in love, was a true reflection of the kind of person Zaza was… Zaza was truly loved by friends, by family, by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Mhiz Boma thanked all who remembered “such a sweet soul.”
Stephine Smart, in her vote of thanks, noted the significance of the date: “Last year, Zaza said something that stayed with me, that people hardly remembered his birthday or truly celebrated him. But this year is different. This 12th of April did not pass quietly… We came together, we showed up, and we made sure his day meant something.”
She thanked Ambassador Mary of Konakry Restaurant and Bar for the venue, tribute book, candles and white balloons — “Even though the balloons did not make it to the sky as planned, a small moment we can smile about now, the thought and effort behind it meant everything.” She also acknowledged Said Abubakar for photography and virtual coverage, Edith Prince for the portrait and leading the birthday song, and others who handled hymns, moderation, music and technical support.
In a similar vein, Said Abubakar expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the event “morally and otherwise,” listing contributors from venue and décor to photography, virtual platform, music and coordination by Sephiny Smart of SistasTalkTv.
The gathering closed with reflections, tributes and prayers, as friends reiterated a shared sentiment: Zaza’s life was felt, his memory upheld, and his impact evident in all present.
Reflecting on the event a few days after the 12 April ceremony, Mhiz Boma said she woke up with something on her mind to share, judging from the reunion Zaza’s remembrance offered. She noted that the break in the MM community may have affected most people’s social lives, “and now Zaza has, in a way, brought back peace where we can come together and share beautiful pictures and stories as one big family.”
In Sephiny’s words, the white balloons never made it to the sky, but the love they carried did. In grief turned celebration, in factions asked to heal, his circle kept its word. They showed up to remember a man who had given them so much vibes.
And as the last candle flickered out at Konakry Restaurant that fateful Sunday evening, one truth remained: Zaza’s birthday was no longer a date that passed quietly, as he once feared it would go unnoticed.
On 12 April 2026, his friends answered with hymns, tributes and one social networking group that refused to let memory fade, and proved a life lived well still gathers its own. You are remembered. Rest easy, Zaza. You are fondly remembered.
Click on the link for the event pictures:
https://denerostudios.pixieset.com/serviceofsongs/
