Dear Wikimedians around the world

With a profound sense of loss and deep sadness, we mourn the unexpected passing of our esteemed colleague, Wilson Kelechi Oluoha, who passed away on 13th September in Nigeria due to a sudden deadly health emergency.

Wilson was a tireless advocate for Igbo, Nigerian and African culture and voices on the global Wikimedia Projects, intrinsically involved with several Wikimedia groups across Africa, including Wiki In Africa https://www.wikiinafrica.org/, Igbo Wikimedians User Group https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Igbo_Wikimedians_User_Group, and Wikimedia Community User Group Nigeria https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Community_User_Group_Nigeria [1].

As the project and community facilitator of Wiki Loves Africa https://www.wikilovesafrica.net/, Wilson was a dedicated team member and, as a Wikimedian, a passionate advocate for open knowledge and African representation in the digital space. Wilson's leadership in the Nigeria Wikimedia community and the Wiki In Africa projects was invaluable to the expansion and development of the Wikimedia movement in Africa.

Wilson's passion for open access to knowledge, his skills as an amateur photographer, and his dedication to the Wikimedia movement have left an indelible mark on our organisations and the broader Wikimedia community. Beyond Wikimedia, he was a passionate cyclist, public speaker, and lover of jazz and the music of yesteryear.

His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him, both those who knew him personally and who worked with him remotely.

The untimely death of Wilson Kelechi Oluoha is a significant loss not only for his family and loved ones but for the entire Wikimedia community. Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies are extended to his wife, Mercy, family, friends, and colleagues.

Wilson’s family has set up a memorial website for Wilson https://www.forevermissed.com/wilsonoluoha/about where we encourage you to leave a condolence message or share a tribute.

Wiki in Africa https://www.wikiinafrica.org/, Igbo Wikimedians User Group https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Igbo_Wikimedians_User_Group, and Wikimedia Community User Group Nigeria https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Community_User_Group_Nigeria.

[1] https://www.wikiinafrica.org/2024/09/30/joint-statement-africas-wikimedia-mo...