Dear BISI, we choose to honour you, publicly as an opportunity to provide a window into the part of your life that we knew of, as a friend, colleague and classmate with so many praiseworthy qualities and characteristics.

Our paths crossed some thirty years ago, precisely November 1992, when we had the privilege of gaining admission into the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Great Ife). You were full of life, confident and had the gift of the garb, which naturally made you likable. You wormed your way into the hearts of almost every member of the class with those sterling qualities. You were at home with everyone, irrespective of religious, tribal or gender sentiments.

As is usually the case, after graduation, everyone dispersed and moved on to face the challenges of life. Later we reconnected through our dear association, AVLESS ’97 and we continued our friendship.

The last time you were with us, as a group, was when you were in Lagos, in 2011 and you attended the AVLESS ’97 meeting, held in Lekki. We talked and laughed together. We had fun! We did not know that would be the last time you would be with us, as a group, physically.

You were always full of smiles. You had a way of making peace whenever there was a misunderstanding on the  association’s WhatsApp platform and bringing smiles to everyone’s lips. You also made meaningful and constructive contributions to important issues on the platform. That is how we want to remember you, Bisi.

Yours was a loving soul. No one would have been able to guess what you were going through. You were that strong and loving! Your strength and courage is a source of encouragement and a challenge to many of us.

We choose to remember a Bisi whose contributions to AVLESS ’97 projects and ideas remained heartwarming

You were always in the forefront of our association achieving its set objectives. Despite your personal health challenges, you were never tired of contributing to the success of AVLESS’ 97.

In 2019, when we wanted to present a refurbished PG Room, a project undertaken by our set, to our department, Department of English, you singlehandedly sent in a generous amount of money to mobilise members to travel to Ile-Ife for the presentation and you did it under the condition of anonymity! Such was the kind heart you had.

We will miss your smile, laughter, and lively personality, but rest assured, Bisi, the impressions you created will make you live permanently in our hearts.

Thank you for being you, Bisi.

Our condolences go to your immediate family – husband, children, aged mother and siblings. May the Lord comfort and strengthen them and fill the void left by your absence.

To the AVLESS ’97 family, we, your friends, may the Lord hold us in His warm embrace.

We are not mourning because we know you are in a better place, Bisi.

We can’t say goodbye. No, never! It’s goodnight, Bisi. Rest on, dearly beloved, till we meet to part no more.

TRIBUTE BY AVLESS ‘97