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The sudden death of Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, the Head of Access Bank Media Relations, did not only come as a rude shock to me, it came at a time, no one, especially his very large circle of friends could not think of celebrating the recently past yuletide without him.
I am sure, if death had not succeeded in stretching its dirty hands to Imoyo, there was every certainty that we were likely to meet at a jollying point or somewhere where unlimited fun was released last December.
As cool and reserved as many perceived Imoyo to be, he loved life. He was outgoing. He loved to be around happy people and merrying with them was always his own way, I think, of laying off the stress of his tedious job.
Abdul was all that he’s been described by all who came out in large numbers to pour tributes on the late benevolent soul.
He has assisted not a few in the media space that many are forever grateful to him for keeping their businesses flourishing.
Personally, I have felt his magical touches in my business severally that I thought he had special interest in me until I heard other colleagues’ stories.
Imoyo made sure that when others struggled to get just an advert, I got two in a year. Also, annually, I joined the chorus with joy in singing ‘odun yi o ye’, (I’m not left out of this year celebration) during the ileya festival.
Abdul Imoyo made sure yearly, a big ram found its way to my doorstep for the Eid-Kabir celebration.
His unexpected and unfortunate death however shocking as it is, has woken up another thing in me by making me run towards my thinking cap. It has, once again, enabled me to dissect in full the real essence of life and the silly game nature plays with us mere mortals, not forgetting lessons that come with it.
Many have referred to Imoyo as a very good man; some, even would like to shout into loud speakers that he was the best thing to happen to media relations.
The sweet adjectives that I’ve read that many qualified Imoyo with, seems to have embarked on that endless journey with him to the great beyond. Imoyo, who was buried yesterday seems to have taken all the beautiful words with him in that lonely casket.
The way many penned lovely proses just to show the world what Abdul meant to them only made me wonder if Imoyo knew a little of all that have been said about him now that he is dead.
I’m still wondering what could be the essence of all the good vibes after he has transmitted to another world if he can’t feel a little while alive?
Why would he be celebrated like this now that he is no more was the question that keeps ringing in my ears.
Why can’t people pick up their pens and write sweet words about him for his good deed while he was still living?
Are those pleasant praise write ups only good for the dead?
Actually, no one has been able to give in full detail what happened to him, except the usual cliché that he died after brief illness which has always been the major excuse for abrupt death in this side of the divide.
Curiously, as I walked into the crowd that came to the service of songs ceremony held two days ago, I looked into people’s eyes to be able to read their minds concerning the fallen bank soldier. Unfortunately, my eyes could not penetrate the mind. However, what my eyes could not achieve, I set my mind in motion to go deep into people’s thoughts.
What could be going on in their minds at that moment, I pondered.
The fact remains that there were people in that congregation that came genuinely because of the love they have for the late soul. But, it is doubtless, that some others only came to fulfil all righteousness, so that they’ll be seen as a genuine sympathizers, not necessarily because they have any love for him.
There are some who were only there to network because of the belief that there would be presence of other top public relations managers of major banks.
It’s so funny that a colleague that I saw that hot and dry afternoon of the Service of song day, told me, it was an opportunity to meet the new person in charge so that his patronage will not end with Imoyo.
Hearing that from this young man who metamorphosed into a journalist from being an advert person shocked me so much that I concluded ‘eni toku ni tie gbe’ ( it’s only the dead that’s lost everything).
Life is very cruel, it doesn’t miss anyone. If the news comes today that one thousand people died in Lagos, life will not stop, nor, will the sun cease to shine.
I am sure Access Bank where Abdul Imoyo put in all his best before he died, would have filled his post almost immediately after his death.
Also, many of our colleagues that have poured so many good words on him, will soon familiarise themselves with the new person in charge and in no time, Abdul will be history.
Why is the world like this?
Life keep teaching lessons but we mortals always look the other way from its teachings. Abdul was here yesterday, today, he is gone; gone not to be seen again except through remembrance that may be done by family members or colleagues.
I have and will never advise anyone not to take his or her job seriously, but, one should try as much as possible not to over work himself to please the job. Because, if sickness comes or death, a replacement will be waiting by the corner to take over.
I’ve told many that if people hail you for helping them, just see yourself as a transformer that brings electricity. The moment something happens to the transformer, people that I know despite almost calling you God, will look for another transformer almost immediately to reinstate their electricity.
They will care less about what you have together or the benefits they’ve enjoyed from you, that, in a twinkle of an eye, they are searching for another YOU.
Every one should have it at the back of their minds that many romance them, not because they love them but because of their seat.
The moment the seat is no more, they’ll go for the new soul on the seat.
On my own part, I feel this loss a great deal, but, life, as always, has to go on.
