To die and live again.

Death is an orphan. No body fathers a popular cataclysm. Death is mysterious. A kind of cosmetic contingency, that is. Unforeseen and stealthy. Painful. Unannounced. Dark and fickle. Sometimes sought after. Other times, and most often, wished away. It can be bitter. Like bile. It can be sweet and melodious. It is mostly used as a curse. Rarely seen as a blessing. Hence a double edged sword.


I am currently caught between emotions. So are my colleagues in pharmacy. The University of Benin is in blunt pain. Faculty of pharmacy is in dark mood. Pharmacy just lost three (3) gallant men, lecturers. I have had personal and private experiences with each of them. Sometimes I cry; weeping like an infant for the demise of my lecturers. Other times, I sit still. Gazing into space; I try very hard to imagine how my vibrant lecturers could just die. Unannounced. Unnoticed. Without permission.

Dr. Saturday Idemudia, was different. He was caring. He took every one of us like brothers. He calls
me Editor. Of all the three dead, he was closest to me. Although he came in hard. But we later arrive at his soft side. Not yet married yet he is a father to many. ID was a scholar. Erudite in complexities. He always repeat his classes until the dumbest person understands. He knew our deficiencies. And he used his strength to cushion our frailty.

Prof. John Okonrobo and Rev Joseph were men of extreme simplicity.

Accident scene

Now, we all grieve silently. We can’t go forward with classes. We can’t read. The procession led to the vice chancellor requested of him to shift pharmacy exams. Because, even if the students are ready for exams, lecturers are still all gloomy. None of them could address pharmacy students without tears welling up in their eyes. The school has rightly declared a 3 day mourning for the lecturers who died in the line of duty. PANS also requested for their immortalization. I hope that is also done speedily.

Death has done its worse. Dr. ID may be dead. But I know he lives on. His little kindnesses still reigns in our hearts. He defied all the loftiness that associates with being a lecturer. He goes to the football pitch with us, play football with students, advise us and even joke with us. He does his kindness with calm and striking humbleness too. His acts of kindness has changed our lives. This is what ID is remembered for. At times, we should all stop to think of what we will be remembered for when we exit this carnal world.

Rest in Peace Dr. Saturday Idemudia. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in Peace Rev Joseph and Prof. Okonrobo.

Ezekiel Efeobhokhan
600 level pharmacy

Keep a date with KALLIGRAPHY every weekend.
For comments and reactions to this post; 08024994798 (SMS and Whatsapp only)

Contact Kalligraphy™ via;
Email: ezekielefeobhokhan@yahoo.com
Whatsapp: +2348024994798
Twitter: @ezekielosahon
BBM: 5607F768
Visit KALLIGRAPHY at www.ezekieltrisler.blogspot.com
Like our Facebook page m.facebook.com/ezekieltrisler