For Abdul Imoyo, Adieu My Friend

Last Wednesday night, we bade farewell to media gentleman, Abdul Imoyo at the elegant Harbor Point event centre in Lagos. It was a solemn occasion as many of his friends, drawn from all over, converged on the beautiful hall to bid him farewell. Abdul was a very brilliant public relations and media practitioner who was not only very diligent but also carried out his assignments with the highest level of professionalism that he won for himself so many admirers as could be seen by the composition of people in the hall. I didn’t really see anybody cry in that hall. There was no need as Abdul had lived a wonderful even though short life. In the little time he spent on this earth, he touched lives, especially my own o. Abdul played a very vital role in making me who I am today in theatre. From his support while at UBA, down to the last posting at Access Bank, he would hold my hands and say, “Edgar, don’t worry, we go do am.” When his colleagues would be doing like King Nebuchadnezzar, Abdul would hold your hand end to end, and even in rejection, he would still be there standing with you assuring you that there will be a next time. He was a very brilliant young man, whose passing shocked the community, hence the full turnout that evening. From Herbert, his last CEO, down to his immediate boss, Amaechi, to Roosevelt, the Managing Director at Access Bank, and so many other people from all walks of life. I even saw Charles Aigbe, his former colleague at UBA and the influential Azuka Ogujiuba who was like his professional sister. Admiral Francis Akpan (rtd) also was there, and his colleague capital market reporters led by the very amiable Goddy Egene was also in attendance. After it all, Charles led a delegation made up of myself, Azuka and six other people who may not like their names in print, to the powerful Lydia’s place, one of Abdul’s favourite hangouts to honour him in our own little way, to a feast of hot and deliciously made bowls of afang. Abdul, you will not be replaced. Mark my words.