ADIEU MY FRIEND!!! I met Sanmi Awodogan sometimes in 2008, not too far off but every bit was worth it. He was a good man full of dreams and passion; even at his struggles he kept on believing and fervently praying for things to get better. He’s such an inspiration and can never be forgotten. It was on a faithful day, I received an email with well constructed cover letter and resume, I was curious on how he got my email address, so I replied and he truthfully told me I’m a friend to his friend on facebook and on looking through my profile he noticed I work in Human Resources Department of Oceanic Bank. I was really pleased with his resume and I replied that I was just an intern and didn’t have much power but would try all I could. Oceanic Bank was experiencing peace at that time and was a lot of people’s dream place to work. Oluwasanmi was a Civil Engineer (University of Ibadan) who turned to a chartered Accountant (ACA), he decided to explore the financial world and contribute his quota to the economy. He was a smart and brilliant man. I tried my best as he passed the aptitude test and interviews, his offer letter amongst others were typed and only for it to be signed by Madam Cecilia Ibru who said there should be a hold on recruitment until further notice. I left for NYSC in Feb 2009 and he wasn’t eventually called. I felt so terrible because he deserved a good job, his mates were far ahead of him in career and most especially those he coached and helped through school. Sanmi kept believing and managing his one-man small job that was paying less than 100k a month. We both tried to keep in touch and he was still hopeful and believed things would be fine. To cut the story short, he called me he was getting married and I was full of joy. Also not too long, he called me that he was in USA for the birth of their Son and that he’s also preparing for CPA exam which would make him a Certified Public Accountant and luckily for him he secured a white collar job with one of the best financial company in the world. I was extremely happy for him because his aspirations came to reality. Anytime we chat or speak, he’s always telling me to be PRAYERFUL, that God can change the situation of man overnight. He also told me to always be truthful in anything I do. He motivated and encouraged me. I believed so much in him and asked him for advices on career and marital issues. Still while away and out of his busy schedule, he tried his best to secure a good and cheap hospital for me in Maryland US when I wanted to give birth to my daughter which I didn’t eventually go. He told me to say the truth when I’m asked at the embassy if I’m pregnant which was what he and his wife did at the time they got their visas. I informed my husband of his help and he couldn’t say thank you until he’s no more. He used to call my daughter his daughter-in-law whom he didn’t meet. I was looking forward to seeing him again before his untimely death. He came to the country for about 2-3 weeks and headed to Abuja for his friend’s wedding and death struck on his way back. So sad! ……….. The last time we saw was late 2010 on a cold evening while at work during a weekend, he came to my office with his wife to say hello to me with a cup of hot beverage and snacks. I can never forget the cheerful face of that day, If only one could see beyond the day, one could have interpreted his frequent change of display pictures and statuses on blackberry to that of his special friends who have one way or the other impacted his life as he’s bidding us goodbye. Last bb status: “Forward…Omololu Adebamigbe…alako 1 of ako land..beauty plus brain…tanx 4 d encouragement always…THANKS for all…can’t forget!!! UNABATED!!! His last tweet: @sanmiexcels The fact that I grew up with you, doesn’t mean I have to grow old with u…time is critical to your dream!!! Twitter profile -@sanmiexcels !everywhere God is! God’s own son! An Engineer who turned a professional Accountant…Building a career in Finance and Accounting to positively affect my generation! BE POSITIVE Sanmi was passionate, optimistic, hardworking, energetic, proactive, loving and caring man and who also believed so much in God. He was cut down in his prime and couldn’t live to enjoy all that he laboured for to the fullest. I give God the glory that he was able to achieve something in life which wasn’t a wasted effort in the long run. He’s survived by his Wife and Son. Oluwasanmi Awodagan will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in perfect peace (AMEN).