Dear Adefemi, Happy belated birthday. You would cooked your 'best ever'jollof rice and various stews. Sun re oh

Femi was a friend of mine
A dear childhood friend of mine
I met at a boarding school called Kent College
Some 35 years ago - that was indeed a privilege!

Back in the Eightees, now all a haze
Those seem to be such carefree days
With homesickness and Prep as our greatest woes
And of course, cross country runs across woods and meadows

Right from the beginning, she stood out
As someone with whom you wouldn't mess about
Principled, responsible, a Christian devout
Plain-spoken yet understanding without a doubt

She was like a big sister, compassionate and caring
And kept us all in check, from misbehaving
She once talked us out of watching an 18 movie
Which for a group of 16 year olds was a big deal to go and see

She tolerated PE and enjoyed Speech & Drama
Got her article published in the school magazine, Saga
And partook willingly in midnight feasts and pillow fights
Her cheeky chuckle could be heard well before she came into sight

With time we all spread out, to the four corners of the globe
Yet Femi maintained the circle of friends, with her as the central spoke
Through her, news of each other we learnt
Of life taking many an unexpected turn

She led by example in showing us how to be
Bold and fearless in the face of adversity
Always cheerful and with such positivity
She endured gracefully and with quiet dignity

Just count your blessings, she once told me
I realised then, that's how she coped so admirably
Selfless, encouraging and never complaining
She soldiered on, her faith unwavering

Despite her health, living life to the fullest
She did so much, she was simply the coolest
An exceptional individual, a wonderful inspiration
Her amazing achievements worthy of commendation

To adorn His crown, as a precious jewel dazzling radiantly
God called her home, from pain and suffering to be set free
Where, rejoicing in His glorious presence for all eternity
We'll meet again, my dear friend Femi.