Bunmi Tapere aka Bunmi-licious,
Everyone was born into this world with a purpose. That is to say every child born of a woman has a dream and is full of aspiration.
At a tender age, we hear a child say that he/she would like to be a doctor or a pilot or an engineer or lawyer or fireman, e.t.c, and we see the child act like one, but the things we do in actualizing that dream determines whether the dream is actualized or not.
Dr. Bunmi Tapere like many today was one of a special kind who had a dream and sought to live that dream to the fullest. Bunmi's dream symbolizes her character and her personality. She was lovely, caring, charming, courteous, ambitious, intelligent, unassuming, honest, compassionate and generous. She had a bright future ahead of her and she wanted to live a happy life with lots to show for it.
A beautiful dream cut short by the hustle & bustle of life's challenges on planet earth. Thou, our mission as occupants of this earth is to give life a true meaning, but we realise that upon the efforts & energy exerted by people, very many have something to show for it and some others nothing to show for it. Only a few do share their experiences and Bunmi had alot to show & share as one of Nigeria's finest young generation of medical professionals. She touched many lives positively during her time and she sought to make an impact in many aspects of her career aspirations. From Puerto-rico to Birmingham to Lagos, she made a difference in people's lives.
Bunmi and I met in New Jersey in the summer of 2001 at the Nigerian Reunion. She was interesting to talk too and had a very charming personality. We kept in touch over the years as we progressed our careers. Our most memorable meet-ups include, a shopping mall trip in New York (2005) during my stopover drive from Connecticut to Maryland, dinner in Chicago (2011) when I attended a conference in chi-town, and supper with mama Bunmi & Bunmi's cousins in Ikoyi lagos during the 2014/2015 new year celebrations.
It is so sad to now know we would not see you again until we reunite in heaven. If only we could turn back time to make more use of the time we shared as friends. Bunmi the shinning star & super gem, OR Bunmi the business woman & fashionista, OR Bunmi the matchmaker & peacemaker. You showed yourself in many endeavours and you lived a gracious life.
Dr. Bunmi-licious like i call u,
We miss you loads and we will always miss you.
We love you loads and we will always love you as our dearly beloved friend.
You will remain special to many in Nigeria, UK & USA and your dream lives-on.
Pls dont forget to send your angel friends from heaven to look after our country Nigeria and protect us from harm's way. Such was your character & personality.
Cant believe you are no longer with us. God bless you for your time on earth and your friendship. I still remember your words after we had supper. Solape and all of us at your funeral miss you dearly. Rest in peace.
Big hugs from your friend,
Engr. Greg Nduka Ofulue (HFM)