Foluke. I almost can’t believe I’m actually writing a tribute in your memory! I guess the Lord was preparing me for this when a few weeks to your passing, I suddenly found myself recollecting several things we did together as roommates so many years ago, and weeping. I wondered why those recollections then. Now I know.  Four years together, and a lifetime of sweet memories.                     

I recollected that night, sometime after midnight, when there was a mass casualty brought to UCH. We got dressed quickly, put on our white coats and stethoscopes, and I noticed you taking along your new testament. “What’s that for, Foluke?” and heard in amazement “Yemisi, this is the best time to win souls. This may be their last chance”. All said with that quick smile of yours! And you did! You excitedly called me away from some procedures to have me visit quickly some of those who gave their lives that night – badly burned patients, who died shortly after. You went around, urging as many patients as you could to listen to you and turn their hearts to Jesus. I’ve never forgotten that first night. I'd never seen anything like it, until then. You did it again, and again,and I followed your example.

You loved a good story, you loved to laugh and you loved to listen! My elderly dad sat with you for a few hours the first time he met you, as he waited for me to return from class. He said “This your Foluke is wonderful. When she listens to you, you feel your problems are ALREADY solved!” I agreed with him as I wondered what great wisdom you may have shared with an old man. These gifts served you well as UCH Christian fellowship counsellor and Sisters' leader. I still remember how you would crease your brow as you paid close attention when people shared with you.

You could find humor in the most unusual situations. I remembered one of our favorite stories after we married. You were in the last stages of labour with Tolu, your first child. Another woman beside you, also in labour, shouted in pain “Jesu, Mohammadu, Obatala ooo!” I don’t know how any one else but Foluke could have turned to ask at that point “Madam, please which one of these three are you calling?” The lady replied "Anyone that would answer right now". You described how through fits of laughter you managed to tell her she needed to choose one. I remember how we laughed so many times at that story together.

You were elegant. Always groomed, dressed and comported yourself with great attention to detail. I recall bro Kunle naming you “Afinju adaba” even before you married him.

Always dedicated to work. Very brilliant. Foluke.

Very respectful. You placed those you loved in highest regard. I jokingly told someone –Anyone Foluke loves turns to gold!

Foluke was a hard worker. She believed in excellence in all things. School work, patient care, service in church, dressing, child care. Never one to compromise on standards, she loved to repeat “The race is not to the swift, but it is good to be swift!”

Countless words of godly counsel. Some of which guided critical decisions in my life. Unknown to both of us at the time, you introduced me to my husband "His name is also brother Kunle!" you said with a smile. Always a smile. Numerous discussions on how best we could please the Lord. Hours of edifying talk even when we lived in different continents. Prayers shared, in person, on phone. Foluke is unforgettable. I am only so, so grateful to have had the privilege to have been her friend.
I know you are resting in peace. I look forward to seeing you, my friend.