Yes BIG OSITA is no more.

Who would listen to our stories again?

The stories that never grew old. Our stories of Tali, Mfuni and Mamfe. Yes we played football two of us, swam two of us, went to the orchad two of us., went to Ntenako, Ndekwa, Ossing, Kembong, NCHANG and back to Mamfe two of us. Yes we are together. Two of us washed the drug van when it came to Mamfe to sell drugs. It was there that you fell in love with high life Osita Osadibe. Two of us climbed confidence hotel walls to watch "Camo-Niger" students together. I remember that fatefull day in Tali when I wounded you; I cried to an extent that they turn to pity me instead of you who had been wounded. Yes we did so many funny things together. I will always remember you for your love of Bayangi dialect, your descriptive power, your smartness, creative power and of course your intelligence and love for your family. Yes I saw it late that when two elephants fight it is the grass that suffers

ADIEU my friend, till we meet never to depart again.

Your MAN JOHN TAYAW SMALL OSITA

Doctor, my uncle, namesake and mentor,

I learnt with profound sorrow of your passing away on 28th August 2018 in India. Like anyone losing a close family member, it is normal to regret the void you are leaving behind. however, from some of the discussions we had, it is time for stocktaking, and to know how you will be remembered. For me, two instances immediately come to mind.

I recall our first meeting in 1984 in Yaounde, when you had returned home from the UK, after obtaininga terminal degree in Geology. You were extremely thrilled to learn that I was taking my first steps in the same field, and you encouraged me to follow in your footsteps. You advised me to persevere in the then little-known field, for it was one filled with joy and adventure, and yet, equally fulfilling. Your passion and joy of living were an inspiration to us, and I believe many in the family today are spinoffs of that your aspiration.

I also remember our last exchanges in Limbe during the marriage of my younger sister Fallon. We talked about the importance of holding on to your dreams in spite of the odds, citing personal examples of some dreams that took a generation to materialize. Although you mentioned some persistent discomfort you were having, we didn’t imagine it would be our last face-to-face talk.

Today, as you move on, I am thankful for the key lesson you gave me, one of having a dream, holding on to it with passion, and persevering till the end.

Adieu, Doc, and may you rest in peace.

Emmanuel Tarh