My dear Clement Ige, or Clemmy, as we fondly called you, we sat down a week ago. And you were telling us stories of how Adebisi Adesola impacted positively on your life.
We discussed your plans for memorial lecture in honour of your wife who died one year ago.
Clement, we discussed our plans to make a cinema film based on the life of Col Adekunle Fajuyi….which this platform promised last year at the lecture we held on the great man.
We discussed the proposal you had for HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE OLUBADAN, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
And you reminded me of the debt I owe Nigeria, as a beneficiary of a better Nigeria….and the skeleton of your proposal that I can consider.
You then said you will come with my favourite Dapo Falade next week to work more on these areas.
I then asked you to check on Olutade Makinde Jnr on the progress on the film on Tade Makinde Snr.
I then walked with you outside…and I said its best to meet next Tuesday @ 12.30pm.
And we parted.
Only for me to get a message on your phone, Clement, announcing your passing away.
Our paths met in Akure in 1981. You were reporting for PEOPLE’S NEWS…and I was writing the column…RED BUG.
Ever since, you have become a most loyal, reliable, dependable and trustworthy friend, brother, associate and colleague.
Clement, I saw you in your days in Guardian.
I saw you meander through the Tribune.
I saw you writing biographies for people.
I saw you make huge landmarks in entertainment promoting great artistes to unbelievable heights.
I saw you consulting and helping people establish radio stations.
And in all these….hardworking, focused, determined and loyal as you were…you remained simple humble, selfless…totally devoted to Christ Jesus.
Clement, you do know that I’ll miss you mightily.
You must know that I will miss your restless intellect.
You must know that your unannounced departure will certainly be unwelcome by me and many friends…
Let me stop here…
And just say GOOD NITE to you, my dear Clement Ige.
