I had decided not to post anything about COVID-19 again, especially given Nigeria’s untidy management of the scourge.
However, when a handshake moves to the elbow, it becomes a wrestle. The death of an old-school buddy has made me shatter my shell.
He attended the reputable Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, in Lagos, where he was a contemporary of my cousins. We were mates in the University. I can still picture him, even now.
He was big, bold and brilliant. He was always impeccably dressed. I never saw him pull out his shirt from his trousers. He never forgot to wear his socks. Those who went to school at that age would understand what I mean.
He then went on to Lagos State University to study law. As a lawyer, he couldn’t get immediate treatment until he linked up with his old school’s network, but then it turned out to be too late.
Now, if an experienced lawyer couldn’t get immediate treatment in Lagos state, I don’t want to imagine the experiences of poor people in the rural areas of Nigeria.
Well, my condolences to the family and friends of Jide Arije, who should have turned 60 today.
COVID-19 is moving too close for comfort!
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