It was on a Sunday morning. Security at Atlas Cove was infiltrated. The man who was head made up his mind that no one would be left behind. He saved many... Sadly, his last trip into the blast silenced him but not his legacy of love, kindness, courage, candour and selflessness.
As the dark clouds of the night, gave way to usher in a new dawn, nothing foretold the imbecilic attack by militants on the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Atlas Cove facility in Apapa on the 12th of July 2009. I can’t believe 11 years have rolled by!
Navy Commander AKJ Awe and three naval ratings were killed during that attack, while oil pipelines at the jetty were destroyed. Kolawole Awe was committed to mother earth on Friday 24th July 2009. The church hall was filled... All class, creed, culture came to bid farewell to a worthy man.
Many knew him as Bobby K, some knew him as Kosigiri - literal means no convulsion but it spoke more to his no hustle stance as God’s beloved. #KosigirifomoOlorun
Dele his friend wrote:
“Kola, my main man, your death has created a big wound in my heart and in the hearts of those who knew you, ever cheerful fellow. This wound will be healed by the precious memories of your great personality and the positive impact you've had on peoples' lives.... you'll live on as you'll forever be fresh on our minds.”
Today, as we remember his 50th Posthumous Birthday, I had a word with one of his sisters, Mrs. Taiwo Ojo nee Awe on the desire to honour him and commemorate his birthday:
Who is being honoured and why?
We honour Navy Commander Akinwale Joshua Kolawole Awe (AKJ), a beloved son, husband, brother, father and uncle.
Many did not meet him, can you share why he should be honoured and remembered?
We honour him because of the good life he lived and the good fight he fought even for his country Nigeria. He died serving his country.
What should be done to honour, remember and memorialise our beloved AKJ and bring others on board to do same?
In memory of this hero, we will make short videos speaking about his life and all the positive impacts he made while here on earth. Others can join by posting messages, images and videos as well. For those who get it in by 09.12.2020, we will put together as a video.
Where would the honour and remembrance take place?
Remembrance can be done on his Facebook page and other platforms. We trust that this will be seen by all his friends and fb contacts so that many more can participate.
When should the honour and remembrance take place?
His birthday is a perfect time to do the remembrance. And this year is particularly a good one because he would have been 50years.
Indeed December 10 is perfect, I always prefer birth date which reminds us our loved one was and remains a gift, rather than death date. Interestingly, this date is also Human Rights Day and the last day of the #16DaysofActivism. How do you suggest Bobby K can be honoured or remembered by all who intend to participate?
He will be honoured by as many live videos as possible. We can even make a picture collage of his time here on earth. Others are welcome to honour him in ways that speak to their beautiful memories of him.
What is the God factor that would make this a window of opportunity... For instance, how would whatever you do help people remember your beloved and heal from the loss?
In his lifetime he taught love and peace. These are Christ-like attributes. He was a loving person, very accommodating and always willing to help. He could give his eye... Jesus Christ encourages us to show love always. Our beloved AKJ may not see the videos, but the truth of the matter is that some of his good acts when talked about would touch other people's lives and change their perspectives about life generally. Also, we were brought up to always remember our loved ones, it gives some sort of peace and also a reminder that this life is not forever. We all will die one day, and when we are gone, the legacy we leave behind will be remembered and help others live better.
I know how challenging it must still be to talk about such a loving brother who departed early. One thing we all agree on is that Bobby K remains a gift; a life given whose memories still speaks of kindness.
Attached video is by his youngest sibling, Mrs. Yetunde Olatunbosun nee Awe, inviting all who knew him to be part of honourng Bobby K.
To all his beloved, especially his wife Bunmi, and children, Oluwatobiloba, Mogbadunolaoluwa and David, may the peace of God envelope us now and always.
I’ll end this as I did on 24 July 2009:
Adieu brother. Though your candle burned out rather soon, the light it shone brightens still.
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