DARKNESS AT NOON: A TRIBUTE TO AN AMAZING FRIEND

Written by: [Ikegbunam Benedict] Bennochis

It's a black Tuesday for me and my 042 brothers! Life really sucks!—a friend's status I read on Wednesday morning.

“What happened. Attack in 042???” I asked. He replied: “Nope. Ask around”.

So, I reluctantly said to myself: “What could it be. Could it be that bad?”...trying to figure out what the problem might be.

I noticed a lot of messages from our group message count badge—it was quite unusual. So I started reading; a particular message caught my attention: "What happened to Dika... I am hearing news." Fear caught me as I pondered on those words, trying to connect the dots. At that point my friend's status recalled in my head... I muttered: "God forbid!" as I continued reading the chats until the news broke.

"He had an accident yesterday afternoon... He died at the scene."

Instantly, I froze from head to toe. I couldn't believe what I just read; I was dumbfounded. God! Let this not be true—those word kept running in my head, my heart pounding faster. Tear couldn't roll from my eyes.

Onyedikachukwu??? Nooo! Is this what this life is all about? This is my friend, I was at his place mid-May. How can this be I asked myself.

Just then, I started reminiscing the times we've shared. Rewinding back to university days when I met him... A young, vibrant tech enthusiast whose life was all about coding (computer programming). He was just good at writing codes—he believed you can program anything in the universe. His "never-say-never" attitude got my admiration of him... He was the virtual Bill (Gate) I knew then. Not too soon, I nicknamed him "Gate" so we started calling him: 'IGILI GATE'. He was a very smart and hard-working person, he worked his way to the top and tried as much as he could to carry anyone who is interested along with him too. He so much loved "Technology and Code"—the reason he brought some Code camp programs to the university to share with his colleagues—from Microsoft Youth spark, Andela etc. As long as it was coding, everybody should know it—that's his belief.

I could remember I wasn't so good at coding at that time, but he would always say: Believe you can do it, there's nothing hard about it." Those words influenced me to pick up coding. So I started learning and trying the much my intellect could carry me all the way to the level I am today (thanks to his motivating words).

He was a cool, very friendly and easy going person. His arms was open to everybody. Talk about his hospitality; I won't forget the warm welcome and treatments he served me at his place... It is still lingering in my memory of him. We talked about so many things: Ideas, tech trends, plans about the future—it's so sad you couldn't live long to achieve all of these. I wish you could just return if possible, because I never knew saying goodbye on that Saturday afternoon after you dropped me off at the park would be the last time I will ever see you.

With a heavy heart I have written this, you fought a good fight; you have finished your course but your legacy will remain (your life... what you achieved in this short time is a success story). I will always remember you as you have been a part of my Life story and I will cherish your lifetime.

Farewell dear Onyedika, Rest in the bosom of the Lord; till we meet again.

Adieu Igili Gate.

Comments

…and he shall wipe every tear from their eyes.

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Dika.....the best man I know

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