Tribute:To the memory of the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley 

By Sam Kayode

Dear Tope, I am still in shock that you had to leave so early at just 50. Seven years before your father our dear uncle Alaba left at 57. And my own father your uncle too same 57, all of the Akinlawon stock of the Beckleys in Lagos.

Sad you had to leave us so early. I am sad because of the bond we shared as special cousins or what people of your generation call besties. You were a jolly good fellow to me in particular whenever our paths crossed. Aburo (little brother), as I used to call you, family may share the same names sometimes and blood but very few are real friends within a particular family. If there are friends within our family, you are definitely one of them. A very jovial fellow who looks out for the others. A friend indeed among brothers and cousins in a very big family. Your eyes always glittered when you were around me. And of recent you became more concerned about me when you heard that I was in the North East Nigerian war theatre of operation Hadin Kai. I assured you that because He lives i will always face tomorrow. Bros, hope you are fine sir? I will give you my assurances of God’s protection over me.

How we built our friendship

I remember my brief stay with you guys at the family house in folarin street, Mushin. Trying to rediscover myself as Uncle Alaba would call it anytime he asked me to escort him to EMPLAN consult were he was working then. Each time we returned home, you were always close by asking the right questions the little ones always asked their older brothers. I enjoyed your restlessness at that young tender age, wanting to know a lot of things out there especially when we watched Television together and you did not understand what was going on at any time. With the kinds of questions your probing mind used to ask, I always knew that you were going to become one of the shining lights of the family. I even dreamt of you joining me in serving God and country as a media practitioner one day. But you had other plans and ended up at the Nigerian Air Force as you did till your last breath due to a protracted illness on the first of March this year.

When I later started my studies to train as a journalist in Lagos and found myself staying at Akobi crescent with Uncle Akobi, you never forgot to stop by and check on me. You kept the flame burning. Your appearances were always remarkable with that glitter in your eyes which used to lighten up my weekend whenever you showed up. Brother Akin was always at hand to host us. Whenever he wasn’t around, we would go out to hang out as young people to have fun. You were always with the older ones hardly having time for your generation. Distance would now separate us when I was posted to Taraba state by the then daily times newspapers as its maiden correspondent. But we always met along the way until you joined the Nigerian Air force. And did your best in the theatres you were posted to.

Your worries about Nigeria

Tope, at your level in the service in the military, you already knew the difference between right and wrong and you were very methodical and meticulous in the way you conducted your affairs. You asked more questions as always but this time as a seasoned personnel of the Nigerian Air Force. You knew where you were coming from and were you wanted to be in the nearest future. I encouraged you that in all things we should give thanks to our Creator. The one who is and is to come. You were on course in your relationship with him.

I remember our last discussion, about the insurgency challenge the military is dealing with at our backyard in Borno. Your perception about the Nigerian Air Force which you served till your natural passing. And your projection for the future in terms of security for the country. I asked for your family and you updated me that they were fine. I was worried about the fact that I am yet to meet your loving family but you assured me that we would surely meet someday even though your spouse was in Canada pursuing her dream. The telephone chat zeroed down to why I called. I actually chatted you because I remembered your father the great Uncle Alaba who had gone to the great beyond. And I wanted to honour his memory with a tribute 29 years after his demise. You promised feeding me with the extra details I wanted to add to what I got from your big sis Tosin. But that never happened. I never got the pictures of Uncle or the details I wanted. That has been rested for his 30th anniversary now.

Rather what I got was a rude shock of your sudden collapse and departure from this world. Tope, you suddenly joined your father and mine in the great beyond at the untimely age of 50. We can’t question God Almighty our Creator over this decision. We would rather give thanks to him for the life you lived because He said we must give thanks to Him in all things.

Aburo, all I can say now is permission granted because you never sort for anyone’s permission to bow out. This was the command of your creator, the All knowing I Am who decides when it is time to come or to leave this world. Tope, be rest assured that some of us will never forget coming across your path in this short life. Enjoy your sleep great soldier until we meet to part no more.

Broda Sam.