Let me tell you about him.

It was the year 2021.

I had just gotten into uni. He was a fresher too, though you wouldn’t know it. He blended in with everyone so easily – like he had been there all along. I don’t remember exactly how we first spoke, but I remember something felt... kindred. He was pleasant like that.

While I was still trying to dodge early responsibilities at the fellowship, he encouraged me to join the Prayer unit, which I did eventually, and became a leader not too long after.

Even after he transferred to another school during the eight months ASUU strike in 2022, we stayed in touch. When I started Quality Time, he was one of my earliest and most consistent cheerleaders.

This was his feedback on my last newsletter.

Just recently, he came into town for a major ministerial assignment, and we got to see each other briefly last week. We had plans to hang out, but with both of our schedules packed, it was something we were still looking forward to.

So, pour some water on my face because on the 5th of April, he…d!ed? In that manner? Argh!!!😭💔

Numb. That’s the only way I can describe how I’ve felt since then.

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Àwé mi: A Tribute to Iyanuoluwa Joseph

How do I speak of you in the past tense? How do I describe someone so alive, so full of promise, using words that feel like endings?

Iyanuoluwa Joseph…

Your heart was largeeeee. You carried people in it. You carried purpose. You were a living promise. You had your way around people, and you were an honourable man to the core. You didn’t just know how to hold conversations, you knew how to make people feel heard in them.

And then there was your humour! Oh, my goodness. It's always how you would say, “Woman of God…” then pause, or laugh, and add, “I celebrate grace.” The recent one you told me was, “I laminate grace…I photocopy grace,” and I laughed so hard. You were one of my favourite people to banter with.

About a month ago when we had a phonecall where we spoke for over two hours, I realised that distance hasn't changed a thing! I’m so grateful for that call (it's one of my keepsakes, now). That call gave me deeper glimpses to the depth of your person—how you were family-oriented, how crusades and preaching the gospel were like second nature to you, and how much you appreciated intelligence in others.

I've been going back to our conversations, and I realised you actually did rate me! You believed in my vision and affirmed me relentlessly. You were such a loyal friend!

Your early passing hurts deeply. More than I can explain. It makes no sense. I have grieved like an unbeliever – without hope. Why you? Why now? But even through this pain that may go on for a long time, I’m grateful you knew and served the Lord!

Knowing you has been such a gift. 🤍

So rest well, Àwé mi.
You were loved. You are loved.
And yes, I’ll see you again, Evangelist Iyanuoluwa Joseph.

(P.S: If you appear to me (and I hope you do) in a dream, trance, whatever…I won’t run, I promise. I owe you that much, Àwé mi).

Until then… I celebrate grace.

Yours in eternal life,
Adébọ́lá. 🦋