Five Years After, Epe Heroes Gone But Not Forgotten

The global space arguably has never witnessed such a scourge that is ravaging and decimating the population, with over 500,000 infected and 10000 deaths.

The greater anxiety is that there is no cure or sustainable solution yet, except for the reactionary steps across the countries majorly centred on total lockdown before a medical break. The coronavirus siege will be with us for an extended period. The world is in state of pandemonium.

Amidst this pandemonium, the world has also witnessed the strength of the human spirit. “The human spirit they say holds strength beyond measure, the kind that will break down the walls of all the blocks that come our way.”

We saw Medical personnel doing so much for us. They are in the frontline of the war against the virus They have the whole world in their hands. Not unaware of the dangers and risks ‘they still show up to save lives, some getting infected in the process. In  Italy, 10% of the infected patients are medical personnel and yet they are unrelenting in their profession, in alliance with their professional oaths. They have shown missionary commitment where it matters most despite the danger of getting infected.

There are also cases of volunteers working on the assembly lines to produce key necessities like face masks and protective jackets. There are cases of businesses producing emergency sanitizers just to shore up the supply arsenal.

Innovation and creativity leading to the production of sanitizers to offset shortages as a result of the effect of market forces of supply and demand had been part of the story and demonstration of the act of kindness and selflessness.

Individuals offering assistance to do groceries for the elderly and vulnerable sometimes for free have also come under close focus. The human spirit is inestimable. It is a powerful weapon. If we all do all that we are capable of, we will astound ourselves.

These acts of benevolence are what holds any society and this is what will sustain the global market in these trying period. In any society where this spirit prevails, society becomes wiser and fully developed because the leadership of that society will be borne by individuals with the same spirit

The incredible act of selflessness and patriotism we are witnessing at the global stage is akin to an event that occurred in Epe town of Lagos State on March 28, 2015, that became a watershed moment in the history of the community.

The heroic efforts of six prominent sons of the community and the ill-fated journey they embarked upon on that fateful morning of March 28 have become part of the history of that community.

They were no politicians and never had political inclinations but an envisioning for a better Epe community through political participation. As a result of the political consciousness of their surroundings, they embarked on that trip to monitor the presidential election that ushered in President Muhammad Buhari.

They were not oblivious of the dangers associated with that trip but they allowed their commitment to the advancement of democratic principle and their unalloyed love for their community to hold sway. They thus set out not knowing it was to become a journey of no return. Really, they had finished monitoring the election but on their way back, the unexpected happened. These illustrious sons of Epe lost their lives in a boat mishap.

The incident was greeted with indescribable grief in the entire town and indeed the division. Rather than celebrate the outcome of the election, they were left to mourn a grievous loss.

At that point too, the solidarity of the entire community became infectious, hence, the resolve to immortalize them via a foundation tagged Ambsam Memorial foundation, the acronym from Adewale, Mogaji, Bello, Salau, Agoro and Mogaji.

The goal of Ambsam simply put is to provide succour to family members and keep their memories alive. We have fulfilled those lofty goals. Thanks to the support of the esteemed members of the foundation.

The ongoing cardiopulmonary centre, the first of its kind in Nigeria at Epe General Hospital bears testimony to the foundation’s commitment to keeping their memories alive. The building which is presently at the lintel level experienced a slow-down due to other community assignments and other factors.

These reminiscences have become necessary because March 28th is around the corner. This date five years ago was the date when the heroes fell.
The construction work is set to recommence again come March 28. But it is a day that would only happen, with the full cooperation of all, by this, the entire community.

In light of the Lagos State Government directive on social and physical distancing, the foundation will not be able to hold its annual prayer session on the property. But we will not let the day pass just like that.

We are asking all people of goodwill to spare a moment on the day of the anniversary to say a few words of prayers for the souls departed. These are not just people who exited this terrestrial place, they are our freedom fighters and the defenders of democracy, not by virtue of political prowess, but by show of exemplary commitment.

Let’s remember them in our prayers and let’s be part of the effort to build the first CardioPulmonary Center.

To our heroes, Adewale, Mogaji, Bello, Salau, Agoro, Mogaji, you are all gone but not forgotten.

Watch Video below;