Clasfonunibadan

Brimming with a smile that reminds you of the sun beaming its brightness to the world to add colour to the day, you could easily tell how much of an endearing personality Tosan Juwon had. As a freshman at the time in the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, I was sorely in search of a senior colleague who would show me what I needed to do, to sail safely through my first weeks in school. On this fateful day, I was walking towards the LSS (Law Students ‘ Society) secretariat to make payment for my dues when I heard my name, shocked at the fact that someone had managed to know my name, I quickly looked back to respond to the call of curiosity, there she was – Sister Tosan, walking briskly towards me, “we met during the Tuesday meeting, I remember your name. ” she said, with a wide grin. It was amazing how quickly the ice broke between us as she accompanied me to the secretariat and even introduced me to other senior Law students whose faces were lit up with joy to have me, they not only spoke with me as though we had known one another for years but also offered to assist me to settle in. I was soon to discover how much of an excellent student she was. She would tell testimonies of how she let God hold her hands, especially in her academics.

The next time I saw her, she had completed her Law school program and had come to visit CLASFON UI. I wasn’t sure she’d remember me until she threw me a friendly punch from behind and opened her arms wide to receive me in a warm embrace – yes!!! She exuded such energy and vibe. It was the last hug I would get from her.

Did Sister Tosan Juwon leave? Yes, she left. She left this world of woes, wars and worries. She has gone to the palace of peace, prosperity and perfection. She has gotten to the gates of glory, glitter and gold. A place where there are no pains. A place of paradise where songs of joy are the preoccupation. A land where its inhabitants never grow old.

They say that death is certain, but does a Christian die? No. A Christian only sleeps as a way of shedding a mortal body for a celestial and indestructible one, to effectuate a transition into heaven. Sister Tosan did not die, she went to be where her saviour promised her.

We don’t have forever to spend with our loved ones, family, friends or people around us, let’s treat people as though it’s the last chance we’d ever get to be with them. There is no better time to make an impact than now , just as Sister Tosan has done. The orientation of the world is fickle, heaven ‘ s is firm, the earth is ephemeral, heaven is eternal.

Can we cry? Yes, we may, because we’ll miss her physical presence but we can’t be in tears because she left this world of teething troubles as it was never her home, the world is not the home of a true Christian. As a Christian soldier, sister Tosan has fought the good fight of faith. The question is: are you fighting yours or how are you fighting yours? ‘Cause, we don’t have forever to fight the good fight.

Recounting his encounter with Sister Tosan, Brother Segun Adesina, erstwhile General Secretary, CLASFON, UI Chapter reveals, ” I got to meet and serve alongside mumsy Tosan during the tenure of the “Manifestation of the Sons of God. ” She was the General Secretary during that tenure. The things that stood out for me were:

1. She had a really large heart, that is, she was very accommodating of others.
2. She embodied love and diligence in service.
3. She was very sound both academically and in sharing the scriptures. She’s an amazing teacher of God’s Word.
4. She was very liked and respected by her colleagues who served in the executive and also by everyone, especially in the faculty in general.
   May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace Tosan, you’ll be surely and sorely missed. God grants us all the fortitude to bear this loss like no other.”

On a final note, we are admonished to work out our salvation with fear and trembling because no one knows when his/her time will come.

About the Author

Akinkuolie Emmanuel A. is the Director of Publications and Content, CLASFON, UI Chapter. He is a member of the Academic Unit and Learned Tongues – Choir arm of CLASFON UI. Akinkuolie is a creative writer, student journalist, content creator, blogger amongst other things. He is a firm believer in proclaiming God’s word to all and sundry through written works.