Florence Seriki, a life well lived

DEMOLA ALADEKOMO

Florence, rather than mourn when I heard the news of your death, what immediately came to my mind was ‘She did it her way’. You lived a full life!

The Recording Academy gave Frank Sinatra a Grammy and a place in their hall of fame for a song with the first and second stanza describing your life’s journey:

“And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve traveled each and every highway

But more, much more than this
I did it my way”

You did the very best possible within your circumstances where others would have given excuses. You chose your path where others would have depended solely and wholly on others. You did it your way. What a joy to live your own way than live a life of obscurity in the shadow of others. Worthy life lived, Florence.

Our paths crossed twice when we both served on the board of OAU TECHExcel and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). At OAU TECHExcel, we were trying to build a technology park at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. You served as the treasurer. You were your own person with very strong opinions and you were very energetic. You did not suffer fools gladly. You gave a good account of yourself. Most times, we were on different sides of issues.

We did not agree on a lot of issues, but I respected your positions that were backed with strong logic and passion. I salute your courage and unyielding spirit. Wish we could have more people who stand on principles and defend their territories instead of the yes-men and women we have in abundance.

We met again when I became the President of NCS. You were on my council as President of Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN). You came to wish me well and advise on ways to run the society. That Saturday morning is etched on my mind. Your views, stories, the challenges you listed unfortunately scared me. They seriously put me on the alert. I chose to focus on a few issues that did not entirely tally with yours.

I blanked my mind and ran the NCS the way I thought it best. Again, though I did not agree with you, I respected your positions and views. RESPECT. You were amongst the very few people I respected professionally, even in the industry despite the fact that we did not always agree. That bundle of energy called Florence. The dynamite packed in your frame was scary to confront. Though I confronted you on issues with a straight face, it was good you did not notice the sweats.

You further earned that respect by your stamina and staying power in the corporate world. Having listed our companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange at almost the same time, I knew of the struggle you must have been going through as I was going through mine. With all the issues confronting us all, you held on tight. I marveled at your prowess of taking challenges as jokes, struggles as walks in the park and survival as a must.

You thrived where a lot of men failed. You held on where mere mortals would have thrown in the towel. You challenged entire systems, societies, and governments. You stood your ground. Under your guidance, Omatek survived the issues. If you went down health-wise, it was not from giving up. I am sure you must have battled death to a stand still. I can imagine death breathing laboriously to take you down. I can imagine death saying, “Hmmm, she was one of the toughest to take down”. I can almost imagine you asking for a rematch. That was you, Florence. Even death, along with the rest of us, respected your zest for life, your desire to achieve, your patriotism to our country Nigeria, your passion to make a positive difference to your profession and humanity.

Dear Florence, rather than mourn your death, I celebrate a life well lived. I celebrate a woman of substance. A woman who survived where several strong men and women failed. I celebrate a woman who stood her ground and made an impact in our ICT profession and nation. You will be remembered in words. You will be remembered in deeds. When the roll call of real men and women who lived are called, you will be there, right up front where you fought to be. You fought it your way. You did it your way. Better to live a short life of purpose than one without impact and usefulness.

When the roll call of real men and women who lived are called, you will be there, right up front where you fought to be. You fought it your way. You did it your way. Better to live a short life of purpose than one without impact and usefulness.

Florence, yours was a life well lived.

May you find peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Demola Aladekomo, chairman, SmartCity Resorts Plc, writes from Lagos.