Obai Wurie born some 56 years ago, definitely my senior, but he considered us (SLBS Family) as equals, which I deeply appreciated.I first met Obai, when he was working at the International Bank forTrade and Industry (IBTI) in the late 80’s to 90’s, always looking smart at all times. He was always willing to attend to all regardless, that was Obai.
Never thinking that we will meet at a place of work, Obai and I met atthe then Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) in the early part of1993 – 1994 to train for 12months to re-establish the TelevisionStation, under the then National Provisional Ruling Council regime(NPRC).
All went well during the training, and a greater percentage of ustrainees, trained by media gurus were fortunate to survive the storm ofworking in an institution that was defunct for several years.We were like a family, for those of us who survived the storm.
Everything we did was in common, and Obai will always say, “wance u donkomotnaose, natrit de lukafta u”, meaning we have to take care of ourselves while at work.
I was not the late out night type, but my bro will always tell me that if you are not out late, you will never catch the news, and you got to be on themove to stay on top.
We moved on, officially, socially and otherwise and Obai was the Mr. Fix it, which made him the pillar of our relationships.
I mean relationship over time, now Hon. Mustapha Brima, Peter Beckley, Joseph Stanley, Ahmed Kallon, Christian Davies a born again Christian, Audette Tucker, Claudia Lewis, Christine Georgestone, Esther Banya, Mamadi Gobeh- Kamara, Daphne Kamara, Helen Gbha-Kamara, Harold Williams senior, now late and Harold Williams Jnr., and my humble self including others, will have a wonderful time around popular centers in town, with no problem (Wendy’s and Heart of Gold).
This continued until the late period of the Country’s civil war.Though we were scatted all over the Country, we still found time to meet.
We went our separate ways in the field of broadcast journalism, but when time permits we will always meet to steal moments, and that was what made our friendship strong and binding in any way.
Obai, I did not visit you when you were hospitalized, because I did not want to see you dehydrated, and you were a person who did not like too much of sympathy.
Brother, you are gone but not forgotten, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together, at Krootown Road buyingbread and pigs feet (HOGFOOT) then he will say to me Bumble Bee, let’sgo to Aberdeen and catch some fun.So tired, I will not argue but to follow the orders of the Chief (OBAI).We did everything together, so how can I forget you brother.
Aunty Marie, your dear Mother was always there to settle disputes andshe was my favourite friend to pull Obai out of bed to get him goingwherever we were assigned. I was victimized and shamed for his sake, but I have no regrets, because he was the ladies man.
Obai, never hid his secrets from Bumble Bee, and I will do the same to tell him my problems.
Obai, you are no more, but I will always cherish the good times we shared together and I pray that the Almighty will grant you eternal rest, until he comes again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
May the soul of Obai, and all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace.
By Ade Campbell
Wednesday April 16, 2014