I received the news of the death of my friend Femi on Thursday the day after his death with shock and disbelief. The last time we spoke together was in March this year when he called me on FaceTime. It was very unusual for him to call me this way and it was the last time we spoke together. As usual, he called me by his nickname for me … “handsome, handsome,handsome”. We talked at length recalling the challenges of life we had faced and how God delivered us. Little did I know that he was showing his face to me for the last time. He looked very well, beaming with his usual infectious smile & full of his trade mark humour. I met Femi when we started our specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria thirty five years ago. I remember those days of studying together and travelling together to take our professional examinations. I remember our bachelor days. We lived close to each at the UCH resident doctors quarters and we used to visit each other. Femi was a good cook, he was always full of humour and there was never a dull moment with him. Femi was there for me in my hour of need, checking on me now and again. I am very grateful that he knew the Lord and served faithfully in His vineyard. The Lord indeed transformed his life and I thank the Lord that his yielded to His call. I am still in denial about his death, but I take solace in God. He is own interpreter. I thank the Lord for the life he lived, the love he shared and the lives that he impacted. He has joined the saints triumphant, the cloud of witnesses. Femi you have fought a good fight, you have finished your course and kept the faith. A crown of righteousness is laid up for you, which the righteous judge shall give to you on that day. Sleep well my dear friend, until that glorious day when we shall meet to part no more. May the Lord comfort and strengthen you Enitan and the children Olaofe, TanitOluwa and FiyinfOluwa. I will end with the song of this songwriter - Ada Habersgo HE WILL HOLD ME FAST VERSE 1 When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold Through life’s fearful path; For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast. REFRAIN He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast. VERSE 2 Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast; Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast. He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last; Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast. VERSE 3 For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast. Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ‘Till our faith is turned to sight When He comes at last! By Ada Habershon

Sincerest condolences to the entire family he left behind. Ojo Ajina Sara. Amin. May his soul rest in peace. Mrs E Odukoya

Doc as we fondly called you. Your sense of humour was second to none. A perfect gentleman and a man of God per excellence. Rest in peace. ID and BISi

Femi,you came ,you lived and left a mark.May God uphold your family and give them the grace to bear this loss. Good night dear classmate. Peju (Opasina) Adeyanju

Pastor Dr Femi Idowu, the beloved husband of my darling friend Enitan. Your passing to glory came as a shock, as we were all confident that you would get much better and back on your feet but God wanted you in his arms so he can cuddle and love you throughout eternity. I remember the few times that we met during our school events, you always had this smile and was very engaged in what was going on. At Enitan’s 50th where I was also the MC, you made us laugh so much when you were giving your speech and one thing I took away from your speech was that you explained how much you appreciated your wife for her patience and tenacity and unconditional love for you and the children. One lovely memory I have of you was at Bimbo Somorin’s 50th birthday, where I was the MC and you were answering all the quizzes especially the ones to do with music from back in the day. No one else in the room was answering as many questions as you, neither did they get it right. Everyone was surprised that you, pastor Femi Idowu was the one getting it right and we all had a good laugh saying we Now know what pastor FBI was up to when he was younger. I remember you laughing so much smiling so much and enjoying yourself, this shows the kind of personality you had regardless of you being a pastor. You were down to earth and mingled with all from different walks of life. The little I know of you is your dedication to your medical profession, your ministry and your family this is a legacy you have left behind and will never be forgotten. You impacted so many lives in various ways. You will forever be remember as you touched so many lives. May your beautiful gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace in Jesus mighty name. From Lola Awosika

Uncle Femi, it was a pleasure to have known you… hearing so many great things about you from my parents, your family, and others makes me wish I saw you more recently. But I am glad to know you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ and are resting with Him in inexplicable joy and peace. I look forward to seeing you again and celebrating Jesus at His return - may we intentionally live out our faith in Him like you did. Thank you for always hosting me, Ladi and Eni and being a positive influence in our lives. Aunty Enitan, Olaofe, Tanito and Fiyin, you have been in my thoughts and prayers even more these couple of weeks… I’m praying for God’s comfort through this and I know that everything will be okay. Much love, Similolu Odeniyi.

Egbon sun re laya Jesus. What a shock but He knows best. Thanks for being a good colleague and a good brother. Rest in perfect peace. Biodun

It was a great privilege for me to have known Femi Idowu at various stages of his life. We first met as classmates at Olivet Baptist High School Oyo and subsequently trained and worked closely together in the same dept and were senior residents in the same unit during our residency years in UCH. Ibadan. He called me Tolu St I after my initials, I simply added Oluwa to his name which he seemed to have left out in calling his name. People have said many things about this man that we were all privileged to meet in our live's journey. I will simply say about Femi that he was a man who never did things by halves. Never a half measure with him. He went all out for whatever he believed in, such that when it pleased the Lord to reveal Himself to him, everyone knew about it. Truly, if anyman be in Christ, he is a new creature. Femi went all out for God, lived for Him and served Him with all his heart, soul and might. I say to the wife, children, family members, friends and all who mourn his transition, be comforted by the fact that he has run his race successfully, finished his course well and has gone to receive his reward which God the righteous judge had promised to all those who love Him. May we all, also have grace to run our race successfully, so we can have the assurance of meeting him again at the feet of our Lord and saviour. Jesus Christ. Sleep on brother. Tolu Akanmu

Hey FBI, Just because you are no longer with us mean that we should stop loving you. You will be loved as long as our memories will permit. Remembering today and always discussions in Forms One and Two about life goals; pleasant discussions between two little kids. It seems like last night! It was 1971 and 1972. We know that ALL living things will die but it doesn’t feel good when one of them is a good friend. Thank God death is not the end. Your family is in our prayers. -Dr. Eran Lo ( Bunmi Faleye)

Hey FBI, Just because you are no longer with us mean that we should stop loving you. You will be loved as long as our memories will permit. Remembering today and always discussions in Forms One and Two about life goals; pleasant discussions between two little kids. It seems like last night! It was 1971 and 1972. We know that ALL living things will die but it doesn’t feel good when one of them is a good friend. Thank God death is not the end. Your family is in our prayers. -Dr. Eran Lo ( Bunmi Faleye)

DR. FEM. ESO O!!, SO LOVING AND CARING, AND SO SUDDEN TO LEAVE, YOU ARE FOR EVER IN OUR HEARTS.MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE IN THE LORD. GRANDMA MAXIE

Dr Idowu was much more than a GP to our family. He was compassionate, caring and always went beyond the call of duty . May God grant his family the fortitude to bear this huge loss

Dr Fem. I think of you with a smile. You were one person that I honestly can not find a but in expect 'but' you left early. You are a great example of how a Christian should live. Your wisdom was vast, you bore no grudges and solved complex issues with one word of advice Grandma Maxie would miss you so much, she looked forward to your calls and would spend the whole day preparing for your visit. Everyone knew Dr. Fem was coming. Your Heavenly Father must be so proud of you. You were a covering for your family. Eni and the children couldn't have asked for anything better because you were the best. I am amazed at Eni's strength and God will continue to refresh her strength. Heaven has indeed gained an angel. Rest on Doc Fem!!

Pastor, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for everything, for your support and prayers. You will be sorely missed, until we meet again. Daniel

Conversation with my good friend - Femi (Pheminah!, FBI) Idowu Femi! Unbelievable! Had I known that our phone conversation of about 6 years ago would be the last time I would speak with you, I would have called you more often, even endeavor to pay you visits whenever I passed through your neck of the woods. I always thought we would reconnect someday before we both grow very old. I guess it wasn't meant to be. What a shame! Well, my friend and classmate from 50 years ago, sun un re o. I will sure miss you. I will miss your wits and sense of humor; your uncommon brilliance. I will miss your incredible memories of little, seemingly insignificant things that happened when we were boys and cohabited. You were surely blessed with better memory than I am. You almost never forgot anything. Do you remember (I believe you do) the day you made fun of me so much that I started crying? I think Toks Labisi and Toks Ade Akins were there too. Yeah, you sometimes had a caustic sense of humor. Of course we were all children then. What a loss? I will miss you Femi. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I-will-miss-you... My God! I already contacted Kay. I'll get in touch with your nuclear family too. I promise. You know, I never met them, since we were separated by continents and oceans for about 45 years. Just too bad. Isn't it? I had no idea it would end this way. What a shock? I remember how I used to come to your house in Mokola, Ibadan, spend hours just hanging around, eating, and listening to reggae & jazz music. We both had an appreciation for great music and talent. It was fun. Through you I learned that drawing and fine art skills could not be learned. It takes natural talent. I watched you exhibit great artistic talent naturally, even though we were both in science. I tried hard to draw like you, it never happened because I was not born with the talent. You were. My God! Femi, why did you have to leave now? I will continue to ask God Almighty to be with, protect, and bless your wife and children, and all your loved ones. I honestly don't know for sure what happens beyond death because obviously, I've never experienced it, but I can bet you will be one of the best out there. You've always been and I have no doubt you will continue to be. Good night my friend. Sun un re o. O daaro. - bisialagbe

For ever a Class of '71 Decent and Finest 'geezer' All I have now are memorable and happy thoughts..... Thank God for your life, the family left behind, so many lives touched and the privilege to call you a friend... .......Mi o proud, Mo w'apa Nesh

Good thing is, he is with that man upstairs who gives and takes. Still finding it hard to believe this sad news and can't figure out why the good ones gets taken so early. Oluwole OSO

Uncle Femi, You will be greatly missed and the memories of you will forever be a treasure. Imbedded in so many hearts and lives, are the vast collection of the impact that you made and the blessings that you were This will be forever cherished. Adieu Uncle Femi..., Adieu. Matt Wole Daniels

Our thoughts are with Enitan, the children and the entire Idowu and Adedoyin families at this tender time. It is well with you all. Shalom

You were a blessing and was always available as a friend, a brother & pastor come rain come shine. You will be missed until we meet again. Patrick & Pat Enenmoh

So shocking and very heartbreaking to hear about your demise dear brother Femi, but who are we to question God. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of Almighty God. May the Lord filled the vacuum you left behind for our lovely and ever cheerful sister Enny, the children and the whole family. We love you but God loves you most. Sleep on until we meet and part no more. Adieu dear brother. Mary Dupe Ajayi

We give glory to the Lord for a life well spent and an enduring legacy left behind by our beloved Revd. Dr Femi Idown. We miss him greatly but we feel consoled that our separation is a temporal one as we will all later meet to part no more at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rest in peace our beloved brother. Bayo & Lara

FBI, what it truly means to lose you I guess no one will ever know. But if tears could build up into a stairway and grief become the road to heaven, some of us wouldn't hesitate joining the trip to heaven to demand you come back. You were a friend in a 'class' your own - reliable and dependable, always ready to meet you with a smile and a pun in any possible life situation. Your departure left me shellshocked and wondering once again God's wisdom in choosing to take home His best ahead of their time. But who are we to query Him? He alone knows why and knows what's best. Farewell old friend though you yourself didn't say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it. However, though our ache and secret tears still flow, we take solace in knowing you are resting in the Master's bosom and we will meet again in the resurrection morning! Adieu friend! Adieu!! *Oladipupo Odeniyi* , (Nigeria) 

I pay tribute to the life and contribution of Pastor Femi Idowu to this arm of ministry. I particularly acknowledge his embracing quality, the room and opportunity he afforded not only his wife and children, but women under his mandate to find, walk and even run in their call. We say thank you for the liberty you gave each woman connected to 'your office'. Whilst our hearts might be heavy, our prayers are each would continue in the pathway he enabled, attaining greater heights yet still. On behalf of Covenant Women UK, I pray comfort to Sis Enitan and the rest of the family. We ask for the church, an outpouring of strength, zeal and steadfastness. Pastor Oluwatimileyin Elliott Covenant Women UK

You were blessings to Humanity and encourager with great faith. You gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

You were blessings to Humanity and encourager with great faith. You gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Eni and the children, Olaofe, Tanitoluwa and Fiyin. The God of all comfort will comfort and strengthen you all and His peace will guard your hearts always. It was a privilege to know Dr Idowu, a true example of what it is to be a follower of Christ. Very humble, gentle and kind.....never too busy to listen and always wanting the best for all. Be strong Eni, Ola, Tani and Fiyin.......be thankful that God gave you His best and rest assured He'll see you through the days ahead. Dr Idowu's soul is surely resting in the perfect peace of God. Much love to you all Ayo Bankole-thomas

Dear Sis Enny ..i am sending my thoughts and sympathy and healing hugs to you and your blessed Family ..Pastor Idowu has left a huge vacuum in NCC and we that knew him no matter how limited we will his miss the light and radiance he brings to the church and his sense of humour. Pastor Idowu has left a lasting loving legacy..His passion for the things of God ,his profession and his warmth to everyone in the ministry 🙏 He will be missed deeply, especially the way he presents his intelligence and his humility in pastoring the church..and being a valued Pastor to the growth of NCC Edmonton & Strong Nation. Pastor has gone home to rest..May his anointed blessed soul rest in peace ..ijna

To my dearest Pastor and father, you have indeed fulfilled the will of God and heaven is celebrating receiving a son. I am forever grateful to you for teaching the word of God in its purest form and raising us as thinking Christians. You have been present at special moments in my family's life . I cherish this moments and will not take them for granted. Its been an honour to know you and serve God under you leadership. Continue to rest in the bossom of our Almighty God . You will forever remain in my heart. Tope konu #iamstrongnation

Dr Idowu… to me you just changed location… I will miss you in this realm… your hearty laughters, your down to earth ways… to me you are one of the finest God’s generals… thank you sir for pouring into me.. I would give anything to hear your voice one more time… rest in sir and bask in your father’s glory… we will meet again… glorified, changed…. Until then rest on sir 💜

Dr Idowu… to me you just changed location… I will miss you in this realm… your hearty laughters, your down to earth ways… to me you are one of the finest God’s generals… thank you sir for pouring into me.. I would give anything to hear your voice one more time… rest in sir and bask in your father’s glory… we will meet again… glorified, changed…. Until then rest on sir 💜

Pray our brother soul rest in peace A perfect gentleman I had opportunities to conversed with him at our chapter dinner nights. He was intelligent to the core. He was always appreciative and a bubble soul in his own way. He encouraged me and thank me for job well done for UK Chapter. Pray God strengthen and continue to keep his family. Ronke Tinubu-Soyode President OBHSAUK CHAPTER

How much glory can we give to God? Uncountable. In this instance, a great deal to thank God for, in giving us Dr. Olufemi Idowu and for the legacy, the landmark and the hallmark that he left behind. We attended the same secondary school, Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. He was very much years ahead of my class year, but he was a much loved senior student. He had an open heart, brought younger students closer to him, showed us the right way (more especially in the early years when some of us were experiencing boarding school for the first time at a young age of 11 years old). He had an open heart, and shielded us away from some of the fellow seniors who were a bit harsh on younger ones. He was a great organiser of events, and was renowned for his fashion sense. Always immaculately dressed. He was fun to be around. Fast forward to years in London, he was an active member of the Old Students' Association. He scarified a lot of his time for matters relating to Olivet Heights, both here in the UK and in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed. We pray the Lord strengthen those that he left behind. We pray the Lord keep Olufemi Olatunbosun Idowu's light shining. Adieu, beloved senior. Femi Odelusi

We hope that you find this tribute to Femi a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

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