Jennife Piette, Strategic Communications & External Relations @ The World Bank Group who was a former intern at the Journalists Against AIDS writes a tribute to the late founder, Omololu Falobi on the 20th remembrance of his death.
He was a builder, a trailblazer, tech savvy and entrepreneurial. Yet he was humble and very kind. He negotiated the best outcomes with the big wigs in international development and would still stop at the front desk to chat with the interns. No air of arrogance, no need to intimidate anyone.
One of my first tasks as an intern at Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) was to transcribe a recording of Mr. Omololu Falobi’s speech. He was a fast speaker, so the task felt a bit herculean. But in the process of listening and rewinding the tape to capture his words accurately, I learned a lot (yes, long before AI and its auto transcribing ability). When I had to leave JAAIDS for the United Kingdom with the intention of returning to complete my internship, I was asked to explain my situation to him. I walked into his office a bit nervous. He listened kindly and wished me well — no trace of vindictiveness. He gave great advice on how to maximize my youth exchange experience abroad.
JAAIDS was built as a community you would always want to return to. This was the place I learned the true meaning of advocacy and the power of traditional and digital media in transforming systems. The organization that gave many of us an opportunity to design creative projects around the theme of “HIV free generation.” The place we learned to speak up against stigmatization and amplified our voices for the good of others. The place where I saw how online forum discussions translated into community impact offline. So return I did, and I stayed in touch beyond my internship.
I will stop typing now, because writing further would mean peeling back a painful memory of loss and injustice. Today is for #RememberingOmololuFalobi and honoring everything he built to last as the executive director of JAAIDS, the people he empowered to be and do more, and the ripple effect of change he created.
Grateful for the amazing people who worked extremely hard to keep the vision alive: Ms. Olayide Akanni, Ms. Ogechi, JAAIDS staff, Mr. Otufodunrin, board of directors, funders and partners. Thank you for giving & leading!