A lot of us might already know about Donald. Typing this is still so surreal and for the past few days I have not been okay.
I wasn't as close to him as others, but I knew him. I helped him once to edit a few chapters of his story. We talked on one or two issues. He dared to be great and tell stories true to himself and his visions.
The last time we talked, it was concerning collaborating to “start a publishing company,” he said. I remember chuckling before typing a response to him about how it was not easy to start one. You know, young people of these days and their dreams.
He responded, “I know it's a lot of work and when Anuoluwa came to me with the idea, I thought it was crazy. But then again, it's something I've been thinking about for a while now. So I decided, why not start small? We're not expecting to be an instant success but we can at least start somewhere.”
That was enough to convince me to want to help. So, I told him to write a proper proposal.
“I'll get you the proposal soon.”
No one knew that soon was not coming.
I don't know what to say, I don't know how to think. All I have been praying for these past days is comfort for his friends and family. And I am hoping, truly hoping his last moment was peaceful.
Donald was excited about storytelling. Excited to be a part of people in Nigeria who told authentic stories we would all grow to love. To give to the society in the way he could.
If reincarnation is real, I hope he comes back as something he loves. He had so much to give. He has so much to give.
I write this as a tribute to him here, because we met on the streets of Wattpad. And our Nigerian Wattpad Community will forever miss his passionate words.
God bless you Donald Uzoka. Rest on Champ.