From Yemi Shodimu's family and friends
A YEMI LIKE NO OTHER
Our paths crossed when we both went to Orientation Camp at Kwara Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State for the 1994/5 NYSC orientation. I had been advised that joining the NYSC Theatre Group enhances one's chances of being posted to the state capital for Primary Assignment. I had done some acting during 'concerts' at our local church at Amedokhian, Uromi, Edo State while in primary school and a little too at Emu Grammar School. Even though I was a graduate of science from Uniben, I decided to give it a shot. This was how I met Yemi the actor who had read Dramatic Arts as a member of the Theatre Group in the camp.
Yemi did not only read 'acting'; he lived it. There were many other theatre 'veterans' in the group, having read drama or theatre in the University. Femi Shaka, Mahmood Alli-Balogun, Biyi, Sammy Arogundade etc. But Yemi was the life of the group and took the lead role in the dance drama - Borrow Borrow - that gave the camp it's top-class entertainments during major events. I recall we even entertained the then Military Governor - Group Captain Bola Latinwo. This was during Buhari's first incarnation.
When, during primary assignment we had to take a play based on Ola Rotimi's "The God Are Not To Blame" round schools in different areas of Kwara in time for WAEC being written that year in which the book was part of the literature syllabus, Yemi was the Director. And boy, did he do a fantastic job! We stayed the play at Federal Government College, Ilorin. We went to Omuaran and many other places etc with that play. Sam Arogundade was the lead actor and he was a pleasure to watch under Yemi's able guidance. Yemi also directed the play 'Midnight Hotel' that took a swipe at the corruption in the NPN days calling attention to the role of unscrupulous women in contract scams during the early days of Abuja construction.
Austin Isikhuemen