20-year-old Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, also known as Jimi, has been honored with a plaque after bravely attempting to save a woman from the River Thames in April 2021.
Jimi and another man bravely dove into the Thames to try to rescue a woman in April 2021. However, only the woman and the second male could be saved when the coastguard and police marine units arrived at the scene shortly after.
In memory of the brave act, a plaque was erected and unveiled in Cathedral Square on London Bridge, near the spot where he jumped, with an official ceremony held over the weekend to commemorate the occasion.
Olasunkanmi, Jimi’s mother, who was present for the unveiling, expressed how pleased she was to witness the tribute.
She said, “Jimi is a hero and that’s why everyone has come here today, I’m so grateful.”
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, also present for the ceremony, called Jimi a “symbol of light.”
Adding, “Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole’s extraordinary act of bravery, jumping into the Thames to rescue a woman from drowning, will never be forgotten. This plaque unveiled today means the city which mourns Jimi will also never forget him.”
Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole’s extraordinary act of bravery, jumping into the Thames to rescue a woman from drowing, will never be forgotten.
This plaque unveiled today means the city which mourns Jimi will also never forget him – the Bermondsey boy & hero who became a symbol of light. pic.twitter.com/d4fH1aRh8C
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 22, 2023
Bernard Kosia, Jimi’s best friend, also stated that his friend is “at peace” now, as the plaque got unveiled.
Adding that, he “didn’t just lose a friend, I lost an adviser, I lost someone I could take comfort in. Being able to see the plaque, and being able to share this moment today with everyone, means everything to me.
“Standing here today knowing that this is for him, and that he can live on even when I’m dead, I’m at peace.”
“He made me into a better man. I want to say thank you, Jimi.”
The plaque is the most recent act of remembrance for Jimi, who was nominated in May 2021 for a Royal Humane Society Bravery award.
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
