Mr. Kola Egbedokun is the director of operations at Heaven’s Forecourt, a unique final resting place he said was designed to be a place every Nigerian would think of when there is the need for a reliable place to bury their dead. It was planned to be a befitting alternative, he submitted during an interview session with ABIODUN ISHOLA, last weekend in Lagos, after observing that affordable, high-quality cemeteries are rare in Nigeria.
“It was because of the inadequacies observed that the Heaven’s Forecourt was established in partnership with Imota LCDA. No matter how emotional one is, it is necessary that one performs the final rites for loved one, and in a dignified manner. That is the reason we felt a funeral home place like Heaven’s Forecourt was necessary at this time,” Egbedokun situates.
He shares more. Excerpts…
Please, introduce yourself.
I’m Kola Egbedokun, the director of operations, Heaven’s Forecourt.
What inspired the setting up of a resting place like Heaven’s Forecourt; is it because you find the business lucrative or just a care for the dead?
Although, every business needs profit, I would say it is more about caring for the departed. I have been to different parts of Nigeria and observed that high quality cemeteries are very rare. We also observed that most of our public cemeteries are a shame. There is no adequate security and they are often disorganized. So, we felt those public cemeteries did not befit our passing loved ones. Also, private cemeteries, we noticed that they were not affordable; they are beyond the reach of the low-class. That was why we decided to establish Heaven’s Forecourt after observing that affordable and high quality cemeteries are rare in our country.
How long did it take you to achieve this project?
Well, we had been on this dream for about 18 years. We thank God, it is now a fulfilled dream.
What are the legacies you wish to create with Heaven’s Forecourt?
Our plan is for Heaven’s Forecourt to be an outstanding business. In many ways, a business legacy is more difficult to build. This is because our kind of industry is probably full of other businesses that do exactly what we do. Our central goal is to be exceptional in ways our competitors and colleagues are not. Also, we wish to make it a legacy that would be bigger than us even when we are gone.
Tell us what makes Heaven’s Forecourt unique?
Heaven’s Forecourt is unique because it is affordable, you cannot get its type elsewhere. Also, we place premium on security, we have CCTV cameras running round the clock. The business is of high quality standard and there are dedicated staffs for vaults of various sizes and types. It is first of its kinds around here.
Is the business in partnership with any other outfit?
Well, we are in partnership with the government. It’s an idea that was developed in conjunction between Heaven’s Forecourt and Imota LDCA.
Are there segments for different categories?
Yes, we have segments for different classes. And we have spaces for all. For example, we have different sectors for Muslims and Christians. There is the Firdaws Court for moslems, Grace Court for Christians, Royal Court for and Mercy Court for exclusives.
How would you like to be remembered?
The ultimate target of the brains behind this laudable project is to be remembered as humanitarian icons and great entrepreneurs.
