7 years. Miss you everyday.

FOREVER KING, AMEN !

I still miss you everyday

When I heard my Voicemail that Mr. Oni passed away, I cried for a few minutes that Tuesday Morning. I am not a Cryier. Spoke to him last on August 6th, 2016 before he travelled then. I did try twice to see him in 2009/10 in Manchester but no luck then though. HE IS IN GOD'S HAND NOW SO I HAVE NOTHING MORE TO ADD BUT REMEMBERING YOU AGAIN THIS TIME NEXT WEEK. Legends don't die, they only change Location(s), trust me !

Mr Abiola was a true gentleman. He was gentle, wise, caring, knowledgeable and funny. It was a privilege to interact with him, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his demise (as were so many of my colleagues in the sector).

A tribute to Engr. David Abiola Olawale Oni.
In my quest to reach my amiable landlord after I lost his contact through phone damage, I stumble on this site which made me to confirm the demise    of a peace and progress loving man, my landlord which I never sighted with my eyes during his lifetime( only my wife briefly in one occasion) . I only spoke with him on phone and last during the 2016 Easter. Obviously, Engr. D.A Oni was a great and God fearing man. He had never victimized any of his tenant in any form whatsoever. I appreciate God   in his life and the family he left behind. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will preserve his family ( wife and children) and all that he left behind in Jesus name.
It is my pleasure if i can be linked with the family he left behind thorough this site to extend my condolence.
God bless you all in Jesus name.
Dr. A.S Oladejo

Happy posthumous birthday to Engr Oni. We miss you so much, but we know you are now in a better place. Continue to rest in the Lord.
Lots of love from the UEL international office.

Today, our able and amiable chairman would have been a year older! I greatly missed you Sir and I pray that you continue to live in the bossom of the Lord almighty! I equally pray that the family you left behind will continue to enjoy the favour, protection, mercies and increase of God in Jesus Name.

I met Eng Oni on 2-3 Occasions around 2007-2008 at BC fairs in Nigeria... and he did leave a very good impression. He had a great sense of humour, very approachable and down to earth. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family and the business. The notes above and others to follow below shows that he lived a life that affected many lives positively. Rest in Peace Sir

Tribute to My Mentor – Engr. D. A. Oni

It is with great honor that I stand before you to pay tribute to this great mentor of mine that I regard as a mighty oak.
We met last on Friday September 23rd at the funeral service of late Mr. Akin Adesokan. We sat together in the church and after service he dragged me with him to extend pleasantries to our former colleagues at WAPCO, Little did I know that would be our last meeting and interaction.

My association with him dates back to my days as Management Trainee and subsequent roles at PPD, a subsidiary of WAPCO over 33 years ago. He was then the GM. He believed so much in me to the extent that when the company had some difficulties at her Jos Sales Area, even though a management trainee, he drafted me to Jos for about 4 weeks to resolve the issues and put the sales territory back on track.

When it became apparent that a new Area Sales Manager needed to be appointed for the Sales territory, he did not hesitate to appoint me to the position.

It is therefore not an understatement to say that he was instrumental to cutting my professional teeth. I owe this to him and would be eternally grateful for he was a beacon of light and source of inspiration to me in my professional career.

He was an urbane gentleman, who possessed great ethical standard. I was privileged to interact with him for a long time and this affected my life positively through his life style, great intellect and sterling qualities. He was very hard working, caring and a very thoughtful man.
Distinguished ladies & gentlemen, I cannot tell the story of this man in one day. He came to this world, he saw and he conquered in all his endeavors.

Posterity cannot forget him in a hurry. He will continue to live not only in the hearts of a great majority of those who came across him, but also those he touched their lives. His demise was quite sudden, but we cannot question the Almighty Father for taking him away at the age of 72 years.

May God in his infinite mercy grant him eternal peace in his bosom.
May the good Lord also grant the family he left behind the strength and fortitude to bear the great loss.

As William Shakespeare said:
“If we meet again…
Then we shall smile…
But if not…
This parting is well made”

Adieu! Adieu! Adieu! My great mentor. Rest in perfect peace!

Bala Yesufu
Director, Corporate & Government Affairs (West Africa) Cadbury Nigeria Plc

I am not sure how to start this and what exactly to write as there is so much to say and to feel. This came as a shock. I was very very saddened to get the message saying 'Baba is gone'. I shed tears and asked questions and got no answers. None would come because God called him. Baba was a light and a mentor in the international education recruitment industry and there will surely be a huge vacuum created by his passing. May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God comfort his family and grant them solace and understanding. Amen. From Him we come and to him we will return.

So sad to hear that Dave has passed away. I always looked forward to seeing him on my visits to Nigeria. He had not only an encyclopaedic knowledge but he had a genuine enthusiasm for education which always came across when you met him and he inspired countless students to study in the UK and reach their potential. My thoughts are with his family and his colleagues.

Your death was shocking to me. I will forever miss your fatherly advice. RIP

On behalf of all staff at Robert Gordon University we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Dave's extended family in Nigeria and around the globe, friends and colleagues. I last met with Dave on Saturday 12th November at the British Council fair in Lagos and as ever he was full of enthusiasm, joy and positivity. I was really shocked and saddened to find out the following day of Dave's passing. Rest in peace Baba and you will forever remain in our thoughts.

It has been difficult for me to write this. It is still surreal to me...like a dream...like an an event that was not supposed to happen, could not happen! I still remember your smiling face, enthusiasm for work and genuine empathy. I remember saying "good night sir" at the close of work Friday November 11 and you replying "good night, see you on Monday by God's grace. I guess God wanted to see you sooner than we expected. You are great man; more than a boss- a father, teacher, mentor, motivator, friend! I have become a better manager, counsellor, wife, career woman because of your tutelage. To say I would miss you is just scraping the state of my emotions at the surface. Sleep on sir, till we meet again!

To the family of Engr Oni, words can't describe how saddened I am, Engr Oni was a blessing to the Educational Industry he always pushed me to be better in my various roles and ensured his team supported me always when I requested ' just one more student' my prayer is that he will rest in perfect peace, may God be with the family, guide and support you all during this difficult time.
Vanessa Koloko - Oxford International Education Group

Baba, I have just come to realise that you are really gone from this world, I have being in denial since the 13th of November as the news came as a great shock to me. We were still together till about 5pm on Saturday the 12th and we looked forward to hosting our visitor to a dinner on Monday the 14th, Baba! you were more than a Boss to me....you were a father....a mentor......a teacher.......a friend, yes you were truly a friend, you have left a vacum in our hearts which only the Lord Jesus can fill. I bid you farewell as you return to our maker, I also pray that God will give Mama the strength to go through this difficult time. Rest In Peace Baba.....till we meet again at the resurrection morning.

Due to travels and limited access to email, I did not hear of such surprising news until today. I am sorry. It is with much sadness that I write regarding the news of his passing. Being new to NIC, I was very much looking forward to meeting him one day. My sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the family. I am sure he is missed dearly by the staff and business partners as well. May you find comfort in your fond memories of him.

I was shocked to hear the sad news of the sudden demise of Engr. Oni. I knew Engr Oni to be a hard worker and an honest businessman. Although I admired his virtuosity in business, his kindness with everyone was what truly impressed me. Please accept my deepest sympathy for this loss. My thoughts are with his staff and family at this difficult time..

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of "Baba Dave Abion" as we fondly call him! It gives me a little consolation that I had a chat with him recently at a training held in Sheraton. Life is forever springing us surprises. We are comforted only in God "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)" Our thought and prayers are with the family members that Baba left behind. Our thoughts are also with Colleagues in Dave Abion. Please accept our condolences from Avail International Consult Limited (AICL)

On behalf of the University of Leeds I'd like to offer my condolences to Dave's family, friends and colleagues. RIP Dave (Stuart Hodgson, International Office).

Very sad to hear of you demise Sir. I remember the warm reception you extended to me when I turned up at your office without any appointment. All the things I learnt about Bath was through the experiences you shared with me on that day. Glad I gave you a hug at the end of our meeting, didn't know it was going to be the last. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the Almighty. Fare thee well Sir (From Adel and the entire Shorelight team)

Condolences to family, friends and colleagues of Engineer Oni from the University of Sussex. I knew him as a colleague, a father-figure and an inspirational KCOB. We mourn the loss of a remarkable man but celebrate his memory, legacy and all the lifes he touched. When the call is sounded, KCOB's answer 'here'; Engineer Oni embodied this in life evident in his accomplishments until the final call which we must all answer... Floreat and sleep well sir.

"On behalf of University of Roehampton" – Please accept our deepest sympathies!! RIP Dave (Gani Goonewardana – International Officer)

On behalf of Durham University,

I am so saddened to hear this news and please pass on my deepest condolences to Dave’s family.
I remember first meeting Dave when I worked in Glasgow and enjoyed meeting him again last year in Nigeria after a few years.
He was a great character and I am so sorry for his loss.

We are all thinking about his family and colleagues at this time.

with all best wishes

Mrs Sharne Procter (International Office team at Durham) & Dr Kola Mudashiru (Regional Manager for Africa)

Dear Sir, its so shocking to hear you have gone to be with the Lord. I will always remember you as a perfect gentle man, hard working and a professional in the UK Education industry within Nigeria. You were very active, vibrant, friendly and full of life. May your gentle soul Rest in perfect Peace

As an icon in the international education industry, you will be missed a great deal. I did get the opportunity to converse with "Baba Dave" on a number of occasions, suffice it to say that I always went away with a word of wisdom. We exchanged greetings at the British Council Fair a day before. Little did I know it was the last.

I pray God's fortitude for the family to bear this loss and for a peaceful rest for Baba in the bossom of Almighty God.

Like so many others, I was truly saddened to hear the news of Dave's passing. He was so kind and honest in all his dealings, a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by the entire international community, and our thoughts go out to his family and close colleagues at this incredibly sad time.

On behalf of Columbia College, Vancouver, I offer sincere condolences.

All of us at the University of Aberdeen who knew or worked with Dave send our condolences to his family, friends and workmates at this very sad time.

Dear Sir, its so shocking to hear you have gone to be with the Lord. I will always remember you as a perfect gentle man, hard working and a professional in the UK Education industry within Nigeria. You were very active, vibrant, friendly and full of life. May your gentle soul Rest in perfect Peace

Baba,a great loss in the recruitment industry, I have known you since i have been in the business, and you have always been talked about positively, you will continue to be remembered in our hearts most especially inte British Education industry. Rest in peace Baba

U will be greatly missed Baba. Am happy I had the opportunity to still have a chat with you close to your death. My prayers are with your family and the DAC team, May God grant them the strength they need at this period. U will forever be in our thoughts at Northumbria University. Rest on Baba!

This is beyond sad!!! You were more than a boss to us @ DAC. You were a father, a realist, a great counselor and one of the most caring CEO I know. I will miss our chats, your sharp, knowledgeable mind and insights, and your great personality! You are sorely missed. Rest in the Lord, boss!

On behalf of the University of South Wales I’d like to offer my sincere condolences.

We are saddened to hear the news. We have always appreciated Dave's knowledge and we know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Engr. Oni's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues. Dave was a very valued and cherished part of our family. Always friendly, professional and with a keen interest in the well being of all staff and students, the impact that he has had in shaping people's lives is a legacy that is unforgettable.

Long may his memory serve as inspiration to all those who aspire to change their futures through education, community work and the power of positive change.

You will be missed deeply by all of us at INTO Manchester.

I am really saddened, having just heard the news. My sincere condolences to Dave's family. I will always fondly remember my meetings and conversations with Dave. He had a warm personality, and really cared. Daniel Rowe

It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Dave, who has worked with us over many years. Please accept the sincere condolences of colleagues at the University of Warwick.

The news came as a shock to me. You were such a great man; an inspiration to many people; a huge loss that has created a vacuum. You're one of the best people i ever knew. Rest in peace.

..Short of words to say.. But GOD know best. Your Hardwork sure speaks volumes of your true character and that speech will always be head.. A Great Man you was and that still you are. May your soul rest in peace, Sir. We at GCU send our condolences

Hmm, It came as a shock to me on that fateful night with many plans onboard. I am a beneficiary of your caring and understanding nature. Your fatherly touch will never be forgotten. I kept waiting to receive that call to ask how is the business going and how is the family. I pray that God almighty will grant you peaceful sleep at his feet. Adieu Baba

On behalf of everyone at the University of Greenwich, we would like to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of our graduate, agent and friend. David was a great supporter of the University and will be truly missed by all those at the University who knew him as a student and business partner. On a personal level I have worked with Dave for 15 years and will miss his advice and friendship.

To the family of David Abiola Olawale Oni, we at Griffith College Ireland pass our sympathies to you. We will keep you in our prayers.May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear that you are no longer with us Dave, but you will remain in my thoughts and the thoughts of GCU.

Deeply saddened to hear of Engr. Oni's death. He was a very highly regarded and valued colleague of ours; honourable, knowledgeable, friendly and fair. My thoughts are with his family.

Continue to RIP sir. So sad!!!

Jamile and I are deeply shocked by the news of Dave's passing. Please accept our personal condolences, as well of those of everyone at National College of Ireland. We have lost a good friend and a great partner. Our prayers are with his children, family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

I'm really sad to get this news today. Dave was a great man, always with a big smile on his face. He really will be missed by all of us at GCU. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.

I hope that our Lord brings DAC and the family the much-needed peace during this time of grief. My condolences to you and the entire family of Engr David Abiola ONI. I can’t also forget to say how honoured and blessed I am to have worked with baba as we popularly call him.

I still cannot forget the 15 minutes Engr Oni came to my stand at the British Council exhibition in Lagos, a day before his passing. I can still hear the words of encouragement during that conversation. May his soul rest in peace. From the staff members of the international office at the University of East London.