DEO GRATIAS!
4 virtues I learnt from my late father
Caleb I. Akinyele PhD who was buried on 28 April, 2021.

1) The virtue of education – as the singular instrument by which the human mind can be emancipated from the slavery of poverty and failure. Not just education for the fun of it but the pursuit of scholastic excellence. The results today are glaring.

You trained us, providing the best education a civil servant of your day could afford and as was the fashion of your time apportioned professions to us all.

Your favourite outburst – "Go and bring your dictionary, you scallywag!" – dreadfully then (but humorously now) instilled a culture of inductive reasoning in us all. The ability to question intelligently; examine analytically; and conclude independently – with a sense of accomplishment having gained the knowledge and the humility that comes with it, knowing it was all for a greater cause.

2) The virtue of benevolence – you would lay up naira notes and ensure the less privileged along the streets got at least 1 note each. As I reflect, I see your heart of connecting to the lowliest in society, knowing surely that God made us all and any position higher than theirs, meant a responsibility to see to their welfare as much as God gave provision to do so.

3) The virtue of integrity and decent self-worth - I am proud of the virtue of integrity that you stood for, as you stared down not once, not twice, the corruption that so easily besets our governmental systems. You stood tall defending yourself against corrupt allegations, not accepting make-shift deliverance/compromise; if only to obtain a better resurrection – in this case, a letter of exoneration from the highest authorities in the land. I am proud to say that you are in the class of the incorruptible civil servants.

4) The virtue of thanksgiving. As I reflect even deeper I realise that all along you’ve been a worshipper - one who frequently and ultimately gave thanks to Almighty God for life and life abundantly. Every tune you played on the Organ; every hymn you sang; every support to the Church; every time you knelt to pray - all add up to the latin phrase on the gates of the great Cathedral where you worshipped your Lord and Maker for most of your life.

DEO GRATIAS! meaning thanks be to God.

Although I did not know Dr. Akinyele, I would say I have felt his impact through his son Akin-Olusoji. I am very fortunate to keep learning from your well of wisdom through your son, I have no doubt that you were awesome...

May God grant your family the fortitude to bear this loss.

Your enviable legacy would live on...Rest in peace Dr. Caleb Ibitayo Akinyele.

Though I was never fortunate enough to meet Dr. Akinyele, the testimony of his greatness is apparent through the man he raised. Soji spoke very highly of his father and I have no doubt that his memory will continue to live on through the lives he has touched.
May God grant the family and friends he has left behind comfort in this difficult time.

Soji, I did not meet your dad but i know you. I am sure without a doubt and from what I have read here, that the generosity of heart, sincerity, intelligence, patience and genuine love for God you show are qualities he too embodied.

I celebrate the great life your Dad lived and know that a piece of him lives on in you.

May he continue to rest in peace.

May he find eternal rest in Christ Jesus. It is well with your family.

Daddy I don't know you in person but from what others have said reflect your nature,May Almighty by his Mercy give you a seat of honour in heaven,and all the impact you have made on be remembered like the woman who poured the alabaster box. I will live to always remember you.

Daddy, you were a pillar of support to many even till your death. You liberated many families from abject poverty through child education. You not only fed the needy, you taught them how to get food on their tables.
You'll forever be remembered for your good deeds and legacy.

I love you grandpa.