Bro Duro, as I always call you. Missed even though we do not see often but that radiant voice and loving heart you possess was always and forever be remembered

I remember a long time ago at Surulere, Papa, of blessed memory sent me to Sister Sade who was not at home. Bro Duro was concerned about my welfare, school etc. He does not know how far that went because I came that day disturbed and worried about my WEAC result.  I was not sure what do was even thinking suicidal because there were condemning walls all around.   His words that day made a big crack in that wall that cracked even to the foundation. When other came with their discouragement it never wall me round again

Your truthfulness and sincerity cannot be easily forgotten. For space and time I will stop here.

The part you played in releasing your staff, vehicles to convey me and your in-laws for my wedding at Ashi in Ibadan in the then Oyo State remain an amazement to me. Your support at that time is fresh in my memory. God bless the family you left behind. Got loads more but shall stop here. Thanks for a life well spent in be good. Those smiles and the deep voice command respect at 9, Kufeji

Street,  sadly burnt down now .

Bye brother -in-law like a blood brother. 

I  pray for my sister and the rest of the family that the gap left due to your exit would be filled  by the Almighty.

We love you but God loves you more. 

Bye Felicia.Omolola nee Ayodele

Daddy was many things to many different people but he was special to all.

Your son.

I pondered about how to start or even write this for a while now, more because I have tried to find a name for the relationship, I had with you and your family as a whole. I am not an offspring, relative or any of those supposed familial titles but I was just as hurt and pained when I heard that you had gone to be with your maker but then in the same breath happy because I know that without a doubt you left to go be at the right hand side of God. You were indeed a father to so many people, myself included, I became close friends with your daughter whilst in school and got blessed with another father in the process. Indeed, I was welcomed with such warmth and yours was one of the few homes, I slept at growing up. I remember, when you would call me daughter, just like you called your daughters and I felt extra special. You were an embodiment of what a Christian should be. You showed it in your actions and in your complete devotion to the almighty. I was a partaker of those early morning devotions at the house in Akowonjo, a recipient of many “Every Day with Jesus” devotional booklet. It is so funny that all the time, I was at the house, one hardly got out into the living room before you and mommy. Those morning devotions created an indelible mark on my heart. With one barely awake, the praise and worship eventually would ginger you up. Awesome memories. There is a story, I tell anyone, whenever I want to describe, someone who to me is a Christian and the story is about you, daddy. I will share the story here, especially to let the world know that you not only showed love to your immediate family but to anyone who came your way, regardless of ties and all, it was when Toun and I were getting ready to go for our industrial attachment, I believe it was in our 3rd year of university and we were both looking for placement in one of the oil & gas companies. Of course, daddy knew we were both on this quest and unbeknownst to me, so was he. One day, I was called to come in and see someone at Exxon Mobil, on getting there, this lady whom I had never seen before in my life, greeted me with some warmth and the next thing out of her mouth was “ Are you the girl, daddy said if we didn’t have 2 spots, should forget about it?” my jaw dropped, of course, my friend true to her nature never mentioned it to me, so I was there so surprised, amazed and impressed. He said and did this behind my back and was ready for his own daughter to walk away from such an opportunity, if I wasn’t included in the package. Who does that? He didn’t have to do that but due to the person he was, genuine, loving, man of God, indeed and above all, great human being, of course he did. I had great love and respect for him and his family before that but you can imagine the level of my admiration afterwards. We both ended up serving our industrial attachment at ExxonMobil that year. Many Years, later it still gets me! While my friend traveled for school and I was still working in Lagos, I would drive to Akowonjo, just to chit chat with the old folks and I was always welcomed with warmth and grace. The last time, I saw you in Houston, I kept telling myself after you left that I didn’t take any photographs with you and mommy, which is so unlike me, I always like to catch and have memories, I guess I was just so carried away and felt, I will get it the next time, well now you are gone, even though, its sad you are not here with us physically, all your works, your devotion to God and the examples you laid for both your family and others like me will live on forever. To know him is to love him. That smile and calm that eased one when one visited, will be greatly missed. May your gentle, uniquely wonderful soul, rest in peace…..