June 14, 2020
Exactly a week ago, I heard the news. It was unbelievable, but when a close friend reconfirmed it, I knew it was true. As I write this, my eyes are still laden with tears. A handful of people have even reached out to sympathise with me, but I have had to grapple with the reality myself.
As a new member of staff at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 1997, I was posted to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Daddy was the DVC. He was full of energy, very hardworking. Even when we moved to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and I had the privilege of serving as the Head of the P & P Unit, I wondered how he never got tired, having chaired meetings all day, gone on inspection tours of university projects or on visits to royal fathers in the evenings...and wait for it, being at prayer vigils at the Foursquare Church!
Daddy simply mentored me by example. Unlike so many, he was the same person in and out of church. He was straightforward and just wanted to serve- no more, no less.
In the University, when anyone came to the VC to backbite about another, Daddy would ask that person to wait. He would then call the other party and ask him/her to repeat all that was divulged, irrespective of who was involved! That greatly reduced the menace. I picked the administrative trick from him.
Daddy was a confidence builder and booster. He trusted his team. When he gave an assignment, he would just trust that you would carry it out to the letter. Hence, I worked hard not to disappoint him. Till date, that stuck. Gloriously, records show the awards the University earned while he was in office.
Daddy taught me to respect time for official duties. If we had to be at an event at a particular time, if you arrived five minutes after the agreed take-off time, be sure that you would meet Daddy at the event venue. No story.
Daddy taught me privacy. He did not mix domestic affairs with official matters at all. Needless to say that he loved his family irrevocably. When any member of the family was strong, we the immediate staff, would secretly make fun of him as we stole glimpses of him dedicatedly dotting over the concerned family member. Little wonder Mummy does not look 70 at all, isn’t it? They were friends. He never hid anything from her. Daddy once gave me some money following an accident that occurred in the line of duty. Because of his personality, he didn’t want tales, so he decided to compensate me personally. The cheque bore both their names and signatures. You would agree that the joint account spoke volumes, hence Daddy’s historic love letter to Mummy on her 70th birthday last January, was just him acting true to self. An exemplary couple indeed!
Daddy would not lobby for anything. Yet, he did all that was within him to help everyone even without asking. He looked out for the comfort of all who knew him and I especially enjoyed his empathy.
Daddy told us repeatedly while in office that he would not want to live a life that he could not maintain outside office. Hence, he was very conscious of the use of official privileges and ensured his family followed. I learnt from that as well.
Every member of my own nuclear family knows his name as one boss turned parent who injected my life with so much positivity and boost for almost a quarter of a century now.
I can go on and on extolling his virtues. How would I ever forget? The laughter and jokes? The spiritual nourishment? Daddy and Mummy’s financial and physical support?
I know Daddy is home with his Father. Nonetheless, I just keep asking myself why I find it so difficult to get over the shock. May Christ comfort us all.
Goodnight, Daddy. You would forever live in our hearts. You were truly a gift to us and we are missing you so much already, sir.
To every member of the Adu family, I am sincerely grateful for allowing me to share Daddy with you.
Most of all, I thank you Lord!
Emi’ Alawode,
Head, Publications and Protocol, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, UNAAB, Nigeria (2001-2007)
Pioneer Deputy Registrar, McPherson University, Nigeria (2012-2013)