A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children... (Proverbs 13:22A, KJV)
A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1, KJV)
Dad,
For as long as I could remember you have always been a man of many parts that focused on being on top of things. There was a focus and a sense of diligence and attention to details and excellence in whatever you applied yourself to do.
As a businessman, you were shrewd, paid attention to details, kept very good accounts ( I remember during childhood and teen hood seeing some books and ledgers you kept, keys etc safely kept in a bag. And of course records both in your office and in your study in the house in Lomé). You were punctual and had rituals from a disciplined life. Til late in life, when actively running your business, you were out before 8am, and of course expected workers to be at their duty post much earlier....
You had an eagle eye with respect to textile, and the "abloni" (those trading textile in Togo will relate) business you were doing: your ability to see the beauty out of raggedy looking fairly used clothes (which you use to travel from time to time to purchase from suppliers abroad) was uncanny: by the time the washerman comes and irons some of those clothes you picked for yourself of your children, it became such a thing of beauty: we called your wardrobe "boutique" because you had such excellent taste in clothing, both those purchased and those you selected from your trade: for a long time I had no shame (and still have no shame) in going to broad street Lagos with a friend to select fine fairly used shirts and trousers imported for resale in Africa. We were trained under this business. I won't be a lawyer today but for your dint of hardwork: your work speaks for you.
Once in a while, you had your children go to the warehouse where the workers were dealings with bakes of clothes.
You built a great business and business relationships in Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, abroad. You were a pioneer in many ways with some of the edifices built in Abiriba, Aba, Lomé aside from the contributions made to the various communities.
You supported upcoming businessmen or persons needing to go for higher education etc and you also trained many as international traders.
On the home front, you were a strict and principled man. A disciplinarian and yet quite kind under that strict veneer. You took responsibility for all those children God entrusted to you. You set out to give the best education for all your children and indeed supported or took care of the education of others, both relatives and non related persons. Never by your words did you teach your children anything wrong even if no one is not perfect. You taught us to be united.
There is no time that you would travel in Europe, UK, US etc - as we were growing up- that you will not purchase James Bond latest movies and chocolates et al for your children. Til date some of us know the A and Z of James Bond movies (which you rarely watched).
The Togo house had library stocked with books in French and English so as to give us an advantage to compete well ahead of time, as we see more parents now doing. All of your children speak at least 4 languages, and at least 2 to 3 international languages. Amazing dad.
You got your children mixing with others and going on holidays with relatives and welcomed so many other children for hols in your home. So many of them will attest to this.
It is common knowledge that you gave the best education possible at primary secondary and tertiary levels to ALL your children as much as you could cope with such investment despite business misfortunes at some point: we will not be where we are today without such foresight and investment.
Christian faith and Community participation: you were a man of faith and you studied and took courses to be more entrenched in the teachings of the Bible. As a community stakeholder and as a Christian, the records are there. Your house was opened to itinérants preachers and missionaries many of whom have experienced your hospitality aside from funding of the gospel. You were recognized as a pillar of your community in Togo and in Abiriba
Time cannot permit me to tell the whole story. You passed the right values as heritage to your children and that is all a good man is meant to do.
I am pained that you left too soon, when I was becoming more mobile. I take solace in the fact that I was able to visit twice this year, (and oh was it saddening to see how that body of humiliation we are saddled with was failing you though you remain strong and of sound mind). I am comforted that you lived a good life, feared God and put your faith in the Saving Knowledge of Christ.
You left a good name to your children and I firmly believe that you have transitioned into glory and this will be manifest when He shall come with the trumpet sound: may your children keep and honor that good name and glorify the Lord.
We thank God for a life well spent. Rest in peace. Rise in glory. In Jesus Name. Amen