On my mind - my Papa. Growing up, we were exposed to farming, bricklaying, travel to different parts of Nigeria, different genre of music and movies, books!
My Papa could speak as eloquently about Shakespeare as he could speak of the latest engineering invention. When having a personal computer was considered a luxury and reserved for a few, Papa allowed us to explore with his.
Oh and how can I forget his storytelling prowess, several stories of Ijapa (the cunning tortoise) and Yanibo (tortoise's wife). I remember how he returns from trips with his car trunk loaded with vegetables and fruits! We always looked forward to his return from his frequent trips.
As grandchildren started coming into the picture, "Grandpa Ibadan" was the Grandpa who tells the grandkids at 7pm, "let's dress up and go for ice cream and pop corn" Maybe that's why my "Prof Captain" loves popcorn so much.
Every conversation with my siblings always brings back memories of visits to site, where we all had our portion of farm and we would plant corn, cassava and yam. And we would nurture them till harvest time. Of course,Papa and Mom's harvest was always the most bountiful, but ours wasn't so bad too.
I could write books about my Papa. As we grew up, our interaction became refined, we could dialogue and share opinions, even disagree with his view, without being offended.
It's been 5 years of not having "Thursday Thursday", which was the agreed time for our weekly catch up phone call. Isn't it something that he went to be with the Lord on a Thursday morning?
As i continue remembering my Papa, I am reminded of his many advices and counsels over the years - "ranti omo eni ti iwo nse" meaning "remember whose child you are, the family you represent".
Papa, my Papa, beloved Grandpa Ibadan, Prof the Honorable Commissioner, continue to rest peacefully. You fought a good fight,you came, you saw and you conquered! We continue to honor and cherish your memory Prof Olubayo Olateju