A generous man who left an everlasting mark
April 25, 2021
by Tola Adeleke
Tajudeen Adebola Alabi Adeleke
Taju, lovingly called, 'Uncle Debby' by many family members and friends was born in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria on October 15th 1960.
He started his education at Isia Local Authority Primary School in Saki finishing at Victory Primary School Ibadan, he later attended Ibadan Boys High School. He soon developed a love for photography and photographic services. Taju joined the family business and travelled widely in pursuit of its development; he also went to Italy to train in specialised techniques. For this he had to learn Italian and became proficient in Italian. He then returned to Ibadan where he managed Fotocare, which was then the leading colour photo processing company in Ibadan.
After several years, in the business where he successfully trained many others, Taju decided to broaden his horizons and develop other opportunities and moved to the UK. He took various courses and very quickly settled down, got married and began family life. Taju was a born businessman and he was very successful in building up many different ventures, including import/export businesses. He was able to do all of this while working full time at an Adult Education Centre, where he gave unbroken loyal service of over 25 years and was still working from home at his job right up until the end.
He valued education and self-improvement, which he felt should be achieved through hard work, and this was something he instilled in his children. One of his primary objectives was to ensure that his own children got the best educational opportunities he could give them, and happily he was able to witness their excellent academic achievements and other successes.
To discuss Taju’s philanthropic activities both in UK and Nigeria would take several pages. He was particularly concerned about the welfare of children in need. He was a leading member of his mosque and contributed much to its foundation and future development.
He was a true ‘people person’, he believed in friendship and had a very warm easy manner and natural engagement with people from all walks of life. As a son, brother, uncle, husband and loving father, Taju was cherished deeply because he made everyone feel so loved and special. For family, friends and many others, the extent of his generosity is now legendary and inspirational.
A generous man who left an everlasting mark.
Truly one in a million.
Taju, lovingly called, 'Uncle Debby' by many family members and friends was born in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria on October 15th 1960.
He started his education at Isia Local Authority Primary School in Saki finishing at Victory Primary School Ibadan, he later attended Ibadan Boys High School. He soon developed a love for photography and photographic services. Taju joined the family business and travelled widely in pursuit of its development; he also went to Italy to train in specialised techniques. For this he had to learn Italian and became proficient in Italian. He then returned to Ibadan where he managed Fotocare, which was then the leading colour photo processing company in Ibadan.
After several years, in the business where he successfully trained many others, Taju decided to broaden his horizons and develop other opportunities and moved to the UK. He took various courses and very quickly settled down, got married and began family life. Taju was a born businessman and he was very successful in building up many different ventures, including import/export businesses. He was able to do all of this while working full time at an Adult Education Centre, where he gave unbroken loyal service of over 25 years and was still working from home at his job right up until the end.
He valued education and self-improvement, which he felt should be achieved through hard work, and this was something he instilled in his children. One of his primary objectives was to ensure that his own children got the best educational opportunities he could give them, and happily he was able to witness their excellent academic achievements and other successes.
To discuss Taju’s philanthropic activities both in UK and Nigeria would take several pages. He was particularly concerned about the welfare of children in need. He was a leading member of his mosque and contributed much to its foundation and future development.
He was a true ‘people person’, he believed in friendship and had a very warm easy manner and natural engagement with people from all walks of life. As a son, brother, uncle, husband and loving father, Taju was cherished deeply because he made everyone feel so loved and special. For family, friends and many others, the extent of his generosity is now legendary and inspirational.
A generous man who left an everlasting mark.
Truly one in a million.