MINDSCOPE: S B Falegan

CHIEF SAMUEL BANDELE FALEGAN: A STATESMAN

Seye Adetunmbi, first written on his 80th birthday in 2013

It is always a thing of joy when we see technocrats of repute that have served the nation and their people meritoriously, age gracefully in retirement. This is a spectacular thing in our clime when we put into perspective how different hopes of many people have been shattered over the years and some beautiful lives have been cut short due to avoidable mismanaged system and disturbing cases of demeaning situation of a nation so blessed. It is thus to the glory of God that onetime Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Chief Samuel Bandele Falegan (SBF) and an octogenarian is in good health while continuing to use his substance to bless the society.

It is not just about being an octogenarian but the grace of God that has made Baba S. B. Falegan to be resourceful, productively active and useful to his immediate environment on so many fronts. For him to sustain his integrated virtues of brilliance, excellence, integrity, honorable and principled disposition over the years, is Lord's doing and it is marvelous in the eyes of his loved ones, associates and other ranks of his admirers.

The inseparable love birds, Baba & Mama Falegan

For those who are familiar with his resume, SBF the economist and reputable career banker will go down in history as a prolific writer. After leaving government job he continued to put his thoughts into writing on multifaceted arising national and contemporary issues around him. This is one of the hallmarks of a worthy and fruitful statesmanship. Most statesmen would not keep quiet and watch things go bad, they positively intervene in the affairs of their society to the best of their ability. SBF would always put issues in proper perspective and state it the way it is.

Consequently, it won't surprise his followers that an autobiographical book titled "My Yesteryears" would was formally presented to the public to mark his 80th birthday anniversary on May 10, 2013. A copy of the book is a must read for those who take delight in learning about life experiences of worthy citizens. Baba SBF touched everything, no pretenses which he has been noted for over the years. Professor Jide Osuntokun his fellow alumnus of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti reviewed the book at the launching of the autobiography. Before the public presentation of the book, Chief Falegan, his family members, friends and other well-wishers gave thanks to God at Emmanuel Cathedral Church, Ado-Ekiti at a well attended church service. The octogenarian donated a pipe organ to the Cathedral Church in appreciation of God's favour of his life. Three years after in 2016, statesman instituted a trust fund foundation in support of College of Health Technology, formerly Ile-Abiye Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. He is the Chairman of the inaugural board of the institution.

By standard of the environment where he grew up, judging by foresight and the ability of his distinguished hard working parents to sponsor him and siblings to the best available school in their time, SBF had a privileged background and a strong christian upbringing with unique Anglican denomination leaning. This no doubt must have influenced his character and the choices he made over the years which made him to standout among his peers till date.

SBF was born as the 6th child, into the famous family of Chief Daniel Falegan on May 10, 1933 in Ado-Ekiti. He attended Emmanuel Primary School and Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti 1949 to 1954 where his prominent farmer father was a major yam supplier to the school. Graduated from Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone where he bagged B.Sc Economics in 1960 and University of Oregon, USA in 1967 with M.Sc Economics.

SBF standing in the middle with fellow alumni of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti at Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone during a visit of Canon Mason Chief Adamolekun

He joined Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on July 1, 1961; became Chief Economist in 1968 and rose to the Director of Research position in 1976. SBF was seconded on appointment as the Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank in 1979. He retired from CBN in 1984 after a meritorious service to the nation. His other public assignments include serving on the board of FBN PLC in 1974 to 1975, Governing Council of NISER in 1975 to 1979, National Advisory Council on Statistics in 1975 to 1979, Ondo State Economic Advisory Council in 1976 to 1979 and chairman of research working party on establishment of Africa Centre for Monetary Studies, Dakar in 1976. He was a consultant to the World Bank and has five published economics and financial market books to his credit.

One of the most respected monarchs of all times, His Royal Majesty, Oba Anirare Daniel Aladesanmi, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti honored him in 1976 with a rare title of "Atoye" of Ado-Ekiti. Atoye is pronounced re:-re:-mi, someone endowed with planing and getting things done effectively in other words, an exemplar in organization. One unique thing about Chief Falegan is the fact that he looks out for the interest of others and very favorably disposed to people realizing their full potentials. The case of two interns with grade one WASC result working in his department at CBN attested to his strict and uncommon kind nature. He tasked them to go and further their education rather than be waiting for biannual promotion. These two people later turned out to be distinguished Nigerians in their respective callings and remain ever grateful for what SBF did to them.

A. Ahmed, the Governor of CBN in 1984 wrote in response to the resignation letter of SBF and I quote thus; “For over seven years I have known you, you have no doubt served the bank and the nation with distinction. You have participated in many conferences, seminars and meetings which have helped shape the affairs of this country. I could recall one case, that is, your role at the country’s first and second jumbo loans. To me personally, you have given me your best and I am grateful for that. On behalf of the Board and management of the bank, I wish you long life and happiness in your retirement”.

Like most people with distinct disposition to fundamental issues, someone who is always driven by excellence, integrity and honorable ways, he faced different challenges and intrigues in his career. Looking back now, on what he went through in the public service which he survived in flying colors; SBF has every reason to continue to give thanks to God and celebrate the peace of mind God continues to grant him in old age.

In retirement and old age, he continued to apply and carry himself appropriately with distinction. He made himself available to the service of Ekiti State government, Anglican Church, his alma mater and Ado community. He is active on the internet and responds to emails personally. This has enabled him participate resourcefully with an array of his distinguished kinsmen home and abroad in Ekitipanupo indigenous intellectual roundtable. Being a respected and the oldest active member of the preeminent forum, he naturally earned the exalted status of Baba-Isale Ekitipanupo.

His inauguration as the Chairman of College of Health Technology, Ado-Ekiti in 2016

What else can one write about a distinguished octogenarian who survived all odds and rough edges of life over the years and he is still up and doing as a going concern to the glory of God the almighty. This is why it is delightful to celebrate and salute the remarkable statesman.

Ajinde ara a ma je fun Baba SBF l'oruko Jesu. Amin

80th Birthday Pictures of Chief S. B. Falegan in 2013

SBF and Christ's School

Chief SB Falegan is very passionate about Christ's School and everything pertaining to the School. The photos below capture some of his involvements in alumni activities: