Christ's School

THE DALLIMORE’S TRIAD

By

Mrs Wura Ajibade

THE DALLIMORES – EKITI PEOPLE - CHRIST’S SCHOOL TRIAD

Venerable Archdeacon Henry Dallimore, the founder of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti was born in Aughton, Lancashire, England on 5th February 1885 to simple Christian parents. He attended Ormskirk Boys’ School in South Lancashire and entered Liverpool University in 1904. In 1910, he was in Wycliffe Hall, University College of Oxford to study Theology. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1911, and was sent to Sierra Leone in 1914 by the C.M.S. as the Principal of CMS (now The Sierra Leone) Grammar School, Freetown (founded March 25,1845). He was recalled to England in 1915. At the cessation of the 1st World War in 1918, he was posted as the Warden of the YMCA in France. He returned to CMS Grammar School, Sierra Leone in 1919 for a couple of years before he was deployed to St. Andrew’s College, Oyo, Nigeria as the Vice Principal to Archdeacon George Burton in 1922. It was while on this tour that he met Miss Dorothy Nash, a female C.M.S. missionary. Henry Dallimore married Dorothy in his wife’s home at Norfolk in 1924. The Nash Family were originally from Vancouver Canada, but settled in East Anglia, England. He retired to England in 1947 and lived at Bexhill-on-Sea till he died on May 8, 1970. Dorothy died in Canada on May 15, 1975.The urns of their ashes were interred behind the school chapel in Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti (CSAE).

The last house where Venerable Dallimore lived in East Essex, England

The Essence of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti

Archdeacon Dallimore made his generational impact on the Church, society, and education by his rather presumptuous posting out of Oyo to Ekiti in late 1929 as Archdeacon, Superintendent of Ekiti District Churches, and the Supervisor of Schools. It is pertinent to state that the Ekiti District Church Council superintended by Archdeacon Dallimore included all the Churches in the present Akure Diocese (less its Idanre Archdeaconries), and all Anglican Churches in Ekiti! CMS Grammar School, Freetown and St. Andrews taught the classic British curriculum (Latin, Greek, Music, Astronomy, English, Arithmetic etc.,) which did not really please Dallimore. At best, the curriculum helped them to become good employees. He wanted more for the students such that they could become self-employed if no one hired them. His much agitation landed him a posting away from St. Andrews into in a distant virgin land called Ekiti to see what would become of his educational ideals and concepts. He parted ways with the idea of “Grammar School”. He gradually positioned the new school above what was available in other schools through co-education, curriculum, crafts, diversity and ethos.

    Henry and Dorothy arrived Ekiti to pursue a 3-point mission of evangelism, education, and healing. The Archdeacon focused on pragmatic evangelism and quality education. Dorothy stopped her teaching job to support her husband fully. She concentrated on the provision of improved health services through the founding of the “Our Saviour’s Hospital” at the present Ekiti Bishop’s Court, Oke Aremu which was later re-named as “Ile Abiye Hospital” and relocated to Irona, Ado Ekiti. Children that died young were called “abiku”. Abikus were changed to abiyes(living) in the place she created. Ile Abiye was therefore established by a Missionary school teacher. Dorothy also looked after the girls in Henry Dallimore’s Christ’s School which he founded on the same site on 23rd January, 1933 as Ekiti Central School – a middle school which was to provide quality all-round training for boys and girls. The School, and was formally commissioned on 30th June 1933. The school opened with 70 boys and 7 girls.

    With the attendant expansion and growth of the two institutions, the school moved into its permanent site on Agidimo Hill on 22nd June, 1936, and was christened as “CHRIST’S SCHOOL” by the visiting Governor of Nigeria, Sir Bernard Bourdillon on 10th September, 1936. Dallimore chose the name because it would be the final and the head school of the Ekiti area. The school was designed to lead Ekiti on to the place it should occupy in the country, a place to prepare pupils for this leadership role. Being an astute educator, he saw that Ekiti people lacked a place for secondary school education. He stopped the gap by creating a much sought-after school.

    All Anglican schools wanted their students to finish in CSAE. This local Harvard was the only school in Ekiti that took education to Standard 5 & 6 at that point. There had to be a common entrance examination in order to equitably select from the pool of candidates. Churches would coach their pupils. The success became noticeable and candidacy could no longer be restricted to a denomination, the poor or Ekiti. Graduates were found worthy in learning and character. The primary purpose of their education was to become founding staff of schools and churches. These graduates were from different hometowns in Ekiti. The school gradually became a secondary school; though the students were coached to this segment unofficially from inception. CSAE continued to produce people that became Professors which he innately carved out as a niche. CSAE cannot be pushed aside when it comes to her influence on education at all levels in Nigeria and beyond.

    In church building, many of her alumni are working in the Lord’s vineyard regardless of the level of education attained. It is a way of life to become professionals in various fields. Many Principals daily build lives in many schools in the world. Attention is paid to outcomes. She has the highest number of alumni receiving Nigeria National Order of Merit (NNOM) per school in Nigeria. [The Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) is an “Order of Dignity” and distinct from the National Honours. It was instituted to accord proper and due recognition for outstanding intellectual and academic attainments and contributions to the general development of Nigeria.] meritawards.ng

    The second phase of founding secondary schools in Ekiti were funded by communal efforts. Individual or co-operating towns built secondary schools. They proudly asked their educated sons to be the founding Principals. They were products of Christ’s School which they joyfully accepted because there was no partisan politics at this point in Ekiti history. CSAE success at secondary and tertiary levels in providing education could not be disdained. Everyone wanted to identify with her. The Professors could not be missed and this was alluded to in Ebenezer Obey’s song: “Awon omo Ekiti won n ka’we won mura”.

    Politics came and alas the school that made all glad now makes them mad. Perhaps if we took time to educate to each other, we may get glad and would not have to make snide remarks like “Fayemi made Ekiti basically Christ School project”. I do not belong to any political party. I seek to make known what Christ’s School means to the well-being and correct positioning of Ekiti in the scheme of things in Nigeria. I will not be a thoroughbred Omo Oke Agidimo if a worthy alumnus is ill-spoken of within my sphere of influence. This response should be able to put my alma mater in the correct perspective. And it is hoped to help us understand the school better.

    John Kayode Fayemi has a respectable seat among the students that passed through the school. The kind of fierce love in our hearts towards our alma mater is unfathomable in other schools. Fayemi is unashamedly proud of the hands that brought him up. Would it be alright if a child we raised turned around to acknowledge us in public? This he does unreservedly. What could be wrong with this? Christ’s School became more noticeable in his administration because he was the leader. CSAE was there in the workforce before, during and after he left; you just did not notice. This is not to diminish the fact that he raised many people up and it is not limited to CSAE. Let us reason together:

1. In one session CSAE graduates 1,500 students. Let us give 100 as the average number in most schools in Ekiti. CSAE is 15 schools in one. Ekiti people fail to understand that.
2. Christ's School is 2 in 1. A girl was killed in 1978 from bad driving while crossing the road so this school was split along gender line in 1978. Now back as one following government release of the school to Ekiti Anglican Communion in 2019.
3. CSAE is so big that they had to create 6 schools to absorb students taken by this school annually.
4. Which other school in Ekiti provides that level of training we put into raising a student. This affects who gets tipped for positions later in life.
5. CSAE is the oldest secondary school in Ekiti. The oldest mixed school in Nigeria. Other schools were started as boys' only or girls' only. Our school started as mixed from inception; the other school that claimed this status is Baptist Academy, Obanikoro Lagos. They are Boys’ only school today. CSAE is 22 years older than the next secondary school in Ekiti.
6. Numerically the most, the oldest, most educated males and females, most diverse population come from this school.
7. It was the only school with HSC (higher school certificate) in Ekiti for many years. Whatever every other school in Ekiti started was finished off in our school if they stayed for that segment in Ekiti land. Ekiti Parapo College later joined the HSC bracket.
8. CSAE was founded to provide labour force for churches and schools. This is why we have the most Bishops, Principals, Professors, per school in Ekiti. Many Ekiti Principals turned around to send their children to CSAE. Fagbeyiro, Adejuwon, Adeoya, Akomolafe, Aşebiomo, Olajide to name a few. Founding staff of Domegrams and EkPaCo were largely old students of CSAE (Fagbeyiro, Baba Aşe-Ajayi, Asebiomo, Iyiola, Adetunmbi, Onisile etc. were old boys to name a few). What about all those Professors? Name any field in Nigeria.
9. Do those CSAE students graduated in thousands not occupy offices in Ekiti? Should they dry out when Fayemi came into office? Did he hire them all? should he have fired them? Should he have demoted them? These little details are missed by Ekiti people if I understand the Christ's School Project under Fayemi in the way a cynic posited it. It was noticeable because he was a known alumnus.
10. Fayose administration was loaded with CSAE alumni, this was missed because he was not our alumnus. Like a horse and a carriage, you cannot have one without the other. You cannot have Ekiti without CSAE. Ekiti should proudly embrace her as they did before politics. She was founded for all.
11. Western Region/State had a great school inspection system. CSAE was clearly the best. They brought their own children and noised her abroad in unsolicited recommendations
12. Most textbooks for your school work were written in CSAE. The students did not test to pass. Won mo iwe yęn t'inu t'ęyin ni (they understand the subject matter inside out). It is a place every student brought something to table aside from book work. You are trained to lead. Your head for knowledge, heart for God and Hands for skills.
13. There are times they try to fill a seat and the people doing it have their criteria. Done. Ooops this is on old student of CSAE. What will you do now? Start a feud? When D-Gov Adunni Olayinka died. They wanted the next person to be an Ado woman as well. Ewi has a Professor niece. Prof. Adelabu. Great, she is married to Ijero man omo Doherty. Yaaay! One stop, two Obas would be delighted. What could be better!!! Wait o omo Christ's School ni. Do you know any Governor that wants to fan such trouble by trying not to put omo Christ’s School? On the surface people would take it as CSAE marginalizing others. Poor Fayemi. Current Olojudo of Ido is our old boy, sitting Chairman of Ekiti Council of Obas. Governor Oyebanji BAO chose an Oba, oops omo Christ's School ni. Ogun State Governor, omo CSAE ni. Should we start witch-hunting CSAE?
14. I interviewed many old students. Why did they come to CSAE? Most of them decided based on what school owners and Inspectors of Education told them. Some parents influenced others. People like Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and Pa Lawrence Omole were able to compare the children they sent to various schools. Big school owners sent their own children to CSAE. We are always in a class of our own. Parents are happy with their children.
15. Archdeacon Henry Dallimore the Christ’s School founder was the former Vice Principal of St. Andrew's College, Oyo. With that solid contact he was able to get qualified teachers. He steered us away from Grammar School system and put us solidly in the path of the professions. Instead of being upset with CSAE other schools should strive to have students from every town in Ekiti like we do. Harvard tries to train people from every country. Diversity is an unfailing trick. Encourage the State to sponsor students from every town into CSAE. They will take positive influence back to their communities.
16. Alumni of this school band together for their lifetime. We give back to help each other and the school. We put in our weight behind the next generation. Our Alumni currently has 34 students on full sponsorship from JS1 to SS3. These make the differences that you see.
17. Ogun State Governor - Dapo Abiodun; Minister Solid Minerals - Dele Alake; Comptroller General of Immigration - Wuraola Akinrinsola Adepoju (just retired); Lagos State Secretary to the State Government - Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin are currently on high level seats. To name a few. Are these people Fayemi projects? We look forward to producing the Nigeria President in the near future.

You can only love Christ's School Ado-Ekiti. Let us not bite the hands that fed us. Attacking CSAE is like a Northerner attacking Barewa College, Zaria. They do everything to protect her, let us adopt that disposition in Ekiti. Encourage each hometown in Ekiti to send a male and a female to the school each academic session, diversity will help your people. Everybody in a town should not school in the same neighbourhood, growth will be scant and tardy. We extend our hands of fellowship. Come to table, dine with us. We embrace all.

Wura Ajibade

Wuraola Ajayi Ajibade R.Ph.

73/214 1973/77 Set

Babamboni House

ADDENDUM
Some of the Professors Who are/were Products of the School and their Fields

The Vice-Chancellors:
Professor J. Ade Ajayi - University of Lagos
Professor Tolu Odugbemi - University of Lagos
Professor Adeyinka Adeyemi - Federal University of Technology Akure
Professor Kola Sonaike - Joseph Ayodele Babalola University Ikeji-Arakeji
Professor Michael Olufemi Ajisafe - Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti
Professor Mobolaji Aluko – Federal University, Otuoke

The Professors

1. J Ade Ajayi – History
2. Samuel Aluko – Economics
3. Banji Akintoye - African History; Yoruba Nation
4. Adelola Adeloye - Neurosurgery
5. Ajibola Taylor - Agriculture
6. Israel Owolabi - Engineering Emeritus
7. Enoch Longe - First Professor of Computer Science
8. Michael Abiola Omolewa - History Emeritus
9. Tolu Odugbemi - Medical Microbiology and Parasitology NNOM
10. George Fola Esan - Haematology
11. Sanmi Esho - Urology
12. Ayo Arije - Nephrology
13. Jide Osuntokun - International Relations
14. Kayode Osuntokun – Neurology NNOM
15. S. K. Ogundana - Microbiology
16. Bolaji Akinyemi - Political Science
17. Ladiipo Adamolekun – Public Administration NNOM
18. Emilola Susan Ogundana Ajibade - Arts
19. Goke Ademiluyi - Geo-Spatial Science
20. Ebenezer Meshida – Engineering Geology and Geophysics
21. Victor Adenuga Oyenuga - Agricultural Science Emeritus (First Emeritus Professor of the University of Ibadan) (1933/053)
22. Tolu Yoloye – Education 67/086
23. Alex Tunde Olawaiye - Oncological Gynaecology
24. David Dada Oyebola (DDO) Oyewusi – Physiology Emeritus (1960/055)
25. Kola Sonaike - Business Management
26. Ayo Adepetu - Soil Science
27. Yinka Afolayan – Biochemistry
28. Ebun Atolagbe - Public Health and Preventive Care
29. Titilayo Femi - Ola
30. Bisi Ajibade - Geology
31. Joseph Olatunde Oluwasanmi - Plastic Surgery
32. Niyi Osundare – Emeritus Literature NNOM  
33. Akin Oyebode - Law
34. Femi Oyebode – Psychiatry University of Birmingham
35. Modupe Adejugbe Adelabu - Educational Administration
36. Isaac Adebayo
37. Oluwadare Funmilayo - Wildlife Management
38. Adeyinka Adeyemi - Architecture
39. Bolaji Aluko - Chemical Engineering
40. Wuraola Olaofe Sokunbi - Haematology
41. Iyabo Fakorede Mabawonku - Library and Information Science
42. Bola Akintayo Aladesanmi
43. Adesuyi Ajayi - Cardiology
44. Olu Makinde – Entrepreneurship in Vocational Studies
45. Olajiire Makanju Ajayi- Optometry
46. Olufemi Ajisafe - First Professor of Physical Education in Africa
47. Robert Folabi Ola - Public Administration, Political Science
48. Bolaji Ekundayo
49. Olufemi Elegbeleye - Pulmonary Medicine
50. Bode Ajayi – Analytical Chemistry
51. Biodun Adeloye - Animal Science
52. Mojisola Adejugbe Oyarekua- Food Science and Technology
53. Ademola Omojola – Geography
54. Tope Ojo
55. Olaofe Ogundipe - Medicine
56. Olusesi Ajayi-Vincent
57. Bunmi Ajayi – Food and Nutritional Biochemistry
58. Flora Ekpubeni Ehigiator - Fisheries
59. Deji Fasuyi - Animal Biochemistry, Nutrition and Biotechnology
60. Kehinde Oluwadiya- Orthopaedic Surgery
61. Adeola Egbebi - Food and Industrial Microbiology
62. Olugbenga Ogunkua - Pathology
63. Oyewole Adeodu Paediatrics
64. Segun Dipeolu - Veterinary Medicine
65. Titi Esan Bamidele - Biochemistry
66. Bola Akintayo Aladesanmi
67. Patrick Tedela - Plant Science
68. Bode Omojola - Music Ethnomusicology and African Music Mount Holyoke Massachusetts
69. Segun Omotola - Music
70. Ebi Bio Awotua-Efebo – Education
71. Rufus O. Alabi – Plant Pathology (Botany)
72. Israel Ayoola Olatunde - Clinical Pharmacology
73. Adejemilua - Art
74. Festus Damisa – Engineering
75. Tunji Omowumi – Veterinary Medicine
76. Ayodeji Jeje – Chemical and Petroleum Engineering (Fluid Mechanics) Calgary
77. Olusegun Olubuyide – Chemistry
78. Sola Olubuyide - Medicine
79. Segun Adebayo – Aeronautical Engineering
80. Dele Ogunseitan – Population Health and Disease Prevention
81. Julius Omotade – Paediatrics
82. Jacob Adebowale Oluyemi - Agriculture Emeritus
83. Christopher Adesuyi Adejuwon – Chemical Pathology
84. Christianah Bimbo Bankole Elusiyan – Phytochemistry
85. Bolanle Okunlola Otegbayo - Food Science and Technology
86. Foluso Osundare - Agricultural Economics
87. Peter Olusola Aduloju – Obstetrics and Gynaecology
88. Samuel Kolade Adeyoju - Emeritus Forestry First Professor of Forestry in Africa
89. Babalola Abegunde - Law
90. Kayode Arogundade - Business Administration
91. Akibu Oyeku Oyelami - Paediatrics
92. Christopher Olubunmi Adejumo – Fine Art
93. Gabriel Olubunmi Alegbeleye - Library Science
94. Michael Ojo Olofinboba
95. Adegite - Chemistry
96. Goke Melodi - Electrical Engineering
97. Folarin Oguntoyinbo - Microbiology
98. Omotoye - Ophthalmology
99. Francis Oyebade - Phonologist
100. Yemi Idowu
101. Ayo Adetifa
102. Kayode Olabanji - Burns and Plastic Surgery CMD EKSU
103. Felix Olusegun Akinwumi - Post-Harvest Technology
104. Adeoti
105. Afe - Provost, College of Education Ekiadolor Benin
106. Ben Osho Microbiology
107. Kehinde Akinlade
108. Bayode - Geophysics
109. Ayo Alade
110. Ranti Familoni
111. Tolu Adeosun Eni-Olorunda
112. Adelusola
113. Goke Ibironke
114. Rotimi Olowookere
115. Falusi - Emeritus Agricutural Economics
116. Adeleye - Animal Genetics UI
117. Olatunji Babatola - Population Analysis and Tourism Studies
118. Tayo Atere - Agriculture
119. Stephen Oni - Agricultural Economics
120. Benjamin Afolabi Oso - Botany
121. Isaac Abayomi Adebayo -- Animal Virology and Immunology
122. Bayo Alokan Animal Production and Health
123. David Oke - English
124. Johnson Aladekomo - Physics
125. James Kolawole Egunjobi - Agriculture
126. Esan Owolabi - Engineering
127. Cornelius Ademosun - Agricultural Engineering
128. Solomon Adekola - Geology
129. Peter Adekola - Obstetrics and Gynaecology
130. Oluwadare Esan - Orthopaedics
131. Olubunmi Omoyeni Akinwumi - Organic Chemistry
132. Omotade Oluwasanmi Oloyede - Phytomedicine and Toxicology
133. Ibiyinka Adewumi Adesanya - Religious Studies
134. Funke Bolatito Fajana Shittu - Environmental Public Health Microbiology
135. Adeniyi Adenipekun - Radiation and Clinical Oncology
136. Dele Ajele
137. Segun Ayodele - Plant Reproductive Biology and Systematics
138. Peter O Okunrotifa - Curriculum Studies Education
139. Joan Ogundele - Chemistry
140. Alasoadura - Microbiology
141. Olorunfemi Olaofe - Chemistry
142. Remi Olaofe - Mathematics
143. Olaniyan - Biology
144. Lamikanra - Microbiology
145. Adedokun - Civil Engineering
146. Adeola Popoola - Textile Technology
147. Michael Ojo Olofinboba - Botany
148. Richard Ademiluyi - Mathematics
149. Remi Osuntogun - Medicine
150. Akande
151. Craig Yemi Obafemi - Chemistry
152. Aina - Geophysics
153. Toks Durotoye - Physiology
154. Tunde Okunade - Mechanical Engineering
155. Bode Obisesan - Medicine
156. Oladele Ogundipe - Medicine
157. Olufisayo Jejelowo
158. JFA Owoeye - Medicine Unilorin
159. Enoch Olu Longe - Computer Science - First Professor of Computer Science
160. Yinka Awopetu - Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
161. Tokunbo Oyesola - Agriculture
162. Kayode Adesodun - Soil Physics
163. Michael Omirin - Mathematics Education
164. Craig Obafemi - Chemistry
165. Henry Aikhionbare - Paediatrics
166. Tunde Taiwo - Agriculture
167. Abejide Ade-Ibijola - Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
168. Funso Akingbade -Business Administration - Finance

THE ESSENCE OF ALUMNI HOMECOMING AND THE REUNION OF CLASSMATES

By, Seye Adetunmbi

THE HOMECOMING AND REUNION OF 1978 & 1979 HSC SETS HELD AS SCHEDULED

Members of the 1978 and 1979 HSC sets of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti held the Homecoming of their alumni group (HSC7881), between 22nd and 24th of April in 2022. This was a follow-up to their Reunion of 2018 which was held in Lagos. And that in December 2021, the hybrid alumni group, HSC7881 presented classroom desks, tables and laboratory equipment to the school as part of their ongoing commitment to give back to the school, under the leadership of Otunba Nuru Jinadu, the President of the Group and Princess Moradeke Ajibade, the Vice-President. The 2022 Homecoming was meant to facilitate the maiden Reunion in the premises of their alma mater after 42 years that the two HSC sets spent a session together in the school. The shared treasured memories remain indelible in their minds which underscores deep appreciation of the prized heritage of the great school.

On Friday 22nd of April in 2022, they held variety evening, to relive some of the enduring traditions of the school. The high point of the Reunion was on Saturday 23rd of April in 2022, the Homecoming Gala Evening/Dinner took place at Fabian Hotel, owned by one of the set members. On Sunday 24th of April in 2022, HSC7881 family did their thanksgiving at Emmanuel Cathedral Church, Ado-Ekiti during the 10am service. The accompanying photos say it all about the successful outing.

Day One in Pictures

Day Two

Members of the two HSC sets are over 400, spread all over the world. The current global President of Christ’s School Alumni Association, Kunle Jinadu FCA, FCS is a member of the group; likewise, the General Secretary, Jide Egunjobi and they were at the Homecoming. Other members of HSC7881 family who participated in the 2022 Homecoming and Reunion include: Otunba Nuru Jinadu, HRM Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye, Dayo Famosaya, Adesola Adewumi, Prof Sesi Ajayi-Vincent, Sola Afonja, Prince Akintunde Adelusi, Ropo Alabi, Alfred Ologuntoye, Bola Alegbeleye, Eniola Ibitoye, Dr Olabisi Akinbamijo, Sola Ajetunmobi, Mrs Folasade Ofi (nee Folayan)Toyin Jinadu, Prof Mrs Bunmi Ajayi (nee Fadare), Mrs Dupe Bello (nee Peters), Dr Bolajoko Malomo, Tokunbo Adegun, Mrs Yetunde Fosudo (nee Aiyegbusi), Femi Ebenezer, Folorunso Osunrayi, Abayomi Ayodele a.k.a. Alaska, Samuel Osekita, Akin Alabi, Biodun Daramola, Tope Ojo, Kunle Makinde, Wole Ogunleye, Dele Ologunleko, Funso Bamidele, Mrs Jola Oyewole (nee Fagbemi) and Seye Adetunmbi.

Day Three

AN OUTLOOK ON HOMECOMING AND REUNION OF OLD STUDENTS

By Seye Adetunmbi (First written in 2011)

Every institution has characteristic features as exhibited in each school’s culture and traditions over the years which usually make the setting of colleges to be different from one another. What makes the conventional practices in one clime to be unique is the extent to which the phenomenon or tradition has positively impacted on the respective constituencies and the constituents. In other words, if an establishment has achieved the desired result from the deployed structured custom, it is a different ball game. This implies and underscores the fact that every system works in one way or the other. This brings into perspective the concept of homecoming which is a lasting tradition associated with high schools and colleges, predominantly in Europe and America.

    Homecoming is a periodic opportunity for interested products of an institution to return to their old school largely at secondary school level, while it is not uncommon at university level as well. In America for example, it is always a week long activities packed, tagged school spirit week. At secondary school level, it is all fun without scheduled meetings; whereas at university level, it is a mix of fun and strategic sessions for participating alumni. Typically, reunions of old classmates and schoolmates are held around the time of such event to bring together as many old students as possible.

    Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti (The School) is one of the oldest, privileged and highly respected schools in Nigeria. Its establishment was pioneered in 1933 by Archdeacon Henry Dallimore who tended the school till 1947 when he left. Venerable Dallimore was then called High Master by the colonial government, the nomenclature for the head of middle schools in Nigeria then. The school was then called Ekiti Middle School until the Governor General of the Federation of Nigeria; Governor Bourdillon changed the name to Christ’s School in 1947 when he was on a working visit to the old Ondo province. This was the year Canon L. D. Mason became the Principal. Over the years till date, the institution remains very dear to those who have passed through the school and allowed the lasting values of the cherished heritage to pass through them. The school means varying spectacular things to a wide range of constituencies, yet one common denominator is the fact that an average old student is ever proud to say I attended Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti. This is why at every opportunity the signature greeting of “up school” becomes handy when old students fraternize irrespective of class or set. As a matter of fact, this camaraderie often draws admiration from people and jealousy in some quarters.

    The school for an example can be classified as my “family school”. My father with the school registration number 36/060, was among the set of students that moved to the permanent site in 1936. My older brother was there in mid 1970s, likewise, my younger sister gained admission in 1978/79 session which was around the same time I did my Higher School Certificate course. God willing, if the alumni in conjunction with Ekiti Anglican Diocese succeed in getting the school back to the standard of contemporary frontline good schools subsequent to handover to the Diocese of Ekiti (Anglican Communion), it would be a thing of joy if one of the children in the family could attend the school and make it three successive generations of Adetunmbis who attended the school. The school runs in many families, mine is not an exception.

    Since 2006, there was a robust email-forum for two HSC sets, 1978 and 1979 which has now been taken over by a WhatsApp group. Likewise, in 2010 a central global alumni platform, christschoolalumni@googlegroups.com was initiated to accommodate every alumnus who attended the school as part of an ongoing strategic networking of alumni and complement the annual Homecoming of old students. Homecoming in Christ’s School evolved as an initiative of the Platinum Club, a programme promoted by Christ’s School Alumni Association of North America (CSAANA).

    The Platinum Club concept was introduced to raise fund for the school. This was to provide an avenue for the high net worth individuals to raise their stake for the school such that whoever’s contribution summed up to N1, 000,000 became a platinum member of the alumni body. This effort helped to some extent. For instance, the abandoned school hall project opposite the school was completed with money raised and named the Alumni Hall. The goal of the annual Homecoming and Reunion is to bring together old students, from within and outside the country, once a year to Ado-Ekiti in order to strengthen fraternal relations and be a platform to raise funds for the implementation of programmes and projects for the renewal and redevelopment of the School. The Homecomings that have been held from 2006 till date include:

· The 1st Homecoming and Reunion held from December 8th to 10th December in 2006 and it was hosted by students that cut across sets.

· 2nd Homecoming and Reunion took place from the 21st to 23rd of December in 2007and it was hosted by the 1965-69/71 set.

· 3rd Homecoming that was hosted by 1966-70/72 set, was held from October 17 to 19 in 2008.

· The 4th Reunion and Homecoming was hosted by Christ’s School Alumni Association North America (CSAANA) in 2011.

· 5th Homecoming and Reunion, the event was hosted by UK Chapter in 2012.

· The 6th Homecoming and Reunion fell within the 80th anniversary of founding Christ’s School and the 2013 event was hosted by the Lagos branch of the alumni association.

· 7th Homecoming and Reunion held as scheduled in 2014.

· 8th Homecoming and Reunion hosted by 71-75 Set held in 2015

· Apart from 2020 during the Covid19 incursion, the reunion at the annual national Homecoming held as scheduled between 2016 and 2022. The sponsors were sets celebrating 40 years after graduating from the school in the successive Homecoming years.

    Homecoming results to the reunion of set mates, seniors and juniors which often make the programme quite an interactive one. It provided avenue for the international meeting of various old students across the world. Sporting events often feature in a typical Homecoming. Soccer which happens to be one of the areas the school excelled in the Principal's Cup competition of the old western region featured in the some of the programmes of the past Homecomings. A typical spirit week includes a kind of pep rally, a day before the soccer match to rev students up! It is often an opportunity for old boys to replicate the traditional evening football set played around Babamboni, Mason, Harding and Dallimore blocks in those days. The essence of the spirit week in most Homecomings is to pump up all ranks of participants to showcase the school's pride and team spirit.

    Homecoming of alumni also provides an avenue for fund raising. Christ's School has its own share of dilapidated school buildings and infrastructures. The last time I was in my block in Babamboni House, it was shocking to see the extent of the poor state of infrastructures. The uninspiring state of some of the classrooms is worrisome though quite a number of the very old structures maintained the vintage looks and was spirit lifting. Through efforts of some old students, few dormitory blocks have been brought up to standard. Homecoming therefore, provides an avenue to take stock and explore “fund raiser” window of opportunities.

    In some instances where Homecoming is marked, a day is set aside as the celebrity day for identified admired citizens for what they contribute to the society such that children could have opportunity to interact with them and ask questions. The 2011 Homecoming of which I was the Chairman of the Planning Committee, was structured to celebrate old students who have done the alumni proud. In this category were old students who got federal and state government appointments on merits and others who have excelled in their careers. Those who made the 2011 Homecoming and Reunion recognition list include Dr Segun Aganga, who was then Federal Minister of Trade & Investment; Professor Bolaji Aluko, onetime Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Otuoke and Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Ekiti State Governor among others.

    The essence of Homecoming and Reunion of alumni conceptually is to rev up harmony among old students, plan for raising fund for the development of the alma mater, network for empowerment among alumni and strategize on how to effectively facilitate restoration of standard in all fronts in the school after the return of the school back to the mission. In essence, the alumni should constitute a team to work with the Anglican Diocese on the restoration programme. Essentially, our Homecoming at Christ’s School is a customized Reunion by replicating a typical Homecoming in the contemporary world and adapt it to suit our culture and the reality of our environment. In all, Homecoming and Reunion should be fun, build vibrant team, facilitate harmony among alumni, be progressive, raise funds and nostalgic in the final analysis.

    Christ's School is a phenomenon as an institution which stood out in the colonial days and was a force to reckon with in the old Western Region. It is no gain saying that such institution that drew children of all ranks of Nigerian working class across the nation has influence far beyond the host community and state. Consequently, its alumni association is bound to conduct its affairs such that it will not only set pace for other schools but constitutes the magnet that will draw all ranks of old students together to do great exploits. Indeed, in the spirit of the school anthem, Christ is our corner stone, on His alone we build. Students and alumni all over the world just have to “walk the talk” and not in “name only” it is the minimum we can give back in returns to the grace of the goodwill of the school which we all enjoy as a going concern.

    The Homecoming of the hybrid group, 1978 to 1980 and 1979 to 1981 HSC sets scheduled for April 21 to 24 is special because they formally marked 42nd and 41st anniversary of the year they graduated from the great school. Also, the current national alumni president of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Kunle Lawal Jinadu is a member of the hybrid HSC group hosting a reunion at the school campus in Ado-Ekiti. Apparently, it is expected to provide yet another opportunity for a strategic reunion for their fellow old students and classmates.

    If a white man could leave his comfort zone to plant Christ’s School at Ado-Ekiti, then once in a year personal self-denial should not be too much for anyone who has been blessed by the institution, to give back to the school. My prayer is that things will look-up for the alumni of Christ’s School, in Jesus name, Amen. Up School!! Long live The School! Long live Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti.

ALUMNI REUNITE 40 YEARS AFTER…TO LIFT ALMA MATER

By Olatunde Odebiyi - The Nation Publication on April 24, 2019

The old students of Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti Higher School Certificate (HSC) 1978-80 and 1979 -81 sets have said they are committed to restoring the glory of their alma mater. Speaking in Ikeja, Lagos during the maiden edition of the alumni’s 40th celebration of the members who met for the first time since their graduation four decades ago, the convener Seye Adetunmbi, said their meeting would help the members to reunite and be of assistance to one another in various human endeavours, adding that it would also enable them to extend support to their alma mater in any area they can be of assistance to it.
He said: “Now that those of us alive have reunited with ourselves, we can put heads together on how we can complement one another’s efforts in our various human endeavours and extend support to our alma mater in any area we can be of assistance to the school. “For instance, the National President of the alumni, Dr U. J. Itsueli has urged us to put on our thinking cap on how to successfully actualise the plans of Ekiti State government to handover the school back to Anglican Mission which is the founding owners of the school. “We intend to help the school by looking at the issues realistically and proffering various workable alternatives towards achieving the desired restoration of the standard that created the heritage that every product of the school flaunts till today.”
He said seeing one another after 40 years is gratifying. “It also provides an avenue for us to be of help to one another when and where necessary and to complement the efforts of the national alumni association for the benefit of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti. “The association is a platform for old students of the school to come together and participate in other global alumni activities of their alma mater. I first convened an interactive platform in 2005 on the internet using this portal christschoolhsc7881@yahoogroups.com for members to interact. On June 1, 2017, I created a WhatsApp group for members of the two HSC sets to meet and compare notes. “After almost two years that we have been chatting through WhatsApp, members stressed the need for us to see ourselves physically and here we are for the maiden edition of our reunion,” he said.
Chief Administrator, Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA), Yemi Akeju, described the reunion as great. “This is a great reunion for those who were together 40 years ago in the school. They all benefited from the virtues of life which the school gave to them. It is a good thing for them to come together to talk about what they can do for the school, “he said. Akeju, an old student of the school, 1968-1972 set, noted that Christ’s School is one of the few outstanding schools in Africa. “We have all benefited from the school; it is our responsibility to go back there and do something for the school for the betterment of the students and to sustain the quality of education we received from the school,” he said.
Another old student, Olusola Afonja, then Chapel Prefect, said life back then was an exciting one. He said the reunion was for the old students to get together with joy and happiness and to give glory to God that they could still come together after years of leaving school. “We aim to get the school back from government. One of the agenda at this meeting was for the different sets to strategise on how they can get the school back from government and restore its glory. Before government took over Christ’s School, it was the best school in Ekiti. The school used to be one of the best in old western states,” he said.
Chief Mrs Bimbo Odegbami, also an old student, described the gathering as interesting, noting that many of them have not seen one another in the past 40 years after they left school. “Many of us saw last as kids but we are all grown now as grand fathers and mothers. Many of you have changed and we can now relate again as friends. Nothing nowadays can be like school days. School days were fun for us because there was nothing to think or worry about except for ourselves,” she said. A contractor and old student of the school, Mrs. Iyabo Garba, said meeting the old faces is a thing of joy. “We thank God that we are alive and we are here together today. Our gathering is to be of benefit to one another and to contribute to the development of the school that made us to be what we are today,” she said. Garba described life back then as pleasant, noting that the school made her to be more serious about life and to become successful.

THE SCHOOL

Prologue to The Compendium on Christ's School, Packaged by Seye Adetunmbi in 2020

It would amount to an understatement that the Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti phenomenon means a lot to all ranks of the people who have passed through the great institution or those who have one link or the other with the school either as a student or as a teacher. Essentially, the Christ’s School brand was entrenched during the period the school was under the management of Church Missionary Society (CMS), now the Anglican Communion. It is common knowledge therefore, that for as long as the school is wholly managed by the state government those sterling qualities that stood the school out over the years would be elusive. This explains the collective desire and concerted determination of the stakeholders of the school towards the return of the School back to Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion. To the glory of God, The School was formally handed over to the mission in 2019 while counting on the support of the old students as a going concern. The bond and camaraderie that Christ’s School alumni enjoy among themselves globally constitute the base of their strength, which should be built upon to accomplish all that they have set out to achieve. We have so many values that bind Christ’s School family together and the tie continues to awe people around the products of the distinguished school.

         The stakeholders of the school have challenges, yet with structured persistence to keep the fire of the unique brand burning and sustain the vision of the founding fathers, they are surmountable. As a matter of fact, Archdeacon Henry Dallimore who left his comfort zone to plant the seed in 1933 which has grown to become a giant heritage we now flaunt; has challenged all the stakeholders of Christ’s School dynasty. There is no going back. This is why intervention to rescue the school from any form of dwindling standard is ongoing. Also conscious efforts have gone into addressing disappointments in all quarters at one point or the other such that we can do greater exploits together under one umbrella and in harmony. The main thrust of our collective strategy is to deploy optimally, what we have to drive and derive the desired result. With God on our side and commitment of every well-meaning alumnus, we shall overcome the task before us.

This book is an initiative born out of the need to do a follow-up to the book titled “In Deed and in Truth” which the author packaged in 2013. This edition is published under the title of “THE SCHOOL – A Compendium on Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti”. The book is pictorial and quite detailed, and the package is of a distinct kind in the history of the school. Thus, the compendium is specifically and strategically packaged as part of the unending interesting story of Christ’s School as an institution of repute. It is indeed an ongoing novelty to promote the reunion concept and lasting harmonious relationship among all the ranks of old students of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti for the good of the school on a lasting note. It is specially put together as a timeless corpus, loaded with information for every alumnus to keep for posterity.

I researched into various published materials of class sets, old students, past teachers and the school officials on Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, then compiled and rearranged the information as deemed appropriate. This included freshly obtained information from the school principal such as the staff list and students’ list; extracts from the Report of the Committee on Project Christ’s School Renewal, chaired by Baba-Ijo Segun Ogunkua and summary of the handover proposal to Ekiti-State Government in 2016; written comments of old students at various forums, all put together in a compact one-stop-book.

Consequently, the book is made up of 22 chapters in four sections. The first part is the evolution of the school and her consolidation to maturity. It dug into the profile of the founder, the school principals and the teachers of the school to-date. There are some extracts from “The Builder”, a publication on Canon Leslie Donald Mason, the Principal of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti in 1948 to 1966. The second part highlighted the recalls of a wide range of the old students from the very old generation alumni up to the younger ones. It was based on available materials; some were mainly extracts from the biographies of old students who dedicated a chapter in their book for Christ’s School. In this category were Chief Fola Alade and Chief Samuel Bandele Falegan and Professor Adelola Adeloye.

The third section covers various intervention programmes of the alumni, globally through Reunion and Homecoming programmes. Also with the increasing interest of various sets to put structures in the school premises, a generally acceptable Master Plan becomes necessary. This section touches the proposed Master Plan for the school. This is with the hope that the Anglican Communion with the support of the global formidable alumni body would harnesses the collective effort productively towards consummating a lasting structure for the proper management of the school. The last and the fourth section contains the register of the old students from 1933-1988 which will be updated from time to time in order to cover any gap in this edition. This section is also based on available information from the school authority and sets’ register.

This publication no doubt should serve as a kind of the maiden encyclopedia on Christ’s School and should be reviewed periodically. In between the sections are ancient and modern vintage photographs that will bring back very fond memories of a beloved alma mater. Albeit, this is one timeless book that everyone who passed through Christ’s School should read. The periodic Homecoming and Reunion of old students of Christ’s School should be seen as a call to service in addition to a unique opportunity to reconnect with schoolmates. Therefore, every alumnus is charged to give his/her best shot for the Christ’s School project as a going concern. It is always a thing of joy to be part of the Christ’s School phenomenon; we just have to do everything possible to keep the flag flying.

A distinguished alumnus, Olusegun Aganga wrote in the Foreword and I quote: “....The training and the family values inculcated in us by our parents and those instilled in us by virtue of the school we attended during our character formation years, to a very large extent determine who and what we become in life. I may have been privileged to work for a top four Accountancy Firm, to be a Managing Director at the number one Investment Bank in the world in the United Kingdom for more than 30 years and have served Nigeria first, as Minister of Finance and later as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, I would always credit my parents and Christ School for laying the solid foundation on which others built on......I am what I am today because I attended Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti and the family values I imbibed in my formative years. I consider it a privilege and a great honour to be a product of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti."

The publication is quite informative and presented in a reader friendly manner, complemented with memorable photos. I wholeheartedly recommend it to be read by all. It derives its strength, authority and uniqueness from being a compendium of past previous published works on The School and the long journey to the handover of the school from Ekiti State Government to Ekiti Anglican Mission. It is loaded with scintillating facets and integrated nostalgic slices of the various experiences of old students The School. Considering the fact that the book has an index, no doubt it is fated to become a veritable source of reference on the history of The School.

The intention is to come up with a book that will accommodate everyone connected with Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, an institution with an awesome legacy, such that the compendium would appeal to all ranks of the reading public and members of the Christ’s School family. Kindly pardon any shortcoming by way of error or omission in this edition. Considering the fact that it is a non-static historical book, God willing, subsequent editions will note every observation or additional information received.
The paper back is available on Amazon through this link https://www.amazon.com/dp/9789797281/ To explore the Kindle eBook click on this link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0861KM16Q

Peterside

ATEDO PETERSIDE: GOOD REPUTATION PERSONIFIED

By

Seye Adetunmbi, 28/2/20

One of the most refreshing good news coming from the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) is the investiture of Atedo Peterside CON as Honorary Fellow of the professional body of City Gentlemen in Nigeria. He is the sixth person to be so honored. General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Aliko Dangote made the list. This recognition is not only well earned, it was long due and thank God it happened on February 27th, 2020 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria-Island, Lagos.

Atedo N. A. Peterside (ANAP) founded Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC in 1989 at the age of 33 years. He is also the founder of ANAP Business Jets Limited while he is the Founder and President of ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to promoting good governance. Mr Peterside is currently serving as a Director of Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Bank Group Limited.

ANAP is the Chairman of Cadbury PLC from April 2010 till date and Art X Collective Limited, January 2019 till date. He sits on the Board of Directors of Flour Mills of Nigeria from March 2010 till present, Nigerian Breweries PLC (Heineken Subsidiary) from August 2018 till present and Unilever Nigeria PLC, January 2008 till date.

He served as the Chairman of the Committee on Corporate Governance of Public Companies in Nigeria; in 2011 to 2015, he was a member of the National Council for Privatization (NCP)and Chairman of NCP Technical Committee; he was a member of the National Economic Management Team in 2007 to 2010 and a Federal Government Delegate at the 2014 National Conference.

ANAP was appointed the Alternative Private Sector Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council. The Rivers-State of Nigeria indigene has passion for boating, polo, reading and travel.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, The Chief Guest of Honour acknowledged the fact that Atedo Peterside is a man of good reputation. For this reason and the fact that Mr Gamaliel Onosode who was his Best Man when he got married, was the 1st President of CIS, he was delighted to be the Guest of Honour at the Investiture ceremony.

On behalf of the Body of Fellows, oga Tola Mobolurin, the 2nd President of CIS spoke very well about oga Atedo Peterside and said that it is a privilege having him on board as one of the distinguished honorary Fellows of CIS.

    In his response to the honour CIS has done him, Atedo Peterside spoke briefly to say it all on the economy, financial market, best practices and contemporary ethical issues. His speech was long enough to be refreshing, value adding and candid in his usual character of saying things the way they are. 

       He asked the memorable gathering to observe a minute silence in memory of “Mr Integrity”, Baba Onosode who gave him the first job opportunity to work under him at the age of 22 years. Learning under such a distinguished master was a rare privilege indeed.

    Takeaway from the response of the vintage ANAP includes giving whatever he might have achieved to teamwork while he focused on timing and business direction. For instance he didn’t venture into stockbroking business until mid 1990s because before then the whole market value was too small and it was not worth the trouble. Also when the “bubble burst” in the Nigerian capital market happened in 2007 IBTC was not affected. They didn’t get into trouble because all the pressure from his colleagues for IBTC  to join others in proprietary trading, he turned them down. He challenged them to focus on clients mandates and grow their portfolio and business generally.

    His recollection of when he critiqued policies, political decisions and told clients candid truth and the consequences of such action in a competitive market characterized with intrigues, is quite instructive. He said that while one or two people may not give you job for disciplined disposition and tough professional inclination, three, four other people may approach you to give you business transaction for who you are as a principled player. He recalled his encounter with Sir Rufus Foluso Giwa who gave him a Capital Market Issue mandate because he was the only one who was bold enough to say the truth in the keenly sought after mandate. That was vintage Chief RFG, my unforgettable Chairman.

I first knew oga Atedo by reputation as a remarkable professional, one of the few who inspired my passion for investment banking and capital market generally. I later wrote him a commendation letter in early 1990s when I saw and read his progressive inclinations in the newspaper during the difficult military era days when it took a lot of guts to criticize the despots not to talk of placing full page advert in the national newspaper. He replied my letter appreciating my initiative and disposition too.

    It is not difficult to know genuine and sincere people, they are responsive without pretenses and acknowledge mails or messages sent to them. His crusade then later gave birth to the Concerned Professionals Group that was birthed in the 1990s in Nigeria.

    After convening the Capital Market Roundtable in August 2008, I contacted him and he joined us in the preeminent all-inclusive forum for capital market operators and practitioners in Nigeria. He has been part of us till date and when it comes to sharing ideas and perspectives on national, economic and capital market matters, he will do justice to the subject matter clinically.

    What else can I say about the distinguished economist, financial market guru and investment banker of repute than to ask for good health and long life with peace of mind for the husband of Mrs Abiodun Peterside. God will continue to bless his marriage that has been endowed with children who are doing the family proud.

    It was a beautiful evening and it was refreshing for me joining my fellow colleagues in the capital market to sing our song in his honor, “For he is a jolly good fellow...” Yes, Atedo Peterside is a good man. You are welcome on board sir.

1

Seye Adetunmbi FCS, 28/2/2020

Onafowakan B.A.

ESSENTIALS OF AN EXEMPLARY PRINCE B. A. ONAFOWOKAN

First written on his 90th birthday by Seye Adetunmbi on 28/2/15, it was reviewed in 2020 to celebrate his 95th birthday

One is bound to see old age as desirable, beautiful and graceful when you encounter a remarkable Nigerian in person of Prince Babatunde Adedapo Onafowokan (BAO), the founding Chief Executive Officer of Ladgroup Limited. His carriage every Sunday, natural calmness, structured lifetime priorities, well-coordinated and simple disposition to human endeavors over the years point to one fact that he has been truly blessed by God for a distinct purpose among others; so that his life can minister to people around him and the younger generations. 

Engagement ceremony in 1956                                        Mama VA Onafowokan signed the dotted lines on August 6, 1956

Baba & Mama Onafowokan were best of friends, their bond was so inspiring and exemplary

For someone of my age who came to settle in Lagos in 1990, I could only see a tiny part of Baba Onafowokan in his Ladgroup days. In order to get a full picture of his amazing profile, it took me some research and facts finding to place Baba Onafowokan in proper perspective in this write-up which I put together to celebrate him on his 95^th birthday anniversary.

Shell West Africa Management Staff in the 1960s

It is amazing to state that within the past 95 years, BAO has been tested as a teacher, as a multinational company technocrat and as a diligent entrepreneur who is humility and empathy personified, also a selfless philanthropist and a keen man of God worthy of emulation. Through His grace, Baba having committed most of his hard earned financial resources in old age to God's work, he continues to dedicate his time and every other substance at his disposal as a gracefully aging old man to Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.

1. Shell London Group Development Course 1966  2. BAO with the Managing Director of Shell, Bobby Reid

The Prince of Moko Royal Dynasty, Ikenne and Tunwase Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode; was born on 28th February 1925 at Ikenne in Ogun State of Nigeria. His father was Adeyemi Onafowokan and mother was Oke Makiyeti. He had his early education at Wasimi African Primary School, Ijebu-Ode and St Paul's Anglican School in Sagamu. His secondary education took him to Abeokuta Grammar School and Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.

A distinguished family man who gave his wards the best of education within and outside Nigeria

BAO gained admission into the University College Ibadan on scholarship which attested to the fact that he was a brilliant student among his peers which is also evident among his children to the glory of God. He was to train as a surveyor but changed the course of study to Mathematics in 1951.

Conferred Honorary Doctorate degree by Ogun State University in 1992

Prince Onafowokan passed the London Matriculation Examination in 1950 and the University of London Special Honours Degree in Mathematics in 1954 when he graduated from the University of Ibadan.

   His brief teaching job started at Ogbomosho Grammar School in 1954 and left in 1955 for King's College, Lagos. On August 6, 1956, he got married to Mrs Victoria Abimbola Onafowokan nee Ogunlesi (1931-2008), a remarkably resourceful wife, a servant of God and a great blessing to the family. He joined Shell Nigeria Limited and as a management trainee in June 1956 and taught part-time at the Federal School of Science, Onikan from 1957 to 1958. He was appointed Head of Marketing Service and Statistical Forecasting of Shell Nigeria Limited in 1958. He was promoted manager in charge of the Mid-Western Region of Nigeria in 1959 and Manager of the Western Region from 1961.

In 1963 to 1964, he was sent to London, Norway and Kenya for advanced management training courses and was seconded to British Petroleum to work in the Retail Division of National Petroleum between 1965 and 1966. On return to Nigeria in 1966, he was promoted to the post of Retail Sales Manager, a position he held till his early voluntary pensionable retirement in 1972.

Baba & Mama with Grandchildren Ps 128

The visionary and perspective prince studied the economic environment and the entrepreneur instinct in him took better part of his decision to go for early voluntary pensionable retirement in 1972. He founded Ladgroup Limited as a commodity trading company in 1971 to essentially focus on international trade based on the economic principle of comparative advantage. Ladgroup was the biggest exporter of cocoa and other agricultural commodities till 1996, the company won national awards and enjoyed immense financial support from local banks. Record has it that Ladgroup was the first indigenous private company that imported rice from Thailand in Nigeria.

1Peter 2:9

 

President Ikeja Lions Club                                                                                City Club of Lagos at Club House, Surulere

  

At 50

The head office of Ladgroup is at 24 Abimbola Street, Isolo. I recall my first visit to the premises in the mid-1990s at the instance of his son, Kunle Onafowokan when Baba gave me an assignment. I was so inspired seeing Mama Onafowokan, the inestimable jewel of Baba Onafowokan and other family members working hard in the office for Ladgroup. It was only a matter of time for the distinguished entrepreneur to be recognized and awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye. BAO in his youthful days was actively involved in sporting activities; he played football, lawn tennis and table tennis. In fact Baba played lawn tennis till middle age and even in old age he took delight in swimming. He is a member of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, City Club and was a former President of Ikeja Lions Club. He served at the initial stage, as a member of the Board of Governors of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun-State.

         Unequivocally, he earned the title of the defacto Baba-Ijo of the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja Lagos, for his exemplary roles in the Church over the years as one of the pioneer members. He is the Patron of the Busy Bees Society and the Grand Patron of the Choir in the church. He is also the Patron of the Elderly Ministry of the Diocese of Lagos West, Ikeja. He is a member of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne and the President of Men’s and Women’s Auxiliary Guild of the Church. He served as the Chairman of the Remo Diocesan Development Committee till 2013. He is the Patriarch of Victoria Abimbola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikenne.

Prince Onafowokan with his brother in-law, Professor T. Ogunlesi and Seye Adetunmbi (author)

Before I was privileged to associate close to Baba Onafowokan in the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, it was delightful seeing him when he was the chairman at the wedding reception of my older brother, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, when he got married to Dr Mrs Bola Adetunmbi nee Adeniyi at Ilorin in 1990.

Prince Onafowokan and Ambassador Adefope on 24/10/10 at ACA, Opebi

 

 Baba Onafowokan, Prof Andrew Aroloye and cross sections of congregation 22/9/09 & 1/1/15 at ACA, Opebi

As a great planner and excellent coordinator, whenever he was made the Chairman of a committee in the church, he will look out for parishioners with the set skills to support the work of the small group. He drafted me to one of such, a Welfare Committee that was constituted to manage an investment fund initiated to meet the needs of the indigent members of the parish under his chairmanship. It is always a great pleasure being around him. He is a technocrat with a meticulous inclination that will not leave anything to chance. When he was going to commission the church building built in memory of his beloved wife, I served in the committee he constituted. During Christmas, I often receive a gift from him. When I went to thank him in December 2014 and remarked that it is his rice that I usually eat every Christmas, in his characteristic sincere and generous smile, Baba said: “God willing you will continue to eat it for as long as possible”. Baba traveled out of the country just before I marked 50^th birthday anniversary in 2012 with a public book presentation. On the last Sunday before his scheduled flight he gave me money in an envelope for a copy of the book which I later delivered to him, and he received it with delight.

Prince Onafowokan flanked by Seye Adetunmbi, Senator Biyi Durojaiye and some members of the elderly Ministry of the Church of Ascension Opebi, Lagos on January 1, 2015

Prince Onafowokan was happily married to Mrs Victoria Abimbola Onafowokan nee Ogunlesi for 52 years before she joined the saints triumphant and the marriage was blessed with five children. As a family man, Baba stands out as an exemplar. How Baba has been able to cope with the challenges of life without any visible stress is a study in contentment and lesson in submitting to the will of God, by surrendering all to Jesus Christ.

Baba Onafowokan, Mrs Tokunbo Ogunlesi, Mrs Bolodeoku and other co-parishioners at a function in ACA, Opebi

Baba Onafowokan flanked L-R by Venerable L.L. Eso, Prof T. Ogunlesi and Seye Adetunmbi on Christmas day in 2015. The 97 years old professor prayed that we that took this photograph together shall mark 100 years birthday, and we chorused amen

To say that I love very elderly people a lot, would amount to an understatement because I feel very comfortable with the arugbos. When Baba celebrated his 80^th birthday in 2005, I asked his wife, Mama Onafowokan of blessed memory, my encourager and inspirer in the vineyard, for the size of his cap and I made a special gobi native cap for him with aso agba, 1955 etu from the little piece that I have preserved over the years It is the type of vintage fabric that you can’t find around anymore. You must be really special to me and be above 80 years of age before you can get that kind of gift from me. My greatest joy is that the cap became one of his favorites. Now that Baba is a nonagenarian, I couldn’t think of any better gift for an exemplary man of God who has everything, because he has Christ and his focus is on Jesus, than to celebrate him with this token tribute straight from my heart. He has indeed brought forth good fruit in old age; and his beloved family remains fat and flourish. Yes, it is assured in the good book that “the righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in courts of our God”. Ajinde ara a ma je fun Baba l’oruko Jesu, amin.

On his 80^th birthday after the thanksgiving service

At Ikoyi Boat Club the reception of the 80^th birthday celebration

Happy 90th Birthday anniversary sir. Ajinde ara a ma je fun yin l'oruko Jesu. Amin.

90 “GBOSAS” for Baba Onafowokan!




Baba marked 90th natal day with holy communion service at Anglican Church of the Ascension on 28^th February, 2015.

Delighted Seye Adetunmbi, 28/2/15