How the world celebrates late Alhaji Jimoh and Alhaja Azeezat Gbadamosi one year, 10 years after

*Papa was an awesome, detribalized person who believed in giving – Makanjuola, Caverton boss

*Says he would teach and monitor progress of students

*He was an epitome of integrity, very accommodating, full of wisdom – Justice Olorunnibe

*Passing through the tutelage of Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi was wonderful experience – Mrs Oyinda Aiyepola

*My mother organised adult education for her drivers, domestic staff – Bimbola Adedun, daughter

*Dad and Mum taught me and my siblings to imbibe the virtues of hard work, courage and honesty – Biodun Gbadamosi, son 

*They taught us to be considerate, embrace other people no matter their economic status – Kunle Gbadamosi, son

*Grandpa and Grandma lived pious and exemplary lives worthy of emulation – Dr Wasiu Gbadamosi, Pa Gbadamosi’s nephew

*They were distinguished educators, elders, who understood the transformative power of learning for young people – Gen. Olanrewaju

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

“The best way to find yourself, is to  lose yourself in the service of others” – Mahatma Gandhi and “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’-Winston Churchhill.

All these inspirational quotes by these renowned leaders suit the renowned educationist, the Late Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi, who died a year ago, because he was indeed a leader, who ticked all the boxes in his humanitarian trajectories. So was his wife, Alhaja Azeezat Adebisi Gbadamosi, who had passed away 10 years before him.

Alhaji Gbadamosi was referred to as an icon, a quintessential paragon of human virtues. As an educationist, he led an indelible mark on the sands of time. As family and friends remember this remarkable man on his one-year anniversary and 10 years anniversary of his wife, the late Alhaja Azeezat Adebisi Gbadamosi, a parent’s light may dim, but their impact never fades.

As a man of wisdom, whose knowledge and exposure transcend the ordinary, the sweet memory of Alhaji Gbadamosi  remains uneasy to be wished away in a hurry despite being a year now that he breathed his last, precisely on Monday May 15, 2023. This is as his children, associates and the Nigerian communities still feel like they have just lost one of the best Nigerians that Nigeria has ever produced. But before he made his last ‘submission’ to the final arbiter, he had already been ‘discharged’ and ‘acquitted’ as one that lived life to the fullest. He gave his all. He achieved the best.

The renowned educationist shone as one of the brightest of his generation. His intellectual prowess in his field of profession was equal to none. Teaching was his life: he breathed it, he lived it and he ate it. The late Alhaji Gbadamosi made a success out of teaching, impacting knowledge and nurturing talents.

Born  March 18, 1927 in Lagos Island to parents who were traders, he began his early education at Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos Island in the mid-30s and St. Gregory College, Obalende, Lagos for his post-primary education. He later proceeded to Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Geography Education. His quest for further education to equip himself for his future career took him to Oxford University where he bagged a Master’s degree also in Geography Education.

A brilliant and exceptional man, the late educationist started his career as a pioneer principal of the then Ahmaddiyah High School, Eleyele, Ibadan in the then Western Region. In 1957, he moved to Lagos as principal of Anwar-Ul Islam, Agege (formerly Ahmaddiyah College, Agege) from there he went to Jubril Martins Secondary School where he served until his voluntary retirement in 1977 at the early age of 50.

Over the past 46 years on earth, Gbadamosi was involved in various activities both in sports and education at both state and national levels. He was Chairman, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Chairman, Lagos Amateur Football Association, Member, National Judo Association and Chairman, Principals’ Cup Committee. He also served as Commissioner, Lagos State Local Government Commission, Chairman, Anwar-Ul Islam Movement. His selfless service in his field at both state and national levels had npt gone unnoticed. On December 13, 2002, the Federal  Government conferred on him the National Honour of Order of the Niger (OON).

An event organised to mark the one year and 10 years  remembrance of both educational icons was held at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos on Wednesday May 15, 2024.

The event, which also witnessed reading of the whole Qur’an, special prayers for deceased, offering of special tributes and lecture, was attended by eminent Nigerians who were mostly his students including Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group PLC, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola accompanied by his wife, Mrs Yoyinsola Makanjuola and sons, Olabode, Niyi, Rotimi and their spouses.

The late educationists’ offspring were also in attendance namely Mr. Biodun, Gbadamosi, Mrs. Bimbola Adedun and Kunle Gbadamosi.

Other eminent persons present included former Minister of Communications and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Armoured Division Nigerian Army, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (RTD); former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, among several others, some of who poured encomiums on the late educational hero and his wife, who had preceded him in the journey of no return.

Delivering his lecture at the memorial, the lecturer whose paper prepared in English was circulated at the event, Associate Professor Noah Lawal Jinadu of the Foreign Languages Department, Arabic Unit, Lagos State University, said the lecture in its intent and purpose was a reflection of what Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi and his wife Alhaja Azeezat Adebisi Gbadamosi stood for and expended their entire quality lives upon.

The university don said, “They lived a fulfilled life, full of great, laudable and outstanding achievements, exemplary for a would-be parents, a young father or mother who is having some challenges in rearing his (or her) ogoweere.

“Anyone who has the opportunity to look into their wonderful biographies, or listen to narratives on their life styles and parenting methodology would certainly view today’s lecture as a mere theoretical construct and subtle addendum.

“I have read their biographies and had the rare opportunity of listening to detailed narrations on their life styles, I have come to the conclusion that they were a paragon of admirable qualities/virtues, an epitome of erudition, and of course, an embodiment of good parenting,” the lecturer said.

Jinadu, speaking on the lecture titled ‘Role of Young Muslim Parents in Early Child Upbringing and Its Challenges in Modern Society’, looked at the serving children and said, “Today’s programme which is organised by you (the pious children) in commemoration of our late father and mother is a clear indication and a proof of positive parenting.”

Associate Professor Lawal Jinadu added that, “They both raised you well and inculcated in you the religious values of Islam, and today they are now reaping the fruits of their labour as you gather people to join you in this special memorial prayer,” he said.

“And if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”- John Quincy Adams.

This applies to one of his students and Caverton boss, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola. Until his final appearance in the court of life, Makanjuola was a living witness to Alhaji Gbadamosi’s good and benevolent life. He didn’t only mentor Makanjuola, he also became a father figure to him.

Makanjuola had an encounter with the late renowned educationist as a teenager in 1962 at age 13. This later resulted in a robust father-and-son relationship. He remained a father figure and a reliable confidant to the successful businessman until he died last year, 2023.

Talking glowingly about him Makanjuola said, “Alhaji Gbadamosi had a relationship with my father and my path crossed with him in 1962 when I wanted to enter  secondary school and my father sent me to his household. I became one of his own. Him and his  late wife were both  two inseparable duo who embraced  and impacted education not for  their children but for other people’s children. And they were both principal of schools. The husband was teaching at Ahmadiyya College Agege, and the wife was at the  Ahmadiyya Girls’ High School. He later moved to Jubril Martins when it started.

“They both really dedicated their lives to educating people.  And all the people they have  helped to educate have become greater people in the country and doing very well.”

That Makanjuola blossomed under their tutelage would be an understatement: “They took me as their child and proudly call me their first son to anybody that cares to know. And I always live to that expectation for them. And they have been very nice, decent and all of that to me.”

The impact of the Gbadamosi on the Caverton boss was enormous. From his secondary school days to his foray in England, they were there all the way.

“After my studies in England, I came back to Nigeria they already had a place for me in their house with my wife and first born Bode. And then when I started work, Alhaji Gbadamosi was one of those who influenced my getting work at Backlays Bank. They were always with me all the time. Whatever I did, they were there. Whatever they did, I was there. And I ensured that I treated their children as my junior brothers and sister.”

It has been one year since his demise, Makanjuola said he missed his counsel. “Papa was a man of wisdom. I go to his house every Sunday. He would tell me his life history all over and all over again. He would tell me about Lagos. He would tell me about what he had done. His wife was also a very pleasant lady. She took care of the husband when he was sick. They were always together.

“The late Alhaji Gbadamosi  was an awesome person, who believed in giving. A detribalized Nigerian who would teach you and monitor your progress. Even if your parents didn’t have money to send you to university, he would look for scholarships for you. He was a great person and everybody that met him knew that they met somebody along with his wife.

“I pray to Almighty Allah to forgive him his sins and give him a pleasant abode in Al Janna, and also for us to keep on remembering him, possibly doing a foundation, naming of streets after him, and maybe very soon collating and writing a book about his life so that people will know better.”

Corroborating her husband, Mrs. Yoyinsola Makanjuola said the late Alhaji Jimoh and Alhaja Gbadamosi fondly called ‘Mummy and Daddy’ were epitome of great morals and finesse. They lived a life full of great achievement in nurturing all students that passed through their tutelage as principal of Muslim colleges.

“They were pillars of success to all the students that they taught including my Husband. He reminisced so many good things they did in his life along with so many other students which now yielded great successes in their lives. Mummy and Daddy can never be forgotten as the saying goes: ‘To live in the heart of those you love is not to Die’.

“They took over my husband as their biological child with total care and love which smoothly extended to me and our children. We owe them everlasting gratitude for being there always to see that all is well. Daddy till he passed on always looked out for us, making sure we were comfortable and he spoilt us rotten with gifts,” Mrs Makanjuola said.

In his tribute, General Olanrewaju said, “As distinguished educators and well-known elders in the Lagos community, they understood the transformative power of learning for young people, recognising how education could serve as the cornerstone upon which their careers could be built to enhance their futures,” said the former Minister.

Reminiscing on his life and time, a retired jurist, Justice  Isola Adekunle Olorunnibe also praised Alhaji Gbadamosi, whose life resonates with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy that says: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

According to the 94-year-old judiciary icon, his path crossed with him in 1948 when Ahmadiyya High School was established. “He was one of our teachers and I was one of his early students. We maintained a cordial relationship because of the conduct of Papa Alhaji Jimoh Gbadamosi, OON. All of us were tiny young boys then. Then we left school in 1952. But before we left, he  had gone to Trinity College in Dublin, Republic of Ireland for further studies. By the time he returned I was already a lawyer.

“He stuck to the ethics of his profession as a teacher. He later proceeded abroad for post graduate in Oxford University. He maintained an excellent relationship with all his students. Both the new ones and old ones. We kept on going to him for advice.”

Commenting on his influence in his life, Justice Olorunnibe said it was enormous. “Late Pa Gbadamosi was an epitome of integrity; he was very accommodating and a man full of wisdom. I think he was ordained to be a teacher.

“I miss him. I have missed his Friday lectures, but you can call it sermon. On Fridays, he would tell me the history of Lagos, prominent personalities and he would tell me how to behave. So I miss his prayers. He would pray for me, my family and all our friends who are his former pupils. Mama was a wonderful mother. She too was a teacher. She  would listen to you carefully. We miss her motherly care. As we celebrate these wonderful people, my wish for the children is that they should keep up the tradition of Papa and Mama’s legacies of togetherness and friendship.”

In her words, Mrs. Oyinda Aiyepola, a younger sister to the late Alhaja Azeezat Gbadamosi, said the wonderful couple were like her biological parents. She called the sister her ‘younger mother’.

“It was a wonderful experience passing through the tutelage of this amazing couple. My sister, Alhaja Azeezat Gbadamosi, was 10 years older than me. Although I lived with them, I am literally their first daughter while Remi (the Caverton boss) is referred to the first son. I learned a lot from her. She taught me about life, and home management.  I didn’t usually go out. We had a time that we usually returned home when we went out. She also taught me that promptness. Cleanliness is part of us. We used to do gardening, she taught me so much about gardening which I am still doing up till now.

“I lived with them when I was very young until I got married.  I went to England and came back in 1968.  I still stayed with them because my husband was still abroad.

“They were very kind. Both of them were special people created by God for manifestation. But then they have something for mankind, maybe because they were teachers. They accommodated everybody.  They were both disciplinarians who did not spare the rod that when you have passed the age of being caned, they will speak with or scold you with words. So, they had a way of giving you a wisdom or teaching about wisdom.

“Grandpa liked jazz music and we usually listened to music together both with granny. God will grant them Al Janna and we will keep their legacies of togetherness.”

In his words, the deceased eldest surviving son, Biodun Gbadamosi, paid tribute to his parents with act of gratitude.

“They were parents in a million. I am grateful for the lives that they lived and the values that they instilled in me and my siblings: to imbibe the virtues of hard work, courage and honesty. Not a day goes by without us remembering them with fond memories. We will continue to make them proud on the on this side of the divide as they continue to rest in the bosom of Almighty Allah.”

According to Abimbola Adedun, daughter of the deceased, she lost wonderful parents and problem solvers.

“Losing one’s parent when you were close to them is not easy at all no matter how long it has been. It has been one year and 10 years of losing my father and mother, respectively. I missed them. There are times when I crave for their words of wisdom and advice.

“My parents were both renowned educationists, who impacted not just my own life and siblings, positively, but others they didn’t know who needed education and employment. They would go out of their ways to ensure people got educated and become literate.  Their act of kindness has opened doors of favour for me.

“My mum would organize adult education for her driver and other domestic staff. I am always proud to be their daughter any day any time. My mum would always. say  ‘Make hay while the sun shines, if you don’t succeed try , try and try again….. and my father would say all that glitters is not gold and always remember the son/daughter of who you are..

“I am really grateful to them for always being there for my daughters who they practically brought up while I was on business trips. I love you both so much and miss you.May Allah (SWT) continue to make Aljanat Fridaus you final abode.”

Another son of the late educationist, Kunle Gbadamosi said their demise left a big vacuum “With them being gone, a big void is felt with them not being around. They left big shoes to fill, but we will carry on their legacy for their grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

He said, “My siblings and I were taught to be considerate, embrace other people, no matter their economic status and continuous hard work in anything we do. As my Mum would say, “HARD WORK DOES NOT KILL ANYONE”.  Seeing all their old students honour them fills me with so much pride. A good name is better than silver and gold”, Kunle said he is proud of their accomplishments.

He added, “I always think of their accomplishments, not necessarily in the monetary sense, but more of their humility, and selflessness. They were great role models. From them, especially my dad, I got the trait of being confident in whatever I do or when interacting with others. It is been 10 and 1 year, I missed my mum’s tenacity (never give up attitude) and my dad’s mellow demeanor.”

Dr. Wasiu Gbadamosi, a grandson, also paid tribute to his grandfather and grandmotger who lived pious and exemplary lives worthy of emulation.

“Describing my grandparents? Amazing. They gave us fish and taught us how to fish. They taught us the virtues of hard-work, patience, and persistence while holding faith in Allah, our creator. We were taught to be complacent and contended with whatever Allah has bestowed on us. These are principles they had imbibed in us. We have remained steadfast in this path thanks to their advice and guidance.

“They were colossi in the field of education and counselling. They have impacted the lives of so many oftheir students. They appreciated their capacities and capabilities early on in life and provided a very widerange of opportunities for them. Life has been good to all of us in the family but we sorely miss them.”

Mrs. Tokunbo Yinka Gbadamosi (daughter-in-law) has this  to say about her parents-in-law.

“Our family Patriach and Matriarch, Grandpa and Grandma Gbadamosi were good inspiration to me and my boys (Layi  and Tunji). From the first time I met them through my  late husband (Yinka Gbadamosi), it was always  love and affection.  Never treated  me as a daughter in law, but rather as a daughter in the Gbadamosi  clan. Grandpa  and Grandma’s legacy for us is wisdom,  knowledge, and education.

“They impacted knowledge, taught us to be self fulfilled and become all that we are capable of becoming in our profession. They taught us to love, be compassionate  and caring to one another. I really  missed  both of them.”

Adebisi Adedun-Gbajumo, a grand-daughter who imbibed spirit of hard work from her late grandmother, said.  “Hard work doesn’t kill; it only makes you stronger” words from my grandmother that have made me who I am today. Giving up wasn’t an option in my grandmother’s books neither was there room for failure or laziness.

“I grew up with my grandmother, my mother had to travel a lot for work. She taught me all the life skills I know today. From solving mathematics, cooking, braiding hair and basically everything about being a woman.

“Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if she was still alive. Especially with my children. She would have taught them all the mathematics and spellings she taught me. My grandmother was my friend and confidant,  My grandfather taught me contentment.

“Our relationship grew stronger after my grandmother passed and as I was the only grandchild who was always in Lagos, I was always at his house, grandpa loved me and my children a lot. I would say he loved my children even more than me. The past year has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. My grandfather was so protective of me, and worried when he didn’t hear from me in 24hours.  I miss cooking for him, gisting with him and buying him his favorite ice cream.

“It’s been a year already and my heart still aches. Life without  isn’t the same. I miss him , my children miss him also. He was the best grandfather and great grandfather.”

Oladunni Adekoya (nee Gbadamosi) said:  “Grandpa and Grandma Gbadamosi of blessed memory were such an admirable couple. They were extremely involved in my life from my birth till the day they both left this world.

“Reflecting back on my memories of them, the part of my life where they made the most impact was my education. From my first day of school till the day I graduated from university they were always there. Grandma became my lesson teacher and took it upon herself to make sure I excelled in my studies. They both emphasised the importance of education and hard work.

“They instilled in me the importance of being disciplined and they led by example always. They were both phenomenal human beings. They were the greatest couple I ever came across. They loved us all and adopted so many as their children. I thank God for their lives and I am blessed to call myself their grand daughter.”

As family and friends remember this remarkable man on his one-year anniversary and 10 years anniversary of his wife, the late Alhaji Azeezat Adebisi Gbadamosi, a parent’s light may dim, but their impact never fades.