MEMORIAL LECTURE: Gen Olanrewaju pays tribute to ‘Ahmaddiya College ex-principal’, Gbadamosi, wife

*Says they understood transformative power of learning for young people

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

“We are still carrying forward their legacies of service and excellence…Rest in peace, Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi, as your legacies live on in the hearts and minds of those you touched, with your sweat, wisdom, and leadership.”

Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), has described the principal of his Alma Mater, Ahmaddiyah College, Agege now Anwar-ULIslam College, Agege), Lagos, Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi, who passed away a year ago, as an educator and well-known elder in the Lagos community, who understood the transformative power of learning for young people.

Ascribing the same attribute to his wife, Alhaja Azeezat Adebisi Gbadamosi, who preceded him in death 10 years before, the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armourd Division, Nigerian Army said both were distinguished educationists, who recognised how education could serve as the cornerstone upon which careers of younger people could be built to enhance their futures.

Olanrewaju, a former student that was particularly connected with unparalleled respect to Alhaji Jimoh Gbadamosi he would always call “Our Principal” till his last moment in life, dropped these words in a tribute to the late couple.

In the tribute read read on the occasion of “Memorial Prayer and Lecture” held in commemoration of first year and 10th year anniversary, respectively, of Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi, held at popular Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday May 15, 2024.

The holder of Eko Club’s award of Grand Commander of the House of Blessings (GCHB) said, “One year has passed since we bid farewell to Alhaji Gbadamosi, and ten years to Alhaja Adebisi Gbadamosi, yet the presence and impact of these great moulders of young men and women into future leaders cast a rewarding career on the lives they touched”.

The DEFENDER reports that, having traversed the world from attending the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, the Royal School of Artillery, UK, to National War College, India, and being Deputy Defence Adviser in Mosow, Russia, and ending up becoming Minister of Communications and Member of Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), the highest military ruling council in Nigeria at his time among others, General Olanrewaju makes the list of several students mentored and monitored by Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi, who are today great role models and achievers in Nigeria.

“Within the boundaries of time and space of their lives on Earth, Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi’s journey was defined by the pursuit of knowledge and excellence,” Olanrewaju said.

He continued, “Their tenures at Ahmadiyya College Agege and Ahmadiyya Girls High School, Surulere, respectively, still stand out as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. Through their leadership, the two Muslim institutions competed favourably with other well-accomplished secondary schools in Lagos and performed very well.

“Under their stewardship as principals, these schools recorded good academic and sporting results, nurturing, and enlightening young minds. This, they did from generation to generation before they retired from service.

“Among the beneficiaries of their benevolence stand me and my siblings: Rtd Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju, DSS, ndc; a former Commander Corps of Artillery, former Member of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), and General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Div, Nigerian Army, and before my retirement, Minister of Communications. My younger brother, Dr. Mufutau Animashaun, former Commissioner of Agriculture, Lagos State.

“We are still carrying forward their legacies of service and excellence. I also acknowledge the impact of their efforts on the lives of my brothers, Mukadasi Animashaun, an esteemed alumnus of George Washington University, and Alhaji Rafiu Animashaun, whose tenure as the Group Public Relations Officer of Union Bank, and General Manager of Union Bank, Ikeja Branch, exemplified dedication, and professionalism.

“Truthfully, Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi played a pivotal role in shaping the destinies of countless young souls. May their legacies serve as a guiding light, which continues to inspire generations to strive for excellence.

“May their lives continue to stimulate generations unborn to lift one another and leave an indelible mark on the side of humanity. Rest in peace, Alhaji and Alhaja Gbadamosi, as your legacies live on in the hearts and minds of those you touched, with your sweat, wisdom, and leadership.

“O Allah, You reward the righteous with Your grace and mercy, so grant them the abode of peace and bestow upon them Your eternal blessings,” the General prayed.

The renowned educationist and longest serving Principal of Ahmadiyya College now Anwar-UL Islam College, Agege, Lagos, Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi — who was born on March 18th, 1927 – died in the early hours of Monday May 15, 2023 at the ripe age of 96 was laid to rest on following day of Tuesday May 16 at the Abari Cemetery, Lagos.

It will be recalled that a press statement signed by one of his children, Architect Abiodun Gbadamosi, said Pa Jimoh Gbadamosi died peacefully in his Lagos home surrounded by his children and relatives.

His wife, another educationist, passed away 10 years before his demise.