Pa Ben Akinbola's Memories

https://anthoniaakinbola.org/obituary-announcement/

Wow! 9 years already? How time flies! It’s already 9 years since our dearly beloved Pa Akinbola left us, and it’s all just like yesterday. This a particularly difficult moment for me to communicate in his memory, as the sad, sudden, avoidable passing on of my spouse (Anthonia Olusola Akinbola Nee: MacJob) which just occurred is still very fresh. I am just coming to grips regarding what happened, when why and how. Suffice it to say that she has left us as well, to join her father-in-law in the great beyond.
One of the things that gives me great pride each time I come to this page, is seeing the diversity in the followers, and how the page’s friends and followers has continued to increase, despite not much going on in refreshing it. This is significant to me, because it speaks to who my dad really was, and why even within his very humble and unassuming mien, he successfully made an impact across the country, wherever his federal assignment took him.
I notice with interest, for instance, that most of those on the friends and followers are not from the western part of the country, from where he hails. That’s significant, especially with all that we know about Nigeria. What is shows was his humility, kindness, and ability to engage with everyone at a very humane level. That’s a value that’s quickly becoming extinct, which makes this memorial anniversary particularly significant to me.
I recall the stories he told me about his role as one of the executives in student Union activities, which involved colleagues such as the late Professor Awojobi and Chief Paul Unongo. This was significant for me, because he showed the type of soft skills he processed, which he had to demonstrate, to deescalate student unrest and potential for violence. I also recall second generation artists, whose children or wards were taught Fine Arts by my dad, or who for some reason or the other were positively impacted by their encounter with him. These are the type of stories that keep me encouraged even during my lonely moments.
I therefore want to conclude by encouraging you all to continue to live by whatever values you found inspiring enough in him. Particularly noteworthy to me is the need to treasure genuine relationships and bonding and understanding among family. My spouse was a stickler for this family values, which is why they nicknamed her in the family; (Sowande’s) the glue that kept the family together.
My experience in life so far makes this an important takeaway as we all mark this ninth anniversary of my dad’s passing on, and the sudden departure of my darling Sola.
On behalf of the entire Akinbola family, I send warmest greetings to you all, and plan to keep the page more refreshed, as we all remain strong in spirit. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers.

https://anthoniaakinbola.org

Today, July 26th 2019, as we mark the fifth memorial anniversary of the passing on to the great beyond, of our dear father, brother, grandfather, uncle, teacher, mentor and family patriarch, we thank God almighty, for the inspiring life that he led. We remain committed to continuing to uphold the enviable values that his life represented. Please help us to continue to uphold the family in your prayers. That the spirit of love, understanding, humility, patience, and tolerance that his life represents, would enable us all to build a spirit-filled and enduring legacy for future generations.