AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Friends, family members, associates and many others trooped out on Saturday, April 1 to pay last respect to Pa Joshua Oyewole Orojobi, former lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State during the lying in state, burial service and reception held in his honour.
The man died at age 87.
Pa Orojobi’s children relived their father’s virtues with some of them recalling the last moment that they shared with him.
One of the children of the deceased, Mrs Oluwashayo Grace Adeniyi of TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy, Mackay QLD, Australia, said, “My last physical moment was when I came visiting from Namibia in 2019 and prior to relocating to Australia just before the Covid pandemic.
“Due to Covid Pandemic and distance, I couldn’t get to see him to bid him goodbye. This hurts so badly. Though we did communicate on phone and share moments together with my kids on video-calls, these couldn’t be comparable to seeing you physically. Missing you so much.”
Speaking on the rare attributes of her father, she added, “Daddy was a firm disciplinarian to the core and upheld his values and principles in high esteem with integrity and faith. He inculcated in us very strong faith and lived a practical Christian life loving everyone selflessly. He preached and adored practical Christianity.
“His core values were honesty, integrity, hard work, discipline, tenacity, and contentment. He lived and led by example. He taught us the values of great saving for the raining days and to excel in whatever we do. He taught us to be role models in whatever we do. He was an introvert and had very few friends. He chastised us for attending occasions we weren’t invited to. He was an adherent respecter of boundaries and personal space. Adieu Daddy! Until we meet again.”
Describing her father as a rare gem, who lived an enviable life, the first child of the deceased, Prof. Victoria Olusola Adetunji of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, said, “My beloved father was my model, my champion and conquering hero. He was a father indeed. He sacrificed so much to make me who I am today. He priotized good education and this I will always be grateful for.”
Asked to give an insight into his philosophy of life and what he stood for, she quipped, “Daddy stood for hardwork, prudence and contentment. He was God-fearing and would not compromise standards under any guise. I repeat, he was a gem. He was of inestimable value.
“Daddy could not condone laziness and he rewarded hardwork openly. In a bid to ensure his children got good education, he went into farming to augment his meager salary.”
His son, Oluyomi Orojobi, a Consultant at British Telecommunications, said, “My father loved all his children and maintained a cordial relationship with each of us. My father was particular about our life ambitions and aspirations. He supported us academically, financially and with personal mentorship.
“He spent time teaching us geography and how to write good essays and compositions. He never held back anything that was needed for our personal growth and development.”
Recalling the bond between his parents, Oluyomi said, “They had a close relationship. Always gisting and telling us stories. My parents enjoyed watching TV and Nigerian movies together. My Dad never ate outside his home. My Mum always prepared all his meals. My parents were really close.”
On his father’s choice of food and hobby, he stated, “My Dad’s best food was pounded yam with egusi and fried chicken/meat. My Dad relaxed over the weekend by listening to a particular radio programme, ‘Iriri-Aye,’ and NTA news with Frank Olise on Sundays. He loved reading newspapers daily, a passion l still wish l developed personally.
“Regarding his approach to work, he always had a daily to-do list written at the start of his day. He was meticulous and a detailed person. He had love and passion for buying books, literatures. My Dad had great values which l adore.”
Also, her daughter, Olajumoke Pearse, Finance Manager at Agusto & Co., Lagos, said, “I would remember my dad for his sincerity, selflessness, dedication to the works of God, his family and job. We all could tell where my dad was at every given time because his everyday schedule was between office, home and church for mid week/weekend services.
“He enjoyed teaching his children geography, English Language – essay writing, and Economics. The West African School Certificate Examination was always a workthrough for every child in these subjects due to his dedication in teaching and impacting knowledge. I cherish every moment with him. Rest on dad.”
One of his students, Alhaji Murtala Galadima, wrote in his tributes, “Pa Orojobi as we fondly called him then, was my teacher at the College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between 1977 and 1979. He stood out among other lecturers as an inspiring person that did his work diligently. He welcomed students who had problems with an open arm and encouraged us to be ourselves.
“The world being so small, we met again in 1991 as neighbors at Area F, ABU Staff Quarters. Since then, till he retired from ABU, we lived together as a close family, and we found him as a most compassionate and humble person. We will not easily forget associating with him. Mama Jumoke, his amiable wife, his daughters Shola, Shayo, Bose and Jumoke, his sons, Kunle and Yomi, please accept our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.”
His colleague, Prof C.C Eze, wrote, “Sad to hear…Dr J O Orojobi! One of those I met when I joined DAC (then DALST) in 1977. I later became his neighbor in Area F. A man of peace and forthright in his ways; he was diligent in service and was the backbone of the Extension Unit of SCA. May his gentle soul rest in peace and May the Good Lord grant the family the fortitude to bear the painful loss. Adieu Dr Orojobi.”
The management of his former Department at Samaru College of Agriculture, ABU, wrote in parts, “News of the demise of Dr J.O Orojobi saddened the hearts of the staff of the Agricultural Extension and Management Programme, Samaru College of Agriculture, the Division of Agricultural Colleges and that of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as a whole.
“Dr. J. O. Orojobi joined the services of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria at the Samaru College of Agriculture, on 1st September, 1974 as an Assistant Tutor. He served in many capacities and committees. Most importantly, he was the first Head, Agricultural Extension and Management Programme of the College from 1992 to 2004. J. O. Orojobi was endowed with gentle disposition, soft words of admonition and, indeed, his frankness enamored most staff to him. He was diligent at his work; his records were accurately and adequately communicated with both his superiors and subordinates.”
The Orojobi family wrote, “Baba Orojobi, a good man, an uncle, a father and Grandpa who held me while growing up. Oooh, Baba would always talk about education. He was one of those who ensured that we read and wrote. He gave a legacy that we now pass unto our children – Education, the best legacy.
“Aside from him being an academic, he always looked out for his siblings to ensure their welfare. He would always ask after my children as well as their academic progress. He laid a good legacy, being a Doctor in Education and that gives us the assurance that our children too can achieve greatness in life. Thank you for the values that you left behind.”
A retired seasoned academic, late Pa Orojobi was born on the 6th January, 1936 in Famia village, Modakeke, Osun State. He was the only surviving child of his mother (late Mama Segilola), but he had stepbrothers and stepsisters. His father, late Pa Orojobi, was a cocoa famer.
The deceased was survived by his wife; Mrs. Olayinka Mary Orojobi and seven children; Sola, Bose, Shayo, Bunmi, Kunle, Yomi and Jumoke, and many grandchildren.
