Fida’u Prayer: Anwar-Ul-Islam, Adebanjo, Makanjuola, others eulogise ex-Lagos principal
The Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Leader of Yoruba Social-Cultural group, Afenifere and other dignitaries on Tuesday showered encomiums on late Lagos School Principal, Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi.
Other dignitaries include Maj-Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), former Minister of Communication, Prof. Adele Jinadu, a Professor of Political Science, University of Lagos and Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman, Board of Caverton Offshore Support Group among others.
They eulogised the sterling impact of the educationist at the eight-day fida’u prayers organised in his honour by the Islamic movement at Eko Club, Surulere.
Speaking at the Fida’u, Alhaji Mubashir Ojelade, the President, Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, described Gbadamosi, a one-time general secretary of the movement, as clean in character and conduct throughout his life time.
Ojelade, an old student of Ahmadiyya College, Agege, now Anwar-Islam College, said the late educationist was his principal and one of the leaders of the movement, who had served in several capacities.
Ojelabi, who was a former Vice President, National Secretary and legal adviser of the movement, also described Gbadamosi as a thorough-bred educationist whose contributions to educstion would forever be remembered.
“He was hardworking, thorough and fair minded person. He was kind, firm and could be tough on matters of indiscipline.
“He had zero tolerance for indiscipline. He was a peculiarly a disciplinarian. We thank God for his life,” he said.
Also, Adebanjo, who applauded Gbadamosi’s numerous impact in education, said that his passion and commitment would forever be remembered by all.
“When you talk about educational advancement of Muslims particularly in Nigeria, Gbadamosi is number one and never be forgotten.
“He was a selfless educationist and a great patriot and a man who was very humble, energetic and religious,” Adebanjo said.
He urged the current crops of educationists to raise the standard of discipline and love for the students and the country.
“They must take the students as their own children and mentor them in moral courage and religiousity,” he said.
Also speaking, Olanrewaju, also a former General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army, noted that the late educationist was his in-law for over 60 years, his principal and teacher at Ahmadiyya College, Agege, between 1961 and 1965.
He said that Gbadamosi remained a father figure to every student that passed through him.
“There are so many things to be said about late Gbadamosi. Baba was a hero to every students that went to Ahmadiyya College during his time.
“He was a principal emeritus; apart from being a teacher, he was a study in leadership. He showed examples, a man who lived by simplicity and self discipline.
“He never disconnected from the family where he married from, from his own family and religion he believed in. He was a very devout Muslim who believed in the doctrines and practice of Islam.
“His legacy is very clear. Oga as we used to call him led us well and show us the way and made the school competitive with the best in Lagos in those days.
“Almost, everyone that passed through him would continue to remember him for his counseling , discipline he impacted on us and also his kindness and belief in humanity,” he said.
Prof. Jinadu, in his remarks, described the late school principal as a kind man who was strong in character and full of empathy leader.
“He was a very kind man who had a way of attracting people to himself, family, former students and friends.
“He was in the public life and he distinguished himself and people kept coming back to him. He was man who had a kind of a magnet that endeared people to him.
“He called me every week to find out about me and my family. He was also a family man with sound Islamic value, these are things that I love and appreciate about him,” Jinadu said.
Makanjuola, Chairman, Board of Caverton Offshore Support Group, described late Gbadamosi as a disciplinarian who cared for all the students that passed through him.
Makanjuola, an old student of the college, said that the late principal was his mentor and great pillar of support.
“He is my mentor, my father and my friend, I will really miss him. He did a lot in my life and I will always cherish him
“He was a disciplinarian, a human being that cares for all his students and everybody care about him,” he said.
Also, Otunba Alex Onabanjo, a business mogul and in-law to the deceased, said that he was one of the most honest man he had ever come across and an educationist per excellence.
“He was a man that did not just take care of his biological children but has taken care of lot of children.
“He went out of his way to treat them the same way he treated his own. He was a man of God because we see God in everything he did. We don’t have many educationist like Gbadamosi today,” he said.
The guest lecturer, Alhaji Sakirudeen Abdul-Gafar, who noted the deceased was good a man to identify with, said that every man would embark on a journey to eternity and the day was minus one today.
Sermonizing from Quran 76, the cleric said, “We should not forget ourselves in the world. We were nothing to refer to at a point in life. If you are 50 years ago, 52 years ago where were you?
“A time will come when we are going to transit from.this world and people will not remember us ago. It is not how far but how well. Death is not the end of our existence but a means to another existence.
“We should think and do good in life. We shall be made to return to our creator. Nothing out of our deeds shall be concealed from the knowledge of Almighty Allah. Wherever you may be hiding, the Almighty Allah can reach you.
“Only way you can hide from God is anywhere you can go without your shadow. We should be careful in life. Whatever we do, God takes records.
“If someone can be in America and monitor what is going on here in Nigeria, does it mean that God who gave that knowledge does not see us. We shall be judged accordingly to our deeds either good or bad.”
Stating that the wise people were those who build their graves before their death, Abdu Gafar urged people to be closed to God and be good to humanity “this what God demands
In another lecture, Alhaji Dhul-Nureni Onimosa, Chief Imam, Mushin Mission, said that only God is immortal.
Onimosa, who noted that the late Gbadamosi though was not the first principal to die, but Gbadamosi’s life and times were impactful on humanity, hence the huge crowd at his 8-day Fida’u Prayers.
Speaking, Alhaji Lawal Pedro, the National President, Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege, Old Students Association (ACAOSA), called for the inauguration of Jimoh Adisa Annual Symposium to continue to immortalise his contribution in education.
Leading the Fida’u Prayers, Alhaji Ahmad Yoosuf, the National Chief Missioner of the society, prayed for the family and all that the deceased left behind.
Mr Biodun Gbadamosi, second son of the deceased, said his passing on has taught a lot of lesson to be selfless, contented and humane.
Gbadamosi, a former General Manager of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), said his late dad was a philanthropist, kindhearted, strict and lived by example.
“You heard what many people have been saying about him, look around you look at the happiness, though we are all sad.
“Baba left a legacy of honesty, dedication, punctuality and contentment.
“He lived a fulfilled and happy life, he will be greatly missed by his immediate family, extended family, students, friends and associate,” he said.
Late Gbadamosi was born on March 18, 1927. He was a former principal, Anwar-Ul Islam Model College, Agege, 1960 to 1976; Jubril Martin Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Lagos, 1976 to 1977; and former General Secretary, Auwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria 1981-1987.
He died on May 15, 2023, aged 96.
