Tribute to my Quiet in Spirit and Confident Father

I am still numb to the reality that my dad has gone to be with the Lord because in his passing away I had the privilege of being with him. Though he went slowly, I sat, held his hands, and with wandering thoughts, prayed. He had infused in me so many lessons from his words and deeds that it still seems he is alive. Daddy was reserved. He had a quiet and enduring spirit but was firm, disciplined and highly principled yet very humble. Over the years these remained the qualities we appreciated in him and strove to adopt. He never loved attention; the shy man that he was. But when he got on his assignments, especially the ministerial ones, he did them fearlessly through the grace of God.

I recall so many personal moments with my dad as his 'handbag' for some time in my childhood days when he went for church ministrations. We would leave for Ojokoro, Ifako or Shomolu very early in the morning for ministrations and until the sessions were over, we would not eat. When I put up a face, he would carry me up on his neck and tickle me with his beard. I remember going for Holy Ghost services at the Redemption Camp (now City) with him as far back as 1996, sometimes with my elder brother. Concerning the famous "Lekki '98" event, we both went to the Island to share in the blessing of the season and did not return home until Saturday afternoon because of transportation problem.

Dad loved education and his goal was to get every one of his children to complete a Master's Degree programme at the least. From primary school he was my personal mathematics teacher. When he discovered that my interest was more in writing, that I was artistic and creative and loved reading story books and singing, he strove to provide me with books that would facilitate the growth of my interest. Dad ensured that we all had our textbooks and notebooks. He went for the best, scouting through bookstores in various locations for school resources. Up until my choice of a course in the university he followed me up and was present at PTA meetings, ensuring that my mum represented him whenever he would be unavailable. During my first and second degrees, my dad made a habit of sending me pocket money regularly. He made me and my siblings realise early in life that God always provides for those who put their trust in Him. And God confirmed to us that His faithfulness is great.

Growing up in Deeper Life Bible Church and later the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the church was the centre of our social life, as our father was determined to shield us from negative influences. He did not allow us to mingle freely with everyone. We sometimes felt he was too strict and even sneaked out to play, only to be caught in the act and left struggling for excuses he never believed. Our dad's discipline was firm but rooted in love. It has left lasting lessons about obedience, truth, and integrity. My siblings and I owe our early relationship with God to him, because Christian devotions were non-negotiable in our home. Though we often found them long and demanding as children, they laid the foundation for our faith, and as I grew older, I came to value the huge fountain of blessings they built in me. Apart from spiritual life, my dad also influenced my interest in and journey into music. He loved church music so much that he took me often to children's choir practice or waited for me after church service until we were done with it. He supported me in music training and even once hoped I would release worship albums.

I am grateful for the love my father showed to every one of his children and for the closeness I shared with him. As I grew into adulthood, I often found myself speaking on behalf of my siblings or on certain issues, sometimes fearing I might have gone too far, only to hear his calm response, "Jeremiah, you don't understand" or "Jeremiah, may God forgive you." Those moments usually opened the way for long, meaningful conversations that left lasting lessons with me. Until my marriage, he remained the one person before whom I could share my deepest thoughts and vulnerabilities. I also recall how, whenever I needed his approval for major decisions, I prayed that God would prepare his heart, and often by the time I approached him, he was ready to listen. Though I did not always get my way, those decisions that had his blessing turned out well. His patience, counsel, and faith shaped me profoundly, and his wisdom continues to guide me even now.

Most of my dad's prayer nuggets, scriptural verses and life tips, given to me more than a decade ago still come in handy for me. I remember when my mum reported that he was overthinking and I reminded him one of them: "Why do you have to carry the burden when you have a burden bearer?" Dad had always been strong and would never want to share any of his difficulties with us even when we saw them. So, as his health deteriorated, he felt really bad that we were facing many problems because of him. He would repeatedly apologise and when I was unable to visit sometimes, he would say, "I understand". But I am glad that the nine of us were there for him. I would often remember Psalm 127:5 and say, "Dad really had his quiver full of them".

Dear Dad, as you have joined the great cloud of witnesses, continue to cheer us on till we all finish the race strong and also join you if the Lord tarries, whenever our time on earth is done.

Continue to rest in eternal peace Sir!