Pa Samuel Olasanmi Owosibo, a well-respected member of the community, and the father to the current Provost of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, was laid to rest in a grand style ceremony at his resident in Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, 15th December, 2023.
Pa Samuel journey to great beyound started with a wake-keep on Thursday 14th of December and burial ceremony, held on Friday, 15th December 2023, was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and community members who came to pay their last respects to Pa Owosibo .
Born on July 13, 1938, Pa Samuel Olasanmi Owosibo lived a remarkable life, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered. He began his professional journey at Sketch Publishing Company before later joining the Nigerian Railway Corporation, where he dedicated many years of service. He died on 26th October, 2023 at a ripe age of 85 years.
During the ceremony, heartfelt tributes were made by various individuals and groups who had been touched by Pa Owosibo's life. His wife, sons, and daughters as well as grandchildren shared touching memories of their time with him, highlighting his kindness, wisdom, and love for his family. Nominated pastors and church members also expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the church and his unwavering faith.
Staffs from Sketch Publishing Company and Nigeria Railway Corporation, associates, Egbatedo Landlords Association, and community members all took turns to pay their respects to the late Pa Owosibo. Each person filed past the casket, offering their final goodbyes and reflecting on the impact he had on their lives.
The choir ministered in songs and hymns, filling the church with a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere. Their melodious voices provided solace and comfort to the grieving congregation, reminding them of the hope and peace found in their faith.
The officiating Pastor, Rev Barr. Solomon Wada, the District Overseer of FGC, Ibadan in a short exhortation, emphasized the importance of cherishing the memories of Pa Owosibo and carrying on his legacy. He offered prayers for the family, asking for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, the first and eldest son and the esteemed Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan known for his exceptional leadership and commitment to education, in an interview section with CEOAFRICA expressed his gratitude to all those who attended the service and paid their respect to his late father. He thanked his family, friends, the clergy body, colleagues and all in attendance for their unwavering support in giving a befitting final right to the memory of their treasured father.
He further appreciated the Lord for the life of their father as there has never been a situation where there was apprehensive report about him of having concubine outside his wedlock. Also, his commitment to see that all the children have the best of education has made him what he is today.
Dr. Ogunleke Funmilayo, the Deputy Provost Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology Ibadan shared with CEOAFRICA that she sincerely condoled with the family because Pa Owosibo died at a very ripe age in the Lord and has been able to bring up all his children in the way of the Lord. She prayed for Dr. Adekoya Owosibo as the first-born and the fatherly figure in the family that the good Lord will help him shoulder the responsibilities.
Mr Nathaniel Adeolu-Jolaiya, Acting Registrar Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, who was elated with the testimonies about late Pa Owosibo in his condolence message implored all and sundry to train their children to be hardworking, not dependent on anybody and most importantly show them the way of the Lord so as to be useful to themselves and humanity.
Funmilola Bukola Oladejo (Nee Owosibo), the only daughter among 7 children, sang praise of her late father and appraise his sacrificial lifestyle. My father will trek from home to his working place so that he can give us money. He is okay with it to give us money than to spend it. ‘We would miss him a lot’ she said.
The wake-keep and burial ceremony for Pa Samuel Olasanmi Owosibo was survived by wife, 7 children, and 23 grand-children served as a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those around him. His legacy of love, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire generations to come. As the community bids farewell to a beloved member, they find solace in knowing that his spirit will live on in their hearts.
Dignitaries present at the occasion are Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security ably represented by Dr Florence Kakulu, Oyo State Coordinator of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security , the Management Team of the INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING (IAR&T) led by Professor Veronica Obatolu , Professor of Human Nutrition, Rev Emmanuel Adejoro District Overseer , Surulere and Yaba Axis coordinator, Rev Gbenga Olowe, National Director of Youth Ministry and Next Gen, Rev Kayode Ojediran, District Overseer of Shalom and Oyo Axis coordinator, all District Overseers in Oyo Axis and the host of high ranking officers in Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria , Provost FCA Ibadan, Dr Elizabeth Olukemi Augustus, Provost FECOLART KURU Jos Dr A. M. Raji, Provost FCA Akure Dr A. A Fadiyimu who represented the Chairman Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, ED NIHORT, Dr Atanda Lawal was represented by the Institute Registrar Dr Modupe David.
Also present are captains of industries, which include Arch Babatunde Adetunji, Mr Olawale Ibikunle, Alhaji Jimoh Suleiman, Engr Davies Olowoniran, Arch Adesiji, QS Omisore, Mr Muyiwa Ajumobi and other eminent Nigerians that graced the burial ceremony .
