|
A THOUSAND TONGUES ISNT ENOUGH
 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:11-17)
I was humming a popular Christian song which goes thus: count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done... I was contemplating on the lyrics and trying to fully grasp the message in this song when another song lept into my mind. It was Chief Ebenezer Obey’ song:
Mukulumuke maa jo folorun mi,
bi mo ba ni egberun ahon ko to lati fi yin Oluwa,
mukulumuke maa jo folorun mi
I then wondered: what a day? What could make my heart offer thanks and praises to God at this time and period of my life?
I did a quick appraisal of my march through life and I couldn’t but give thanks to God for His love and blessings.
On this day, 20th February, 2007 all I want to say is : I thank God for His love of me, His blessings that He has showered on me, my parents and my children. Indeed a thousand tongues is not adequate to offer thanks and praises to Him.
I was born exactly forty seven years ago to the Anibaba family of Lagos Nigeria. My father named me Taslim Orimolagun while my mother gave me several names. Taslim was given to me for several reasons one of such was in recognition of and admiration for the soccer legend at that time – Taslim “thunderbolt” Balogun.
I grew up to discover that almost all the members of my family were just within 200metres of each other. The main Anibaba family house is located at Evans Street with branches at Tokunbo Street and Onala Street. The Jogunosimis (still on my paternal side) on Apatira Street while another branch is on Atiko Street. My mother’s family house located on Massey Street in the Itafaji area of Lagos Island.
The proximity of these locations had remarkable positive impact on me as I grew up. I was what the Yorubas will call arileyanka.
I am a Yoruba man which means that I am from an ancient civilization; a group of people who, inspite of their exposure to the “ways of the white man” have kept their identity, language and cultures for several centuries (that discussion is for another day).
My parents taught us to be honest, upright and diligent in whatever we do. They also instilled in us discipline and the belief in God. My father was a devout muslim and my mother is an Alhaja.
I thank God for giving me such committed and responsible parents who sacrificed everything so that we can be happy. We did not lack anything yet we were not spoilt as they inculcated in us excellent moral standards.
Indeed my father was highly respected for his honesty and strength of character that both family members and friends kept their cash and other valuables with him.
At the main family house I didn’t have much to do and little or no attention was paid to those of us growing up at that time although family values and discipline were effectively enforced.
The family was already a household name and was benefiting from the successes recorded by the patriach of the family, Sheik Bakare Ikandu Anibaba, the popularity of Baba Onala (Bushura) and the commendable achievements of uncle Cameron (pronounced Kamero) Chief Musiliu Alade Anibaba who was not just a Lagos socialite but a trail blazer in several fields of endeavour. From his enviable position at the Lagos City Council to being the Chairman of Island Club, President of ICAN etc. Others include Alhaji Mutiu Anibaba and his sister Professor Saidat etc etc.
However, in my maternal family house at Massey Street, at Apatira and with my uncle Alhaji G.A.D. Sanni at Atiko I was the favourite child.
At Itafaji (Massey Street) I was entrusted with so many responsibilities even as a child and I spent most of my time outside school with my mother there. We only went home in the evenings to eat and sleep.
Itafaji is not only interesting but educative in several ways.
Within Itafaji is located an Islamic/Koranic school (from where I graduated at the age of twelve) and the sanctuary of the Adamu Orisha masquerade (Eyo Iga Salawe) with the shrine situated just about ten metres from the mosque. Up till today these two edifices are there and not a single incidence of friction has been recorded between the practitioners of both religions. Indeed, at Itafaji and perhaps in most other places within Lagos some members of the family belonged to the two religions concurrently. Some are neither muslims nor Christians but this did not affect the family bond.
And just about 200metres from Itafaji is a Cathedral church (Aroloya Street). Christians and Muslims have lived harmoniously in these places for decades and centuries, celebrating festivals jointly and exchanging gifts in the process without any rancour or fight.
Apart from family members, Itafaji also had tenants who came from different ethnic groups and religious backgrounds.
As I stated earlier, at Itafaji I was a favourite child saddled with so many responsibilities. As a child between the ages of eight and twelve, I was the official letter writer (especially to my aunt who was in England), the interpreter of the contents of newspapers, the Imam of the children during annual Ramadan festival, the captain during “Sukunabia” and “Caretta” celebrations. I also took part in teaching my mates and some adults mathematics and other subjects.
At this juncture I want to thank my aunties Idiat and Kudirat. But for these two I might not have been here today to narrate this story. At the age of seven or so I was attacked by chicken pox and while playing outside, a government health official saw me and was about taking me away when my aunties cleverly took me through one of the back entrances to our big courtyard at Itafaji to Evans street. I would have been quarantined and may not have returned home!
Apatira Street provided succour at such times when I was grounded at home for one misdemeanour or the other. My mother was just too strict and a disciplinarian of the highest order. Iya Oshogbo was always there to fill the gap. My uncle Alhaji G.A.D. Sanni took me unto himself as early as when I was nine. He used to take me to the Onikan stadium to watch football matches (he was then on the board of Lagos Division Amateur Football Association). I was his official son and my favourite club then was Stationery Stores. It was the darling team of lagosians until the policies and actions of Nigeria Football Association killed the club in the 80s.
His love for me was so much that he was always there for me financially and morally. I was always troubling him for one thing or the other and he never got tired. He even gave me the loan with which I purchased my house! I pray that God grants Him forgiveness and the highest place in al-janah. Somehow the bond between him and my father was very strong and I guess that the spillover effect was the gains that came my way as a result of being close to him throughout his sojourn on this earth.
At the age of twelve I left lagos island I left Ansar-Ud-Deen School Okepopo for Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo where I spent the next five years of my life. Just as I was moving to Isolo, my parents moved to their house in Suru-Lere. Consequently, my contacts with my cradle reduced tremendously.
My secondary school days were filled with youthful exuberance and I didn’t take my academic pursuits seriously until when I got to the final year. I was very playful and stubborn during this period. I was just lucky to have made grade two.
At
Ansar-ud-Deen
College , Isolo I spent the most important period of my formative/teenage years.
Isolo, as our school was fondly called was a paradox of some sort.
On the one hand our principal, Alhaji Yinusa Onibiyo Bashorun and some of our teachers made enormous sacrifices to ensure that we were properly educated and become successful in life. On the other hand was the school environment (especially for boarders) which was not conducive for learning.
There were too many challenges for our young minds and bodies to cope with such that we had little or no energy left to apply to our educational pursuits
From the day of “initiation” when every new student was made to recite the “memory gem” and the attendant punishment for those who failed , to the bullying, wicked and sometimes fetish seniors whose stock-in-trade was to oppress and maltreat juniors, Isolo was a jungle of some sort. So it was that on our various expeditions to the “village” for one reason or the other, the code normally used was “no paddy for jungle”.
It was normal for a senior to confiscate provisions, monies and garri belonging to juniors under one pretext or the other, pack his dirty clothes (including underwear) for juniors to wash and make juniors serve one form of punishment or the other till late in the night.
The journey the stream (Oke Afa) usually undertaken under the scorching sun was over five kilometers; the nearest being Iya Ikorodu’s stream (about two kilometers).
Whereas some others will argue that we went through all these as a way of training us for higher challenges in life, the negative effects that these “trainings” were having on our academic pursuits was never taken into account by anyone. Indeed, with the benefits of hindsight, it was a miracle for anyone to have passed school certificate examinations under those circumstances.
In fact, the sufferings got to an unbearable level that we could not concentrate on our studies but were battling to survive the horrendous life in the boarding house. I recall that my childhood friend, Waheed Okunnu was about to run away from school at one point and whenever we had the opportunity of being alone, such sessions were spent crying and bemoaning our fate.
However, the sufferings made us to devise ways to beat the system and some of us later became registered “non-conformists”. - Isolo experience kept us strong!
Apart from our principal other teachers who contributed positively to our development, who made sacrifices so that we can be successful in life include: Mr. Afolabi (Ondotoid process), Alhaji Hammed, Alhaji K.K. Olosho(both with University of Ibadan), Alhaji Kamal (Baba Blue, he was fond of wearing blue dresses), Mrs. Obidegwu, Pa Dosumu, Mr. Bakare, Mr. Fashina, Mrs. Oluwa etc.
Isolo was a great institution of learning with too many distractions that did not allow the students to develop their full potentials.
It is the experience that made me to send my children to private secondary schools where there were minimal distractions and I thank God for the results that I got from that decision.
Apart from the usual Lagos Owambe parties that I attended with my parents, we also visited such places as Kingsway, Leventis, Lennards, Onikan swimming pool, Ajasa playground and Oke-arin market quite regularly.
The period of incubation
At the age of 17 (seventeen) I had the rare priviledge of working as a court clerk at the Lagos High Court. Mr. Mosanya (a Christian and my father’s close confidant) took me to the Lagos High Court in the morning and before noon I was posted to Court 5.
Court 5, as it was popularly called was administered by Justice Akibo Savage who was fondly referred to as “gentleman Savage” by lawyers.
It was a rare opportunity and a blessing. As a young lad, I had the opportunity of seeing and listening to almost all the best in the legal profession that Nigeria has ever produced. The lawyers that I had the opportunity of interacting with include: Timi the Law and his son, Gani Fawehinmi (who used to call me Aburo), Mr. Lardner,Mr Kehinde Sofola and his son, Mr. Cole, Mr. Agbamuche (who later became Minister for Justice), Mr. Kanmi Osobu and a host of others.
Although Court 5 was essentially a court with jurisdiction in civil matters, criminal appeal cases were also heard. The court was also involved in Special Tribunals .
It was in the course of taking part in the Teaching Service Commission Tribunal that I came across Professor Ayodele Awojobi. Before that time, it never occurred to me that any human being can be that intelligent, brilliant, versatile and scholarly. He was accorded a high level of respect and recognition that Justice Savage granted his request for self appearance.
Professor Awojobi! Okunrin Mejo! He outwitted so many lawyers even on the points of law that I wondered if he was indeed an engineer. I was so impressed by this genius that I decided to aim for excellence in my life - that I will never aim for anything below the best! Professor Awojobi thus became my role model.
I often wonder why the Federal government of Nigeria has not thought it fit and important to honour this great Nigerian with the highest National Merit Award.
At this juncture, I will like to express my gratitude to Mr. Awesu, the court registrar. He was a workaholic and a very good boss. He was patient with me, supportive and encouraged me in every aspect of life during this period. So it was that after nine months I resigned my appointment to study Business Administration at the Lagos Polytechnic.
I was at the Polytechnic for four years and graduated at the age of 22. One remarkable feature of my education at the Polytechnic was that every student was expected to write a minimum of six term papers per semester. It was hectic, but rewarding as it afforded us (those of us who actually wrote them) the opportunity to research our subjects/topics and to study widely in order to excel during the oral defence of the papers.
It was during this period that the academic prowess in me blossomed.
It was a period when I became conscious that with hard work I could be the best in my class . I thank God that I was the best.
Some of my lecturers who inspired me and to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude include: Mrs. Lola Onafowora (an Afro-American), Mr. J. Emordi (mgt accounting), Mr. Solomon (a Ghanaian) and his colleague Mr. Fiebor who taught us Management. Mr. Salimanu, the statistician and of course Dr. Dada our psychology lecturer who was then working at the Psychiatrist hospital Yaba.
As I was bidding the Polytechnic farewell after a scintillating and rewarding excursion, my first baby arrived and by 1988 when I qualified as a chartered accountant the number had risen to four (all female).
It was also during this period, 1978 to 1988 that I came across so many things which combined together to shape my views of life and behaviour. I came across the writings of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dele Giwa, Tai Solarin, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Ayodele Awojobi, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Lade Bonuola, Sonala Olunmese and a host of others.
And most importantly I came across the writings of and about Mahatma Gandhi. I also read the autobiography of the great legend of all time - Muhammed Ali. I was particularly motivated by Ali’s declaration of “ I am the greatest”
On the radio my favorite programme then was Twenty Questions - a brain racking quiz programme.
In the entertainment world, I was greatly influenced by the works of Jimmy Cliff, Yusuf Olatunji, Ebenezer Obey and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister while I merely danced to the songs of The Jackson 5, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, Candi Staton, Dolly Parton, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Hot Chocolate and Stevie Wonder.
Another source of inspiration was the film “The Forgotten Kennedy”.
The bloom
After graduation, I was encouraged by my friend Shina Babatunde(hustler) and my lecturer Mr. Emordi(then working for FHA) to study accountancy. So I started with the body now known as Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (London). Immediately after passing Foundation A&B the structural adjustment programme of IBB took exchange rates to the roof so I couldn’t afford to even remit my subscription anymore. So I registered with ICAN and I am happy today that I belong to that body (ICAN).
In the course of attending lectures for ICAN examinations at PYE, I met dedicated, passionate and intelligent lecturers who influenced me positively. I am eternally indebted to all of them especially : Mr. Ade Omolehinwa, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, Mr. Adigun, Mr. Akeju (jossylad) and Emmanuel George.
I am grateful to you all.
No accountancy institution in Nigeria and perhaps the whole of West Africa could match their “Mass Attack Approach”
One year after I qualified as an accountant, I was employed by the same tuition house (PYE) on a part-time basis to teach Financial Management. This I combined with my regular banking jobs for almost eight years. I had the opportunity of meeting brilliant ICAN students (who were mostly graduates from Universities and Polytechnics) from all strata of society and from various ethnic nationalities.
I had the priviledge of teaching financial management to about 16 (sixteen) generations of chartered accountants (examinations take place twice a year).
I owe my success in this venture to God and Mr. Ade Omolehinwa who tutored me, treated me like his brother and above all conducted the researches.
In 1997 I gained admission into Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife for my MBA course and by 1999 I completed the course work; the same year that I was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
My work experience? There isn’t much to recall except to express my appreciation to those beautiful people who assisted in making me succeed and who provided the ladder for me to climb to greater heights as I moved from a secondary school teacher to the zonal director of a bank.
Some of these people to whom I owe gratitude include : Chief O. Osunkeye, Mr.S.O.Kuye, Mr. Victor Okor Edwin, Mr. S.O. Folarin, Mrs. Bolodeoku (Food Specialities Nig, Ltd), Mr. Adebiyi (who was also my accounts teacher), Ms. Angela Rapu, Mr. Ike Nwabuoku,Mr. Udochi Nwaodu, Mr. Henry Semenitari and Kingsley Emu.
I sincerely appreciate the kindness and love that you showered on me and the confidence that you reposed in me especially for those of you who recommended me for higher responsibilities at one time or the other.
However, there was one incident which occurred in 1986 which I will like to share with you. I was working in the accounts department of Abbott Laboratories at Ilupeju. Our boss was what you may call the “iron lady” . The fear of “Madam” was the beginning of wisdom. So it was that when I resigned my appointment to join Lagos State Ministry of Finance she regarded it as an affront. And in her bid to disgrace me before leaving or have a reason to sack me, she ordered me to account for the stock kept in our mini warehouse which was under my care. So in the company of Chief (Mrs) Adegbesan and “Madam’s “ secretary I was matched to the threshing floor of the slaughter house - mini warehouse. Mrs. Adegbesan was delighted and relieved when I accounted for everything and the ledgers balanced with the physical stock. Of course my madam was disappointed.
That day I confirmed what my parents told me about integrity and honesty couched in “remember the son of whom you are”.
I resolved there and then never to compromise these two in my career and private life. Madam’s test was enough for me to realize that no one can take your honour, dignity and respect from you except if you give it to them!
I thank God that I kept to these beliefs and tenets throughout my subsequent career engagements.
I left Abbott Laboratories honourably. Abbott was also my first experience in the private sector. The vast experience became very useful when I eventually joined Food Specialities Nigeria Ltd (now Nestle Foods Plc) in 1987.
The Test of Faith
As I stated earlier, my parents instilled in us the belief in and worship of God. Although my contacts with Tai Solarin and Professor Ayodele Awojobi almost turned me to an atheist. I remember vividly the public lecture they gave at the Yaba College of Technology in 1982 titled “god corrupts Nigeria”. Professor Awojobi posited that it was ignorance and laziness that made people to worship god and that if you plot a graph with ignorance on the x-axis and the belief in god on the y-axis, the result you will get is “hyperbolic hyperbole”.
Whatever their views about beliefs and God, these two are individuals that I respect so much for their immense contributions to society.
However my test of faith, indeed the first real challenge in my life came in January 2005 when I resigned my appointment with Devcom bank. For twenty one months I didn’t get any other job and my consultancy business did not bring much in terms of income. So many ideas, suggestions and condemnation came from friends and foes. I thank God that I survived without sacrificing my faith and principles. I spent most of that period leading the congregation in our community mosque, helping to build the mosque, evangelism, writing for Nigeriavillagesquare.com . I also engaged myself in so many other social work for my community.
It was indeed a period of trial. I want to express my gratitude to all the people that stood by me and assisted me both morally and financially during this period. My children showed great love and understanding as I cut down their allowances considerably while the married ones and their spouses filled my house with food and cash.
My “maiguard” too stood by me in spite of the cut in his salary. He is indeed a loyal friend who resisted the advances of scouts.
I am also grateful to my new employers and my chairman who made it possible for me to “begin again”.
Others who are no less important include: Arc. Kayode Anibaba, Wale Oluwo, Mr. Abaniwonda, Chief Solomon Abe, Feyi Anidu,Mr. W.Adeniran, Alhaji Ajanaku, Alhaji Oloko, Alhaji Muftaudeen Salaudeen(my Alfa), Mr. Ajayi, Chief Lanre Rasak, Mr. Akin Disu, Alhaji Olanrewaju, Mr. Otun, Austin Adamu, Mr. Kunle Awojobi, Ayo Oladimeji, Mr. Fujah, Biodun Akinjayeju,Bode Oladogba, Ranti Carew, Celestine Odita, Alhaji Daodu, Dapo Akinosun,Dapo Solanke and his wife,Mr. Jibola Finnih, Efunshola, Fola Jibowu, Folarin Zaid, Francis Jegede, Ibare Akinsan, Mr. Yekini, Alhaji Ariyibi, Ijaodola, Iya Ope, Jelil Anibaba, Jide Cole, Jide Anibaba(babaloke), Saka Jinadu, Jinadu (LBIC), Alhaji Kamal, Kazeem Sule, Lingo,Mahmud Daodu, Mama Lai Anibaba (a model in excellent motherhood), Mr. Adeniyan (a lecturer), Mrs. Olanrewaju (of Unilag), Nosa(devcom),Alhaji Mutiu Anibaba,Banji(nepa), Mrs. Nimota Arai (nee Anibaba), Pastor Chijioke, Alhaji Balogun, Segun (panti police station), Pius Odjegba, Olori, Muhammed Sagir, Mr. Onasanya, Waliu Onibon, Ordia, Mr. Mimiko, Rafiu Jabita, Rotimi Edu,Rupert Onwusa, Sadiq Salau, Segun Akintayo, Shade, Sheki, Shobunkola,Sola Soetan, Solo Odikpo,Soretire, Steve Olusope,Kunle Sule, Sukanmi Agboola, Taiwo Ishola, Tunji Bello, Tunji Ijaola,Uche, Udochi Nwaodu, Umar Muhammed(kaduna), Wale Anidu, Yinka Adeniran, Hakeem Shittu, Yori, all the members of Nigeriavillagesquare.com (NVS) and so many others that I cannot list their names for one reason or the other.
God in His infinite mercies will continue to bless all of you. I am grateful.
Springtime
As I pause to take stock of the first forty seven years of my sojourn on this planet, I cannot lay claim to any extra-ordinary achievement or outlandish strides, but I am happy and grateful to God Almighty. For the beautiful people that I have the opportunity of relating with, for the beautiful and committed parents who raised me and for the beautiful children that God has blessed me with.
I am thankful to Him for His blessings.
As I recall the fact that God entrusted certain responsibilities to me at an early age and provided opportunities for me to acquire wisdom and knowledge which have combined to enrich my life, give it meaning, direction that has made my passage so far a splendid experience I have no choice but to offer praises and thanks to Him.
Finally, as I recall those that God empowered me to lend a helping hand by replacing their despair with hope, sadness with joy and tears with laughter; those whose reactions as I drop my “widow’s mite” into their begging bowls overwhelm me to the extent of bringing tears to my eyes, I cannot but agree with my heart when it says A thousand tongues are not enough to offer thanks and praises to my Creator.
Do I have aspirations? Yes. I want to do so many things and be of greater service to people but one great lesson that I have learnt is that : unless God builds the house, the labourers labor in vain.
Consequently, as I proceed on the next phase of my journey my resolve is to submit fully to the will of God. Let your Will be done in my life as You are the All Knowing and Wise.
My swansong from this moment till the completion of my journey is : Qul Huwa Rahman, Amana bi, Waeli tawakalna - Say: "He is ((Allah)) Most Gracious: We have believed in Him, and on Him have we put our trust:." (Quran ch 67: 29). Thanks for having the patience to go through this piece.
Taslim Orimolagun Anibaba (FCA) 20th February, 2007
|
RSS Feeds | Podcasts
Posted by Robot| 20.02.2007 07:18