Kunle Adelabu
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu branch, has paid a glowing tribute to the late former teacher, Principal, administrator, community builder and philanthropist, Alhaji Obafemi Wakiludeen Lemmy Anibaba.
Anibaba, who retired from active teaching service few years ago, died last Saturday, after illness and was buried on the same day according to the Islamic rites.
Since his death, tributes have been pouring in from all angles as family members, teachers, his former students, members of the Oriwu College alumni association and residents have continued to mourn his passing while also recalling his exceptional humanitarian and supportive gestures while alive.
In a statement signed by Comrade Fakolade Oluwafemi Oluwaseun, JP, NUT Ikorodu Branch Chairman, he said that late Anibaba shaped many lives while also stating that the union has never seen somebody like him.
Fakolade said that the late teacher contributed immensely to the building of the NUT secretariat in Ikorodu.
“Just yesterday (Saturday) morning, we woke up to some terrible news. Our benefactor, leader and mentor, Alhaji Wakilu Anibaba Lemmy (School Boy), who hugely shaped people’s views about life, work, and many other things, has passed away”, he mourned.
“We’ve never met someone as equally impressive, smart and grounded as ‘School Boy’, as you are fondly called.
“It is not usually common at this stage of our careers to have a philanthropist who shaped our intellect, interest, approach to leadership and life in general. But Alhaji Anibaba did that.
“While conceiving the idea of building an edifice for Teachers in Ikorodu, you were silently having in mind great contributions which you brought to fruition without much ado by using your financial resources to acquire Electronics gadgets for the Union.
“Indeed, your contributions remain indelible in the life of the previous and present administrations”, Fakolade said while paying tribute to the late Anibaba.
He thanked the departed former teacher for always standing by the union and supporting it.
“Thank you for always caring and giving it all you have. Thank you for not abandoning us when we needed your help, thank you for always caring about the progress of this administration.
“Thank you for always standing by our side and giving us the courage and the pride to do things we have never done before”.
The NUT Chairman further said that teachers in Ikorodu would never forget the indelible mark the deceased left on the teaching profession.
“We hope that, when such personality crosses our paths, we would never take them for granted. NUT Ikorodu Branch never did, certainly, we never did. Never will Ikorodu Teachers ever forget the mark you left behind”, he said.
“Even when people never asked for help, you saw their needs and provided for them.
“Alhaji Anibaba, you have etched your name in hearts, not on tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
“We can no longer see you, but, please, know that we are remembering you. You remain the flowers in our garden, the wind beneath our hair.
“The memories that you left behind, shall forever be with us. You are in heaven now, where your life will start anew”, he said.
