What a darkest moment! Somolu-born Educationist and Pastor is dead

It was yet another Black Wednesday 27th March 2024 in the Somolu area of the state when one of the brightest Somolu-born educationists and Proprietor of Asko Model College, Mr. Adeniyi Olowolagba (a.k.a ASKO) answered the call to glory after a brief illness at the least expected time (Aged 52).

According to one of the deceased brothers, Mr. Kunle Olowolagba described the demise of his brother as a dirty blow to him and the entire family noting that his brother was not only a fatherly figure but a guardian ‘Angel’ who had been guiding him and other siblings through the thick and thin of life till his last breath a few days ago.

He continued, “My brother, Adeniyi Olowolagba has remained a role model for us all. A fatherly figure, a guardian angel who will go to any length to ensure we get the needed attention. As for me, I’m not mourning but celebrating an icon for his unwavering support and commitment. It will never be our joy to see our loved ones die but who are we to question God since He’s the Alfa and Omega, the beginning and the end, the giver and the taker of life. He does things as He pleases but we’ll rather praise Him for His continuous mercy upon us”.

“It’s our prayer that God in His infinite mercy grant him eternal rest and forgive his shortcomings. We’ll miss his brotherly, fatherly care and philanthropical gesture dearly”.

The University of Lagos graduate of Physics was said to have been battling with an unknown illness which had taken all his life-saving in the last eight years and yet did not get the needed result and never made it as he lost the battle to the protracted illness.

Born and raised in a modest family of Mr. and Mrs Olowolagba from Ilaje Ese-Odo in Ondo State, Nigeria. Niyi exhibited exceptional academic prowess from a young age. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial constraints after the death of his paternal father at a tender age. He remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge.

With perseverance and determination, he excelled in his studies and graduated with honours from the University of Lagos, earning a degree in Pure Applied Physics and later bagged a Master’s Degree in Geophysics in 1995 and 1998 respectively.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Niyi embarked on a career in education, where he dedicated himself to shaping the minds of future generations. As a teacher and Proprietor of ASKO Memorial College, he not only imparted knowledge but also instilled values of integrity, empathy, and resilience in his students.

His innovative teaching methods and genuine concern for his students’ well-being earned him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and pupils.

Throughout his career, Niyi remained committed to his dual role as an educator and pastor, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the two. He believed that education was not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. As such, he sought to create an environment where students could flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened in honor of the departed academician and pastor, the late Pastor Adeniyi Olowolagba for family, and friends to express their thoughts about his life and time.

A commendation service was held for him at the Reddem Christian Church of God, Rediscovery Parish, Bariga on the 1st of April 2024, and committed to Mother Earth on the same day at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos.

He’s survived by his wife, children, brothers, cousins, and aged mother.