A former Manager of the United African Company (UAC) Nigeria, Deacon Gilbert Ajani Babajide, is dead
He died at the age of 84 years after a brief illness at his private residence in Moniya, Ibadan in Oyo State on 6th January.
Deacon Babajide joined UAC in 1958 and retired as the Manager of the Kingsway Store beside the University of Ibadan Staff Club in 1985.
One of the students of the University of Ibadan in the early 80s, now a Professor, lamented his death claiming he introduced the modern BOGOF term then with his buy two cups of ice-cream and get one free which was popular with students. Media Rights Agenda condemns expulsion of Arise cameraman from Tinubu/ APC function
Another student of Abadina Primary School who gave his name as Prat, in the same period said they were excited when in 1984 he promised to bring ‘Father Christmas’, a seasonal December novelty for Nigerian Children and the electric train they used to enjoy at the other branch at Oba Adebimpe Road opposite Radio Nigeria, Ibadan but it was not materialized before he retired. Prat said Deacon Babajide attracted a lot of Abadina children to the Kingsway Store in UI in their days.
He was baptized in 1960 at the Araromi Baptist Church in Lagos by Rev. J. O. Adeoye and became a Deacon in 1987. Deacon Babajide was President, Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) 1988 – 1990 and Chairman Deacons Fellowship 1988 – 2006.
Deacon Ajani Babajide was born to Pa Emmanuel Soroyeun and Abigael Abeke Babajide on 19th April 1938 at Arigbajo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He got married to Mrs. Rachael Adunni nee Adekeye on 13th May 1963 and they are blessed with seven children and many grandchildren.
His wife, madam Adunni popularly called Iya Ibeji at the Agbowo and Moniya axis, told this reporter her husband will be buried according to Baptist rites April 13 and 14, 2023.
Eniola Olatunji reporting.
