"Their path, lightened only by the kerosene lantern in their hand and the vision in their mind."
Written about Ajibade and his wife as they walked out before dawn to catch the 5am bus to Ibadan for his banking exams.
What He Stood For
The things that mattered to him
Education
He went without a lot to stay in school, and he wanted every child to get the chance he fought for.
Generosity
He shared his salary, his time and his advice with anyone who needed it, and never kept count.
Integrity
His directors used to say "We trust J.A." He wouldn't bend the rules for money or for anyone powerful.
Family
However far away work took him, he came home to his family every weekend.
His Life
Some key moments
1956
Born in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He lost both parents before he was 15 and helped raise his younger siblings.
1976
Started at Cooperative Bank as a daily-paid labourer on ₦1.80 a day.
1994
Became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Bankers, after colleagues had laughed at him for trying.
1997
Made Branch Manager. He went on to run branches in Ile-Oluji, Benin City and Ado-Ekiti.
1998
Earned a Master's degree in Banking & Finance from the University of Benin.
2006
Started lecturing at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and wrote two banking textbooks.
Forever
He left behind a close family, children who share his values, and a community that still talks about him.
The Foundation
Keeping his good work going
His family started this foundation to do what he always did: help young people stay in school and support families going through a hard time. Applications for our scholarships and grants are now open.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17, the verse he lived by