The older…. the younger in stature and smartness. That is how best he could be described @70.
He came into limelight almost 4 decades ago, with his inspirational Islamic song which went beyond the shore of Nigeria. As the first person in Nigeria to wax an Islamic album (E ma pe Musulumi, lo ni Imale…), he has won many souls (converts and returnees) for Islamic religion and has also won for himself many awards in Nigeria and as a truly breaded and buttered Ilobu man, thereby, positioning our community; Ilobu elegantly in a crystal ball with vivacity and sparkles for world view. From that period till date, he has moved from glory to glory. He is one quiet and easy going achiever!
He is inspiration personified to the youth force. Research showed that after he had settled for and acquired a thorough Islamic and Quranic education, he took it upon himself to search for a greener roll of parchment in Western Education. He obtained a General Certificate in Education form (G.C.E.), took the examination, passed in flying colours and proceeded to the prestigious University of Ilorin without attending any pre formal primary and secondary education. At the University of Ilorin, he displayed Islamic ethics and values in all his deeds, and thus, became the Students’ Imam (Amir).
His exploit as a staffer of the popular West African Examination Council, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria – where he meritoriously retired as a Deputy Asst. Registrar, showed an unflinching support for Ilobu affairs. He derived utmost pleasure in helping natives who needed assistance at the West African Examination Council’s office and ensured that some Ilobu indigenes were employed before he retired at the examination body.
Without mincing words, he was a very strong member of the IDU, Lagos Branch. Alh. Wahab Ademola Falowo and many others invested hugely; human, material and financial resources into the IDU, Lagos Branch. They were solidly in support of any developmental drive from the Palace and the National body of IDU.His love for Ilobu is evident in his relocation home after his retirement from WAEC for communal service, youth mentorship and Islamic teaching.
He also served as a member of the Teachers’ Establishment and Pension Board, he used his position to secure employment for some Ilobu sons and daughters, either as a teaching or non-teaching personnel in the State of Osun Teaching Service.
Alhaji Wahab Ademola Falowo, no doubt, in his retirement is indeed a big factor in the areas of growth, development and strategic planning in Ilobu community. He is a force to be reckoned with amongst the Islamic clerics in Nigeria. His various activities at home also present him as a veritable inspirational tool for the youths.
At 70, we can only pray that God grant him many more years, strength, sound health and wealth to serve God and humanity the more.
Igba Odun, Odun Kan Sir! Happy birthday sir!
Dare Alabi writes from Ilobu
