Tributes & Memories

Thank you so much Daddy Olabenjo for opening your home to me, encouraging me, and supporting me. Sitting at your funeral ceremony now feels like a goodbye that happened too soon. I wanted to show you my certificates, and tell you that I truly didn't allow my past affect my future. You're one of the few people I really wanted to make very proud, and now you're no longer here to see that. Nonetheless, I'll tell the world about how you saw a young girl hawking plantain and opened your home to her because you could relate to her story too. I remember the last time we saw, you still asked me about my studies and everything else. Your inquiry was never just out of habit, it was because of that conversation and that was your way of reminding me that you're watching out for the successes I'll have. At every point I came around you, I always left encouraged. You always gave, always supported, always encouraged me even up to knowing my parents too. Thank you Daddy for being an example of possibility, at every major win, this junior plantain seller will raise a toast to you and I will keep making you proud. Rest in Peace, Daddy 🕊️❤️

We give God the glory for his life well spent to the glory of God. Eternal rest grants him oh Lord till resurrection morning when the dead in Christ will rise up first to meet with our Lord Jesus. May the grace and mercy of God abides with his wife the children and the grandchildren. We love you daddy but Jesus loves him more. Victory at last.

Daddy Olabenjo, your passing leaves a deep void in our hearts. You lived a life of love, wisdom, and impact, and your memory will forever remain with us. To my dear friend Seun and the family, mo ba yin kedun. May God comfort and strengthen you all. Sun re o, Baba. Ki Olorun gba o si odo Re. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

We had the privilege of meeting baba in 2025 in Ontario Canada. Little did we know it would be the only time of meeting on this side of eternity. We thank God he ended well. Not how long, but how well. May his legacy bring many to salvation in Christ. It is well.

*SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MY LATE MENTOR, LEADER, FATHER, BROTHER AND FRIEND* *ENGR. OLUGBENGA OLATUNDE OLABENJO, FNSE, FICE, FNICE, FIWE, ACIArb, DIC, http://C.Eng, JP* *30 JANUARY 1951 – 24 JUNE 2026* *“FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.”* *BY ENGR. MUHAMMAD JATTO MUSA* *FOUNDER, JATTO DIGITALS* It is with a deeply heavy heart, profound sadness, but also with gratitude to *ALMIGHTY GOD* for a life well lived and a legacy that will endure, that I pay this special tribute to my late leader, mentor, father, brother, friend and role model, *Engr. Olugbenga Olatunde Olabenjo*, FNSE, FICE, FNICE, FIWE, ACIArb, DIC, http://C.Eng, JP. The news of your transition to glory on 24 June 2026, at the age of 75, remains extremely painful to me. Even though death is inevitable and every soul must return to its Creator, accepting your departure is particularly difficult because of the exceptional place you occupied in my life and in the lives of many people who had the privilege of knowing and working with you. *Engr. Olabenjo* was much more than a professional superior. He was a leader, teacher, mentor, father figure, adviser, disciplinarian, advocate, friend and dependable supporter. To many of us who worked under him, he was not merely the Head of the Civil Engineering Division; he was a father who genuinely cared about the growth, welfare and future of his staff. *A GREAT PROFESSIONAL AND LEADER* *Engr. Olabenjo* was a distinguished civil engineer and technocrat whose professional life was characterized by competence, discipline, integrity and excellence. His career spanned several important institutions and locations, including Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Ogun State, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, FEPA, ICAP, 1004 Estates and other public-sector responsibilities, before his retirement from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Abuja. His professional qualifications and accomplishments speak for themselves. He was a highly respected engineering professional and a COREN-registered engineer whose knowledge and experience commanded respect. But beyond his impressive qualifications and career history was something even more valuable: his willingness to transfer knowledge and build other people. *MY MENTOR AND FATHER IN THE PROFESSION* As one of his mentees, I can confidently testify that *Engr. Olabenjo* invested heavily in the people under his leadership. As Head of the Civil Engineering Division, he treated his staff as his own children. He was deeply concerned about our professional development and was determined that we should become competent and properly recognized professionals. One area where his impact was particularly remarkable was professional registration with COREN. He encouraged his staff to pursue registration and ensured that those who had the necessary qualifications were guided and supported through the process. For those who lacked some requirements, he encouraged them to work toward obtaining the necessary qualifications. He also ensured that staff who needed professional guidance were attached to registered professionals so that they could gain the experience and competence required. He never wanted anyone to give up. Those who had lost hope of becoming registered engineers and technologists were encouraged by him. He followed their progress, advised them and offered assistance where necessary. Through his leadership, the Civil Engineering Division produced a significant number of professionally registered personnel. I am personally one of the beneficiaries of this great man's mentorship. *MY JOURNEY WITH COREN* My own professional journey is inseparably connected with the mentorship and encouragement I received from *Engr. Olabenjo*. I initially obtained registration with COREN as a Technologist. When I subsequently acquired additional qualifications that made me eligible for full engineering registration, *Engr. Olabenjo* encouraged and supported me to pursue the next stage. Through his guidance, encouragement and professional influence, I eventually achieved double registration with COREN, first as a Technologist and later as an Engineer. This achievement will forever remind me of him. *Engr. Olabenjo* was highly respected in professional circles, including at COREN. His recommendations, mentorship and guidance carried significant weight, and many of the candidates he guided successfully navigated professional screening and registration. He did not merely tell us to become professionals—he showed us how to become better professionals. *A CHAMPION OF HIS STAFF* *Engr. Olabenjo* was firm and sometimes strict. He was a disciplinarian who believed strongly in standards, responsibility and professionalism. Yet beneath that firmness was a heart filled with kindness. He fought for the rights and welfare of his division and its individual members. He was never afraid to speak up when he believed that his staff deserved fair treatment. He wanted his people to succeed. He trained us. He advised us. He corrected us. He challenged us. He encouraged us. He defended us. He celebrated our progress. In doing these things, he left an indelible mark on many careers. *A LEADER WITH A HUMAN HEART* One of the qualities I will remember most about *Engr. Olabenjo* was his humanity. He was easy-going, peaceful, kind and selfless. He could be firm when circumstances demanded firmness, but his strictness was never driven by hatred or malice. Rather, it came from his desire to bring out the best in people. He was a man of character and integrity, honest in his dealings and compassionate toward those around him. Even after his retirement, he did not abandon those he had mentored. He continued to maintain contact with many of us, checking on our welfare and progress like a father checking on his children. That was the kind of man he was. *A PATRIOT AND COMMUNITY SERVANT* *Engr. Olabenjo* was also a man who believed in Nigeria and in the possibility of a better nation. He was widely described by those who knew him as a rare detribalised Nigerian—a patriot who related with people beyond ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries. His commitment to service extended beyond his professional responsibilities. He contributed to humanitarian and community initiatives, including activities associated with the Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), Lagos Cheshire Home and Services (LCHS) and The Committee for the Disabled (CODISA). His involvement with these causes demonstrated that his concern for humanity extended beyond the workplace. He understood that true leadership is not simply about occupying an office. It is about using one's position, knowledge and influence to improve the lives of others. *A FAMILY MAN AND MAN OF FAITH* Beyond the engineer, technocrat, mentor and community leader was a devoted family man. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, in-law and friend. He was affectionately known at home as “Baba”, a name that reflects the fatherly role he played in his family and, in many ways, among those he mentored professionally. His family has lost a husband, father and grandfather. His professional colleagues have lost a distinguished engineer. His mentees have lost a father and teacher. His friends have lost a dependable companion. His community has lost a servant. And I have lost a mentor, leader, father, brother, friend and professional guardian. *YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON* Dear *Engr. Olabenjo*, words are inadequate to fully describe what you meant to me. You gave me encouragement when I needed it. You gave me professional direction when I was uncertain. You pushed me to develop myself. You encouraged me to pursue full engineering registration. You fought for your staff. You created opportunities for people to grow. You believed in people. You remained connected to us even after retirement. Your physical presence is gone, but your lessons remain. Every professional achievement of those whom you mentored is part of your legacy. Every engineer, technologist and professional whom you encouraged carries something of you forward. Your legacy is therefore not confined to your family or your official career record. Your legacy lives in the people you trained, guided, encouraged and inspired. For me personally, whenever I look at my professional journey and remember my COREN registration as a Technologist and subsequently as an Engineer, I will remember the man who encouraged me not to stop at the first milestone. That man was you. *MY FINAL GOODBYE* My dear Oga, mentor, father, brother and friend, I will miss you greatly, painfully and badly. I will miss your advice. I will miss your encouragement. I will miss your fatherly concern. I will miss your calls and the regular contacts after retirement. I will miss the wisdom you shared. I will miss the firmness behind your corrections. I will miss the kindness behind your discipline. I will miss the man who believed that his subordinates could become better than they were. I will miss you, *Engr. OOO*. But I will not forget you. I will continue to uphold the values you taught us—professionalism, integrity, discipline, service, courage, compassion, excellence and commitment to others. Your journey on earth has ended, but your influence continues. May your memory remain a blessing to all of us who knew and loved you. *SPECIAL PRAYERS* *ALMIGHTY GOD*, we thank You for the life of Your servant, *Engr. Olugbenga Olatunde Olabenjo*. We thank You for the years You granted him, for his family, his professional achievements, his service to humanity, his mentorship, his kindness and the many lives he touched. *LORD*, we humbly ask that You receive his soul in peace and grant him eternal rest. May You forgive his shortcomings, pardon his sins and reward his good deeds. May the legacy of service, professionalism, compassion and integrity that he left behind continue to inspire generations. We pray especially for his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, relatives, in-laws, friends, colleagues, mentees and all those mourning his departure. *ALMIGHTY GOD*, please grant the entire *Olabenjo* family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Comfort them in their moments of sorrow. Give them courage when the memories become painful. Give them peace when they feel the emptiness of his absence. Grant them good health, wisdom, unity and strength to preserve the beautiful legacy he left behind. May You strengthen his wife and children and surround them with people who will support, encourage and comfort them. May *THE LORD* bless all his friends, colleagues, mentees and well-wishers who mourn with the family. May *Engr. Olabenjo's* life continue to be a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn. *ADIEU, ENGR. OLABENJO* Adieu, *Engr. Olugbenga Olatunde Olabenjo*, FNSE, FICE, FNICE, FIWE and other professional distinctions. Adieu, my Oga. Adieu, my mentor. Adieu, my father. Adieu, my leader. Adieu, my brother. Adieu, my friend. Adieu, the teacher who invested in people. Adieu, the professional who championed excellence. Adieu, the man who believed in the Nigerian dream. Your earthly assignment is complete. You fought a good fight, served humanity and left behind footprints that will not easily be erased. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Till we meet again, dear Oga. You will be greatly, painfully and badly missed. *FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.* With deepest respect, gratitude and affection, *Engr. Muhammad Jatto Musa* Mentee of *Engr. Olugbenga O. Olabenjo* Founder, Jatto Digitals

I've known Baba since I can remember (literally from birth), and he has been there at every milestone of my life, to the extent of flying his entire family from Nigeria to Canada for my wedding. That's just who Baba is, always giving and pouring himself out for others. He will be greatly missed, and I'm forever grateful for his life, legacy and unconditional love for me and my family. Continue to rest well sir, till we meet again.

To a man who loved deeply and gave freely of himself, his knowledge, expertise, and resources, not only to his family but also to the less privileged, the Body of Christ, and persons living with disabilities. As an Engineer, you were passionate not only about building physical structures, but even more importantly, you were committed to putting lasting structures and systems in place that would benefit others. You encouraged, inspired, gingered and uplifted people. You never failed to appreciate everyone, and I mean everyone, who had the privilege of working with you. We thank God for the life of impact you lived and for the countless lives you touched. We trust that you have been welcomed home by your Maker with the words 'Well done, Good and Faithful servant'. Until we meet again to part no more, rest on, Engr. O. Olabenjo.

In Loving Memory of Engr. O. Olabenjo — “Babaa” Engr. O. Olabenjo, whom I fondly called Babaa, was a true gentleman—principled, hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to the values he held dear. He was a remarkable bridge between the past and the present, carrying with him a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, courage, and grace. Babaa had a rare gift for bringing people together. He consistently promoted unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among friends and family. His presence was often a source of reassurance, and his words carried the wisdom of experience and thoughtful reflection. He was, without doubt, a true philanthropist. He believed strongly in giving back and contributing to the welfare of the less privileged and vulnerable members of society. His generosity extended beyond his immediate circle, reflecting his belief that life is not meant to be lived solely for oneself, but that we all have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As a family member, Babaa was dependable and approachable. Whenever difficult or complex issues arose, he could be counted upon for sound, practical, and insightful counsel. His wisdom and ability to see beyond the immediate challenge made him a trusted source of guidance to many. Babaa was also an achiever who desired to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy. He lived a life of purpose and impact, and to a great extent, he accomplished that goal. His footprints are firmly etched in the hearts and lives of those he touched, and his memory will continue to live on through the values he exemplified and the lives he positively influenced. Though his passing has left a profound void, we remain grateful for the privilege of knowing and sharing life with such an exceptional man. May the gentle and noble soul of our beloved Babaa rest in perfect peace. Amen. From: Rtd. Wg. Cdr. Sola King & Family

UNCLE GBENGA!! Babami (Pa Oyenuga)'s favorite Cousin and you fondly concurred with "my favourite Uncle"!! You both were paddies despite the age difference and indeed had each other's backs!! You were Babami's first point of call when taking any major decision or even any decision at all and were always a phone call away. Once Babami called, Baabaa was at the door despite his busy schedule. Baabaa, you were outstanding in various ways and offered steady and quiet wisdom, one of which was choosing unique names like Nkechi, Ifueko, Zainab, Tamuno and Ogbemudia for your children. This was special as you were of the opinion that Nigeria is one and you couldn't but give them such beautiful names. Tribe was no deterrent and it brought home the fact that we all have a role to play in erasing the social intolerance margin in the Nation. That indeed was a lesson learnt!! Your warmth was especially evident during Babami's funeral arrangements. You were a pillar of support and despite your own quiet grief, you showed up all through! Baabaa, your work here is done and we know Babami is on the other side to welcome you home! May the Lord Almighty grant you rest eternal and also grant Maamaa, your lovely children and grandchildren the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Sun re oooo!! THE OYENUGAS (Akoka).

A Tribute to Our Beloved Uncle Today, we honor the life and memory of a truly beloved uncle. We fondly called you Baba Nkechi —a man whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, kindness, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. You were more than an uncle; you were a source of guidance, encouragement, and love. Your words carried wisdom, your laughter brought happiness, and your generosity touched the lives of many. Thank you for graciously stepping in as the Father of the Bride at my traditional wedding ceremony in 2003 when my father died unexpectedly within the year while we were planning our wedding. The memories we shared will remain precious treasures that we will carry with us always. Although your passing has left a deep emptiness in our hearts, we are grateful for the life you lived and the legacy you leave behind. Your love and the lessons you taught us will continue through the family and all those whose lives you touched. We pray for peace and comfort for the family you left behind. Rest peacefully, Baba Nkechi. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. May your soul rest in perfect peace. From Mojibade Odebode on behalf of the Akin Fadipe Family