THE late Alhaji Bisiriyu Kazeem aka Omosemi-loge was a man of integrity, discipline, highly principle with strong Islamic values and a role model to many. He was passionate about supporting young people, particularly helping them to develop positive moral attributes. He also toiled to ensure that many young people, not just his children, attained educational greatness.

Born in 1920 to Mr Jazeem and Mrs Adejoke Kazeem, he was a native of Ago iwoye in Ogun State. A devoted Muslim, he had his early education in Arabic. He was an advocate of ‘good behaviour’ not ‘good religion’. He believed that ones good behaviour speaks not ones religion and practiced that throughout his lifetime. A man of the people, he was generous and put smiles on the faces of many people irrespective of their religion. He was very hardworking among the Muslim folds and dedicated his lifetime to the service of humanity. He contributed immensely to the development of the mosque in Ago Iwoye, his hometown. Even at old age, the late Kazeem gave alms from the stipends he received from his son, Aare Safiriyu Kazeem.

He was married to the late Mrs. Muyibat Kazeenm (nee Yusuf). He made holy pilgrimage to Mecca in 1995 through the assistance of his son, Safiriyu Kazeem, who loved him dearly.

He lost his wife to death in 1967 after a long sickness. The aftermath of the incident brought his economy to a great fall. He, however, did not shirk his responsibility in the family, as he strove hard to ensure that his children were well raised. He disciplined them and taught them life’s virtues. He believed in the preaching that tomorrow will be better than today and taught his children to focus on God in all situations.

Speaking about the life and times of his late father, Safiriyu, who is the President Saf Petroleum, said he sacrificed a lot to train his children.

He said: “ My father sacrificed a lot to train us. To him character mattered. One of his favourite sayings was ‘a good name is better than silver and gold’. My dad was a dedicated Muslim that believed in the doctrine of Islam. He was a pillar of strength to many and installed in me a strong positive value. He was a man of integrity; he was stubborn to a fault but he was also a stickler for principles and values.

“The late Bisiriyu loved his people and gave to the less privileged. His open door policy fetched him lots of tributes and appreciation. He was indeed a man of the people who always had listening ear for the needs of his people. His passion for excellence was evidenced in all he did and there was no place for sub-standard approach to assignments for him.”

He added: “He lived an exemplary family life that demonstrated his profound love for his children and grand children.

“Many described him as fearless and courageous, but also balanced. He was a caring and loving father; you could always be assured that his actions were done with best of intentions.”

The late Kazeem passed on to glory on November 20, 2013. As he is fondly remembered today by his son Safiriyu, other children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, his long, fulfilling and exemplary life of touching the live of many continue to be an inspiration to them and many other people who encountered him in his lifetime.

May his gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty Allah.