Olukayode Olumuyiwa Oabowale, one year after

Olukayode Olumuyiwa Onabowale (aka as Abbakays) lived life to its fullness and was celebrated by his family, friends and the society. Church leader, notable community leader, pragmatic businessman, an achiever, effective mobiliser of men and resources were some of the inscriptions on his tomb after his demise one year ago.

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State on December 15, 1956 to the Royal Families of Late Omooba Josiah Olusanya Onabowale of the Degorusen, Kankan-Buna Ruling House Iraye, Ogere-Remo and Late Omooba Josephine Alaba Onabowale of the Jawo, Legunsen Ruling house Ogere-Remo Ogun State. His mother was the immediate past Iya Ijo of the Christ Anglican Church Ogere Remo, Ogun State.

Olukayode, the fourth in the lineage of 5 boys shared the same birthday with his mother late Omo Oba Josephine Alaba Onabowale.

The father was an import merchant, whilst the mother was a successful merchandiser who over the years was a Distributor with Lever Brother Nig. Ltd and later Key Distributor to Unilever Nig. Plc; a business still waxing strong till date.

He attended St. Georges Primary School Zaria from 1962-1966 and later went to Methodist School Yaba, Lagos from 1967-1969 for his primary education.

He proceeded to Christ Apostolic Grammar School Iperu, Ogun State, from 1969-1973 and later Government Secondary School Daura, Kastina State from 1974-1975, where he sat for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), which he passed in Division 1.

For the Post Secondary Education, Olukayode attended the College of Art, Science & Technology (CAST), Zaria, Kaduna State from 1975-1977, where he passed the IJMB, BDE examination with merit pass in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State from 1977-1982, where he obtained a Bsc (Hons) Degree in Building. After his graduation at ABU Zaria, he did his NYSC posting as a site Engineer with the New Nigeria Construction Company (NNCC) Kaduna from 1982-1983.

After the NYSC, he opted to give expression to his innate social and entrepreneurship instincts by working as a Manager at Mama Cass. Dancing Restaurant, Ikeja, Lagos from 1983-1986; where he nurtured the business from obscurity to a national brand.

Having satisfied his innate social rendezvous, Olukayode moved back to his profession as a Builder. He revived his company, Jabow Nig. Ltd which was incorporated in 1983, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder. Ever since, his dynamism and passion in the Building and Construction Industry knew no bounds.

Little wonder, the company had executed well over 250 building construction and renovation works across the country,
many of which are eye catching and tastefully furnished.

In spite of his professional demands, he found time to socialise and network with his friends, colleagues and relations across the country and in the Diaspora. From his University days, Olukayode developed very strong interest in musical lyrics across the spectrum. Due to his interest and passion for music, he developed a personal library of musical tapes, records, musical electronics and sound gadgets.

He was a member of the Venderlite Club in the University, and was the Director of Social ABU University Student Union in 1980 and Game Leader at the Government Secondary School, Daura.

He was involved in many social and religious activities which included The Kayode Fitness Club in Abuja of which he was the Leader since 2014. He was also distinguished member of Club 2000 ABU Zaria. He was an active member of the Christian Guardian Society at the Anglican Church of the Ascension Opebi, Lagos and also the Anglican Christian Fellowship, Christ Anglican Church, Ogere-Remo, Ogun State.

He was a devoted Christian, who developed an enviable capacity for discipline, affection, sincerity and radiated love to all manners of people, devoid of tribal, ethnic and religious colouration.”

He was happily married to an understanding, loving and dedicated wife, Mrs. Adebo Yewande Onabowale (nee Okege). The marriage is blessed with two beautiful children Olusade and Olatomi.