Samuel Adebisi Akande (1933-2015)

A MAN of integrity, discipline and high Christian family values, the late Chief Samuel Adebisi Akande was a well-respected role model. A patriarch whose life was worthy of emulation, he was born in 1933 to the families of Ajagunna in Aofin Oge Okeagbe in Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State.

His father was Fadumo Akande while his mother was Fatima Akande both of blessed memories. Akande attended St. George’s Primary School, Okeagbe Akoko from 1949 to 1954 and Akoko Divisional Teacher Training College, Ikare, Akoko from 1958 to 1959.

He was a Class Teacher in St. George’s Primary School, Okeagbe Akoko. He was later transferred to L.A. Primary School, Irun Akoko from 1960 to 1961. He also taught at St. Peter’s Anglican School, Oba Akoko, from 1964 to 1970 and Ondo/Oyo Joint Provisional College, Ile-Ife from 1962 to 1963.

Then, he worked in Ibadan at More Plantations. He furthered his studies by undertaking an intensive course on crop protection and pest control in Abeokuta, which culminated in his serving as Produce Inspector as a Sub Area Officer and later promoted to Area Officer.

He worked at various places like Owo, Ondo, Akure, Okitipupa, Ode-Irele and Oniparaga among others. Before his retirement in 1990, he served as Produce Superintendent Officer. After his retirement, he engaged himself in cocoa and palm kernel businesses. He was a supplier of palm kernel to Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited now Unilever.

He also supplied cocoa products to numerous exporters, which included LADGROUP Nigeria Limited and Kopek Nigeria Limited.

He was a devoted Christian who gave greater part of his life to Christian activities especially at Saint George’s Anglican Church, Okeagbe, on his return back home after retirement nd served the church in various capacities.

He was greatly loved and respected in the family and social circles for his honesty, selfless services to humanity and easy going attributes. He stood by whatever he believed in and was focused.

Papa also devoted his time to community activities. In appreciation of his various contributions to the community, he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “OROWA OF OGELAND” Okeagbe Akoko in 1974. He will be greatly missed. We pray that God Almighty grants him eternal rest. Amen.