There are certain traits that goes alongside certain professions and it behooves the professional to ensure that these traits are evident in one’s daily life. Having said this, everyone can optimize the job that they are paid for to benefit humanity at large. Baba Overseer Gabriel “Gavima” Akadi has transcended from just being a printer on the pages of books to the printer of indelible impressions on the heart of Okeho people and everyone that he has come in contact with generally.

I have known Baba Overseer Akadi in the last decade. I desired to test my writing skills by putting together the biography of my maternal Grandfather, Revd John Adegoke Okesiji, JP.  After drafting the book, I came to the hurdle that many Nigerian writers face which is publishing. It was at the point of needing someone to make the dream a reality that I met Baba upon the recommendation of my Grandfather. I got Baba’s number and the relationship started and this informed my view of him-

A Willing and Open Father: In the course of walking with Baba; I discovered that he is a willing Father to help. Baba was ready to invest into my own dreams in making the book a reality. His willingness gave me the zeal to raise Two hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) only so that work can commence on the publication of the book. In the nick of time, God brought a sponsor that footed the bill for the publication. Also, Baba’s openness made him introduce the typist, Mrs. Adewunmi, who worked on the book to me. I also frequented her office in the process of working on the script in order to ensure that the publication has minimal errors.

A Teachable Father: In the process of working on the book. I saw a teachable father. This is a rare value which is slightly different from our cultural belief where every adult is always right. Baba gave me the opportunity of describing the exact way in which I want the book cover to look. We were able to achieve the desired result.

A Celebrating Father: When the day of the book launch came, Baba drove all the way from Ibadan to Ogbomoso to be involved in the book launch. Thereafter, Baba would call me to ask if I was coming for different events that has to do with Okeho people either in Lagos or Ibadan. Interestingly, I do not know some of thed

A Discerning Father: The project endeared me to Baba Akadi. He saw something in me which he had not told me till today. Way back then, he told me that he would want Bro Tobi and I to be friends. Actually, we become friends before he relocated to the United States and we are still in touch till date. He ignited our friendship because he knew we could complement one another’s effort. It was all joy for me too when I was not surprised to discovered that Baba is also the father of Abiodun Akadi, an inspiring gospel musician of my time.

An Advising Father: If I am this fortunate to have sapped from Baba Akadi’s words of wisdom via telephone and our sporadic contact; I wonder how much he has invested into his biological children and all his apprentices over the years. There was a day when Baba called me to ask about my progress and he encouraged me with this proverb, “ti ina eniyan ba n jo, a fi n jo nkan ni”literarily meaning when you have a burning wick ensure that it burns something. I have not forgot this saying and it is one of my guiding principle till date.

An Entrusting Father:  There is no limit to which Baba can commit things to ones hands. Prior to now, I had discussions with Baba as regards his 70^th birthday. Think about it, how many father would allow children who are not in any way related to him to suggest ideas of celebrating his milestone except it is a surprise birthday. This for me, is the height of his ability to entrust things into people’s hands.

A Honorable Father: Baba Akadi is a honorable man worthy of emulation because he is honorable in his homestead- Okeho, in Ibadan and even out of Nigeria. Baba has not lost touch with his homestead, he published a revised edition of “Iwe Itan Okeho” and many more books  for Okeho indigenes.  Baba has not changed his identity, he is a kinsman per excellence and he deserves more roses now that he is still with us.

I am sure that all contributors to the book will agree with me that Baba has printed many indelible impressions on the heart of many just like he has done to me. I thank God for giving me another quality father from Okeho.