A pillar of support and a worthy son of Olukumopa: Celebrating Engr. Adegbola Isaac Adegboyega, by Sunday OGUNKUADE
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Every September 24 marks the birthday of Engineer Adegbola Isaac Adegboyega, popularly known as Gbola ‘Olukumopa’. As has become my usual practice, I join thousands of people, including his family members, friends, associates and well-wishers to celebrate this remarkable personality on the occasion of his birthday.
Over the years, I have chosen to celebrate Engr. Gbola ‘Olukumopa’ not merely by sending birthday greetings, but by reflecting on the qualities that have made him a respected and valued member of his community. His birthday therefore provides another opportunity to acknowledge his contributions to the lives of people around him and to celebrate the values he represents.
This year, however, my tribute centres on three important themes: Engr. Gbola as a pillar of support to many people, Engr. Gbola as a well-trained and worthy son of Olukumopa, and the remarkable intellectual legacy of the Olukumopa family of Taara, Ogbomoso.
One of the qualities that readily comes to mind when discussing Engr. Gbola is his willingness to support people. His support for others is not limited to one particular sphere of life. Rather, it cuts across family, friendship, professional relationships and community engagements.
In a society where people often remember others only when they need something from them, individuals who consistently make themselves available to support others deserve recognition. Engr. Gbola has, in his own way, demonstrated that the value of a person is not measured solely by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact such a person makes in the lives of others.
To many people who have encountered him at different stages of their lives, his name represents encouragement, assistance and a readiness to lend a helping hand. Sometimes, support does not necessarily come in the form of huge financial contributions. A word of encouragement, useful advice, a connection, an intervention at the right time or simply standing by someone during a difficult period can make a significant difference.
This is one of the reasons Engr. Gbola’s birthday is worth celebrating beyond the usual social media messages and ceremonial greetings. It is an occasion to recognise a man whose presence has meant something to many people.
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The second theme of this year’s tribute is Engr. Gbola as a well-trained son of Olukumopa. There is a saying that a good child is a source of honour to the family. Beyond the achievements that an individual records personally, there is also the question of the values, discipline and character inherited from one’s upbringing.
In Engr. Gbola, many people see the reflection of a sound upbringing. Being identified with the name Olukumopa is more than a mere appellation; it carries with it a sense of identity, heritage and responsibility. To be a worthy son is to understand that one’s conduct can either enhance or diminish the reputation of the family and heritage one represents.
Engr. Gbola has continued to carry this identity with a sense of responsibility. His education, professional training and interactions with people have combined with his upbringing to shape the personality that many have come to know and appreciate.
The essence of good upbringing is often seen in the way a person treats others, responds to responsibility and relates with both the young and the old. It is also demonstrated through humility, respect, generosity, commitment and the willingness to contribute meaningfully to society.
These qualities make the celebration of Engr. Gbola’s birthday not just a celebration of his age, but also a celebration of the journey that has brought him to where he is today.
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The Olukumopa family of Taara, Ogbomoso, has produced, and continues to produce, people of intellectual distinction in different fields. Members of the family are making waves in their respective careers and contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities and society at large. This intellectual heritage is a source of pride and a reflection of the values of hard work, discipline, education and excellence associated with the family. It is therefore important to acknowledge that Engr. Gbola is not an isolated example, but part of a broader family tradition of achievement and positive impact.
Apart from Engr. Gbola ‘Olukumopa’, other people I cannot forget in the Olukumopa family are Sir Akinade Johnson Adeyemi, Engr. Abayomi Adegbite and Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite. The four of them are in my good book, and I hold them in high regard for their accomplishments, character and contributions in their respective areas of endeavour.
Their achievements further demonstrate the strength and depth of the Olukumopa family’s intellectual and professional legacy. They have continued to make the family proud while serving as examples to younger generations.
Birthdays naturally remind us of the passage of time. But beyond the counting of years, they provide an opportunity to reflect on what those years have produced.
For Engr. Gbola, the significance of another September 24 lies not simply in adding another year to his age, but in the relationships he has built, the people he has supported and the legacy of values he continues to represent.
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The true measure of a person’s life is often found in the memories that people carry about him. When people remember an individual with gratitude, affection and respect, such memories become a form of enduring legacy.
Engr. Gbola’s journey is therefore worthy of celebration because it reminds us of the importance of being useful to others. In a world where individual interests can sometimes take precedence over communal responsibilities, people who remain willing to support others provide an important example.
As Engineer Adegbola Isaac Adegboyega, popularly known as Gbola ‘Olukumopa’, marks another birthday today, I join his family members, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating him.
I celebrate him as a pillar of support to many, and I celebrate him as a well-trained son of Olukumopa, whose identity carries the values of family, responsibility and service.
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I also celebrate the Olukumopa family of Taara, Ogbomoso, for its remarkable intellectual heritage and for producing individuals who continue to make waves in different fields. In particular, I acknowledge Sir Akinade Johnson Adeyemi, Engr. Abayomi Adegbite and Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite, who, alongside Engr. Gbola, remain in my good book.
May the years ahead bring him greater opportunities to contribute to the lives of others. May his efforts continue to yield positive results, and may he enjoy sound health, peace, fulfilment and enduring happiness.
Most importantly, may he continue to be a source of pride to his family, a dependable friend and associate to many, and a positive contributor to his community.
Happy birthday Bros Gboly, as I fondly call you. Congratulations sir!
Ogunkuade sends piece from Ogbomoso
