On Saturday, December 27, 2025, the ancient town of Kabba in Kogi State was filled with emotion and gratitude as family, friends, and community leaders gathered for a special thanksgiving remembrance. The event marked 35 years since the passing of Pa David Adeyemi Babaeko, a former sergeant in the Education Corps of the Nigerian Army and a dedicated teacher.
A Legacy of Discipline and Patriotism
The ceremony, organized by his children, brought the late Babaeko's memory vividly to life. Attendees unanimously remembered him as a disciplined, focused, and patriotic Nigerian. He began his career as a teacher before joining the Nigerian Army after the Civil War, driven by a singular objective: to promote national unity.
His eldest son, Steve Babaeko, a towering figure in Nigeria's advertising industry, shared heartfelt memories. Although he was in his teens when his father died, Steve recalled a loving father who blended deep affection with strict principles rooted in honesty, generosity, and commitment to God. "He left a legacy and goodwill for us to tap from," Steve stated, noting that even in adulthood, he constantly meets people who remind him of his father's exemplary character and urge him to uphold the family name.
Good Name Opens Doors: Tributes from Family and Community
Another son, Seyi Babaeko, a politician and security expert, testified to the enduring power of his father's reputation. He revealed that his father's good name opened many doors for him during his political campaigns, proving the adage that a good name is better than gold and silver. He expressed that he continues to benefit from his father's goodwill within and beyond their community.
The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the paramount traditional ruler of Kabba Kingdom, paid glowing tributes to the late Babaeko. He congratulated the widow and children for their resilience, refusing to let his early demise deter them from achieving significant life goals.
For the octogenarian widow, Mrs. Christianah Olufunke Babaeko, it was a moment of mixed emotions. Overcome with feelings, she shed tears of both joy and sadness, remembering their time together. Her solace, however, lies in the successful men and women her children have become, a testament to her struggle to provide them with quality education and home training after her husband's passing.
Honoring a Father's Dream
Steve Babaeko explained the motivation behind the gathering: to give glory to God that their father did not die in vain. He remembered his father as a strong, ambitious man passionate about his country and family, who desired to raise future leaders. "Now that we are of age," Steve said, "we see the need to organise this in his honour and reach out to the community in his memory." He also expressed profound gratitude to his mother for her immense sacrifices.
Daughter-in-law, Mrs. Yetunde Babaeko, who married Steve years after his father's death, noted that her husband's focused and humane character mirrors the descriptions she has heard of her late father-in-law, convincing her of the great man being celebrated.
The event, held in Kabba, the headquarters of Okunland, stood as a powerful testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire generations, 35 years on.
