Mr. Ojo Babalola

It was a pleasure meeting a very humble and resolute man like you uncle, continue to rest on till we meet to part no more.

Some people come into your life and you know later they were meant to be there, they serve some sort of purpose; teach you a lesson, or help you figure out who you are, and who you want to become or your purpose in life. You never know who these people may be: a neighbor, a child or a long lost friend. In my case it was a complete Nigerian stranger named Ojo Olantinwo Babalola. I had no idea Mr. Ojo would affect my life and the life of my mother in such a profound way. We have so many things in common in our admiration for Mr. Ojo, a man who was very loyal, never quit smiling, bowing (upon greeting you), saying thank you, seeing the best in everything, and an irrepressible belief and faith in God! I have known Mr. Ojo for 18 years both professionally and personally. He applied for a position in Arkansas, in a rural area, with the Helena-West Helena School District in November of 2004. Mr Ojo was a very knowledgeable man in many subject areas and current events. His application spoke clearly to improving, helping, and supporting all students, especially students with disabilities to learn and prepare them to acquire skills both academically and socially for gainful employment. He understood that becoming a teacher was a lifelong profession that would empower him for lifelong learning, training, and educating, which was our School Motto. In addition to his devotion to the teaching profession (here is the personal part) and always supporting everyone on the team without hesitation, Mr. Ojo found the time to connect on a personal note with my mother, Thelma Franklin. My mother grew to love Mr. Ojo as an adopted son. She invited him to ALL of the family holiday gatherings. Mr. Ojo did not have any family in Arkansas so we became his extended family (by default). Not only did he attend the gatherings, but he started spending time with my mother on a weekly basis. My mother loved Mr. Ojo’s valuable time with her as she grew old and feeble and until she transitioned in August of 2016. He made our mom feel valued and that went a long way with me and my siblings. Mr. Ojo was a humble man, a simple man with simple moments shared, easy to talk to and understand, yet he changed my life profoundly more than he will ever know. And so today, we honor and celebrate his life with his family. Remembering Mr. Ojo as an amazing man of God and how he played a unique and special role in our lives. Mr. Ojo created his own style of living in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas he went out and lived it and later returned back to Nigeria. Full Circle!

You came, you cared, you loved. We will miss you but we know you are at the feet of Jesus. Good night, dear Uncle!