Adeniyi Akanmu Awesu @ 90

If honesty, simplicity, contentment, humility, humanity, godliness, wisdom, fulfilment, fear of God, and kindness, were humans, they will resemble Deacon Adeniyi Akanmu Awesu. Born on June 20, 1933, in Iwo to Muslim parents, the nonagenarian would later grow to become a Deacon. In celebration of his 90th birthday, Sunday Ehigiator talks to him about his life of honesty, above acquiring ill-gotten wealth, despite having several opportunities to do so while in active service as a surveyor, and later a town-planner in Lagos State

Take  us through your life trajectory?

I was born in 1930 in  Iwo town, which is now in Osun State. I  attended the local government primary school and began my schooling at the age of 12. Fortunately, I was able to complete my primary education in just 5 years instead of the usual 6. After completing primary school, I enrolled in the community college in Ijebu Igbo, where I spent another five years.  Following that, I attended the School of Survey in Oyo. The programme required one session of study to become a survey assistant. However, if you wanted to become a surveyor, you needed to have at least 5 credits, including elementary mathematics. Fortunately, I met all the requirements and was assigned to Akure. Later, I was transferred to Onishe Ire.

My role involved establishing survey pillars. The selection process emphasized honesty, as they did not verify information from the headquarters. Additionally, I was not allowed to compute the survey data myself; instead, the headquarters in Akure would handle that task. Afterwards, I was transferred to Ese Odo before Ore, where I established a farm settlement. I stayed there for seven months and surprisingly, nobody inquired about my qualifications. Meanwhile, I had already qualified to be a registered surveyor, but they stopped assigning me surveys. Consequently, I had to resign, and I returned to my hometown of Iwo in 1960.

In 1964, a lawyer who was my classmate saw me carrying a cutlass and challenged me, asking how long I would continue doing that. This prompted me to return to school and study at the Polytechnic in Ibadan for three years. I successfully obtained a certificate in urban and regional planning.

I was fortunate once again to be sponsored by the Ikeja Area Planning to study Town Planning at the University of Melbourne. After completing my studies, I returned home and practised for two years before becoming a registered town planner. By 1972, I had obtained my registration, and I began working with the government. Throughout my career, I maintained a commitment to honesty.

In your career trajectory did you have low moment?

Yes, therefore was a troubling incident where someone accused me of demolishing their house because they failed to bribe me with ₦5. At that time, ₦5 was a significant amount of money, and we issued checks for that amount.

The permanent secretary did not believe my side of the story as the person presented a forged letter as evidence. In response, I called a meeting and informed everyone presents that I would engage the services of a police handwriting expert. Suddenly, the accuser was unable to produce the letter, claiming to have lost it. This led to a three-year court battle, but eventually, I was acquitted and cleared of all charges.

During this period, the head of state, Murtala Muhammed had this belief that everyone was corrupt. As a result, he ordered me to oversee the town planning of my town and insisted that I give orders to the chairman of my local government. Although I initially held this position, I later declined when they wanted me to return to town planning development.

Instead, I registered my own company called AA  and Associates, specializing in environmental development, consulting, and matters related to town planning and land. We operated for ten years with three partners, but due to their lack of faithfulness, I decided to part ways amicably. I then registered my current company, which is still in operation today.

As you have hit the age of 90, are you planning to retire?

I don’t plan to retire as I have reliable people I can depend on. Adelu is one of the most honest individuals I have, and he currently holds a position of responsibility. This house I reside in is my only property, and despite occasional scarcity lasting for three or four days, I always manage to have enough to eat what I desire. After a few days, someone always provides me with something. I moved to this location in 1978, and over the years, developers have approached me with offers to buy the property. However, I have always maintained that my children will develop the house on their own. I am content and grateful to God for the abundance of friends and spiritual children I have. I also have two biological children who receive tremendous support from the church. I am truly thankful for all the blessings in my life.

Was it always your dream to become a town planner?

You know, I initially aspired to become a surveyor. However, whenever I went out to the field and observed the road designs, I couldn’t help but question why people would create such poorly designed roads. After some reflection, I realized that it was the work of town planners who were responsible for these designs. This realization ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in town planning.

When reflecting on your past, do you have any regrets?

Throughout my life, I have experienced the various ups and downs that come with it. It is important to note that no one has ever claimed to have achieved absolute success, but I am grateful for how God has guided me through my journey. There have been moments of distress when I would reflect upon myself and realize that there are others who would be content to be in my position, which reminded me not to dwell on negativity and instead focus on finding joy in my circumstances.

What is your life mantra?

Do unto others as you like people to do unto you.

Your personality represents honesty, even when you were in a position to acquire illicit wealth and riches, do you sometimes look back to think you could have made a different decision?

From an early age, my father instilled in me a strict moral code. He explicitly advised me against pursuing careers in fields known for corruption, such as the police force, customs, the military, the Forestry department and cocoa inspectors responsible for inspecting cocoa shipments bound for London. These occupations were notorious for their high levels of corruption. My father warned me about the dangers of joining these occupations, as he believed that if I didn’t partake in their illicit activities, I would face grave consequences.

Instead, he encouraged me to seek out a profession where I could earn an honest living and maintain my integrity. His guidance inspired me to pursue a career that would allow me to lead an honourable and principled life.

Would you say that the guidance and upbringing provided by your parents have significantly influenced the course of your life?

My mother has always been a selfless individual, extending her care and service not only to her children but to others as well. She has a unique way of handling situations. For instance, when she cooks a meal and someone complains that it is too small, she will simply place it on the table and wait for someone else to come and enjoy the food. When asked about it, she would say that someone else who appreciates it has taken it.

In our household, it is impossible to distinguish between my mother’s biological children and others, as she treats everyone with equal love and care. Despite having only two biological children, my late sister, who lived to the age of 92, and me, she has always embraced and nurtured those around her as part of her extended family.

In comparison to previous generations, what do you believe is lacking in this current generation?

I believe that parents have a tremendous responsibility in raising their children. Nowadays, it seems that children have insatiable desires, even when they have the means to fulfil them. They often misuse their money without considering the consequences.

For instance, there are cases where a young man, fortunate to have a good job, purchases a Mercedes Benz as his very first car. While it may be his prerogative to do so, one wonders what he will aspire to buy when he reaches the pinnacle of his career.

In areas like Lekki, there is a prevailing culture of material competition. This competition extends to spouses and children, who pressure the father to engage in dishonest activities. The mentality becomes, “My peers have bought this or that, so I want it too.” Unfortunately, this mindset leads many individuals down a path of dishonesty. It is not uncommon to find cocaine dealers operating in such environments. 

Could you share your experience of finding Christ and describe the impact your journey with Him has had on you?

Very, very good! I am one of the people who have experienced the grace of God. Every time there are moments when I am at home with nothing to eat, someone unexpectedly comes in and says that someone owes me N10,000 and asked them to give it to me. My friends never abandon me either. I am currently relying solely on God’s grace, and it is sufficient for me. Just take a look at my house; people entrust valuable possessions to me.

Overall, I am extremely grateful for the continuous blessings I receive. It is remarkable how, in times of need, someone always comes forward to help and support me. I firmly believe that this is a result of God’s grace working in my life. Even when I have nothing, I am never left without assistance. The kindness and generosity of others never cease to amaze me.

Living by God’s grace has taught me to appreciate the little things and be content with what I have. I find solace in knowing that my needs will be met, even when circumstances seem dire. It is a humbling experience to witness how people trust me with their valuable possessions. This demonstrates the level of respect and faith they have in me.

When reflecting on your life, what would you consider to be your most significant accomplishment?

What have I achieved that nobody else hasn’t achieved? People may think I have accomplished great things, but the grace of God is sufficient for me. My greatest achievement is finding Christ. Many of my friends are Muslims, but the way I found Christ brought me immense joy. Even now, when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is read my Bible and pray. I lock my door, sit down to read, and spend time in prayer.

How do you unwind and relax in your daily routine?

I love music, so I watch Nigerian Idols. I don’t watch the auditions, just the sweet music performances. After that, I read the Bible. In the morning, when I wake up, I go to the toilet, lock the doors of my room, and say a prayer. Then I have my daily encounter with God, where I pray. After that, I go out to the sitting room, where they prepare breakfast for me. If there’s anything available, I eat it with pap or I eat the pap alone.