Biography
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Babatunde Raphael Akangbe Adeyemi was born on the 10th of October, 1959 into the noble and loving family of Late Pa Adeyemi James Olugbode Oyebanji and Mama Emiloye Mary Adeyemi Oyebanji of the Ile-Esa in Olupo’s Compund in Esie in the then Igbomina/Ekiti Local Government (now Irepodu Local Government) of Kwara State.
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Growing up, he displayed a natural inclination towards leadership and responsibility as the first child. Despite facing economic challenges, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of family bonds.
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From a young age, Babatunde prioritised his family above all else. Whether it was helping his parents around the house, supporting his siblings, or spending quality time with relatives, he understood the significance of strong family connections. This deep-rooted commitment to his loved ones would remain a cornerstone of his life.
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He had his primary school education at Saint. Michael Primary School, Esie and was fondly called Tunde iresi (Rice) by his peers, a name that was derived from his Mum being the rice seller at the school. He carried the name with pride until his last breath. After the primary school his parent did not have the financial means of sending him into further education but in his pursuit of success, Babatunde demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial drive. He was with his uncle Late Adeniyi Adeyanju as an apprentice learning the skills of doing business in Lagos. Recognising opportunities and armed with a strong work ethic, he ventured into various business endeavours. He started his own business with the name RABTAD Nigeria Enterprises in 1985 and recorded a lot of success in importation and exportation as well as local business in mat selling (tabaruma in Hausa language). He approached each venture with passion and dedication.
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He married his wife Mrs. Adenike Aderonke Adeyemi in 1987 and were blessed with five children (Folashade, Oyindamola, Ademilola, Tolulope and Samuel) and four grandchildren (Araoluwa, Teniola, Aminoluwa and Kikiola). Despite the demands of his work and life, Babatunde never lost sight of his family responsibilities. He strived to strike a balance between work and spending quality time with his loved ones. Whether it was attending family gatherings, celebrating milestones, or offering support during challenging times, he remained a pillar of strength and support for his family.
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From his youth, Babatunde recognised the transformative power of education. In his quest for further knowledge, he enrolled himself into GCE lessons and went on to sit the as a private candidate in Book-keeping and Accounting while he was still an apprentice. As the eldest sibling, he took it upon himself to ensure that his brothers and his children received the gift of quality education to the university level. He encouraged and supported them academically, serving as a mentor and a guide throughout their educational journeys. He worked tirelessly to ensure they had access to quality education, understanding its importance in shaping their future success. His selflessness and dedication empowered them to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential. His legacy lives on not only through their academic achievements but also in the values of determination, perseverance, and the importance of supporting one another.
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Throughout his life, Babatunde achieved significant success in both his personal, family and business endeavours. His dedication to family and his entrepreneurial spirit served as inspirations to those around him. Whether it was nurturing his own family or contributing to the growth of his business ventures, his legacy endures as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds.
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Babatunde's journey is a testament to the profound impact of family values and a strong work ethic. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones serves as an inspiration to all who knew him.