BABA, YOU WERE A ROLE MODEL IN LIFE AND A HERO AT DEATH ……. by WUFAS AGRONET ( Not related ) At WUFAS AGR0Net HUMAN ANGLE – WE ARE ” HERO WORSHIPERS”.
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 Sir Moboji Ayinla  Bank - Anthony. KBE, FRSA, F. Inst.D, Hon. LLD, CFR. Appropriately described by the media as Nigeria's best known philanthropist and perhaps, the most secretive,  was born on 11th June, 1907 in what was then known  as  the Belgian Congo now  The Republic of Zaire.  His father was late Pa Alfred Ayinla Bank-Anthony, a wealthy merchant and renowned undertaker after whom Sir Mobolaji took with the establishment of  'A Bank- Anthony & Sons -- The Sympathetic Undertakers' . His mother was the Late Alhaja Rabiatu Ayinke Aleshinloye -Williams born to the  Late  Daddy Aleshinloye -Williams. the Prince Merchant of Itakose Olowogbowo Fame  of Lagos  and the Jadiara Ruling house of Ijebu-Ode. Sir Mobolaji's deep regards for and attachment to his parents were manifested later in his donation of a 140-bed Accident Ward to  National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi. Lagos in memory of his late  Father , commissioned by the then  Head of State, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in 1977.   In memory of his late mother , he also donated 'Ayinke House' - a130 bed Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre attached to the Ikeja General Hospital, Lagos state commissioned by  The President , Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at an impressive ceremony on 14th April , 1990. On that day  Sir Mobolaji was so overwhelmed with emotions that he could not summon enough strength to accompany The President to the tape - cutting ceremony which symbolised the official commissioning  of the center.

Sir Mobolaji was married to former Miss Laide Adesigbin now Lady Bank – Anthony on September 26, 1935. It was a marriage which has endured and blossomed into lifetime companionship which in later years has been described by him as a relationship between ‘brother and sister’ The deep affection and respect between the two was a model for today’s generation. Sir Mobolaji’s fervent wish and practice is one of simplicity in life despite his unquestionable position as a national and international figure.. He perfected the act of appearing casual’ where others felt the need to overdress. But when I t was obligatory to be former, you could not find a better march.
His social and business connection were wide and varied , spanning several continents of the globe. He could name without recourse to diaries, people and events of significance throughout his lifetime. He was an avid writer and a passionate reader of newspaper of both local and foreign origin. Many of his friends and associate will testify to his interest in current and international affairs by the many newspaper cuttings with covering letters signed personally in his usual green ink. If he found any article or any particular ‘snippet’ that could be of interest to any of his friends or those in authority, he would not hesitate to send a copy or draw attention to such information in the right quarters.
His early education at St. Peters School, Faji, Lagos; Methodist Boys High School, Lagos; Ijebu- Ode Grammar School, Ijebu Ode. CMS. Grammar School and Baptist Boys High school, Lagos was greatly enhanced by his retentive memory and avid interest in facts, events and conditions throughout the world which regular travels to various places and contacts with extraordinary and significant people and places made possible. When asked during an interview years back, about his birth, he responded in his usual affable manner that ‘he came at the end of an extended honeymoon’ His examplary life showed clearly that he was well prepared during the period of his incubation.
He maintained his various contacts by constant correspondence. These included some international political figures like the formal Prim minster of Great Britain. The Rt.Hon. Mrs. Margret Thatcher and the former President of USA. Mr. Jimmy Carter. He cherished his friendship and close connection with the late Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Late K.O. Mbadiwe for whom he had particular regards and late Alhaji Adewale who delighted him enormously with amusing anecdotes and quips.
In his life time, he could hardly take any decision of consequence without recourse to the wise counsel of the first Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sir
Adetokunbo Adenola and lady Ademola, whom he fondly referred to as ‘Mummy’.He would always remind people who knew him of his close association and long – standing relationship with the Owelle of Onitsha Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, The first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as Dr. Guisseppe Promo of Borino Promo of Italy and Angus Ferguson, the eminent legal firm of Irving & Bonnar, to name but a few. The historic correspondence between them are preserved neatly as part of his ‘ Heirdom’ for posterity.
Sir, Mobolaji’s respect and regard for authority was total. Even where he held views that were at variance with any particular Administrations, his belief had always been to support whatever Government was in power in any country so long as it guaranteed stability and peace. But, he was never an avowed politician although inspire of his unmistakable wealth and position, his views always tended to be a little left of the centre. Which explain his Demonstrated concern for humility and the down trodden even at the expense of his own comforts.
Throughout his life time, Sir, Mobolaji interacted appropriately and correctly with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. from colonial era. Gen. Obasanjo’s Administration regarded him well as to confer on him the esteemed honour of ‘Commander of the order of Niger’ – CON. His achievement became even more significant in latter years for the Administration of Gen. Babagida to honour him with ‘ Commander of the Fedreral Republic’ – CFR in 1990.
On the international scene , Queen Elizabeth 11 of England in 1953 bestowed on Sir, Mobolaji the Corporation Medal. The same year , the Republic of Italy honoured him with the ‘Stella della Solidarrieta Italians de Prima Class’ In 1963, Queen Elizabeth 11 again made him ” Knight of the British Empire ” – KBE. In 1989, he was conferred with the highest honor ever given to Nigerian at that time by the Republic of Italy — the ” grand Ufficiale Al’Merito Della Repubblicana Italiana”.
Sir Mobolaji was a pioneer and ENTERPRENEUR . He started as an importer and retailer of “Quink,” ink and “Parker” fountain pens – hence the origin of “Fountain pen House” , his residence until his demise.. He initiated many businesses and brought many foreign companies out to Nigeria whose business interest have progressed so well to have now become household names. One of them is Borini Promo & company ( Nig) Limited. of which he was executive chairman until his death and which he introduce to Nigeria with tremendous persuasion in 1952.. Law Union & Rock insurance Company of Nigeria Ltd also originated from his initiative and eventual appointment as agent and through which the company has now become a significant part of the Insurance industry in Nigeria. He was also a foundation member of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and significant board member of the first privately owned Reinsurance company in Nigeria. The Universe Reinsurance company. Ltd, A Dairy products firm, An Airline, There are many more which if listed will transgress his regard to publicity.
It is impossible to think of any one more decorated and much better regarded in his lifetime. Apart from National and International recognition Mobolaji reluctantly became a Chief when he was made Chief Baloro of Lagos by Alayelua Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, The Oba of Lagos in 1968.Twenty years later , he was honored with another title “The Otunba Obadofin” by the Awujale of ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba 11 . Other titles in recognition for his service and contribution to the progress and welfare of our communities abound.
Sir Mobolaji cherished his contributions to the improvement and welfare of the privilege and the disadvantaged. Institutions and interests with varying objectives affecting human concern and care. He was:

• Vice-Patron — The international Law Society of Nigeria.
• President— Amateur Athletic Association of Nigeria.
• President — Nigerian Physiotherapy Society.
• Chairman — English Speaking Union.
• President– Young Men Christian Association. Lagos
• Patron — Nigeria Institute of Physics
• Patron — Nigeria Hockey Association.
• Vice Patron — Yoruba Tennis Club.
• Fellow — Nigerian Institute of Management
• Member — Body of Patron of the Nigeria Academy of Science – group which included the President and the Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
  In the area of philanthropy, despite his wish for the avoidance of publicity, his contribution had no equal. He was quietly doing his work of the “Good Samaritan” and endowment of Chairs in Universities before that became popular.He endowed many scholarships in Nephrology, Neurology, and Forensic Medicine from which about eight specialtists served at the University of Ibadan. Nigeria. His endorsement of Cancer Research Fund progressed. Universities and Institutions of higher learning honour him to the end.
  On Youth development, Sir Mobolaji was the first King’s Scout in Nigeria — 1922 /23.and in the early years, he did a lot for Youth Clubs and the Boys Brigade . He was a foundation Member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers. He devoted his life and wealth largely to the improvement of the quality of life which is indeed worthy of emulation.
  Sir Mobolaji was a real family man, a loving and caring father and the unifying force in the various branches of his extended family tree encompassing the Aleshinloyes, the Oshodis, the Reffells, the Braithwaites, the Dawodus, the Thomas, the Williams and the Anthonys of Lagos. He was sadly missed by his family and all those who had the good fortune to know him. He certainly left his Footprints on the sand of time. ■ This Annual Posthumous Birthday Remembrance (the 5th in series ) was put together by WUFAS AGRONET in appreciation of the HEROIC stance of Pa Mobolaji Bank Anthony.
  ….At WUFAS AGR0NET WE ARE Genuine Hero worshipper.
  …… If your life is worth the while., you will certainly be worshipped and be remembered.
  WUFAS AGRONET …… Flew to Lagos from Kano to pay the last respect for Baba, i was at his funeral service at Ayinke House on 1st June 1990. — I never met him in person in his lifetime and not in anyway his relation but grew up to learn about this COLOSSUS OF A LIFE TIME
  We’re also Biographers adding values to genuine personalities. Contact us today 08157784430, 08034064270. Email .wufasagronet@gmail.com, Fb page WUFAS AGR0Net.
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