A Grandfather Worth Admiring
Growing up, I loved, admired, and marvelled at my maternal grandfather. He was a man who paid attention to the details, cared deeply for his family, and gave generously to others. I have countless fond memories of him, but one stands out vividly.
I remember one summer holiday, my brother and I traveled back to Nigeria unaccompanied. Grandpa was the one to pick us up from the airport, and true to form, he left no stone unturned. Somehow, he managed to get permission to enter the baggage hall to ensure we were okay. Everyone knew he was there to pick up his grandchildren because he proudly told anyone who would listen.
That was Grandpa in a nutshell—thoughtful, thorough, and deeply invested in those he loved. His generosity extended beyond his family. His house was often a halfway home for people transitioning from his hometown to the city. At any given time, two or three people were staying there—some temporarily, others more permanently. He even helped raise children from his hometown, especially girls, so they could have access to education. In an era when boys were often prioritised, his focus on young girls was remarkable.
He had a favourite saying that summed up his philosophy on generosity: “There is enough to go round if we care to share.” It was so central to who he was that he had it printed on a motivational poster in his office. For him, helping others wasn’t just an act of kindness—it was a way of life.
Humble Beginnings
Grandpa loved sharing his life story with us. His father passed away when he was just eight years old, forcing him to grow up quickly to help care for his siblings. When his mother remarried, tragedy struck again—his stepfather also died young. By his teenage years, Grandpa was working to support the family, even taking on a job as a houseboy (domestic staff) to pay his school fees and contribute to household expenses.
But Grandpa didn’t let his circumstances define him. He excelled in school and eventually became a university professor in Nigeria. Later, he left academia to establish his own research practice, a move that gave him both professional success and the freedom to support his family and others in need.
His sacrifices didn’t just elevate him; they transformed the lives of his siblings. He practically raised his youngest brother, who later settled in the USA, and helped the rest of the family move from the countryside to the city, where opportunities were greater.
Financial Wisdom and Delayed Gratification
One of the things I admired most about Grandpa was his financial discipline. While his colleagues prioritised flashy lifestyles, he took a different approach.
At his workplace, employees were periodically given allowances for things like upgrading cars, housing, or business-class travel. Grandpa rarely used these funds as intended. Instead, he opted for smaller upgrades and invested the rest in land and property. These were decisions made decades ago, but they continue to benefit our family to this day.
When it came to business travel, he often chose economy class instead of business class. With the savings, he’d buy an extra ticket so Grandma could join him on his trips, turning them into shared adventures. These decisions weren’t about deprivation—they were about creating lasting value for his family.
A Legacy of Generosity
Grandpa’s investments weren’t just financial; they were deeply personal. Beyond raising his siblings and helping extended family, he created a scholarship fund for the top-performing students in his hometown. His contributions helped young people access opportunities they might never have had otherwise.
This spirit of generosity inspired me deeply. Over the years, I’ve been able to support a few students in Nigeria and Zimbabwe with small-scale scholarships. My dream is to scale this up and help students across Africa access the education they need to thrive.
Lessons That Shape Me
Grandpa’s story has left an indelible mark on my life. Knowing his history has given me:
Confidence and Boldness: His journey reminds me that no matter where I start, there’s no limit to what I can achieve.
Financial Discipline: Watching the long-term impact of his decisions inspires me to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. His life is proof that delayed gratification pays off.
A Heart for Giving Back: His scholarship fund and generosity motivate me to make a meaningful impact on others, just as he did.
Gratitude: I’m grateful for the sacrifices he made to change the trajectory of our family. His efforts laid the foundation for us to dream bigger and aim higher.
The Power of Familial Remembering
The research of Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush on familial remembering highlights how knowing family stories can build resilience in children. Their studies suggest that children who know their family’s ups and downs—stories of both struggle and triumph—develop a stronger sense of identity and greater emotional health.
As I reflect on Grandpa’s life and the stories he shared, I see the evidence of this research in my own life. His narrative of perseverance, generosity, and wise decision-making has become part of the foundation of who I am. Knowing his history gives me the confidence to face challenges, the motivation to make wise financial decisions, and the drive to make an impact on the world.
The Boy Who Became “Prof”
The boy who was once known as a houseboy became a professor, lovingly referred to as "Prof" by everyone who knew him. As a child, I always felt a sense of pride when I called his office and asked to speak to Prof. That title carried the weight of his hard work, resilience, and determination, and knowing he was my grandfather made it even sweeter.
Grandpa’s life wasn’t just a success story; it was a blueprint. His sacrifices taught me that with hard work, wisdom, and a heart for others, we can create a legacy that outlives us.
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About the author
Hi 👋, I'm Ore Araba. I am an entrepreneur, voiceover artist and data analyst. I share stories about my experience being an entrepreneur, creator and someone living life on the unbeaten track. I'm hoping sharing the things I learn on my journey will help other people on their journeys. Subscribe to my newsletter - Ore's Gist to be notified when there's new gist to hear about.
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