Emmanuel Rowland

Mrs Oladipo Abimbola We thank God for the life of a wonderful father. He was a caring and responsible man who loved his family deeply and always wanted the best for his children. I often saw him during visiting days at the school, and it was always clear how devoted he was to his child. Though I knew him through my daughter’s friendship with his child, I could see that he was a kind and dedicated father who raised his children with love and good values. He will surely be missed. May God comfort the family he left behind. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Hi Pops. I know this is an unusual way to start a tribute, but I’m honestly too speechless and numb right now. I have typed, erased and typed and erased so many times, just because I can’t find the right words to express how or what I feel. But I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that no one ever truly knows what to say or how to say it in times like this which I think I okay. But Daddy, THANK YOU ! Thank you for being there (especially when I didn’t think you were). Thank you for being you (even when sometimes I didn’t understand). Thank you for your provisions by God’s grace. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your strength and never ending resilience. Thank you for always being a strong pillar of our family. And most importantly, Thank you for loving my mum, brother and I, the way you did. It’s still hard to refer to you in past tense because it’s hard to believe. I’ll miss you calling me, “My Big Girl (MBG)”. I’ll miss the laughter, family outings, family gists and funny enough, I’ll also miss the little arguments. So many “I wish” moments, but all is for the best, I guess. I’m comforted because I believe you are resting in the bosom and peace of God away from all the pain, sufferings and sicknesses of the world. I miss you so much. Rest in Peace, Pops. ~ Mofe

There is a specific kind of bravery required to be a father. It is the bravery of stepping into a story that is already mid-chapter. It is the patience to learn a language of inside jokes, old wounds, and family traditions that you didn't help create. It is easy to feel cheated by the clock. We find ourselves counting the years we didn't get. We won't get the next ten years, the next twenty. But grief is the price we pay for a love that was real. If we only had three years, I am glad they were these three years. I am glad he was the one who filled them. He packed a decade’s worth of kindness into a thousand days. He showed us that it doesn't take a lifetime to change a life; it just takes a heart that is wide open. As we say goodbye, I want you to know that you stepped in you chose us, and in return, we chose you right back. We will carry your lessons of resilience, hard work, humor, love, patience and quiet strength with us. We will tell your stories to our children and also daily reminder to ourselves. We will look after Mom and each other like you’ll want us to. And we will never, ever forget the man who didn't have to be our father, but loved us like one anyway. Rest in peace Pops, you’ll always be remembered. Dolabomi.

Ademi, I honestly don't know what and how to write this, because Our story was not meant to end this abruptly..... but only God knows why it has to. Can I really question Him ? No....because HE is the Aseyiowu and the Unquestionable God...... Though our journey together was brief, but, it was loaded and memorable..... You left without warning Not even a Good-Bye And, I can't stop asking Why? Your departure hits so hard I am yet to really understand what happened.... Losing a loved one is a journey Not a one-off, because, there's no end to the loss, There's only a learned effort On how to stay afloat, when it washes over...... Life is full of mysteries That no-one can explain ( your death is one ) I have too many questions to ask...... but, even if I get the answers, will I be satisfied? Only God can solve this riddle. Thank you for the short years we spent together and the sacrifices you made...... You will be remembered for so many things you meant to us all....... Sleep on Beloved Till we meet again On the resurrection morning And all mysteries will unfold. Till then, keep on Resting in the Lord. OLAMI writes

Rest in perfect peace, Sir. Your life was a testament of faith and service. Though your departure leaves a deep void, we humbly submit to the sovereign will of God. Until the resurrection morning.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing you more daddy, but the little time I spent with him have seen how he brought joy to so many lives he came across and I believe his spirit will forever lives on in the lives he touched deeply. Rest on servant of the most High till we meet to part no more, my sincere condolences to the wife and children he left behind.

Dear Jesus what a Servant you gave to the world through Pastor Rowland Thank you for his life and the way he lived it so graciously and purposefully . Although he has passed his legacy and influence will live on.

I'm short of words, I don't know that, this is how good people depart to Eternity, I believe you are with your Creator because He Loves you more than us. I only know for sure that one day, we shall all Reign with Him together in His Kingdom. Where we shall path no more. Rest in peace, servant of the living God.