It was a moment of grief, thought-provoking and remembrance of the transiency of life as Chrisland University, Abeokuta, organized a commendation service in honour of and to acknowledge the life, feats and contributions of late Gbenga Emmanuel Ariba an iconic staff of the institution.

The commendation service, which took place on Friday, at the Chrisland University auditorium, was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, members of staff, students, friends, families and other personalities from all walks of life.

Recall that CEOAFRICA had earlier reported that Gbenga Ariba passed away on the 10th of March 2020 at the age of 67.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babalola, in her tribute, acknowledged the great roles late Ariba played in Chrisland University.

She noted that Ariba’s indelible contributions both in journalism and the university would forever be celebrated.

Babalola, who described the sudden demise of the ace broadcaster as “rude shock and painful loss”, revealed “It was Mr. Ariba who took me to all radio and TV stations in Lagos and Ogun State when I assumed the office as Vice Chancellor.

“He took the students out to most radio and TV stations for more practical teaching. Most of the people you see today carrying cameras in this hall are students of this university. Mr Ariba made them.

“Mr Ariba was an astute media and academics, he was even teaching online on his sick bed. It is a regret that we lost someone like that at this point in time.”

The erudite Professor added that "I call him a great teacher-practitioner because of his robust practical experience in his chosen field which he had brought to bear on the university".

In his sermon, Venerable Adekunle Ogunlesi noted that Ariba would be greatly missed by his family members, colleagues, friends and students.

He said “Emmanuel will be remembered by his colleagues in the University, and how dedicated to duty he was. His students will forever emulate his good feats and actions. He would be missed.”

Ogunlesi, while charging the attendees of the service, stated that death can come to one at any time, adding that everyone should be prepared.

“One can die at any time, whether young or aged. When or where one will die, God didn’t tell us.”

Describing the deceased, he said late Gbenga Ariba had used his talents to impact lives positively.

“He had touched many lives positively as a lecturer, broadcaster.”

Dr. Alphonsus Adebiyi, the immediate past Head of Mass Communication department, said Ariba lived a good life.

He said “Ariba’s death was a big shock to me, the Vice Chancellor, and the entire University community.

“We will miss him; the media sector will miss a veteran broadcaster.”

One of his students, Miss Sanni Omolola, a 400l student of Mass communication, said in her tribute that, Mr Ariba was a father, mentor and role model.

She said “Mr. Ariba would always ask questions to know if anything is wrong with his students, to the level of calling our parents at home to know if nothing was wrong that might be disturbing us in school.

“He wouldn’t just come to class and go, but would come down to our level and ensure we all understand what he was teaching.

“He was a recognized media practitioner, because of that, we see him as a figure we look up to.” 

In an exclusive interview with Titilayo Afolabi, another student of Ariba in the department of Mass Communication, said “Mr. Gbenga Ariba was a very good man. He was loving and friendly. I can use every word to explain who he was.

“He loved to counsel us and gave us fatherly advice. And he would put us through in things we did not understand.

“His death was a great loss; I was very sad of his death.”

She added that she would always miss her words of encouragement.

Afolabi prayed that God will be with Ariba’s family and protect his loved ones.

Another student from the department disclosed that Mr. Gbenga Ariba’s words of encouragement made him to be an outspoken mass communication student.

He noted that late Ariba would always charge them to go out and be outspoken.

 “Mr. Ariba packaged me. He helped me reduce my shyness. I would miss his jovial nature. None of his class was ever boring,” the student stated.

He prayed that God would comfort and strengthen the family members of Ariba.

Appreciating the good gestures of Chrisland University, the son of the media practitioner, Barrister Ajibola Olugbenga Ariba stated “We feel fulfilled that our late father had a family here. We are glad to hear the high words, the tributes and the contributions.

“We really appreciate the whole members of staff. And we wish them fulfillment in all their endeavours.”

Ariba was born on the 30th of December, 1954 in Kaduna. He obtained his Bachelor degree in Theatre Art at the University of Ibadan in 1977. A Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1997, a Master of Art Degree in Theatre Art at the University of Ibadan in 1982.As at the time of his departure, he was rounding off his PhD thesis at the University of Ibadan.

He joined Radio Nigeria Lagos in 1978 where he served as a producer and rose to the rank of Station Manager before he left for advertising. He wrote over twenty plays for both television and radio programmes during his lifetime.

He was best known for his role as Jimoh Koko Salamatu in Long Throat Junction – a radio drama series which ran from 1979 to 1980. He also wrote scripts and produced jingles for different programmes for NTA Lagos between 1980 and 1985.

The deceased once served as a lecturer at the Lagos State University and Chrisent University before joining Chrisland University in 2017 as a pioneer staff of the Department of Mass Communication.