Toyin Falola
(for Nimi Wariboko)
(I)
You told me that a caged bird does not fly,
and that the freedom of a bird lies in its wings
You are the town-crier, breaking the news of morality
you are the architect of the ark, conveying humanists
Your heart beats for all to thrive,
and your spirit seeks to heal the ill
You are the one who sees the pains of those who suffer.
You are a symbol of hope to those who wander
in the darkest places, your light beacons
You are the star that guides us to what is right.
(II)
You are a teacher in the marketplace of life,
guiding us to navigate through the clumsy streets
of a world wallowing in the love of God and Money.
You have taught us how to listen to the whispers
of conscience in the pursuit of wealth and survival.
Now, we understand that half of a dream is worth more than silver,
so we cradle our dreams in our right hands
and shelter the memories that accompany our childhood on the left.
In nature’s enchanting chants, the birds sing in harmony,
and their wings clap like a chorus of snapping fingers,
echoing the fulfillment of our dreams and destiny.
And like a soap bubble, although fragile and transient,
our dreams and desires radiate the earth like a celestial trance.
True capture of his very essence.
God manifestations of love, grace, humanity, and talent .
A mother’s pride and joy.
A sister’s true pride and joy.
Roaring honesty, humility, love, compassion, talent, and hard work
True talk. Nimi is a great thinker.
A poignant and poetic tribute—this piece captures the tension between material pursuit and moral clarity, evoking the delicate beauty of dreams as both fragile and divine. It reads like a benediction in the marketplace of life, where values and vision must walk hand in hand.
100% true!
A man of outstanding impact to generations indeed. May God continue to brighten this little light of ours and make him of more glorious impact to the world. Amen.
Right words to celebrate the right man. Nimi is Ògbìgbò – the big bird in the vast sky of intellect. His wings take him to the length and breadth of the sky, All other birds must pay him homage. May he continue to soar!
Prof. Nimi Wariboko is an embodiment of these truth. I read this line after line and remembered all the novels he had bought for me as a growing girl in the villag which l had to read snd explain to him in his next return to the village. This was as far as the 1980’s. The little novels l read in the past contributed to what l am today. Nimi never wanted people around him to acquire the street wealth but to acquire wealth through the wealth embedded in education. Now l begin to appreciate what he was trying to for me. Thank you Nimi . May God continue to increase you so we can have passage through your name in this world.