An Evening of Honor: Remembering Dr. Aaze Tom Adaba in Houston
On August 17, 2025, family, friends, and admirers gathered in Houston, Texas, for An Evening of Honor, a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Ohi Dr. Aaze Thomas Adaba, a Nigerian veteran broadcaster who passed away on the 22nd of February 2025. Among those who spearheaded the commemoration was his son Mr. Onimisi Adaba, a media practitioner, and a member of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Board. In a reflective interview, he shared the significance of the event, its highlights, and the enduring impact of the man whose life was being celebrated.
By Melody-Esther Soyemi
Photos by Ken Eke @kenin3dx
Mr. Austin Oniwon of the Oniwon Foundation, pays glowing tributes to the late Dr. Tom Adaba.
On August 17, 2025, family, friends, and admirers gathered in Houston, Texas, for An Evening of Honor, a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Ohi Dr. Aaze Thomas Adaba, a Nigerian veteran broadcaster who passed away on the 22nd of February 2025. Among those who spearheaded the commemoration was his son Mr. Onimisi Adaba, a media practitioner, and a member of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Board. In a reflective interview, he shared the significance of the event, its highlights, and the enduring impact of the man whose life was being celebrated.
Honoring a Life Well Lived
Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Mr. Onimisi explained that the evening was about much more than remembrance. “It was an evening to introduce my friends here in Houston to the man I would have loved for them to meet, and they would have loved to meet,” he said. “Since many of us could not attend the funeral, it was of importance to have something in his honor.” For him, the event was both personal and communal, a way of bridging distances and ensuring that Dr. Adaba’s values and story were shared across borders.
Storytelling Through Memories and Media
Unlike the traditional service of songs, the evening was video-driven. Carefully produced clips showcased different moments from Dr. Adaba’s life: the night of tributes, funeral, thanksgiving service, and personal tributes. Friends and family also shared heartfelt stories.
“Life is all about stories and how we tell those stories really matters,” Mr Onimisi reflected. Guests like Mr. Austin Oniwon, a long-standing family friend, as well as Mr. Michael Ozigi, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf, and Mrs. Josephine Odessa Idowu, all brought unique perspectives. Mrs. Margaret Adaba Soyemi, Dr. Adaba’s eldest daughter, also came all the way from Nigeria and was part of the event, adding her own presence and memories to the evening. Each tribute revealed another layer of the man described as a mentor, disciplinarian, friend, and humble leader. One attendee described the program as “something entirely different, something I have never experienced before and found deeply revealing and relatable.” For many, it felt like an intimate introduction to Dr. Adaba himself.
Building on His Legacy
Mr. Onimisi Adaba, Son of Dr. Tom Adaba speaks at the event
Mr Onimisi also spoke about the work of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation, which is focused on education, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation. He revealed that upcoming projects include initiatives for the girl child, mentorship for young men, and revival of the Ebira weaving industry, a traditional craft with international potential but lacking promotion and funding.
Linked to this effort is an agricultural project exploring cotton farming to support textile production, aiming not just to preserve heritage but also to create economic opportunities for local communities.
“Our goal,” Onimisi explained, “is to uphold values and moral standards while empowering young people to be productive and creative. This is how we carry forward what Dr. Adaba stood for.
A Father, Mentor, and Humble Leader
When asked what Dr. Adaba meant to him personally, Mr Onimisi’s voice carried both reverence and gratitude. “He was everything, a simple man who applied himself fully in every role, whether as a father, mentor, or leader. He shaped me in a way nobody else could. Looking back now, I thank God for this man. He did a great job.”
Mr Onimisi also reflected on Dr. Adaba’s writings and character: “His book, “But for God”, just caps it up. The title alone says it all. He was able to rise to the zenith of his career, be who he was, and yet remain down to earth with whoever came his way. Speaking of humility, he was humble. He played that balance quite well.”
Despite his towering achievements, Dr. Adaba’s humility and ability to make each person feel uniquely valued left a lasting impression. “He wasn’t a saint,” he admitted, “but he balanced life well. He had shortcomings, yet he always made everyone feel special.”
A Legacy of Honor
The Houston event was more than a memorial; it was a storytelling evening that connected generations, preserved history, and set the stage for future impact. For those present, it was a chance to meet Dr. Adaba through the voices and memories of those who knew him best.
As Mr Onimisi concluded, “Let me introduce this man to my friends here in Houston who didn’t get the chance to meet him personally.” In doing so, he ensured that Dr. Aaze Tom Adaba’s legacy continues to inspire, teach, and shape lives far beyond his earthly years.
Leave a tribute for Dr. Tom Adaba here.
Photo Highlights
AAZE THOMAS ADABA, (OON, KSM, KSGG). Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland
Tributes | Life | Gallery | Stories
AAZE THOMAS ADABA, (OON, KSGG). Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland
Obituary: Aaze Tom Adaba
AAZE THOMAS ADABA, (OON, KSM, KSGG).
Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland
1941-2025
...an undeniable legacy
FUNERAL PROGRAM
(W.A. Time)
Christian Wake/Night of Tribute:
Thursday, 6 March 2025
4:30 pm
Catholic Church of the Archangels, Durumi, Gaduwa Road, Abuja
Lying in State:
Friday, 7 March 2025
8:30 - 9:30 am
45 Constitution Avenue, off Democracy Crescent, Gaduwa Estate, Abuja
Funeral Mass:
Friday, 7 March 2025
10:00 am
- Catholic Church of the Archangels, Durumi, Gaduwa Road, Abuja
- Christ The King Catholic Church, Okene.
Interment:
Friday, 7 March 2025
Immediately after Mass
Gudu Cemetery - Christian Section, Opposite Defence HMO, Apo, Abuja
#tomadabalegacy
Tributes | Life | Gallery | Stories
Two Years On: Remembering Ijeoma Uche-Okeke
Video Interview with Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke. Up until her passing on September 1, 2022, she was the Chief Executive Officer of the Asele Institute, a cultural institution founded by her late father, master artist and scholar, Uche Okeke, in Nimo, Anambra state, Nigeria in 1958.
INTERVIEW by africa-related
Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke
1972-1922
Up until her passing on September 1, 2022, Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke was the Chief Executive Officer of the Asele Institute, a cultural institution founded by her late father, master artist and scholar, Uche Okeke, in Nimo, Anambra state, Nigeria in 1958.
In this interview conducted in January 2022 for the biographical documentary DELA: The Making of El Anatsui directed by Oyiza Adaba, Ijeoma spoke of Uche Okeke's distinguished legacy as the father of Nigeria's modernist art movement, as well as their relationship.
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'DELA' Interview: Remembering Tam Fiofori
'DELA' Interview: Remembering Tam Fiofori - Filmmaker Visionary Historian Critic This interview was conducted in June 2021 for the biographical documentary DELA: The Making of El Anatsui, directed by Oyiza Adaba.
By Oyiza Adaba
UNCLE TAM
1942-2024
Filmmaker Visionary Historian Critic
This interview was conducted in June 2021 for the biographical documentary DELA: The Making of El Anatsui, directed by Oyiza Adaba
The legendary Tam Fiofori, during his interview for ‘DELA’.
“I’ll be a bit rude and say that the Nigerian Elite is yet to be civilized in terms of the arts. We must be quite blunt. Look at our political leaders, our so called, big rich men. Go to their houses. How many artworks Do you see? How many books do you see?”
Rest In Peace
From all of us
Africa-Related & DELA! Team
“... we don’t have beauty in our society, and it manifests in the way we behave, because it’s become a dog-eat-dog society, a rat race where the drive is to acquire money and wealth.”
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“We must be a bit careful about The Western world defining and grading our creative people in all genres, from music to literature to the arts. EL ANATSUI is one of Africa’s greatest artists, that’s the way I’ll describe him. In terms of contemporary art. He is very outstanding. He’s a huge figure, and he’s a great credit to art from Africa.”
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THE MUSON CENTER - Akintola Williams' Parting Gift To Nigeria
The Musical Society of Nigeria Center otherwise called The MUSON Center, sits in Onikan Lagos and stands out as a cultural icon in the overall Nigeria art space. Mudiare Onobrakpeya reflects on the undeniable impact of its founder, Chief Akintola Williams at his funeral in Lagos. Thank you for The MUSON Center. Rest in peace Sir. From all art lovers and us at Africa-Related
The Musical Society of Nigeria Center otherwise called The MUSON Center, sits in Onikan Lagos and stands out as a cultural icon in the overall Nigeria art space. Mudiare Onobrakpeya reflects on the undeniable impact of its founder, Chief Akintola Williams at his funeral in Lagos. Thank you for The MUSON Center. Rest in peace Sir. From all art lovers and us at Africa-Related
By Mudiare Onobrakpeya
Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya MNON signs the Condolence register of Mr. Anintola Williams. Photo by BOF
Renowned artist, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya MNON, made a solemn visit to the MUSON Center in Lagos. His purpose was to sign the Condolence register that had been opened to honor the memory of Mr. Anintola Williams, the founder of Muson and a distinguished patron of the arts.
Prof. Onobrakpeya, known for his contributions to the world of art, expressed his deep appreciation for the profound impact Mr. Williams had on the art community during his lifetime. As he carefully inscribed his name and heartfelt message in the register, he remembered the man who had been an unwavering supporter of the arts.
Mr. Williams had a unique ability to connect with artists and nurture their talents. He was not just a patron; he was a mentor and a friend. His warmth and generosity had touched the lives of many, including Prof. Onobrakpeya, who had shared countless conversations and artistic insights with him over the years.
As Prof. Onobrakpeya placed his signature on the page, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Mr. Williams had been a guiding light, and his passing left a void in the art world that would be difficult to fill. But as he stood there surrounded by the beauty of the Muson Center, he knew that Mr. Williams' legacy would live on through the artists he had inspired and supported.
In that moment, amidst the somber atmosphere, Prof. Onobrakpeya found solace in the fact that the art community would continue to thrive, thanks to the enduring impact of Mr. Anintola Williams and his unwavering love for the arts.
ORLANDO JULIUS IS LAID TO REST
Nigeria's Foremost Saxophonist Sir Orlando Julius Exits In A Colourful/Musical Ceremony
Nigeria's Foremost Saxophonist Sir Orlando Julius Exits In A Colourful/Musical Ceremony
Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State Nigeria
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Dede Mabiaku/Africa-Related
Orlando Julius Aremu Olusanya Ekemode, known professionally as Orlando Julius or Orlando Julius Ekemode was a Nigerian saxophonist, singer, bandleader, and songwriter closely associated with afrobeat music.
The multi-instrumentalist - who as worked with everyone from Louis Armstrong, Lijadu Sisters, Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington Jr., Hugh Masekela etc - passed in his sleep on April 15, 2022 at the age of 78.
His devoted wife Aduke Latoya Ekemode remained ALWAYS by his side.
Read more about his rich life, legacy and his contributions to adding definitions to the music genres that we know today as Afrobeat, Highlife and Afro-Soul.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Julius
REST in POWER!
