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.