Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Ayinde Olaitan Asegere Ogunmowo

(Asiwaju Asegere)

Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Ayinde Olaitan Asegere Ogunmowo was born on October 10, 1929, and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria where he showcased an early passion for learning and academic pursuits.

His first experience with education happened when he began attending Quranic classes. He then moved on to enroll at The Baptist Day School, Ago Owu, and The Baptist Boys High School, Oke Egunya Abeokuta for his primary and secondary education respectively.

Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Ayinde Olaitan Asegere Ogunmowo was quite an outstanding student. He participated in many extracurricular activities, he was a member of the boxing club and even headed the Psychology and Dramatic Society at some point.

During his working career, he worked for E.C.N (now PHN) and later The Bank of British West Africa (now First Bank of Nigeria Pic). He climbed the ranks to become a Branch Manager, where he served with distinction for 31 years before retiring in 1986. In addition to his impressive career, he was actively involved in trade union activities while working for the bank. As a junior clerk, he was one of the pioneers who fought against the colonial-era practice of reserving top positions for expatriates.

When it was time for him to exit the bachelorhood, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak met and married his heartthrob, life friend, and trusted partner, Alhaja Muibat Arogedola Iyaniwuraola Adunni Ogunmowo in 1956. He later took a second wife, Alhaja Hamdalat Adeyinka Ogunmowo, who was also an asset to the family. Both wives are loving, tolerant, and cooperative. The family is blessed with successful children.

Alhaji Abdul-Rasak joined the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria while schooling at Abeokuta and functioned as the organization’s secretary. He joined the society through Division IlI and within a short period became the Divisional Assistant Secretary. By 1964, he was already a representative of the Division of the Executive Committee, becoming one of the youngest members of the Committee. At the 1966 Biennial Election, he was elected the Provincial Secretary in charge of Branches nationwide.

Other prominent positions Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Ayinde Olaitan Asegere Ogunmowo held while he was alive include:

  • Secretary Education Board (1968/75) and a member Bookshop Board of Management.
  • Member, Board of Governors, Ansar-Ud-Deen Girls High School, Itire
  • Chairman of the Baby show during the Annual celebration where he donated a trophy for the best baby.
  • Grand patron of Ogun state plank sellers Association,
  • Chairman, Oke-Owa Saw-millers Association.
  • Patron, ljebu Saw Millers, and Timber Contractors Association.
  • Patron of ljebu – Imusin Club 10 and member of 1 Social Circle (ljebu -Ife, Imusin, and Itele).
  • First Chairman, and the oldest of the founders of Ansar-Ud-Deen ljebu Imusin where he was an active member until his passing.
 

Aside from demonstrating an inspiring commitment to education, Late Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Ayinde Olaitan Asegere was equally a man of great generosity who invested in humanity. 

He proved this by:

  • Providing water for his community, Ijebu Imusin through a fully functional borehole
  • Serving as part of the committee members in charge of the completion of the central mosque, Ijebu.
  • Building and heading Asegere Sawmill and Timber Products company, a company that minimized the rate of unemployment amongst residents of Ijebu Imusin till today. It also supplied free planks for burial purposes.
 

It is worth noting that Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Olaitan Ayinde Arowosola Ogunmowo was honored with the merit award by the Lagos Branch of the Society in the year 2000. Also, for his leadership roles within the Ogunmowo Asegere Family, he was honored with the title “Asiwaju Asegere” in 2008.

Throughout his lifetime, Alhaji Ogunmowo was driven by self-improvement. He strongly believed that every individual had the potential to succeed, more so because he spent a big part of himself assisting others to attain their goals.

Alhaji Ogunmowo stood out for his integrity, dedication, and hard work while pursuing a career in the banking sector. He was indeed a mentor and a role model to many people that encountered him.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Alhaji Ogunmowo was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He cherished his family and loved spending time with them.

Sadly, he passed away on July 7th, 2019, leaving behind a huge positive legacy. His memory lives on in the countless individuals he inspired and the lives he touched; his family and friends remain grateful for the time they had with him.

Alhaji Ogunmowo’s life was one of fathering, giving, and providing. It’s only fitting that we build this STEM school in his name to continue his legacy – inspire future generations to greatness by helping them explore science and technology-based education and life-changing opportunities.

In a society where many youths lack access to education, Abdul-Rasak  Ayinde Olaitan Asegere Ogunmowo STEM School will serve as a valuable gift. We hope that this school goes on to set its students on the right path to success, giving them the needed skills to achieve their dreams.