PROF AARON ISAH BABA DEFIED THE ODDS TO CONNECT THE DOTS BETWEEN IYALE AND AMERICA:

PROF AARON ISAH BABA DEFIED THE ODDS TO CONNECT THE DOTS BETWEEN IYALE AND AMERICA:

   The founder and the Chief Editor of The Ototonobi News Planets; Odaudu Wada Isah in this chronicle odyssey examines the life and times of the late kogi-born American Scientist; Professor Aaron Baba who later through undeniable providence became the originator and the maiden commissioner for the Ministry of Science and Technology created by him in Kogi State under the instructions of the then governor; H.E Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

While too many people go through life waiting for things to happen, the late ace investor, world class innovator and business developer; Professor Aaron Isah Baba was one of ''the efficient few'' called winners who woke up and worked hard while alive to make things happen.

I [as the writer] couldn't dissociate myself from the unavoidable, truthful and meaningful reflections about the life of the late distinguished worldclass Professor of Chemistry who as a beginner when most people of his age and time; when befallen by hope and conquered by fate riddled with fear get stucked without taken a second look at life, personally as a young, educational and talented mind left for America for further academic exploits. While some of his contemporary without the courage and willpower to negotiate for overseas educational exploits went into early marital affairs and other unfruitful endeavours without equipping themselves with the right attitude, skills and knowledge to succeed. The attitude of this late educational icon is full of rare idiosyncrasies and  thoughtfulness. His attitude was not different from what the psychologist would say:He was determined by how he saw the world while his attitude determined how the world saw him.

The lifestyle of Professor Aaron Baba showed that success to him was a honest achievement of whatever you dare through the optimal use of resources at ones disposal. 

He was one of the rising stars of his time. Though, he wasn't on the fast lane like most youngmen of his day with the sky high expectations. He was a king of Midas; Whatever he touched turned gold because the storms of life made him strong.

Professor Aaron Baba was primed to reach the stars in the world of business with rare multiple products discovered through Chemistry as his chosen course of study. Teaching as a dedicated Professor of Chemistry was not his last bus stop but as a pedestal to launch him into what we call " a bigger and more edifying assignment" rare in Nigeria. He became the Chief Executive Officer of his own company with multiple product lines. Such personal exploit was not easy but God ran him through the academic life before getting to that destination. 

He was always on the upward swing despite occasional storms that rocked his ship of life. 

I deciphered from afar his philosophy about life to be straightening of lives on the bend, mentoring and nurturing people on the path of prosperity and quality service to God and humanity. Falling back on his life experiences and achievements, one can get tips on how to be successful on this turbulent age because he was one of the shining and leading examples of determination and courage from Iyale then as a technological and scientific forgotten corner of the world to reach America for academic exploits to arrive at the level he was before death as the necessary end took him away. His days in America were period of learning, moving forward, correcting steps, adjusting his steps and keeping relationship with human beings in Nigeria and Abroad that translated into his colourful appearance and emergence in Kogi state as the first man who gave Kogi state government an undeniable tips leading the creation of a full fledged Ministry of Science and Technology under the former Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. How about the first of  it's kind, the e-government system that was not in Kogi state before his arrival as a top government functionary? Too many achievements to be outlined here but which I couldn't bring out here for the sake of time.

Professor Aaron Isah Baba could be counted among those who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, From the outset given his intellectual ability and moral candour was seen and known by most people to be a great man who would influenced his country and the world in the areas of education, business and politics.

Prof Baba had apart from all of these, a plethora of academic accomplishments, a catalogue of publications and an equally long list of Chemistry and Science Majors to his credit, over twenty-four (24) publications and twenty-seven (27) students to whom he has served as Advisor. He has also held posts as Committee Member, Acting Unit Head and Departmental Representative of various Universities. Over the years, he has taught introductory and General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Qualitative Chemical Analysis,Nuclear Chemistry and Radioachemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Structure and Coordination Chemistry,  Environmental Chemistry, Corrosion Chemistry, Atomic and Molecular spectroscopy, Cement and Fertilizer  Industry and Special Topics in Physical Chemistry among other Courses.

Born in Iyale in Dekina Local Government Area, east of kogi state, Nigeria.

He was the first born of the family. Aaron went to the famous Government Secondary School, Dekina; from there he proceeded to University of Calabar and then to Bayero University, Kano and from there He left for the US in 1989. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He graduated in Chemistry in 1994, taught in the US from 1994 up to 2008 before coming to Nigeria on the invitation of the then Governor of kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to join his government where he be came the Commissioner for Special Duties, Science and technology and information. He was the 'Super Commissioner' with timeously, productive and complex schedules. 

He was married and blessed with many lovely children.

Professor Aaron Isah Baba, may you find and meet the favour and mercy of your creator. May the grieving families and people of Iyale Community be consoled over the irreplaceable loss. 

The interment to be conducted today by 10am at the Iyale home.

Written by;

Odaudu Wada Isah, 

Chief Executive Officer of;

The Ototonobi News Planets Lokoja.

+234(0)8075488136,

+234(0)8165320373.

22nd May, 2021