Gabriel Olabode Ayo was born on May 11, 1961, in Lagos, Nigeria.

He had his primary and secondary education respectively at Ereko Primary School and Baptist Academy, both in Lagos.

After his secondary education, he traveled to the USA where he obtained degrees in Insurance, Economics, and a master’s in Business Administration (Finance).

He was not only an active member of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association but also a member of the Harden Club within the association, which is a group of committed alumni who give more than the statutory dues to the association. He was also a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938, the Lagos City Club, and the Grand L’afric Club.

Gabriel Olabode Ayo was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a true friend to many who had the good fortune to know him during his lifetime. To his friends, he was affectionately known as “Bourdillon“, a loyal and understanding friend to all. He was an exemplar of that most cherished human virtue; charity, which came naturally to him and touched everyone who met him.

Bode believed in the power of kindness, and generosity; especially when it concerned the youth. He truly loved children and cherished them for the potential and promise each one represented. He believed in giving back and helping to cultivate that potential in any way he could, through donations of money, time, and genuine care. In his eyes, each child was a seed that simply needed the right nurturing to succeed in life.

It is not surprising therefore that in cherishing the memory of one so kind and dear to our hearts, we his friends and family have resolved to project his vision of bequeathing to future generations the opportunity to bear fruit and reach their full potential, by establishing this foundation which most exemplifies his life and times, the GABRIEL OLABODE AYO FOUNDATION.

The GABRIEL OLABODE AYO FOUNDATION is a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.