The joy of every intending parent is to have the opportunity to welcome their own children and raise them up as they so desire.

While some are lucky to be blessed with children almost immediately they start trying, it isn’t the same for others who spend a long time waiting to be blessed with the joy of parenthood.

Nigerian man identified as Tony Abayomi Alder,  waited 23 whole years to become a father, though the wait was long and difficult, it eventually happened for the missionary worker and his wife.

However, things turned tragic when barely seven months after the twins were born, Alder passed on. Entrepreneur Ibukun Awosik took to Instagram to break the tragic news.

Ibukun who had nothing but kind words to describe the deceased with, revealed he died on February 23, 2020. Read her farewell post:

Who went to be with the Lord today 23/2/2020. A most faithful, most diligent, most dedicated, most trustworthy and loyal member of my team at Christian Missionary Fund for the past 25 years.

You became my brother and my friend as we sought to build an institution to serve the Lord through the support of the missionaries across the length and breadth of Nigeria. That you will be missed is an understatement.

I am grateful to God that, after waiting for 23 years, you witnessed the birth and enjoyed being a father to your twin boys, if only for 7 months.

We truly love you but humbly submit to the will of God.

May you forever be remembered for your cheerful service to the God you loved so much, your faithfulness as a husband to Toyin and your love of all around you.”