In Memory of Patrick
The Patrick Iyere Foundation (PATIF) was established in memory of Patrick Oriabure Iyere, who passed away after his courageous struggle with heart disease.
However, his impactful contributions and remarkable life form the basis for the mission of this foundation. For those who know Patrick well, he had a desire — a passion — for helping people, he loved willingly, he gave generously and he served loyally. Patrick had no biases and he was known to reach out to all, earning him respect and widespread affection.
Patrick has remained in the hearts of people. It still seems like he was never gone, because his legacy outlived him. His hard work can be seen in the lives of his children — Omokhodion John Iyere, Oriahbure Jonathan Iyere, and Osemudiahmen Jordan Iyere — and his achievements have become boundless because of the rippling effect his life had.
A little bit more about our Patrick
In his lifetime Patrick achieved a lot — he moved mountains, he leaped, he walked, he ran, he laughed, cried and rejoiced with others. He was always there to support others, and most importantly he wanted people to do well.
There were many stories from Patrick's siblings about how he cared for others while growing up on Odegbayi Street, Old Ife Road, Ibadan. He never thought there was anyone who wasn't good enough — he made friends with people, seeing beyond their challenges, or who they were. To Patrick, anybody and everyone was good enough.
One story stands out. There was a disabled child down the road whom nobody would recognise, play with, or touch — some even called the child ugly because of his disability, and no one would interact with him. Patrick ensured he carried this child around no matter what people said. He would play with the child and friends, and when family and neighbours asked why he was spending time with "that ugly child," Patrick would say there was nothing wrong with him — he was just a child, like any other.
That is the Patrick we all grew to love, and it is on this premise — Patrick's legacy of wanting everyone to do well and providing opportunities for people to thrive, no matter who they are or where they come from — that this foundation is built.
We enjoin you to join us in moving this vision forward: touching lives, changing lives, empowering communities, and making the world a better place. This, we can assure you, will make Patrick very happy.