THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015
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SOCIETY The remains of the wife of former Nigerian statesman, politician and Minister of Health and Information, Ayotunde Rosiji, Mrs Gbemi Rosiji, were interred in Lagos last Wednesday after a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina NNEKA NWANERI writes.
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VEN in death, she was a celebrity. This is not unexpected. Her children and grandchildren are captains of industries and trailblazers in their professions. Madam Rosiji was the wife of former Nigerian statesman, politician and Minister of Health and Information, Ayotunde Rosiji, who died on July 31, 2000. He was one of the founding members of Action Group (AG). The late Rosiji matriarch died on April 8 at 89 years. Her children gave her a befitting burial. To them, she deserved nothing less, saying she lived all her life for them. Her rites of passage began last Wednesday with a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. Though it was a weekday and the scarcity of fuel was already biting hard in the metropolis, sympathisers, family members and friends of the Rosijis were there in their numbers to bid her bye. They filled the church auditorium. Her remains were laid in a simple brown casket and positioned on the central aisle before the altar. Bouquets of fresh white flowers were placed by every pillar of the church. After the gospel reading from John 14:1-14, a sermon was delivered by a former provost of the cathedral, Very Rev Yinka Omololu (rtd), who spoke on the outstanding qualities of the late Mrs Rosiji, which qualified her as a true Christian. She was a giver, he said. He urged all to live close to Jesus, since it is in giving that we receive. He urged the family members of the late Rosiji to keep her memory active. One of the granddaughters of the late Rosiji, Mrs Muffy Dargery, rendered a solo Italian song written by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto titled: “Time to Say Goodbye”. Others took turn to render special tribute songs around the casket. They were: choir of the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, Ifo; Cathedral Ladies League; Women’s Guild Auxiliary; Cathedral Torch Bearers and Old Students of St Ann School. In an 80-page brochure, pictures and testimonies of her generosity displayed. Notably, that of the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), written by its National Coordinator Dr K.O. Egwuonwu was outstanding. He described the deceased as a woman who did not pander to applause or gave to be noticed; but simply out of sacrificial love and generousity. “She was generous almost to a fault and it is through the generousity of people like her that the programme has been able to play its key role.” A reception in honour of the late Mrs Rosiji was held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island with comedian Tee A livened up the gathering with his jokes. Demola Olota and his band dished out songs in praise of mothers. Their music ushered the children of the deceased dancing in celebration of their mother. Second son of the deceased and Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Lexcel Group, owners of Nigerian Distilleries Limited, Olajide said his mother lived a good life and died without pains. He said he could recall his mother thanking any of her children for doing or giving her something. All she will say is ‘good boy’. “Maybe she never thanked because she was a teacher. I miss her love, advice and many a memory that has shaped the man that I am today,” Olajide said. The last son of the deceased and former president, Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Bolaji, had fond
Fond memories of a giver •Children of the deceased from left: Mr Olajide; Mrs Bomi Rosiji; Bolaji; Mrs Tokunbo Doherty and Adekunle Rosiji
•From left: Mrs Dargery; Mr Pierre Dargery and Mrs Esi Sogay
•Joke Silva
•Chief Francis Sotunde and Mrs Fashola
•Chief Chris Ogunbanjo (left) and former President of NACCIMA Chief Kola Daisi
•From left: Olu Jacobs, Chief Yemi Oduntan and Mr Wole Adeleye
•Mrs Mopelola Rosiji and Mrs Ogunlesi
•From left: Mr Olayode Delano; Chief Yetunde Animashaum and Mrs Funlola Delano
•From left: Mr Rajiv Kapoor; Rajasekar Rajavelas and Anirudh Raghjvanshi
•From left: Desmond Majekodumi; Mr Gbenga Adezusuyi and Tee Mac PHOTOS:NNEKA NWANERI
memories of his mother teaching him everything, including being an anonymous giver who had eye for details and never liked lazy people. “As a young boy, I used to run from Mamani because whenever we had guests, I will have to go upstairs and pack those gifts. Everyone had to
take something home. Today, that lesson she taught me by the example of making sure no one goes home hungry and empty handed is what I cherish the most.”Bolaji said. Those who attendance were: Lagos State first lady Dame Abimbola Fashola; Nollywood icons Olu Jacobs
and his wife Joke Silva; retired Bishop of Ifo, Rev Akin Odejide; Bishop of Egba Rev Dr M.O.Owadayo (rtd); Bishop of Ifo Rt Rev Nathaniel Ogundipe; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Prof Adebayo Akinde; both the Alake of Egbaland and the Owu of Ifo sent
their staffs of office; Mrs Francesca Emmanuel; flutist Tee Mac; former President of NACCIMA Chief Kola Daisi; CEO, Adam and Eve Gifts Shop Mrs Dupe Ogunlesi and former Minister for National Planning Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi.