Many
Nollywood actors, businessmen of high repute, friends of the popular Lagos
businessman and philanthropist, Mr Osifo Samson, members of the Arcade Club and
several other people left their businesses to grace the event.
DAMILARE SALAMI, 08155134152, alongside Senior
Photojournalist, ABDULRASHEED SANNI, was there and in this report, he brings
you the full gist of all that happened there, enjoy.
ABOUT MAMA IYABODE OLAJIRE RAJI
The
late Mrs Rasheedat Iyabode Olajire was a renowned stenographer, typist, teacher
and businesswoman in her days. She started life quite well by establishing her
school of stenography where she taught people typing, stenography and
secretarial studies as well as shorthand. The school was known as Orekoya
Stenographic Institute. In 1975, Mama Rasheedat moved with her husband to Lagos
from Ibadan. She was married to Apostle Rufus Akinwale Raji and her school and
other businesses also moved with her to Lagos. She single-handedly trained her
children when she lost her husband at his prime in 1989. Mama hailed from Ijebu
Igbo in Ogun State. She died as a passionate follower of Christ at age 72. In
her life, she attended Ibukunoluwa Baptist Church in Ikorodu. The church was
the closest to her house and the most convenient for her to attend at old age.
She was survived by three beautiful daughters, their spouses, grandchildren and
siblings.
CHRISTIAN
WAKE AND FUNERAL SERVICE HOLD AT IBUKUN OLUWA BAPTIST CHURCH, IKORODU
The
Ibukunoluwa Baptist Church in Ikorodu may not be very popular, but it came to
the limelight as every road led to the place on Thursday and Friday, October 14
and October 15 respectively during the wake and funeral service of Mama Raji as
she is fondly called. Everyone in Aga community, Ikorodu knew that something
huge was happening as a mammoth crowd thronged the church to celebrate a life
well spent. At the wake, Mama’s children were dressed in white and were well
united with other family members to give their beloved mother a befitting
burial rite.
AT
THE CEMETERY
Mama
Raji was committed to mother earth at the Ikorodu cemetery. It was strictly
a family affair. Only very close family members were allowed to access the site
to avoid overcrowding and also uphold the Covid-19 protocols.
It
was a hectic time for Mama’s children and relations. Watching how a beloved
mother’s remains were committed to mother earth was pretty touching. Tears
freely flowed from the children, grandchildren and siblings' faces of the deceased.
LAST CALL FUNERAL PERFORMS WELL
The
undertakers employed to take care of Mama’s funeral were known as the last
call. They are one of the highly regarded companies in the business in Lagos.
Their performance was topnotch, the band members know their onions and they
brought their experience to the fore. They became the delight of many as they
accompanied Mama’s children in a dance round of Aga in Ikorodu. It was a
traditional way of celebrating a life well spent.
THE ANKARA ASO EBI
Anyone
at the event would notice the style statements of the pretty babes and
celebrity men and women who rocked the Ankara Aso-Ebi that was selected to
celebrate the great woman in death. It was an orange and navy blue Ankara with
a touch of red. Celebrities such as Opeyemi Aiyeola, Tunde Dickson, Aisha Raji
and many others stunned in different styles of the Aso-Ebi.
AI ROYAL EVENT CENTER PLAYS HOST TO PARTY
The
beautiful auditorium of AI Royal Event Center was practically transformed as
guests were taking their seats one after the other. It was a spacious and
air-conditioned auditorium. No wonder, guests relaxed and were in a better mood
for a show of a lifetime. The auditorium also provided a conducive atmosphere
for guests. There was enough space for parking, the convenience was top notch
and the stage was large enough to accommodate the band and some guests.
POPULAR
RADIO BROADCASTER, IFA NKALELUYAH ANCHORS EVENT
Popular
On-Air Personality, Ambassador Yomi Mate, best known and referred to as
Ifankaleluya is a famous element on the airwaves whose new innovation in radio
and TVs programming is poised to carve a niche for himself in the competitive
circle. Ifa, as he’s fondly called, is no doubt, a force to reckon with in the
radio and TV business as a sought-after Yoruba programme presenter. His voice
remarkably stands him out of competition among his folks. Little wonder he
always praises himself while presenting as, “Ebora tingbénú rédÃyò dún yonmù
yonmù”. A clause that could be translated to mean, “A spirit that dwells in
radio with horrific voice”.
Through
the Influence of Mr Osifo Samson, this ace broadcaster was contracted to anchor
the event and he did that in style. Everyone at the event enjoyed his comedy;
he was a good compere as well as an all-around entertainer.
MEGA
99 ON THE BANDSTAND
Party
lovers across the country know that Abel Oluwafemi Dosunmu, known as Mega 99
needs no introduction at any owambe. He is a popular Juju artiste and he is
good at what he does. At the event, he held the microphone for about five hours
dishing out different vibes and praise-singing the society men and women there.
His music completed the very entertaining evening. Many guests didn’t just let
the music go by, they danced and had fun till the wee hours of the night.
MR
OSIFO SAMSON’S IMPACT SHOWS
Osifo
Samson is an Accountant and a Financial Management Expert and a Good
Communicator with strong persuasion and Negotiation Skills. Formerly the
Financial Director of Osafure (Nig.) Limited and also a Senior Consultant with
Emma Elliot & Associates where he specialised in Investigating Financial
Statement and Debt Recovery. He is the founder of Fosam Institute, where he
lectures on Financial Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting and Management
Accounting. He was formerly the Account Officer of Amigo International Limited.
Now, he is the Principal Partner of
Osifo Samson & Co., a Financial, Management and Tax Consulting Firm, whose
analysts and consultants specialize in Management Accounting, Corporate and
Managerial Finance, Management Consultant, Operational Management, Financial
Advisory, Facilitator of Bank Loans & Overdrafts, Bank Charges Review and
Reconciliation and Tax Management.
This
highly respected businessman is the late mama Raji’s son-in-law. He is married
to Mama’s second daughter. City People gathered that he was instrumental to the
successful hosting of Mama’s burial. He facilitated the performance of Mega 99
and broadcaster, Ifankaleluyah at the event.
MAMA’S
FIRST DAUGHTER, FUNMILAYO OPENS THE DANCE FLOOR
The
party started properly with Mama’s first daughter, Olufunmilayo, who stormed
the dance floor in style. She was supported by all her siblings and other
family members. Mr Osifo and his beautiful wife also joined and sprayed big.
Trust Mega 99, to deliver when he is motivated, his delivery was mind-blowing.
MRS
ADEFOLAKE AND MR SAMSON OSIFO DAZZLE
It
was time for Mr Osifo and his beautiful wife to rock it and they did in style.
They were supported by his group known as the Arcade. Members were the
live-wire of the party. The likes of Otunba Rotimi Osun, a former Chairman,
Ikeja LG, Alhaji M.A Fasheun, Barr Kalejaiye, Aare Olatundun, among several
others. This dance session was more of a display of affluence than owambe. All
the big boys at the event proved their worth, spraying Mr Osifo and his
beautiful wife with naira notes.
MRS.
ADEBUNKOLA AMBODE- RAJI AND HER HUSBAND TOO
Mama’s
beautiful daughter, Bukola couldn't pass unnoticed. She’s not just beautiful,
she’s also a star. She is a top Nollywood actor and she pulled many of her
colleagues to the event. They didn’t just attend; many of them came wearing the
aso-ebi of the day. Her husband was equally very supportive, he was everywhere
at the event, making sure that guests were well catered to.
THE
NOLLYWOOD CORNER
The
event was so lively and star-studded that many people would think that it
was a movie premiere. From the young to the old and veteran actors, the
Nollywood stars came in their numbers to show huge support for one of their
own. Spotted at the event were: Aisha Raji, Kemi Afolabi, Opeyemi Aiyeola,
Tunde Dickson, Jide Awobona, Elemure, Ojoge and many more.
MADAM
SAJE AND MEGA 99 STEAL SHOW
One
of the biggest side attractions at the event was when veteran actress, Fausat
Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje and singer, Mega 99 turned the stage to
a movie scene and started entertaining guests with beautiful and stylish dance
steps. The guests had no choice, but to bring out their phones to have documentation of the beautiful and memorable moment, so that it wouldn't just
fade away.
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