The Jewel First Anniversary: Even after a year, the encomiums still resonate

She not only lived but she lived very well. She meant different things to all yet there was a shared consensus about her. Her life was a gift, one that transcended tribe, tongue and topography. Exactly one year after her death, the encomiums still pour in.

I miss her presence —Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun
“I miss my monthly routine of going to visit her. Indeed, she is sorely missed, not only by me and my family, but also by the good people of Ogun State. “

We lost an epitome of womanhood —Former Governor Gbenga Daniel
“Mama’s death closed a significant chapter in our political history. We lost an epitome of womanhood.”

I can’t forget her wealth of wisdom —Sir Olaniwun Ajayi
“Occasionally, I would go over to her place and we would have very meaningful interactions. She possessed a wealth of wisdom. I can’t forget all of this.”

We miss her motherly role —Oba Adeyinka Onakade, Alakenne of Ikenne-Remo
“Ikenne community misses Mama HID Awolowo. We miss her motherly role just as we miss her pieces of advice.”

The dream she had for Nigeria has not been realised — Chief Ayo Adebanjo
“Nationally, the country has not been better than she left it. It is a pity that the dream that she and her husband had for this country has not been realised.”

Her legacies still speak —Archbishop Michael Fape
“A year after the home call of Mama, it is as if she were still present with us physically. Our joy is that through the many legacies left behind, she continues to speak still.”

We miss her guidance — Mrs Olutoyin Fape
“She was such a peacemaker among women. We miss her experience, counselling and guidance in all things”.

Her faith in God was exemplary — Venerable (Dr) Foluso Babatunji
“I do know that the faith aspect of her life was so exemplary, and this had been missed greatly in the church.”

We miss her passion for God’s work — Ven. S. Oladele Enike
“As a virtuous woman, she is remembered for her passion for the house of God. She is remembered for her punctuality at church.”

She was brave — Canon Sosanya
“Mama was a very brave woman. When all were weeping and concluding that Mama would no longer be strong enough to host the Synod that led to the Birth of HID Awolowo Anglican Church, Ewuga, Sagamu, she rode through the storms.”

She is unforgettable — Reverend Michael Odewole
“One thing that still remains is the vacuum you left behind in our congregation. You remain unforgettable in HID Awolowo Anglican Church, Ewuga, Sagamu.”

She was a woman of peace — Senator Tony  Adefuye, secretary Yoruba Unity Forum
“She was a woman of truth that we all miss. She was a woman of peace.”

She was accommodating — Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Afenifere General Secretary
“Mama HID Awolowo was very accommodating and she brought people from all classes together.”

I miss her sense of duty, punctuality —Chief Bayo Fadoju
“She was always punctual to meetings. Mama was very thorough. Mama was very, very careful in directing the board of ANN Plc, Publishers of the Tribune titles.”

I miss her motherly love and affection —Senator Femi Okurounmu
“Mama Awolowo was a political mother to me, since the days of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), 1978 upwards. I miss her motherly love and affection.”