•As Many Corporate Gurus Storm Event
Well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life trooped out en masse on Friday, 22nd February, 2019 to bid a final farewell to a foremost businessman, the late Olumuyiwa Olutosin Talabi, husband of Globacom Director, Gladys Talabi. He was buried at the Vaults and Garden in Ikoyi, Lagos. Many of the attendees, who defied all schedules to participate in the ceremony had words of praise and commendation for the late titan, who died on February 4, 2018 at age of 70. His journey to mother earth took 4 days and it started with a service of songs on Monday by his church society, YMCA at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church. It was followed by a wake service on Thursday, February 21 at the Havens Event Centre, GRA, Ikeja. The funeral service and celebration of life took place on Friday, 22nd February at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church, GRA, Ikeja. It was followed by a classy reception at Balmoral Events Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. The thanksgiving martins was the grand finale also at Arch Bishop Vining Church on Sunday, February 24, 2019. As expected, the burial was well attended by many corporate giants from private sector, owing to the status of the deceased and his wife, who are top corporate individuals. City People Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI, captured the event.
TORRENTS OF TRIBUTES FOR THE DECEASED
Many dignatries, family, friends literally rained in torrents of tributes on the late Olumuyiwa Talabi, who was buried in a grand way last Friday. Leading the wave of tributes, his darling wife, Gladys and children led the way. On the list is the MD of First Bank, Adesola Adeduntan, The MD of Sickle Cell Foundation, Prof. Olu Akinkanju, Special Olympics National Director, Naomi Ejobe, Julius Berger MD, Dr. Las Richer and many more. Other dignatries at the event were Prof. Wale Omole and his wife, Shade, Mr Okeowo, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and others.
ARCH BISHOP VINING MEMORIAL CHURCH HONOURS THE DECEASED
The deceased was a staunch member of Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church and it was evident at the burial as church members gave him their last respect. The society he belonged to in the church, YMCA was incharge of the programme through the service of songs and they also sang a special number for him on the day of his burial at the church service. The pastor who presided over the funeral service, Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Rev. James Odedeji, eulogized the deceased on his laudable achievements when he was alive and how he diligently served God till he passed on to glory. The bishop was joined by over 10 ministers who coordinated the funeral service.
LATE MUYIWA TALABI LAID TO REST AT 1PM
The late Talabi was born on the 31st of July, 1949. He died on the 4th of February at age 70 during a brief illness. After the funeral service in the early morning, his body was interred at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens at about 1pm. The burial witnessed was only close family members. The funeral home that handled the funeral possession was TOS funerals led by Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola.
REV MONSIGNOR CHRISTOPHER HEAD THE TALABI FAMILY
The scion of the Talabi family, the Rev. Monsignor Christopher, who is the first cousin of the deceased, was on hand all through the burial preparations and also the burial ceremony. He was on the fore front of every activity and also beside the deceased’s widow to give a comfort able shoulder for her to lean on. He led all the family members to the burial.
WHY MUYIWA WILL BE SOLELY MISSED.
The worst hit by the death of the late Muyiwa is his wife of 40 years, Gladys Busola Talabi and his 2 sons, Laolu and Olamide. The marriage between the deceased and his wife lasted over 4 decades and in all those years, it had been a great moment together. His wife, Gladys, wrote a glowing tribute about her husband, the many things she would miss about him, describing him as a man who lived a fulfilled life, someone who has a sense of devotion and dedication to God’s work. “So much to write and remember, beautiful and cherished memories, enough to carry me and keep me strong for the numerous years ahead, loving from the very beginning to the very end. I will miss my friend, older brother, husband, confidant, adviser, number 1 fan, my mirror, my teacher, my listening ear, human guide, companion, prayer partner and gisting mate. Take care my husband and best friend, my dearie, love you always’’.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE MUYIWA TALABI FONDLY CALLED “OLU”
The late Talabi, who died on February 4, this year, was born on July 31, 1949, in Lagos to the Rev. Samuel Talabi and Madam Olaide Olugbayo. He is one of the staunch members of the Anglican church and became a chorister at an early age at St Peter’s Church and St John’s Church, Aroloya on Lagos Island. He was admitted into Igbobi College, Yaba. He was later given admission to the University of Lagos where he studied Philosophy with the scholarship of Lagos government. He later studied for his master’s in Political Science also at Unilag and capped it all with an MBA in international business from the Kessington University, California, USA. He started his career as a civil servant and also worked at several private firms. He joined the Department of Agriculture of the United States Embassy in Nigeria as an Agricultural Specialist and became a mini-encyclopedia of Nigeria’s Agricultural industry. He later set up a consultancy firm. In 1994, he was called to set up an office in Nigeria on behalf of the American Wheat Farmers for trade promotion and they made him the Marketing Consultant, covering the West African sub region. He got married to his sweetheart on July 1, 1978, and their union which lasted for 40 years produced 3 children, Damilola, Medical Doctor (late), Olumide, an Accountant /Business Administrator and Olaolu, an engineer and environmental specialist. He was part of the founding members of YMCA in Arch Bishop Vining Church and served as its vice president and later president.
LOVE FROM GLO FAMILY
The wife of the deceased, Gladys Busola Talabi, is the Executive Director, Legal services of Globacom and this was largely evident at the funeral service, as many of her colleagues besieged the wake and the church to honour her and also spoke glowingly about the deceased. The top corporate woman is well loved by many at her place of work. No wonder, they all decided to solidarise with her. Among them were: Glo Directors, Managers like Sola Omotayo, Amaka Ovuche, Enilolobo Idowu, David Leke, Modupe Olubanjo and many others.
HIS ALMA MATER, IGBOBI OLD STUDENTS, HONOURED HIM
Old students of Igbobi College, Lagos also paid their last respect, singing their school anthem at the funeral service. They were led by the Chairman, Osolake Somide. Others are: Niyi Dada, Sina Tychus and many others. They were all out in large number to honour the deceased.
…AND MEMBERS OF YMCA AND AMVCC TOO
Many members of his society, Young Men Christian Association, YMCA, and members of the Archbishop Vinning Church also honoured him. The Bishop of the Cathedral, the Rev. James Odedeji, led others. Sighted were: Ven Festus Olowode, Ven. Gbenga Oriye, Avmcc Dean, Chief Mrs. A. O. Akindeinde, Dr Akinlemilola, Bisi Odeyemi, Olorunfemi Ojo, Nkiru Avah, Dr and Mrs. I. A Odeyemi, Ven Akinwande, Ven.Taiwo Olupitan, Mrs. Henrietta Elijah among others.
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