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What Her Children Will Miss About Her
The news of her death hit her children, family members, friends and colleagues like a bad blow. It was a devastating piece of news. This is because Edna Olabimpe Adewumi (Nee Olakuwi) was a young lady who had made name for herself as a dawn goodd Events Specialists.
It was a celebration of a Beautiful Life. The Burial rites began on Thursday 25th January 2024 with the service of songs at Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The Funeral Service took place on Friday, 26th January, 2024 at the RCCG Breakthrough Cathedral, Oyo Province 6, Redemption Way, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. And Interment followed immediately after the church service.
Let’s tell you a bit about this woman. Edna Olabimpe Adewumi (nee Olakunri) was born into the illustrious family of Chief Ezekiel Oladosu and Janet Ajoke Olakunri on the 6th of August 1965 in Lagos State. She was the fourth child out of five.
She attended l.adi-Lak Primary School, Yaba, Lagos from 1971 to 1977 after which she proceeded to the famous Christ School Ado-Ekiti in 1977 and she graduated in 1982 after passing in flying colors. She gained admission to study in the University of Lagos in 1983. Before embarking on her career journey, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences from the University of Lagos in 1987. After graduation, she completed her Youth Service in Ibadan. She began her career in 1988 working in the defunct Owena Bank Plc in their Computer Department as an Officer. Later she was promoted to Assistant Manager Systems.
However, since childhood, she consistently exhibited entrepreneurial skills. Gradually, she immersed herself in diverse business endeavors, particularly delving into the realm of fashion, driven by her enduring passion for it. Her deep-rooted love for fashion traced its origins to the influence of her cherished elder sister, Mrs. Olabisi Williams. Recounting moments when her sister generously loaned
her clothes for events and work, she credited Sister Bisi for instilling in her a profound appreciation for style.
Frequent visits to her sister’s wardrobe became transformative experiences, as she skillfully curated outfits from an array of items, earning compliments and admiration from friends and on lookers alike. Motivated by this positive reception, she resolved to pursue a serious venture in fashion, eventually establishing her own design studio in Iponri, Lagos. Specializing in crafting personalized garments, including denim ensembles and vibrant linen fabrics, she accumulated a clientele comprising friends, family, and colleagues. She also explored the field of hairdressing and engaged in the distribution of diverse fabrics, along with buying and selling merchandise.
Subsequently, she made the bold decision to resign from her position at Owena Bank, dedicating herself entirely to the growth of her flourishing businesses. She got married in January 1993 and the union was blessed with two wonderful children. She then decided to travel abroad to gain more experience and explore different areas of careers she could excel in.
Upon returning to Nigeria in 2006, she dedicated time to exploring potential endeavors. Being a passionate admirer of gold, she eventually entered the business of supplying gold jewelry. Her ventures took her on journeys to places like Dubai, where she sought the finest quality gold jewelry to bring back to Nigeria for sale.
In July 2006, she volunteered to assist a friend organizing a housewarming event, as he struggled to find a caterer and event planner. Having a passion for cooking since the age of 6, stemming from assisting her mother in catering for events, she felt confident in taking on the task, especially for an intimate gathering of just 50 guests. She efficiently coordinated decorations, food, and drinks, resulting in a highly successful event.
The attendees were impressed, seeking to know the catering mastermind behind it, and clamoring for business cards. It was at this moment that she realized her true calling. Thus, in February 2007, she proudly established her catering company, destined to become a household name: HoneyDrops Plus Golden Ventures, coined from her name Oyinkansola.
But she didn’t stop there. Soon after, Bimpe established a HoneyDrops gift shop at Lafia Hotel in Ibadan, running it from 2007 to 2012. In the shop, she offered a variety of items, including household goods, gifts, perfumes, Adire Boubou dresses, and much more. From 2006 until her passing, Bimpe dedicated herself tirelessly to the growth of her brand. Her commitment to excellence propelled her to take on catering assignments across various regions in Southwestern Nigeria, occasionally extending her services to other parts of the country. As a consummate perfectionist, she went above and beyond to exceed her clients’ expectations.
Bimpe’s relentless pursuit of quality manifested in her hands-on approach to every aspect of her business. A true early riser, she would commence her day as early as 4am, visiting the market to source the freshest ingredients for her culinary creations. This commitment to freshness and quality became a hallmark of her catering services.
What stood out about Bimpe was that she didn’t just stay in the kitchen. Even if she had multiple events in one day, she made sure to personally be at each one. Her presence ensured that every guest received the attention and service they deserved. Her hands-on approach became a key feature of her brand, building trust and loyalty with her customers. She once expressed that her vision for her brand was to make every guest feel like they were experiencing sweet honey droppings when they tasted her food.
Bimpe had a natural talent for making events run smoothly. She paid close attention to details and disliked things being done in a messy way. These qualities weren’t just part of her work but also refleced in her daily life and everything she took on. Bimpe had lots of things she loved doing. When she wasn’t thinking up new business ‘ ideas, she enjoyed reading romance and motivational books. Taking pictures was another hobby she loved, especially putting them together in photo albums.
One of her favorite things was going to buffets, especially on Sundays. Bimpe liked .inviting friends to join her for good food, and she knew all the best restaurants in different areas. Whether it was recommending the delicious Dodo special at Davies Hotel or talking about eating out at Kokodome, Bimpe always knew where to find great food. Her outings weren’t just about eating but about creating fun and memorable times with friends.
Beyond being a skilled entrepreneur, Bimpe was a generous person. Always ready to assist those around her, whether it was organizing events or providing clean water for her community, she dedicated herself to making a positive impact. Bimpe was the kind of person who could spend hours on the phone giving
advice to anyone who needed it. She had a unique way of making people feel comfortable opening up to her, and she wasn’t afraid to share things about herself. Bimpe was like an open book, always ready to let you know exactly what was on her mind.
Bimpe was a genuine fashion enthusiast, and her distinctive style set her apart. For her, fashion was more than just clothing – it was a canvas for expressing creativity, personality, and individuality in every outfit. She didn’t ‘follow trends from magazines; instead, it was like she had a special connection with her tailors, conveying exactly what she envisioned, resulting in unique and personalized styles that perfectly embodied who Bimpe was.
Colourful and flamboyant designs were her preference, mirroring the radiance, beauty, faughter, and excellence that defined her life. Bimpe’s wardrobe wasn’t just about clothes; it was a vibrant reflection of her vibrant personality and the joy she found in expressing herself through fashion. Her unique approach to style became a signature element of her identity, leaving a lasting impression on those wh6 knew her.
Bimpe was a dedicated Christian who cherished her faith. Her love for God was evident in her consistent practice of thanksgiving. She often emphasized that she preferred expressing gratitude to God rather than asking Him for things. Bimpe thanked Him for what He had done, what He had yet to do, and what she believed He would do.
Singing praises was one of her joys. As a routine, Bimpe made it a point to communicate with God before engaging with anyone in the morning. Rising early at 5am, she devoted time to prayer. Her readiness to pray for anyone she encountered showcased her commitment to spreading God’s word. Throughout her life, she maintained unwavering faith and held steadfast to the belief that there were no limits to what God could accomplish.
Bimpe’s life was an awe-inspiring tapestry woven with threads of resilience, trailblazing courage, and culinary brilliance. A force to be reckoned with, she faced challenges head-on, defying the constraints of illness with a determination that left an indelible mark. Her journey was a testament to unwavering strength, a relentless pursuit of passion, and an unyielding commitment to living life with unparalleled vigor.
In the collective memory, Edna Olabimpe Adewumi stands as an immortal gem, her brilliance radiating through the annals of time. Her life, abundantly fulfilled, becomes a beacon inspiring all who encounter her story. As we mourn her physical absence, we draw solace from the everlasting truth that Bimpe’s spirit, akin to the enduring legacy of Honey Drops, resonates perpetually, etching an enduring imprint on the hearts of those touched by her extraordinary presence.
Bimpe Lives On!
HoneyDrops Lives On!
