Encomium
Following a fulfilled and impactful 89 years, Mrs. Gbemisola Rosiji, wife of one-time Federal Minister of Health, Chief Ayo Rosiji, was laid to rest amid celebration on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.
Born January 27, 1926, Mrs. Rosiji (Nee Mann) schooled both in Nigeria and in Exeter, United Kingdom. She passed on to rest with the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. And as is befitting for a well spent life, Mamami, as she is fondly called, was sent home in a blaze of glory, in celebratory mood.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2015, a wake was held in her honour at Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the train proceeded to Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos, where the funeral service was held. She was laid into mother earth after the service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the venue of the reception, crowning the celebration of the life and times of the matri
Children, grand child pay tribute to Mamami’s virtuous, life
Mamami left behind a legacy of children of whom are highly successful in different fields of endeavouur and they spoke to ENCOMIUM Weekly about their mom…
‘I will miss her advice, love and care’ – OLAJIDE ROSIJI, mama’s second child
How do you feel today?
I’m very happy. Mama had a long and good life, and when it was time for her to go, she did without pain or force. We are thankful to God for a life fully lived.
What would you miss about mama?
I will certainly miss her advice, her love and her care.
What is that one thing that mama always did that you will never forget?
Mama was a teacher. I learnt that when you do something for a teacher, for mama also, she would not say thank you, but ‘good boy’. When I got older, I asked her about it and she said ‘Don’t worry, it’s because I’m a teacher. I’m used to saying good boy, good girl or good children.’
What are the memories of mama that you cherish?
There are so many fond memories that I don’t know where to start.
‘MAMA TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING I KNOW’ – Bolaji Rosiji, mama’s last child
How do you feel today?
Today is celebration. We are in high spirits. Mama lived till 89, an enviable age. But much more than that is the legacy she left behind of children who are producing and supporting Nigeria like she and papa did.
What would you miss most about mama?
I will miss the lessons she taught me. When I was a young boy, I used to avoid mama, because whenever we had guests in the house, she would have me go upstairs and pack gifts for everyone. Everybody had to take something home, no one was allowed to go hungry or empty handed.
I would want to go play, but she would make me do that. This lesson was not acquired by teaching but by example.
What traits of mama would you say you’ve imbibed?
One of mama’s traits was that she never liked lazy people, and she had an incredible eye for details which I think might have rubbed off on me. I am very careful of every little detail in whatever I do. Sometimes, people complain that I am a control freak. The truth is that I like everything looking almost perfect, which might have come from mama.
How do you plan to immortalize her?
We are putting up an edifice in Apapa (Lagos), it is a five storey building. We didn’t actually plan it. We were renovating the property when mama passed on. We just thought we should do something in her honour. So, the edifice will be dedicated to service, and NGO work which she loved.
What’s your fondest memory of mama?
My fondest memory of her is teaching me everything because my siblings were mostly in the UK and the US. I was alone with mama more often. I remember when I made my first pot of eba, I made it with ice water, and I was wondering why it wouldn’t come together. She just laughed it off.
Now, I’m a vegetarian and I can cook for myself, that’s what mama gave me.
‘Mama lived a truly inspiring life’, DEKUNLE ROSIJI, mama’s eldest grand child
How do you feel today?
We’ve had a fantastic day. We’re commemorating mama’s memories, her achievements which are enormous. It’s really inspiring and challenging to us. Today, we are a bit sad, but deep inside we are joyful as well that we had her for so long. We look forward to carrying on her good works.
What memories of her are close to your heart?
That will be the family gatherings. Mamani could just come to town unannounced and call for a quiet family lunch. When you arrive there, you’d find uncles, aunts, cousins, next thing there is a 100 people in the room. And it was over Chinese food. She kept the family together. Those are the memories I hold dear.
What did you learn from your mom?
For me, striving to be the best you can be, no matter the odds. Also, I learnt treating everyone equally, from the president to the pauper.
