…as late Olushola Kadiri takes on immortality
The Vicar of Christ Anglican Church, Oworoshoki, Revd. Canon Garba Ibrahim Rika has charged Christian’s and Nigerians to impact others positively in their little way, while here on earth, describing it as the real essence of life.
The cleric gave the charge during the interment programme of late Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri in Lagos, according to him Brother Kadiri’s life remained an epitome of godliness with lots of testimonies by individuals,who had contact with him while still in the mortal state.
He reminded the congregation about the inevitability of death for every human being, adding that individuals should endeavour to make positive impact on people and leave the society better than they met it.
He stated that Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri touched many lives meaningfully and should be emulated by all and sundry.
He, however, charged the congregation not to be found wanting in rendering assistance to the less privileged and downtrodden in society.
The mortal remains of late Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri, might have been long interred ever since Friday 12th August 2022 at the Private Vaults, Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos, yet the sweet fragrance and memories of an impactful life lived lingers across virtually all facets of mortality his indelible foot paths has crossed.
Mr. Oluwashola, husband to Mrs.Folashade Kadiri the Public Affairs Director LAWMA has really etched his name in gold truly confirming the lyrics of the song by Jim Reeves of blessed memories ‘This world is not my home I’m just a-passing through, and faithful to the lines and lyrics of the evergreen song, his treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
Right during a solemn service of song held posthumously in his honour late Kadiri aka Solar’s larger than life image and wholeness was well immortalized, with the soul lifting testimonies and witnesses to his goodness while here on earth to an extent that even the cleric on duty at that special hour, the Revd. Canon Garba Ibrahim Rika had a testimony to share about according to him the sleeping Brother Kadiri.
Revd. Canon Garba Rika was moved by late Kadiri’s comportment while still a mortal to a point that he gave a hint of a deep understanding amongst the clergy about a departed soul whose passage only signals rest not death.
Countless blessed memoirs were written in emotionally laden voices that really draws many close to tears, that one really could do not much than to ask -Death where hath thy stings?
Community where late Solar lived also could not hide their amazement and sense of deep loss at the sudden passage of one whom they drew a picture of a martyr close to call.
His selflessness and neighbourly mien was the talk of the highly spiritual gathering, from the family and especially friends both old and young amongst whom was Segun Oladapo,whom he fondly called ‘Oscar’, Oscar painted a quite deep picture that shows late Solar as one who exudes much life wherever he treads.
To him Solar practically picked him up at ground zero and catapulted him to a regenerated soul that he now is. For his close pal and childhood friend Odejayi Olanrewaju alias Apache, till the point of death Solar still keep the comely aura he was known for. The CMS boys were also in their element to salute a worthy ambassador at departure to a better place, bidding him farewell all the way.
To his dear wife-Aunty Folashade Kadiri a real man who has never faked his manliness is no more but his handsome frame remain engraved in the choicest part of her heart. Solar made her a real woman whose paths remained blessed same goes for her children, one can only render prayers that they be divinely uphold till the very end.
In a tribute, the wife of the deceased, Folashade, described him as a great family man, personal friend and confidant, a workaholic and good-natured fellow, who lived a rancour-free life and held no grudge against anyone.
In her words: “Dearly beloved, as you take those glorious steps, down the long lonely road, towards the waiting hands of our Lord, please remember to look back at intervals, to your loved ones you left behind, and assume your new role of a guardian angel; watching over and praying for us without ceasing.
“I must also inform you ‘Solar’, that it is not all tears upon your early transition. We got consolation from numerous testimonies of friends, acquaintances and others, all affirming your eventful life that permanently impacted humanity.”
According to her, “I am deeply filled with immense gratitude to God Almighty, who made it possible for Oluwashola to have lived a life worthy of emulation. It has been a long journey of over 25 years together with him and I find it difficult to say good-bye here on earth.
“I am, however, consoled that my beloved husband has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord and has fulfilled the desire of every Christian which is to one day leave this sinful earth and meet our maker in heaven just like Oluwashola has done.
“I am also comforted in my hope and prayers that Oluwashola and I would one day meet again to part no more, at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The children of the deceased, Olasunkanmi and Olamide, also extolled the virtues of their father.
According to them, “we thank God for your life, as I remembered days we argued about football, world politics or random days I just chose to challenge you on a random topic because it was one of the best ways to get great insights from you. We even shared mutual interest in our love for cars and art.”
According to Olamide, “I can’t bring myself to write this because a part of me is still waiting for you to come home and say “Olamide Kadiri” while rubbing my head. I never could have asked for a better father, you showed me I could achieve anything in life if I could only put my mind to it. You worked hard and played even harder, never failing to be there for your family and friends.”
Scores of LAWMA staff led by the management team to the service, which commenced at 10am., joined wife of the deceased, her children, family, friends and well wishers to pay their last respect to the departed business tycoon.
In the tribute, e-Signed by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni described Mrs. Kadiri as a woman with rare ability to combine traumatic personal pressure, with demanding official responsibilities, without portraying negative emotions.
According to him, “She is the kind of woman I would describe as the real amazon, having the uncanny ability to cope with tense personal situations, yet found not wanting at work.
“The management and staff of LAWMA stand firm with you at this profoundly challenging period even as we unanimously pray that God will comfort you, your children and the extended family of your husband.”
The two days programme commenced on Thursday, 11th of August, 2022 with the wake-keep which was held at the Beehive School Hall, Alausa CBD, Ikeja and it enabled family, friends, associates, partners, well-wishers and mates from his Alma Mata pay their tribute.
The wake-keep and interment were attended by notable dignitaries, including present and past Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Managing Directors, Directors in the Public Service, business tycoons, among others
Mr. Kadiri, popularly called ‘Solar,’ an accomplished businessman, died on 28 July, 2022, after a brief illness.
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