The remains of Mr Oluwashola Kadiri, the late husband of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Director of Public Affairs Folashade Kadiri were interred in the Private Vaults, Atan Cemetery, Yaba on Friday 12 August 2022 , Lagos.
Mr. Kadiri, popularly known as “Solar”, a savvy businessman, died on July 28, 2022 after a short illness.
The funeral service at Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, began with the processional hymn “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The quarrel is over, the fight is over; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun, alleluia!”
In his message, Vicar of Christ Anglican Church, Oworoshoki, Revd. Canon Garba Ibrahim Rika, who led the service, reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death for every human being, adding that everyone should strive to make a positive impact on people and leave society better than when they met them .
He stated that Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri had meaningfully touched many lives and should be emulated by all and sundry.
However, he accused the community of not finding shortcomings when it came to helping the less privileged and downtrodden in society.
The deceased’s wife, Folashade, described him in a tribute as a great family man, personal friend and confidante, a workaholic and good-natured fellow who lived a life without grudges and held no grudges.
In her words: “Dear beloved, as you take these glorious steps on the long, lonely journey to the waiting hands of our Lord, please remember to look back at the loved ones you have left behind and take on your new role in a guardian angel who watches over us and prays for us without ceasing.
“I also have to tell you ‘Solar’ that it’s not just tears over your early transition.
According to her, “I am deeply filled with immense gratitude to Almighty God for enabling Oluwashola to lead a life to emulate.
It was a long journey together of more than 25 years with him and it is difficult for me to say goodbye here on earth.
“However, I am comforted that my beloved husband has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord and fulfilled the desire of every Christian to one day leave this sinful earth and meet our Creator in heaven, as Oluwashola did.
“I am also comforted in my hope and prayers that one day Oluwashola and I will meet again, never to be parted, at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”
The children of the deceased, Olasunkanmi and Olamide, also praised their father’s virtues.
According to them, “We thank God for your life as I recalled days when we would argue about football, world politics or random days when I just decided to challenge you on a random topic because it’s one of the best opportunities was to get great insights from you. We even shared a common interest in our love of cars and art.”
According to Olamide, “I can’t bring myself to write this because part of me is still waiting for you to come home and say ‘Olamide Kadiri’ while you pet my head.
I could never have asked for a better father, you showed me that I can achieve anything in life if I just put my mind to it.
You’ve worked hard and played even harder while always being there for your family and friends.”
Numerous LAWMA personnel, led by the management team at the service, which began at 10:00 am, joined the wife of the deceased, their children, family members, friends and well-wishers to pay their respects to the late business tycoon.
In the tribute, electronically signed by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni described Ms. Kadiri as a woman with a rare ability to combine traumatic personal pressures with demanding official responsibilities without displaying negative emotions.
According to him, “She is the kind of woman I would describe as a true Amazon, who has an uncanny ability to cope with tense personal situations but finds no shortage at work.
“The management and staff of LAWMA stand by you at this deeply challenging time, even as we pray in one voice that God will comfort you, your children and your husband’s extended family.”
The two day program began on Thursday 11th August 2022 with the Wake-Keep held at the Beehive School Hall, Alausa CBD, Ikeja allowing family, friends, co-workers, partners, well-wishers and mates from his alma Mata to pay tribute to theirs Tribute.
The wake-up call and funeral were attended by notable dignitaries including current and former secretaries of state, special advisers, business executives, government directors, business tycoons, among others.
