For the family of the Solarins of Shagamu Remo, Ogun State, it was a beffitting parting gift given to their mother and the matriarch of the family, Madam Christiana Oyinlola Solarin on Thursday 11th November, 2021 as they were joined by friends, associates and well wishers.
Madam Solarin died on 6th October, 2021 at a very ripe age of 94 years.
The wake keep took place at Plot 6, Olanipekun Ogunleye Street, Behind Greenland Hotel, GRA, Shagamu, while the funeral service was held at Rev. Mellor Methodist Cathedral, Agbowa, in the ancient town of Shagamu, Interment at the Church Cemetry, and entertainment of guests at Mercy Events Centre, 50, Oba Erinwole Road, Opposite Abraham Tabernacle Church, GRA, also in Shagamu.
The funeral programmes which modestly began with Christian wake keep on Wednesday 10th November came to a climax on Thursday with funeral service, interment and classy reception on Thursday 11th November, 2021.
The burial events were attended by distinguished men and women in the society, politicians and business men and women, professionals from all walks of life, and ministers of God and associates of the children of the deceased who were hosts.
Among the distinguished guests were the immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who was at the Church service, and other eminent personalities.
In a message The Very Rev. Festus Osanyingbemi commended the Solarins for taking good of their mother before she passed on saying, “Everybody can see from the pictures in the programme how you took care of your mother”, as he prayed that their own children would also take good care of them too.
Speaking on What Is Life After All? The preacher who expressed that life was unpredictable admonished the congregation and the entire public to live a life of self examination and live right.
“What is life after all? Examine yourself at your former, present and future positions. Judgement is of God and it can come anytime. What kind of life are you living now? Life is unpredictable, life is insecure, and let every living thing live and act right. Open the door of your heart that Jesus may come in,” he admonished, noting that this world is not our own.
The preacher who also appreciated ex-Governor Amosun for his good works in Ogun State took the advantage to call on Nigerians in public life to fear God and appreciate the grace of God upon their life.
He said, “My message to politicians and those in authority, is to fear God. You are there today because God wants to use you. We need to think of heaven because the situation in Nigeria can make one sin against God if one is not careful.
Continuing, he said, “A country where bandits enter army barracks and defence academy without restraints calls for concern. If you go out and come back daily, you need to thank God. To live above 90 years like our mother, with all the killings, kidnappings and rituals here and there deserves celebration.
“Our mother has fought and won. Let us live our life moderately and always be prepared for the end time. It is not about where and when but to live an edifying life. What can make us change is our attitude and character,” he charged.
There was also a presentation by the Ladies Progressive Band, which the deceased was the Matron while alive.
Also in his comment Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the service recalled that Mama Solarin shared the same birthday with his father as he also thanked God for the good testimonies about Mama Solarin.
He said, “We are all Mama’s children. We are not mourning. It is the grace of God that manifested in Mama’s life. I had the opportunity of meeting Mama when she was younger. We are all part of the good testimonies of Mama’s good life.”
After the interment was the reception which was attended by eminent persons, friends, business associates, families and well wishers of the children and the larger family.
Among these are the Shagamite Club, traditional rulers, as well as ministers of God from far and wide including Prophetess Ilupeju of Divine Favour Prayer Ministries, Pastor Yomi Fasina, Otunba Onasanya, the families of the Onafekos, Shodimus and a host of others.
Late Christiana Oyinlola Solarin, (Nee Awobajo) was born into the family of Chief Oluwo Awobajo of Isote Quarters, Makun, Shagamu. She was a trained nurse and worked as a midwife in various hospitals in Remoland and Lagos State in her active years.
After a few years she travelled to England to join her husband, and also for further training in nursing. She returned to Nigeria in the early 1960s and worked briefly as a nurse before going into full business.
She was a member of Ladies Progressive Society of Methodist Church Cathedral, Shagamu.
She is survived by children Pastor Adegboyega Solarin, a high flying Chartered Accountant, businessman and minister of God, Professor Kolawole Solarin, a US based medical practitioner, and Titilayo Solarin, as well as grand children and great grand children.
Thanks for reading this. Please like it, comment and share this story. Also follow Julius Adegunna, and PTL News on our Social Media handles or call 234-8033260387, 8120969883. If you have been blessed by our website, you are free to bless us in return. Reach out to the Publisher for donations and supports. God bless you.