Family, Friends Eulogise Gbenga Oyawa at One-Year Remembrance
By Our Reporter
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that family members, friends, relatives, and members of the International Church of Christ (ICOC) gathered on Friday in the Jibowu area of Lagos to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of late Mr Gbenga Oyawa, a former Regional Sales Director at Nigeria Bottling Company and Hellenic Bottling Company.
Many of the attendees paid glowing tributes to Oyawa, praising his selflessness, character, energy, fun-filled attitude, vibrancy, and commitment to uplifting others and helping people live fully.
The deceased, who passed away on 30 May 2024 at the age of 49, was described as a man devoted to building family, uplifting his friends and associates, and assisting those in need around him.
Mr Deji Adetula, a close friend and accountant, expressed his initial worry following Gbenga’s sudden death, fearing it might scatter his family due to the central role he played in many capacities. However, he was pleased to witness the strength and unity exhibited, reflecting how much the late business leader had invested in keeping his family together.
Mrs Olayemi Lawal, a former schoolmate of the deceased and fellow member of the Pacesetter Ilupeju Secondary School (ILUSEC) Alumni Association, described Oyawa as someone whose presence lightened problems, brightened life, and sweetened moments.
She recalled that Oyawa was the Head Boy of their year, always a unifying figure who brought everyone together to live harmoniously and achieve great things. He had a unique ability to solve problems and connect with others.
Former colleagues from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, where the late Oyawa served as President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), were also in attendance, reminiscing about the short but impactful life of the deceased.
Sola Lawal, a former classmate in the Computer Science department, noted that the late Oyawa had built a remarkable legacy and expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and the family for honouring his memory by supporting the family.
Evangelist Wale Oni, a pastor to the late Oyawa, described him as a man who loved to serve God, his community, and fellow believers in the church.
In a brief message, he highlighted Oyawa’s resourcefulness as a teacher, leader, and preacher, emphasising his legacy of peace. He recounted an occasion when Oyawa’s wise counsel resolved a long-standing crisis, stating, “It was as if God spoke to us through him. He was a peacemaker,” the clergyman noted.
He urged guests at the ceremony to emulate Oyawa by embracing peace with those around them and letting go of grudges, regardless of past conflicts. He pointed out that temperament and background may lead some individuals to hold onto hurt for too long, but everyone must learn to forgive. He emphasised the Biblical teaching that anyone who bears grudges is not a child of God.
The preacher acknowledged that while everyone has weaknesses, Oyawa chose to focus on the strengths of others. He encouraged all to appreciate the good qualities of their spouses, partners, neighbours, friends, colleagues, and family in memory of the late Oyawa.
The late Oyawa’s widow, Ladun, thanked all guests for attending to honour her husband. She stated, “Gbenga came, saw, and conquered,” adding that he was always intentional about fostering peace and being a gift to his family, church, and the world.
She also expressed gratitude to the church, members, ILUSEC, other alumni associations, Coca-Cola NBC, Nestlé, and family for their unwavering support of the immediate family the deceased left behind.
The programme featured hymns, Bible readings, songs, and musical performances in remembrance of the deceased.
Before his passing, the late Oyawa held top executive roles as a salesman in several organisations, including Nestlé Nigeria, Gillette, and other multinational corporations. He was an experienced Commercial and Supply Chain leader with extensive expertise in sales management, route to market, supply chain, planning, and capability development across the FMCG sector.
