Shettima celebrates late philanthropist Olowolafe

…offers condolences to Ajimobi Family over daughter’s demise

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid glowing tribute to the late Mrs. Gbemisola Olowolafe, describing her as a woman who lived a life of selfless service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to humanity.

Speaking at a service of songs and night of tributes held on Wednesday at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Shettima praised Mrs. Olowolafe’s dedication to uplifting her community, saying she “lived not for herself, but for others.”

“Her life reminds us of the urgent need to live deliberately, to love without conditions, to serve without seeking recognition,” the Vice President said. “To speak of her in the past tense feels like a betrayal of the very spirit she radiated — so tender and so filled with purpose that even death seems an insufficient closure.”

Mrs. Olowolafe, wife of businessman and Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, passed away on March 11 at the age of 63 after a brief illness. Until her death, she was known for her philanthropic initiatives and quiet but impactful contributions to social causes.

Describing her as a “matriarch of grace and a philanthropist without fanfare,” Shettima said her legacy would continue to inspire others to give and serve with dignity.

Dignitaries present at the service included Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and several ministers including Wale Edun (Finance), Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), and Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Defence). Former governors in attendance included Babatunde Fashola, Nasir El-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Gbenga Daniel, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, following the death of their eldest daughter, Abisola Kola-Daisi.

Mrs. Kola-Daisi passed away recently in the United Kingdom at the age of 42.