By DAMILOLA ADEYERA
For the 80 years she spent on this plane of existence, she scored a lot of spectacular firsts: first female to qualify as a chartered accountant not only in her native Nigeria but also in sub-Saharan Africa; Foundation member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), 1965; Council member, Nigerian Stock Exchange, 1967-72; Chief Promoter and Chairman, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, 1978; countless number of firsts in board chairs and appointments, to mention just a few. Of a truth, she was a very big player on the global stage.
And when the grim reaper came for Chief Mrs. Olutoyin Olusola Olakunrin, Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, on Sunday, it met her in the house of God, doing what she loved most: praising the Almighty for His faithfulness, favour and mercies in her life.
A family source who refused her name being mentioned out of respect for the family at this difficult period, told The Crest that Chief Mrs. Olakunrin, mother of seven, a boy and six girls, and the second female President of ICAN, was participating actively in a praise and worship session at her St. Paul Anglican Church, Breadfruit, Lagos, when she suddenly slumped.
When all efforts failed, she was rushed to hospital. Sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival. She was recorded as brought in dead, BID.
“It is a big loss to us, to Nigeria, Africa and the world,” a family source told The Crest tearfully. “Despite the tragic loss, our joy is that grandma never showed any serious sign of a terminal disease. That also makes her demise all the more shocking. But we are comforted by the Godly life she lived and her outstanding legacies which can never be erased.”
What a way to go! The Gbagura, Abeokuta, Ogun State-born Olakunrin celebrated her 80th birthday with pomp only last November. She was not publicly known to have any debilitating disease and she remained active till the last second of her highly successful, action-packed life.
Born on November 4, 1937, and married to Elder Simeon Olakunri, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Mrs. Olakunrin, until her sudden death, served on the Council of Federal University of Ado-Ekiti, Redeemer’s University, Ede, and Bells University of Technology, Ota, as well as the Achievers’ University, Owo, respectively.
After her primary education, Chief Mrs. Olakunrin had her secondary education in Aba, Lagos and Ibadan before proceeding to Britain in 1950. She attended Hawthorne School, Frinton-on-Sea, England, between 1951 and 1954; Bournemouth College of Commerce, England, (1954-1956); and University of Birmingham, (1956-1958).
When she returned home, she began her working life as Project Accountant, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), 1965-72; then Assistant General Manager, Investment Supervision, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, I972; Managing Director, Diamond Plastics Limited, 1972; Director. Bata Nigeria Limited; Executive Director. ICON Stockbrokers Limited, 1967-1972; Managing Director, CTB Stockbrokers Limited, 1976-79; and Chairman, Diamond Plastics, 1975-1994; among others.
In 1999, Olakunrin was appointed Chairperson, Education Tax Fund; and served as Director on the boards of FAMAD Nigeria Plc as well as HADEMEC Construction Company Limited. In 1979, as the then General Olusegun Obasanjo military dictatorship began to wind down, Mrs. Olakunrin was nominated into the Constituent Assembly that midwifed the 1979 Constitution.
She had many feathers to her cap, including countless awards across the world, numerous Chieftaincy titles and membership of many international and local charitable organisations.
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