A journalist with The Graphic Newspaper, Lokoja, Mr. Samuel Enimola has lost his mother in-law, Madam Rachael Dada Fanwo, popularly known as Mama Rebecca Eleja.
Madam Fanwo was called to glory in her sleep at the ripe age of 98 at her home country, Odokoro quarters, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area,Kogi state.
Madam Fanwo was born in 1921 to Omole family in Odoko Gdede and was married to Late Chief Cornelius Ibiniyi Fanwo. Her marital life was a total submission to her husband and absolute commitment to the upbringing and welfare of her children.
She was highly industrious and enterprising through out her life time.She tried her hands on various trades. She was good in weaving native cloth (Aso Oke), a local baker of home made soap (Soda), a farmer and tailor. Of note in her business exploits is that she was the first woman to sell frozen fish (Oku Eko) in her community no wonder she was well known as Mama Rebecca Eleja in in the community and at Ayetoro Gdede market.
Until her demise, Madam Fanwo was a highly devoted and dedicated Christian. She was baptized through immersion in The Apostolic Faith Church and became a church worker. In her youthful age, she never missed annual convention of The Apostolic Faith in Lagos.
Meanwhile, the family has released the outing and burial program for the Deceased. In a statement by the the first son, Mr David Fanwo stated that wake-keep will hold at her residence, Odokoro quarters, Ayetoro Gdede on 21st March, 2019 and Thanksgiving/Outing service at The Apostolic Faith Church, Ayetoro Gdede at 10.00 am and burial service will hold at Ayetoro Gbede cemetery where she will be committed to mother earth. Reception will be held at Ayetoro Gbede Town Hall immediately.
She is survived by children, grand children and great grand children. Amongst the children are Mrs. Mary Tanimowo Folorunsho, an Abuja Business woman, Mr David Fanwo, NNPC Lagos, Mrs Rebecca Olufunke Enimola, Agricultural And Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) Ilorin, Timothy Ibiniyi Fanwo, Nigeria Police, Force Headquarters, Lagos, Mrs. Taiwo Haruna- Lateef and Mrs Deborah Bankole.
