Ode Aye town in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State came alive from December 8 to December 13, 2024, as the community united to celebrate the life of the late Chief Mrs. Alice Adekunbi Fadeni, née Ikutiminu, who passed away at the age of 98 on September 20, 2024.
Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, her son and the current chairman of the board for the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (NAHCO), led a week-long burial programme that highlighted not only the family’s love for their matriarch but also a commitment to community development.
The week commenced with a revival programme led by Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (Worldwide), setting a spiritual tone for the events to follow.
Starnews NG reports that the community engagement activities included medical outreach and the distribution of food items, accompanied by daily performances of traditional indigenous songs, known as “Owewe,” in the Ikale dialect, which infused the ceremonies with cultural richness.
A significant highlight of the event was the church service held on December 13 at the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Ode Aye. The service began with processional hymns and culminated in heartfelt prayers at the graveside, where the late Chief Mrs. Fadeni was laid to rest.
In a remarkable gesture of goodwill and commitment to the community, Dr. Seinde Fadeni announced a donation of One Billion Naira to support the development of Ode Aye. He pledged an immediate release of 500 million Naira, with the remainder to be contributed by friends and associates.
Starnews NG reports that Fadeni urged the community to allocate 10 percent of the funds to the Methodist Church Ode Aye, while the remaining balance is earmarked for infrastructural projects to uplift the town.
The burial reception took place at a grand event center, personally constructed by Dr. Fadeni to honour his mother and serve the community and environs.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and nostalgia as popular musician Dr. Ebenezer Obey entertained the dignitaries, igniting memories with his timeless songs.
The prestigious gathering attracted a host of prominent figures, including the Speaker of Lagos State, Mudashiru Obasa; the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; and the Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, among others.
Many high-net-worth individuals, politicians, and business leaders from across Nigeria and beyond graced the event, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for the late Chief Mrs. Fadeni and her family.
Dr. Fadeni, a distinguished business leader with over 30 years of expertise across various industries, is well-known for his innovative approach to business challenges. His philanthropic efforts during this poignant time underscore his commitment not only to his family’s legacy but also to the broader community of Ode Aye, ensuring that his mother’s memory will live on through meaningful contributions to the town’s development.
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