Chief (Mrs) Margaret Olubanke Orija was born on 22 June 1942 to Mr Joseph and Mrs Florence Awonugba of Erigo in Ijebu North East Local Government of Ogun State.
When she was five years old, the family relocated to Lagos where she attended Methodist School, Yaba for her elementary education and later Methodist Girls’ High School and Anglican Girls’ Grammar School. After successfully completing her studies, Chief (Mrs) Orija worked at United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Lagos. After a few years in the employ of UBA, she travelled to London, where she undertook several courses and training at Pitmans College, London. She was later employed by British Railways and had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe, including Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. She resigned from British Railways in 1968 when she returned to Nigeria and was later re-employed by her former employer, UBA. After further training, she was promoted as an officer at UBA.
She was always determined to set up her own business and after a few years working at UBA, she resigned in 1973 to start up her own company, Marban Enterprises Limited importing goods and fashion items including ladies’ wear, menswear, children’s items, electrical items and general household goods.
In 1970, she joined the family business of Davy & Sons Limited, mainly exporting commodities including Ginger, Coffee, Cocoa and Gum Arabic throughout Europe but mainly to London, Copenhagen and Brussels. Mummy had a vision and so continued to manage her own business as well, which covered a diverse portfolio of services including importation, salon services and retail business. After nearly 50 years of successfully running and managing different businesses under the ‘Marban’ umbrella, she resigned from active business to enjoy her well-deserved retirement in 2017.
She remained an active and faithful member of her church, St. Paul’s Breadfruit, Lagos and was particularly honoured to serve as the Grand Patroness of the Choir untilher death, enabling her to combine her love of music with her love for God and the church.
Mummy was hardworking, dedicated and compassionate. A principled, generous and kind-hearted woman who genuinely cared for others. She leaves behind her loving children and grandchildren and will be sorely missed by them, the extended family and her many friends and acquaintances.
Mummy, may you rest in perfect peace.