15TH JUNE 1950- 13TH APRIL2021Margaret Oluremi Ajike Afolayan(Nee Onibon) was born into the Oshodi Family of Igbara-Odo, Ekiti State on Thursday the 15th of June 1950 to late Chief Cosmas Adedoja Onibon (the Oshodi of Igbara Odo Ekiti) and late Mrs. Eunice Aina Onibon (nee Olaoni) both natives of Igbara Odo Ekiti in Ekiti State.
Ajikeola so named by her father is the firstborn of her parents and her birth was receive with great joy and she can be called a special gift from God being the first surviving child of the couple after experiencing the loss of 7 children prior to her birth. With are special privileges as the first child of the family, Ajikeola led a positive and exemplary life guided by the disciplinary actions of her father.
Mummy attended St. Pauls Catholic Primary School Igbara Odo Ekiti where she earned her first school leaving certificate in 1962. Her secondary school education was at the prestigious CAC Grammar School in Akure Ondo State where she graduated in 1971. To improve her chances of gaining admission to a higher institution, mummy relocated to Ikare Akoko in Ondo state. She aced her exams at the Monte Camel School Ikare Akoko Ondo State and proceeded to the then Technical College Osogbo where she earned her Full London City and Guild certification as a Radiologist and Technologist in 1976.
In 1977, she gained employment as an installation manager with the defunct International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT Nigeria) while working from the CMS office. She is always happy to tell us how she was part of the team responsible for installing telecommunication exchanges across Lagos and introducing telecoms to the Lagos metropolis. At every televised Super Eagles match, mummy will say “thank your mummy for managing the satellite stations that help transmit this match you are all watching”.
Two years later, mummy started work with Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET) as a technologist. The 1984 merger of the telecoms arm of the Post and Telecommunications (P&T) department of the Ministry of Communications and the Nigerian External Communications (NET) led to the birth of NITEL where mummy worked as a transmission manager in the cable and satellite division for 22 fruitful years.
She was primarily responsible for various roles ranging from installation officer, transmission manager to systems manager till her retirement as a Senior Manager in 2006.
Mummy being a diligent and ever-focused lady embraced her retirement joyfully and immediately wore her entrepreneurial hat, launching Magrem Enterprises, a corporate event organization that offers rental services. During her very active days, she ran various profitable ventures as a side hustle which helped mold her business skills.
Margaret Afolayan led a Christian life as a devout and practicing Catholic. She was an active practitioner of the St Theresa Catholic Church Ifako- Agege Lagos. Her plethora of activities in church includes – President of the Association of Eucharistic Adorers, Past Treasurer – St. Anthony of Padua, Treasurer Ondo/Ekiti Forum; Financial Secretary Oyo/Osun Forum; member of St. Monica Society (an arm of Catholic Women Organisation), Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Board of Church Wardens, Divine Mercy Group, Mericulus Medal Group, Our Lady Refuge of Sinners (Iya wa abo awon eleshe presidium) and many more prayer groups.
Mrs. Margaret Ajike Oluremi Afolayan got married to Mr. Oladapo John Afolayan in January 1977. The marriage is blessed with five biological children, mummy was also blessed with the gifts of many lovely children aside from her biological children whom she nurtured and trained just like her biological children.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews and shall be fondly missed by all.
Mummy will be remembered not only as a fun-loving, jovial but also as an influential, respected, and admired woman among her peers. In 70 years on this earth, Margaret Ajike Oluremi stood for the right values and always willing to fight for the right cause. Her words of wisdom resonate regardless of who is present, her impact will be felt by generations to come.
Auntie Maggie or Aunti mi Ajike as fondly called by friends, siblings, and relatives was always giving and supportive. An exemplary leader who stands as a binding force within the Onibon family. A disciplinarian and a principled individual whose words of advice always come in handy. The best party organizer, very social, action, and no-nonsense woman. She is the best Ludo player ever, we never witnessed her lose a game.
Ajikeola Oluremi was loved by many. A true example of a virtuous woman and sweet mother.
Sun re o Ajikeola. We will always love you Ma.
