One year on? Seems like yesterday you left us.

Truly it’s not how long but how well one lives. The positive impact you had on people speak for itself and we witness the ricocheting effect daily. Many are going beyond the call of duty to ensure your legacy is protected.

Wole what more can be said that has not been said? The only thing that comes to mind are snippets of the work of great minds like Chinua Achebe and Ola Rotimi. At your demise, ‘Things fall Apart’ and ‘We Are No Longer At Ease’ but we know that ‘The gods Are Not to Blame’.

For Revelation 21:4 says
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Continue to rest in perfect peace and may God’s protection, grace and mercy be on your most adorable daughter. May God’s wisdom be available to your family and loved ones as we navigate the journey ahead.

RIP

Wole, continue to rest on.Your Legacy lives on.
We pray for peace and love to prevail in all circumstances as you have always preached!

We love you my brother.We shall meet to part no more.See you in Heaven.

I miss you so much. I thought about you this night and I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I miss you but God knows best…Continue to rest in the presence of the Lord till we meet again…

Baba your legacy cannot be matched.. You lived and worked with excellence. 
You set the standard for leadership with sincere love and concern for your subordinates. Words cannot measure how I so admired you. I wish to be a great leader like you.

Thank you for the life you lived.

Continue to rest on Baba.

I almost picked my phone to call you a few days ago, then the sadness hit all over again.

They say the good die young. You lived and left - yet you stayed in our minds with your exemplary life. You are still here in those people you nurtured; in all of us. You left examples of your gallantry, selflessness, and greatness. You left; a big impression on us all.  From God we came, unto Him we shall return.

Happy posthumous birthday baba...sometimes I still wish it's a dream and I'll wake up. Continue to rest in peace boss - miss you so much

June birthdays were always memorable in etisalat. we ate and celebrated well. I am also a june born and i can tell you I always anticipated what the 13th would be like. Your team will give the surprises and the entire company would feel the celebration amidst the rainfalls. Continue to rest Wole.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

It all still feels like a dream.. Continue to rest in paradise Lord Rawa (Omo Jesu), till we meet to part no more..

Happy Post Humous Birthday Boss- 13th June..

Now I know why your birthday was always like a mini carnival..

You left your mark in the sands of time.. Rest on Lord Rawa..

Today is your birthday in Heaven Wole. Continue to rest in peace.

Some days, you cross my mind and I remember how you were instrumental in my move to where I am now. I also wonder how your daughter is doing.

I'm glad we crossed paths.

Happy Posthumous Birthday Boss!... Keep Resting with the Lord.. I know you and the Angels are celebrating your day!
You are Missed very much.
~ Obi Chukwunonso

Happy birthday Lord Rawa continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord . Your legacies will never be forgotten shine bright Baba agba

Happy post humous bday Oluwole.. keep resting in Gods hossom u live forever in our hearts..

Happy Posthumous Birthday Oga Wole.

It still feels like you travelled somewhere and you are coming back to us.

Your last birthday celebrated in the office was super lit with different delicacies and chops :)

I hope you are having a glorious birthday celebration with the angels today.

You forever live in our hearts boss!

Happy Posthumous Birthday to a friend, brother, mentor and boss. I would have said #livinglegend as I normally do on your birthdays but you have gone to join the other #legends. You remain a #legend. Keep resting Baba Agba at bosom of your maker Jesus Christ till we meet to part no more.

Happy Posthumous Birthday Wole.

You still shine bright like a diamond. Always and forever missed. Sun re ooo Omo Jesu.

The lives you touched with your words, care and influence will never be forgotten.

I don't know you but when I watched your burial rites on air, I was moved by every touch you had on humanity while you traversed this world. May God forgive your sins. Rest on.

It’s been a month since you last graced this earth in your physical body... Keep resting in peace WR. You are sorely missed.

Wọlé Rawa..... No one should leave this world this young. Ah! O ma ṣe o... I am saddened by this news I heard today. You and I did NYSC at Mobil Producing in V/I. Though in different departments, we rode on the same staff bus to work and that is how we met and became friends. You were a charming, kind, and smart guy. It's a pity that we lost touch after NYSC but looking at all the tributes from those you worked with through the years, it is heartwarming to learn that you were a splendid guy. Rest in peace, ️ Wọlé. My heart goes out to your closest friends, colleagues, and family.

Words cannot express how sad I am. I miss you deeply.
You were such a caring person. You would always ensured the best for me. I will never forget you. I am so grateful for the years we had together. Keep on resting till we meet again.

Mr. Rawa 

You were a very good leader.
You wanted the best for everyone.
You believed in each and everyone of us.
You had a personal relationship with every member of your team.
You protected us.
You forgave easily.
You were a cheerful giver
You touched so many lives.
I wish you stayed longer.
I pray for your continual rest in the bosom of the Lord and May God comfort everyone of us feeling this loss.
You’ll forever be missed.
My memories of you are all cheerful ones.

Good night my dear friend.

#130676 #220221 #120321 #MrRawa #Friend #Cheerleader #Mentor #Leader #Legend #Selfless #Lovable #Humble #Compassionate #Observant #knowledgeable #RareGem #Generous #Brilliant #Optimistic #GoalGetter #HeartOfGold #Passionate #ExceptionalGenius #LoverOfGod #Strategist #RestOn

Rest in Peace Wole! I pray your family finds strength and comfort during this difficult time of your loss.

My tribute to Wole Rawa

Wole was a selfless, generous, brave, out-of-the-box thinker and available boss. A helper of human beings who had the ability to see what people around him needed. He was driven and able to solve people's problem.

On my first day in Marketing, Wole asked if I wanted to remain in Marketing and he worked so hard at it to the extent someone said she didn't know I had a godfather in the organization.
Wole showed he loved God and made sure somebody prayed at the beginning of his Monday meetings. Wole involved me in all the major activities that gave me the much needed experience I was lacking for my next chapter in life.

Wole introduced me to his tribe. He trusted me and he had never met me prior to my move to Marketing.
Wole will go hard for what he wants to do. He made sure that when I decided to move to another country, I got what I needed.
I am happy that I was thankful to him about how impactful his influence was when he was around.

My family also knew Wole and he always picked up his calls, he never came across as an unavailable boss. My last message to him in February was on an investment proposal and he said he would do it next time, but there's no next time between us - well in earthly terms.

My condolences to Olayinka, his siblings and other family members.
We can take little Joy knowing that he impacted lives which is so hard to achieve and which we are all striving to achieve. I thank the Rawa family for giving us Wole. Wole thank you for being you.

- From Joy Ananyi

You’ve left your legacy in the sands of time...... your accomplishments, the lives you touched, your determination and zeal to succeed would always be remembered. You are a born achiever and a leader who understood the rudiments of his job.

May God grant your loved ones solace and strength to carry on. Amen!

Your legacy lives on, keep resting with God.......Lord Rawa.

It’s been weeks and I am still heart-broken.

It is still a hard pill to swallow.

Pain cuts through my heart hearing your voice from my meeting recordings, the questions why? how? still run through my head.

But I had meeting with you same day you passed. You sounded so well which made it so hard to accept the news of your demise same day, Monday 22nd February, 2021

Mr. Rawa!

How can a beautiful soul be gone just like that???!

You have shown us that you can be a boss and yet humble and loving.

You have demonstrated that it is okay to be funky and God-fearing.

You set the pace with excellence.

Through your actions, I have learnt generosity.

You made so much impact in our lives!

So shocking and indeed very sad! What an energetic, fun-loving and a shining star. I recall the days in Etisalat and the drive he brings on the table on the commercial side towards improving business performance. Never a dull moment with Wole. A rare Gem, very vibrant and fantastic colleague. Its so sad ....... Rest in Peace Wole

Brother Oluwole , my emotions are all over the place. I haven't had a good sleep since i heard, I've asked myself so many questions. But as Christians we know that GOD is unquestionable. My solace remains that you had a close relationship with GOD and when i read all tributes from your friends and colleagues you lived an impactful life. I bless GOD for the privilege to call you "Wole my brother".
I pray that GOD gives everyone the strength to forge ahead i pray for Olayinka . she's such a sweet soul and i know she will do you proud.
Rest well at JESUS feet my brother.

Wole! Fading away like the stars of the morning . Losing their lights as the glorious sun. Thus shall we pass from the earth and its toiling. Only remembered by what we have done. So sad to hear about your demise. I recall with nolstagia our primary school days at Yaba Methodist Primary School , Sabo Yaba. You were so funny, so lively and so friendly. We moved on from there , I to Command secondary School, Ibadan and you to Christ School Ado-Ekiti and since then we lost contact. But I have been hearing about you in the news and especially when you were at Etisalat Nigeria. I surely believed that we will see again in flesh and blood only to read this sad news in the papers. I didn't know you will leave so soon just like a candle in the wind. I have read all the tributes on this page and I am happy to hear about how good you were. I take solace in the fact that you left your footprints on the sands of time and such marks that cannot be easily erased. I pray that God will comfort the family you left behind and grant them the fortitude to bear your loss in Jesus name. Your sudden departure is a reminder that life is too brief no matter how long we live and we must prepare to meet our God.
 For as long as i remember you , I will still mourn your loss. Sleep on bro! Lord Rawa! Omo Jesus! Rest in peace until we meet to part no more. Adieu
From Ekanade Samuel Adedotun

It is very unfortunate that i didn't have the opportunity of relating with you this year.

But what I'm grateful for is for our path to have met. You were my direct boss at 57. You thought my how to be devoted, pay attention to details & be organized.

Indeed I have learnt a lot from you and you've been able to reshape my career path positively.

Rest on Sir
Rest on Rawa Oluwole
Rest in the Lord

He is without a doubt the most observant, attentive and knowledgeable man i have met. Compassionate and humble, he represents the man i wish to be. You can no longer be seen by the human eye, But your soul and love that you gave so many, will never ever die.
Farewell my friend, brother and Boss.

You were indeed a Boss of Bosses. Not proud but effective in your output which spoke volumes. You loved to see the people around you rise and develop. Even in death you have taught us that life is short and the time to make an impact is now. RIP.......Dear Wole

It has been a struggle coming to terms with your demise. I have been hoping this is a bad dream that I will wake up from and say ooh thank God it was just a dream.
You were a great boss and leader that wanted the best for everybody and the company.
In my silent moments, I hear your voice saying "Any wins today?". That was your usual way of opening our Monday team meetings.
You were kind and accessible to everybody irrespective of social class or background.
The Nigerian Telecoms industry has lost a giant.
We will miss you boss...

Oluwole Rawa my dear friend, I look at all the pictures and ask, why did you have to die?

I sit around and wonder and watch the days go by... with loads of memories shared with you right from our uni days and ponder why you have to go so early.

Our last chat was just 2 days before and you left on my daughter’s birthday. Oluwole Rawa my dear friend and buddy, I will never forget you. You are the only one that still calls me “Oshodi”. You will surely be missed and not forgotten dear friend.

Since the loss of you, I've learned to live for each day now and take it as if you are still here with the memories we shared in my heart.

Oluwole Rawa my dear friend and buddy, I know that you are in a better place now. Sleep well my dear friend till we meet again on the resurrection day at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rest in peace buddy.

I remember the first day I met you, you were such a gentleman...so respectful
We spoke about work and many other business opportunities. You always asked for my opinion on important matters regardless of the difference in age.
You were so kind to me...
You cared about my wellbeing...
My Job, my business and my health.
It almost felt like you were more concerned about me than I was about myself. Over time, I realised that caring sincerely for people came naturally to you.
I remember our first disagreement... forgiving was so easy because your good outweighed your shortcomings by far.
You had my back a thousand percent without an ulterior motive or expectation.

You were an amazing Friend & Mentor
You were without a doubt an amazing Father
You were super calm...
You were totally drama free...
Very humble...
Very generous...
Caring, Intelligent and funny too.
You are my definition of a superhuman.

I wasn't meant to be in Nigeria at this time considering the extreme travel restrictions in the UK currently. However, I felt a strong urge to come and when I landed you were one of the first people I spoke to.. You said you needed to see me by Wednesday at the latest and I was wondering why so I said “OK that's fine”. I didn’t know the day I saw you would be the very last time. I find tiny solace in the fact that I managed to see you on this trip to Nigeria.
To lose you was a bitter wrench
The pain cut to my core.
The facts that you're no longer here will always cause me pain but you will forever remain in my heart.
Until we meet again to part no more.

My Tribute:

"Wole-baba as i always address you and your response as usual "am your small boy" baba.

This is just still too surreal for me to comprehend you have gone home to be with our Lord and saviour"

Where do i begin from, those beautiful moments we shared tinkering about the future, discussing and making calculated plans gazing into the future.

Still like a dream , you opened your heart, we discussed deep.and secret things.We fasted and prayed together.Celebrated accomplishments that the Almighty granted us.

You were indeed a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Your words of encouragement when am at my lowest Ebb makes me invigorated to do more inspite of any obstacle.

I will forever cherish what we shared. Your dreams for olayinka as we duscussed will be accomplished God willing.

Goodnight my brother , my gist partner, my business buddy, and i pray we all meet at the feet of our lord and saviour.

Wole-baba may your soul continue to rest on.

-Tolu Alugo MD.

Oluwole Rawa, the first of our club to transition. We were a band of brothers with our moments, as with all families, but your commitment to the club, its members and its objectives were as infectious as they were exemplary. Your ability to organize, rally and incite to action encouraged everyone.
Mr. Designer, Power Dresser of Unilorin 1998 that was determined to graduate with a 2:1 for his planned job in an oil company.
Some words from some of your brothers .....
Oluwole Rawa, simply put was indeed 'the maestro' of his orchestra, with purpose, power and poise, he left everything on the stage of his life's performance - Olumide Okunuga
Wole was a protector, always looking out for his own and others - Lekan Tokan
Wole Rawa. Quest strongman. Peacemaker, go getter. Life of the party. Supportive.Enigma.Amiable personality.Gone too soon - Norris Iduwe
Wole was always a Storm of positivity, always had a Yes We Can attitude. Rest on Chief, you will be missed - Jimmy Lawal
Wole your death came as a rude shock ,you were quiet and easy going - Dayo Iwajomo
One word for Wole: Problem solver. Nothing was too big to conquer. Mr. Analytical, Mr. Strategy. Always made it simple - Dapo Tinuoye
One word for Wole: The Expeditor, my first friend in college. Always on the watch out for me - Bolaji Olatunbosun

For Quest Club

Oluwoluwo” I vividly remember the pet name we called him when we were kids spending at least a month at our grandparents house every long vacation. He was such a calm cool headed person and it’s indeed a rude shock knowing he is no longer with us though he continues to live in our hearts.

Oluwole had a kind and generous heart always at family gatherings home and abroad irrespective of his obviously busy schedule. I recall a time at my place of work when we were all mandated to sell raffle tickets for our anniversary, I sent a whole booklet to him which he paid for without complaining just to support my assignment. Oluwole was there for my sister’s birthday in London, my mum’s funeral in Lagos and my 50th birthday last year which he participated via zoom. Part of his message for my birthday reads ‘The next 50years is going to be awesome we are coming behind you’...... hmmmm but God remains sovereign and indeed unquestionable.

We do not mourn as those without hope for we know you have fallen asleep and eternity has beckoned 1Thess4:13. I pray God console our family his friends and loved ones especially Yetunde, Yemisi, Jade and Yinka at this time. May the Holy Spirit comfort us and give the peace that passes all understanding.

May the good Lord reawaken in us all the brevity of life and the need to work while it is day for night is coming when no one can work. In all things we give God thanks for the time we were blessed to have you. May God grant Oluwole Rawa eternal rest.

Sibe Oluwa Dara

Your cousin
Alake Macaulay

This is such sad news. Over the 3-4 years I spent visiting Nigeria Wole was always a great guy, smart, fun and a pleasure to spend time with. RIP friend.

Oluwole Ọmọ Jésù! Lover of God and life. We met at Etisalat in 2009, at the presentation of my 1st proposal... Our working relationship wasn't always smooth sailing then, because you had the knack for demanding perfection which was sometimes unattainable, but your passion and drive was infectious and endearing (sometimes annoying). You pushed us hard and we got better as we aimed higher. You became my friend and then my bother. A brother I'm ever so proud of and privileged to know.

You were a true friend, devoted family man and doting dad to Olayinka (chip of your special block).
My brother from another mother, my dear friend and investment adviser. "Mr. Rawa" you were eager and fearless in exploits, disciplined and principled.
A visionary... Trail blazer... A rare gem...
A worthy man!

Sùn re o Solo! You'll be sorely missed, but memories of you will remain evergreen!

- OlamiTundun Oke

“Baba” as I and many others fondly called you, it is still so hard to believe that you are gone. News of your passing hit me like a punch in the face, and I am still in shock. The last time we spoke was 2 days to your passing, had I known that was the last time we would speak, I would have definitely discussed so many things with you not the topic of the day which was Chelsea, your favourite football club. But such is our fate as humans, trudging on, oblivious of what will happen to any of us in the next few moments.
In the 5 years that I knew you, you evolved from my boss to my friend and then to my brother. In that time I learnt so many things from you. Professionally, you thought me how to be an authentic leader; understanding but demanding, accommodating but driven, caring but uncompromising, especially when it came to doing the right thing. You were my regular sounding board, and always gave an unbiased view.
Personally, before I met you, I always thought I had a large heart but you showed me what generosity really meant. You were selfless, regularly coming to the aid of so many people especially those that had no way of repaying you. And you always did all these very discreetly. You were a people’s champion always looking out for the good of, and the good in everyone.
I will miss you Wole, you were a rare gem. I will miss our frequent banter, the laughs we shared, sharing your lunch, your counsel, and will especially miss the energy you brought with you whenever you stepped into the room. Memories I will forever cherish.
If I am feeling this way, I can’t even imagine what your family is going through, but God knows best and He will call of us home at His appointed time. I pray that His perpetual light continually shines on you has He welcomes you home, and also pray for comfort for your family and friends.
Fare thee well Baba ... till we meet again

It is difficult for me to accept you are gone, it's hard to accept a world without you Wole. You were a great colleague, always looking to achieve the unimaginable and you did achieve just that. You were a great friend, always there for me, your advice always on point, it was always epic anytime we were out there. You will be greatly missed .
May your gentle soul rest in peace. I hope your lovely daughter Olayinka has the strength and understanding to accept your loss.

Wole! You were heaven's gift sent us, little did we know you will be recalled so soon. Too soon, in fact! Gems like you come once in a millennium.

It feels like a burning coal implanted in the palm, but now it isn’t the palm, but the soul! It hurts and burns but you can’t just undo it.

You had a good taste in life don't let death rob you of that … “ma j’okun, ma j’ekolo, ohun ti wọn ba n jẹ l’ajule ọrun ni ki o ba wọn jẹ (settle not for the wiggly earthworm nor the limaceous millipede that populate the dirt of the grave; settle only for the choicest in the great beyond.) 

Goodnight to a worthy comrade, a dear brother and a gallant soldier! So long! 

Wole was a Gentleman. True to his passion and honest in his dealings. Very clear on what he wanted and he went about it with passion and honour.
One of the best guys I missed working with. Rest in Peace. 

What words might capture what needs to be said but nevertheless we try. Oluwole Rawa are my first thoughts in the morning and my last thoughts at night as it is tough to get past. We've journeyed and been blessed in our journey so we pressed further in our quest for greater heights not really giving thought to the fact that we might not be here, then I heard "Oluwole is gone". We planned but we did't plan for death - at least not like this. The transience of life has become all too clear. Wole is not gone, omo Jesus cannot be gone - this is my stay. I am daunted by the task ahead but moreso committed - Olayinka must feel your caring presence from all who truly knew you, of which I am fortunate to be one.
Oluwole, people have risen up for you and it gladdens my heart as another confirmation of the life you lived. We keep you alive in our hearts as you cannot be gone to us, looking forward to when we meet again. Till then sleep well, rest assured we would not let you down; se o get e?

“Dear Wole” as i would always write...coming to terms with this has been so so so difficult, very trying times...so many unanswered questions...

But as the days go by, just this song keeps coming to mind “just one passion, just one purpose, let me know you more and more, when i know you i’ll find me” ...

Wole you knew Jesus (as you would fondly call yourself “emi omo Jesus”) and you found YOU...very evident in the testimonials of everyone. You touched every life and made a huge impact in everyone you came across. That i believe is the true meaning of living...You lived Wole and you continue to live on...

So I will not bow my head in defeat but I raise my head in victory and join others to celebrate a Life well spent, confident that you are smiling and resting in the bosom of our Lord.

We receive strength to carry on the legacy you left behind.

Goodnight dear friend, boss and brother.

We all lived in Akinhanmi

Oh death why thou sting!!
Heaven has gained an angel!!
May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord, may he comfort the family you left behind.
We all lived

...Was at UniIlorin with Wole.
May his gentle soul Rest In Perfect Peace.

Oluwole, I wish I actually spent more time with you to experience a lot of things I have read about you. You have the smile of dad and I am sure he is proud of what you have accomplished on earth so far. However I believe the sky was the limit for you as you keep breaking barriers and reaching out to be the best of your best.
You were kind and touched hearts wherever you went. You will be missed brother and I am so proud of the Legacy you left behind. Rest in Peace brother.

I write this tribute with a heavy heart to my loving, selfless, humble, hardworking, fun loving aburo, cousin and friend but with gratitude to God for giving me the privilege to have shared precious moments with this exemplary young man from childhood to adulthood

I remember spending every one of our summer holidays at our grandparents in Aminu Street, Ojuelegba in Lagos growing up. My sisters and I always looked forward to coming down from Ife to spend 6/7 weeks with all our first cousins and was a sad solemn moment when we had to go back to attend summer school in readiness for the September term. 

As we all became adults, our ways parted but the bond of friendship we had developed were deep rooted and blossomed in different ways. Casting my mind back to four occasions in the last five years when I saw Oluwole brings memories of a caring, supportive, selfless and adorable cousin he was .... always extended himself out to others. 

The first was at my 50th birthday five years ago when he was on vacation to the U.K. and I gave him less than 48 hours notice to attend my birthday breakfast service/celebration in Kent. He was the first to get to the venue at 9am for an event starting at 10am despite staying with a friend a long way away in London. 

The second was during my visit to Nigeria in March 2019 when we met at our grand aunts funeral service and discussed his plans for a surprise 50th birthday for his sister, Yetty. He wanted nothing but a memorable dinner celebration for her ... yet again his caring and selfless nature at work. 

The third was a week after the funeral when he took me, Aduke, Adedayo and Bukayo out for dinner before I returned to the U.K. It was a great family reunion. He bent over backwards ensuring it happened despite his very busy schedule! Again his selfless nature displayed. He was full of life, laughter and vigour! .... remember having ‘ostrich’ meat for the very first time that evening as well.

And lastly on the 19th of April 2019, when he visited my family in Kent. He was so grateful to us for helping organise Yetty’s 50th birthday. Hardly did I know that was the last time I would see him. I’m still coming to terms with the devastating news but I draw comfort and strength from the fact that God remains sovereign. 

We still communicated on WhatsApp every now and again with the last one in January 2021 when he solicited my views on some of his plans for Olayinka... yet again a dotting, responsible and selfless father. 

Oluwole has run his race, though cut short too soon, I will forever treasure the fond memories of our childhood and adult life. For those of us still on this side of eternity, I pray in accordance with Psalm 90:12 that God will teach us to realise the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom especially at this difficult time and in the days and years ahead in Jesus mighty name.

He will surely be missed!!! Thanking God for his short, amazing and definitely impactful life. His legacy lives on. Adios aburo....

Your cousin
Agbeke Ladele (nee Macaulay)

I am still in shock, not sure when and if I will ever get over this - I still think about you everyday, our last conversation, your regular words of encouragement, your large heart...you were too kind to be real, you gave me and many others the wings to fly and the platform to shine. You will be forever missed. I pray God rests your soul in peace and keep the loved ones you left behind. Adieu boss