“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless – Matthew
Two weeks ago, my secondary school mates and I (proud Queens College Lagos alumni) received the very shocking news that a dear sister friend – Yetunde Oghomienor (nee Ogunshola) had passed on at the age of 48. It was a shock to me as I did not realize she was that sick to die. She was laid to rest last Thursday, a day after a magnificent evening of memories and tributes.
Often times, when a person you know well departs this earth, it forces you to examine life and its meaning and purpose– reminding you of the limited time you have before your own departure. My experience at Yetunde’s evening of tributes was this and much more. She was a lady of so many parts – a daughter, sister, wife, daughter, friend, an entrepreneur, an activist, mentor, philanthropist.. I could go on.
After the event, a mutual friend – an accomplished entrepreneur and I shared thoughts on Yetunde’s massive impact in the world around her. She showed me the many notes she had written, as people from different walks of life paid tribute to this extraordinary woman of substance. I also gleaned several lessons from that evening- three of which I would immediately incorporate in my life. These I will like to share with you:
The Power of Association: Yetunde was actively involved in several associations – including WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business, and Public Service), she volunteered in several roles including driving awareness in WIMPOL (Women in Politics). She was equally involved in Stanford Seed Transformation Network, Manufacturers Association, Interior Designers Association, Baden-Powell Society to name just a few. My mentor and friend – John Maxwell quoted “one is too small a number to achieve greatness.” You cannot do anything of real value alone. Yetunde identified with various associations that appealed to her and she was able to achieve so much through those associations.
The Power of Passion : She was very passionate about certain things. You knew where she stood as she acted on what she believed in. A trained Accountant and Financial Systems Expert, she had a passion for the arts, leadership and innovation, so she combined those interests and founded Aframero – a leading Nigerian furniture manufacturer; She was concerned about the rapid deforestation occurring in Nigeria, she set up Jade Teak Plantation. She was so passionate about seeing better leadership emerge in Nigeria; she actively supported and campaigned for Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign, encouraging her classmates and those who cared to listen to become the change we want to see in Nigeria.
The Power of Nurturing Relationships – Yetunde was an expert in nurturing and extending her personal and business relationships. She went out of her way to be present in other peoples lives. Many recounted tales of how she will show up during times they experienced a loss or were celebrating an event. She gave of her time and her resources, despite the busy leader she was. She was like a living reference library – she was the go-to person to get any information you needed. Often times, she would announce in some group chats she was a part of informing them she had made the native Moin-Moin, for anyone who was interested, so her driver could drop them off! That was the extent she went in developing quality relationships.
Yetunde, Oguns.. Thank You for exemplifying how to live a worthy life!
Adieu my dearest QC sister and friend, Till we meet again … Odabo.
P.S I have fond memories of conducting a leadership training and group coaching session for staff of Aframero, at Yetunde’s request.
As my tribute to Yetunde, I will be offering a free online leadership training and group coaching session on Friday, 26th July at 1pm and 5pm Nigeria time (5pm and 7pm Nairobi time). Click here to register.