Political Heavyweights Honour Kemi Nelson

…As Former APC South West Zonal Woman Leader Goes Home

“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

This famous quote by the legendary Williams Shakespeare was activated at the funeral of a prominent Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Olukemi Nelson, which held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday August 25.

Dignitaries trooped in from all walks of life to witness the celebration of life of the “Amazon of the APC, a grassroots mobiliser, politician plenipotentiary, a great woman leader, a selfless leader, philanthropist, and a woman with a large heart.”

Some of the guests flew in from outside the country to honour the great woman, who would be remembered for her glamour, stylish outfits and headgear as well as uncommon talent in women mobilisation.

Not only was the venue of the funeral service filled to the brim, the large crowd extended to the adjoining roads, giving credence to the declaration by a dazed guest at the event that “Chief Mrs. Titilola Olukemi Nelson was great in life, but greater in death.”

None of the family members, politicians, friends and other categories of people wanted to be left behind in paying last respect to “this heroine and woman of means and character, who came, saw and conquered.”

Leading the pack of the guests at the ceremony was the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Other eminent personalities at the eventful and memorable ceremony were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who is also the Director General of the Campaign Committee of the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibukunle Amosun, Senator Remi Tinubu, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

Others are Senator Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), Professor Dapo Asaju, Leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Hon. Abiodun Faleke, Senator Grace Bent, Prophet Moses Orogojimo, Mr. Dayo Asaju, Olusegun Asaju, National Woman Leader of the APC, Dr. Betta Edu, Sen.Grace Bent,several members of the National and States Houses of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within and outside the state amongst several others.

Speaking at the funeral, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described Kemi Nelson as a great woman and passionate politician, who would be missed by all.

Sanwo-Olu stated that Nelson’s death was a shock, adding that her exit should however be seen as celebration of life.

“We have not come here to mourn. Chief (Mrs). Kemi Nelson lived a glorious life and we will all miss her.

“We should not lose hope because a people without hope have no future. Today is a day of celebration of the life of a woman that meant so many things to so many people. A woman that did well.

“She had touched so many lives and affected many lives. She means so many things to so may people. She played her part.

“She played her role well and she has played her role as a good wife to her husband, a good mother to her children and a wonderful grandma.

“We will all miss her smile, her iconic headgear and it is for all of us to reflect on our lives. We pray that God will give us long life.

“We should have hope in our nation. Let us come together as one and stop all the divisions.

“On our part, will continue to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people. We will use every fibre that we have to ensure that we avail all of us of the good things of life. Let us come together to surmount all our challenges as a nation,” he said.

The funeral event for the late Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson commenced on Tuesday, with Evening of Songs and Tributes at the Haven Event Center, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event was hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG City of David, Lagos with songs and lots of tributes for the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Olukemi Nelson, the immediate past South-West Zonal Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), slept in the Lord on Sunday July 17, 2022 at the age of 66.

Dr. Tunji Bello, who represented the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the night of tributes, noted that the former APC Southwest Women Leader will be greatly missed by all, as she represented hope to several people.

In his tribute, Asiwaju Tinubu eulogized Kemi Nelson, described her as a good woman, and stated: “I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of activist, prominent politician and one of my closest associates, Yeye Kemi Nelson

“We shall never forget Yeye Nelson. For her past sacrifice for Lagos and indeed Nigeria, she will be remembered. For her commitment to the womenfolk and the downtrodden, she will be celebrated.”

Family members of the erstwhile Director of Operations, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, also gave testimonies and tributes of their late mother.

Her daughter, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola at a point burst in tears as she gave account of how motherly and caring her mum was to everyone that came her path. She promised to endear same to her children.

Her sons, Abayomi and Tunji both spoke on how godly and compassionate their mum was.

First child of the family, Abayomi Nelson spoke first amongst children and said he will greatly missed his dear mum, described as a very compassionate mother, who was ready to help anyone he introduced to her.

Tunji Nelson, last child of the family stated that he was looking forth to Mum and Son’s dance on his wedding before the unexpected happened but hoped to take solace in the good lessons and deed of his mother.

The activities continued on Wednesday with the Christian Wake Keep at the Haven, off Oba Akinjobi way, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

A private interment later followed immediately after the funeral service.