Deaconess Olufunke Fadugba, Chairman of the Editorial Board of Penpushing Media, has lost her mother, Chief (Mrs) Folake Grace Awosanya, who was the Iyaloja of Bakare Bello Market in Araromi Sawmill, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
In a statement released by the family, Fadugba—who is also a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, and a school proprietor—announced that her mother passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Tuesday morning at her private residence in Asese, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The statement highlighted Awosanya’s leadership and service to her community. She was appointed Iyaloja of Bakare Bello Market in 1978, a position she held until her passing. Recognized for her commitment, she was further honored in August 1997 as Iya Egbe Oloja of the Kosofe Local Government Market Women and Men Association by the late Alhaja Chief (Mrs) Abibatu Mogaji, then President General and Iyaloja of Lagos.
Described as a dedicated grassroots leader, Awosanya made a lasting impact in Araromi and Iperu Remo, Ogun State. Her contributions earned her several awards, including the Grassroots Leadership Award in 2021, a Certificate of Merit from Egbe Akekoo Ijinle Yoruba Yunifasiti Eko in 1995, and another from the Christian Youth Circle of Nigeria in 1988. She also participated in the First Better Life Fair in Abuja.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family has announced that her burial will take place on May 24, 2025, at a marquee opposite the Coca-Cola Depot in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, expressed condolences on behalf of the organization, describing the late Awosanya as a compassionate and God-fearing woman who cared deeply for people regardless of gender, age, religion, or ethnicity.
“The news of Mama’s passing came as a shock to us. She lived a fulfilled life and was a mother in a million. We will greatly miss her. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Kayode-Adedeji stated.
