•Pay Tribute To Her
•Both Describe Her As An Exceptional Woman/Beautiful Soul
TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN
Every generation can lay claim to extraordinary pe ople of greatness, courage, and industry; Arinola was one of such people. She was one of the brightest, most cheerful, and most supportive Of persons that I have ever known. Words cannot begin to articulate the great shock and much sadness we felt when we received the news of her sudden transition to glory and wherewith, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, and to the many who treasured this amazing woman dearly.
Arinola was the lodestone of a large, close-knit family – a loving daughter, doting sister, maternal figure to many of her nieces and nephews, and endearing friend to many, old and young. One meeting with her was all it took to become her lifelong friend. She exuded warmth and had a distinctive way of making everyone feel exceptionally special. She loved people and cherished her relationships affectionately, and was in the habit of checking up on the wellbeing of her family and friends alike. Putting the needs of others ahead of hers was her norm. Selflessness and generosity were first nature to her. Little wonder that she excelled as a wellness expert.
The late Arinola was a woman of many parts and a lifelong scholar who simply loved to learn! Excellence was a personal core value for her. With Arin, there were no half measures, she invested heart and soul into everything she did and constantly pushed herself beyond the limits to achieve enviable feats in whatever she did, whether as a banker, a corporate wellness coach, or a volunteer worker in her Church. Her indomitable and pioneering entrepreneurial nature gave birth to the revolutionary Venivici brand at a time when it was very risky to embark on such an endeavour. She also served on many boards and was a stalwart supporter of many causes. The late Arinola enriched lives and took delight in training and mentoring the younger generations. Her numerous accolades and noteworthy achievements bear testament to her life of distinction. Without a doubt, she was an inspiration to many in Nigeria and beyond our shores. Her beautiful spirit and lasting legacy will live on.
But much more than anything, Arinola loved God passionately; she exemplified His character, personified His grace, and radiated His favour throughout her life. She was a faithful parishioner and member of the volunteer workforce at the House On The Rock, where she served actively in the Woman To Woman Ministry until her passing. She was one of the parishioners who consisted part of the studio audience during the lockdown in spite of the COVID- 19 restrictions, nothing could stop Arinola once her mind had been made up. Needless to say, it was a tremendous honour to have been her Pastor. Although we are saddened that we will no longer see her seated in the second row during our Church services, we are infinitely comforted that she has entered into the eternal rest of our Lord and Saviour, and without the veil of this flesh, she enjoys the eternal pleasure of the realms of glory.
With hearts filled with love and gratitude for the treasured moments and memories of her, we honour and celebrate the life, legacy and legend of a graceful and gracious woman of God and friend to many.
We say fare thee well to a heroine and adieu to a woman of great faith.
In Christ.
Paul Adefarasin
The Metropolitan All House On The Rock
TRIBUTE TO A BEAUTIFUL SOUL
There are some events that occur during one’s lifetime that shock one into a place of numbness; one of such is the passing on to glory of a beautiful and gentle soul, my dear big sister, Arinola Adeniyi. Aunty Arinola, you were such a beautiful soul, inside and out; with so much warmth, love and kindness. You epitomised extreme generosity to a fault, and were ever-willing to show love and support by helping others even when it hurt you. You were so caring and considerote, always taking that extro moment to reach out and check on the well-being of others, particularly going beyond their physical wellness as your passion for total wellness was unmistakable.
From the very first day I met you at your spa, Venivici, over 20 years ago, you left a deep indelible impression that planted a seed that grew steadily over the last two decades, blossoming into a friendship, sisterhood and eventually that special relationship of Pastor and parishioner. I am so blessed and honoured to have known you, worked with you, and served you.
You were truly a simple and humble woman of God with so much passion for the kingdom, and a completely, sold-out heart for God. The commitment, dedication and zeal with which you served, supported, inspired and led in the Woman To Woman Ministry are worthy of emulation. We will never forget the ‘53- Single, Satisfied & Sassy’ Workshop you led as you infused so many with the overflow of the life you carried – a new vibrant, joyful, grateful and expectant spirit. It was easy to be around you and in your presence. You had no airs and embraced all without lording your age, experience, knowledge or acquisitions over those you related to. It’s no small wonder that you are loved by so many. It is uncommon that everyone has the same testimony about an individual, as they do when it comes to you. This further attests to the incredible woman that you were. Your values were deeply held and your virtues were strong and self-evident.
The thought that there will be no more phone calls, quick catch-ups, stolen glances at each other during Church services, warm smiles of love across the sanctuary, hugs when we see at Church event receptions, the side ‘girl talk’ during planning meetingstowards the women’s programmes at Church, and so much more, is unimaginable.
My heart is broken; the pain is tangible; your absence is deeply felt, and the second row in the Church auditorium where you faithfully sat for several years, will never look the same without you, but your legacy lives on and you will forever remain in our hearts. As George Eliot said ‘our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them’ – you live on in our hearts.
Adieu, my Big Sis. Rest well till we meet again .
Ifeanyi Adefarasin
Co-Pastor, All House On The Rock
