It was an atmosphere of grief, reflection, and heartfelt tributes, on Friday, as family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to bid a final farewell to Comrade Rachael Adebukola Akintade, who passed away at the age of 54.
The funeral service, which also marked a celebration of her life, drew a large turnout of sympathisers who came to honour the memory of the deceased at the BCOS Christian Fellowship Chapel.
Speakers took turns to recount her virtues, impactful life, and the legacy the deceased left behind.
Delivering a sermon at the service, the officiating minister, who is the District Superintendent, CAC Oke Agbara, Ashi, Ibadan, reminded attendees of the inevitability of death.
He noted that fear of death often drives people into engaging in questionable practices in a bid to preserve life.
“The fear of death makes people go into occultic practices and different things to protect themselves. But when death comes, there is no solution for But we must understand the fact that She has run her race,” he stated.
He urged the congregation to focus on what truly matters in life, stressing that challenges are part of human existence.
According to him, while individuals face different trials, life itself is transient.
“Everybody will pass through one or two things in life, but we pass through different things. Life is not a place of eternity; we shall all return to heaven,” he added.
Some of the colleagues of the late Akintade at BCOS described her as a remarkable individual whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Speaking on behalf of staff of the state-owned broadcast station, Mrs. Oluseun Adedeji, in an emotion-laden tone, described the deceased as one who is not only more than a boss, but a sister and a friend to many.
“She was a jovial boss who treated everybody equally. She was so kind, calm, and beautiful in her approach to everyone.
“The major thing I learnt about her is to be kind to everybody,” Adedeji said.
The wife of the Onpetu of Ijeru, Olori Subuola Oyediran, who also graced the solemn service, described the late Akintade as a woman of grace and compassion whose life positively touched many.
She noted that her humility and kindness would continue to speak even in death.
Equally, the wife of the Chairman of Fresh 105.9FM, Mrs. Yinka Ayefele, mourned the deceased, expressing deep sorrow over her passing and describing it as a painful loss not only to her family but to the entire media community.
Similarly, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, Comrade Dupe Fehintola, in her tribute, extolled the virtues of the late Akintade, recalling her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to her duties.
She said the deceased would be greatly missed by colleagues and all who had the privilege of working with her.
Family members also paid glowing tributes, acknowledging her short but impactful life.
In a vote of thanks, a representative of the family expressed gratitude to God for the time they shared with her and appreciated all those who stood by them during the period of mourning.
The family specifically thanked the BCOS Management and Staff; Divine Mandate Team (DMT), and members of CAC Oke-Agbara for their support, prayers and presence at the funeral service.
The event ended with prayers for the repose of her soul and comfort for the family she left behind.
