The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has expressed its deepest condolences following the demise of Mrs. Bola Christianah Fasayo Ala, a valued staff member.
Late Mrs. Ala, who died on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, was the longest serving and Senior Executive Officer (Accounts) of the institution.
The Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, while speaking at the Nights of Tributes on Thursday, March 14th, at the school’s auditorium in Ogba, Lagos, said that she would be greatly missed as a humble mother figure to all.
“What we’re doing today is not mourning but celebrating an individual who was a mother figure to everyone of us. She was one of our longest-serving members. She had worked with more than four provosts for 28 years. She knew everybody because we all met her here.
“She was one who everybody here looked up to. Humble, kind, caring, and compassionate. That was Mrs. Ala,” the Provost admitted.
The solemn event also saw the rendering of tributes from members of the faculty (account department), family members, church and neighbours.
Representatives from the Christian Mothers Society, Board of Lectors, St Joseph Society, and Charismatic Renewal Ministry also rendered heart-touching tributes to the late Account Officer.
They all spoke of her humility, devotion to Christianity, selflessness, and how she spoke everyone’s ‘language.’
President of NIJ Cooperative and lecturer, Mr Femi Oribamise, noted that the exit of Mrs. Ala has left a vacuum in the hearts of those who are related to her—a vacuum hard to fill.
In his words, “She was highly dedicated and meticulous. Despite being my boss, she was so humble, and she called me ‘Oga’. Her exit has indeed created a vacuum that is hard to fill. Even till now, we are still deliberating who will be our next Mrs. Ala. May the Lord be with the rest of us and may her soul rest in perfect peace.”
The immediate past deputy provost of the institution, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe, in his note of tributes, wrote, “A beautiful soul. God rest your soul, sister.”
Born on August 5th, 1961, in Akure, Ondo state, to the family of the Late Pa Gabriel Fasayo and Late Mrs. Francisca Folorunso Fasayo, Mrs. Ala obtained a grade II Teachers Certificate in 1984 from St Helen’s Teachers Training College, Ondo and a certificate in Cooperative Studies from the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Cooperatives (Cooperative Societies Division) in 1987.
She taught at St. Luke Primary School, Akure, Ondo State and worked as a Bursar at IJAW National High School, Arogbo, Ondo State, between 1988 and 1992.
She also worked as a Bursar at Akure Muslim College, Akure, from 1992 to 1995.
Mrs. Ala got married to Late Mr. Emmanuel Olufemi Ala in 1993.
In furtherance of her educational pursuit, she obtained a National Diploma certificate in Accountancy from Grace Polytechnic in 2012/2013.
She received her Higher National Diploma from Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, in 2015.
Mrs. Ala joined the Nigeria Institute of Journalism in 1996 as an Accounts clerk. She rose through the ranks to the post of Senior Executive Officer Accounts, the position she held until her demise.
She was survived by a daughter, siblings and in-laws.