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The world has lost an amazing human. We celebrate the life and legacy of my dear sister-in-law, Mrs. Modupe Temitope Oriyomi Dada (nee Baruwa), a remarkable soul whose light so shone brightly until her passing on October 19, 2024. Modupe, lovingly known to family and friends, was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend whose warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Born into the late Adebisi Samuel and late Moronkeji Veronica Baruwa family on May 5, 1976, Modupe was a beacon of hope and love. She carried with her an infectious spirit that brought joy to all who crossed her path. Her laughter could brighten the darkest of days, and her compassion knew no bounds. Modupe had a unique ability to listen and offer support, making each person feel valued and understood. Her generosity of heart was evident in everything she did, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Professionally, Modupe was a dedicated and hardworking woman, a banker and humanitarian. Her commitment to excellence was unparalleled, and she pursued her goals with tenacity and integrity. She inspired those around her with her dedication, not only to her work but also to uplifting others. Modupe believed in the power of community and tirelessly sought to create a positive impact in the lives of others.
Modupe had a way of illuminating everywhere she went. This earned her the nickname ‘Up Nepa’ – a Nigerian parlance used to celebrate power restoration amidst the incessant power cuts. She was a peacemaker who had a smile even during toughest times. Her passing on to glory is a loss not only to her immediate family and those who knew her intimately, but also to those who have read and heard about her humility, compassion and dedication and who continue to be inspired by her remarkable story.
She was a loving and supportive wife to her dear husband Mike Abayomi Dada, a diligent mother to her children and a dependable sister to her siblings Adetutu, Adeleye, Oladipupo and Oluwatosin. She embodied motherhood and celebrated family values carefully balancing both like it was an easy feat. Modupe had three non-negotiable priorities – faith, family and friends, and was deeply committed to nurturing relationships. She had the innate ability to connect with others, always extending a helping hand, a listening ear and words of comfort to all.
Work Hard, Play Harder
Modupe lived a life of purpose, both professionally and personally. She was an accomplished banker with over two decades of experience. She was also the Vice President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union, a global music award institution which she co-founded with her dear husband and AFRIMA President, Mike Dada.
Her career journey began as a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune before she moved on briefly as a Marketing Manager at My Phone Nigeria Ltd and thereafter serving as the Protocol Manager for the Eight All Africa Games (COJA’03) in Abuja. Her foray into the banking sector started with the now-defunct Pacific Bank Ltd as a Customer Service Officer from 2004 to 2005.
She moved on to Unity Bank Plc in 2005 and rose to Head of Operations in 2009, a position she held until March 2012. In February 2013, Modupe joined Keystone Bank Limited as a relationship manager for commercial banking and rose to Branch Manager of Commercial Banking at Keystone Bank in October 2013, a position she held until June 2024 before her appointment as Sector Head for Private Banking where she managed relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNI), offering customized financial solutions tailored to their unique needs. She held this role before later joining Fidelity Bank PLC, where she served until her passing.
Modupe was not only a consummate professional but a learner, she earned an MBA in Marketing from Lead City University, a Postgraduate Diploma from Lagos State University, an HND in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic Ibadan, an OND from Ogun State Polytechnic amongst other professional certifications. This includes the Senior Management Programme at the Lagos Business School, Associate Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) and was expected to conclude her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in November 2024 before her passing in October 2024.
She held certifications in Money Laundering Prevention & Compliance, the Terrorism Finance Act, Export Trade Training on Learning Management Systems (LMS), Cluster Compliance Training on the CBN Dollarization Policy, and Customer Due Diligence in Digital Banking, among others.
While Modupe worked hard to pursue an exceptional career and academic excellence, she also played harder as exemplified by her high sense of fashion, an active social life, and love for traveling. She never missed a chance to show up gracefully for her family and friends and was always a force to reckon with in the creative industry she and her husband managed.
Live Full, Die Empty
Modupe lived a full life and gave her all to everyone she came across. She poured out everything and didn’t hold back on any act of kindness. As we mourn her loss as a family, we also take this moment to cherish the beautiful memories we shared with her. Modupe taught us the importance of love, kindness, and resilience. Her spirit will forever live on in our hearts and in the lives that she touched with her warmth and generosity.
She always had a unique ability to uplift those around her. She listened deeply, gave freely, and loved unconditionally. Her laughter was contagious, bringing joy to friends and family. With her remarkable warmth and generosity, she was a source of comfort and support. She had a way of making each person feel special and understood, creating bonds that will last forever in our hearts.
Her integrity and strength of character were evident in everything she did. Her legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance will be an enduring reminder of her remarkable spirit. These traits will live on in the loved ones that she left behind.
We can only truly honour the memory of Modupe by embodying the values she represented—by being compassionate, selfless, and loving, just as she was. Though she may no longer walk among us, her memory will be a guiding light in our lives.
Let our hearts, prayers and sympathies continue to go out to her family especially her husband and children who need the comfort that only God Almighty can provide as they navigate the hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead without their wife, mother, sister and friend. May God who truly comforts be there for us all throughout this trying period.
Rest in peace ‘my darling sister-in-love’ as we both fondly called each other. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten. For our loved ones never truly die, they live on in our hearts always dancing on the stage of memory.
Adieu Modupe, till we meet at the feet of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ on the resurrection morning, amen.
English (US) ·