The remains of Sheila Solarin, 88, the widow of the late social critic and educationist, Dr Tai Solarin, were buried beside the grave of her husband of Friday .
Sheila was buried at 1.40 p.m. at the family burial ground in Ikenne – Remo, Ogun, after an inter-denominational service at
Mayflower Junior School sports field.
The ceremony attracted eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, family members and friends of the deceased.
Mayflower school was co-founded by Sheila and her husband in 1956.
Sheila was born on May 31, 1924 and died on Oct. 21.
In his sermon, Rev. Joseph Osifuwa of Methodist Church, Ilishan Circuit, described Sheila as a very hardworking and honest educationist, who made impact on the lives of many positively.
Osifuwa said the good legacy, which Sheila and her husband left behind would forever be remembered by the people and the country.
“Many people have passed this world unnoticed without living a mark as if they never existed .
“But Sheila and her husband, Solarin, left a good legacy behind by impacting the lives of many people positively and they will be remembered for this positively,“ he said.
Quoting from the book of I Timothy 4 vs7, the priest said God created man to fulfil a purpose in life, adding that Sheila discovered her purpose in life and fulfilled it before her death.
“We are born to this world to live for a moment. God allowed us to come to this world to fulfil a purpose. Sheila knew her purpose and fulfilled it and that is why we can celebrate her today.
Osifuwa, however, urged Christians to know their purpose in life and fulfil it.
In his address, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, said Sheila would be remembered for her contributions to education in the country.
Amosun said the legacy that Sheila and her husband left behind would forever be remembered by the people of Ogun and the country at large.
“Government and people of Ogun State commensurate with the Solarin family on the departure of mama.
“She will surely be missed, especially in her contributions toward the education sector in the country. She demonstrated a rare commitment to education sector in Ogun and the country as a whole.
“Mayflower school, which was co-founded by mama and her husband continue to stand out among schools, providing standard education to children irrespective of the tribe or social status.
“The legacy she left behind will forever be remembered. She was our heroine’’ the governor said.
He promised to build a model school in May flower school compound to be named after Sheila as a way of immortalising her.
In his remarks, Chief Gbenga Daniel, the immediate past governor of the state, said the contribution of the Solarin family to educational development in Ogun and the country would not be forgotten.
“The contribution of the Solarin family to education in Ogun and in the country is something wonderful and we are happy she lived a good life and left a legacy that is forever unforgettable.
“One of the problems we have in our country is lack of discipline and we need to emulate the way she lived. She organised her life in a disciplined way,“ Daniel said.
Also, Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State described Sheila as a great educationist whose impact in the education sector would always be remembered.
Represented by Mr Raji Akeredolu, Mimiko said the family members should be comforted by the good legacies Sheila left behind.
In her speech, Corin Solarin, Sheila`s first daughter, described her mother as a great woman, a disciplinarian, a teacher and excellent administrator.
Solarin said the virtues of honesty, hardwork and integrity she inculcated in her children would forever be cherished.
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