Tributes Pour In For Late MTN Top Manager, Oluwole Rawa

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

At 44, Oluwole Olanrewaju Rawa had already become an achiever.  His resume speaks volume and his professional colleagues validate it. Here was a young dude that had climbed the ladder of success so early and so well, who still had many more mountains to climb and many more rivers to conquer. But sadly, Wole, the late General Manager, Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, departed this world on Monday, February 22, 2021.

To many of his friends and colleagues, when the terribly sad news of his unfortunate demise got to them, it was such a heavy blow to absorb as most couldn’t acknowledge it.

The sadness lurks and is not going away easily yet they have come to terms with the reality. Their guy is gone! Yes, Wole was just a regular guy but everyone has beautiful memories of him and great reports to make about the deceased. 

Indeed, he was just a wonderful guy.

Steve Evans, former CEO of Etisalat in Nigeria, in a condolence message sent to Wole’s family on his tragic passing, he described the deceased as the brightest of the stars in the world and was much loved, admired and respected by everyone who had the good fortune to work with him.

Evans stated: “As the former CEO of Etisalat Nigeria, I think that I can say on behalf of everyone who worked there that he was the brightest of the stars in that world and was much loved, admired and respected by everyone who had the good fortune to work with him. I will personally miss him greatly as we had maintained close contact over the years and spoke often.

“It was a great shock to receive the news. I have been in touch with a number of old friends from Etisalat both in Nigeria and elsewhere and I will ensure that those expatriates who worked with Wole will be updated on your plans and where to send donations. I will forward mine today. Wole will be sorely missed and never forgotten.”

Others also paid glowing tribute to the civil engineering graduate of the University of Ilorin.

Benedicta Ladeinde described Wole as a kind hearted boss, passionate person and an inspirational friend.

“As a boss even till death, he believed in his people and never saw the success and growth of his people as a threat. He was a selfless teacher. Achievement of business objectives, development and successes of his team members both in career and otherwise were his greatest goals and he did so well by constantly sharing his personal experiences across all spheres. With Wole, I understood what leadership should be….Thank you for sharing your kind self with us. Thank you for teaching us to number our days through your life of impact. We bless God for your life and may your sweet soul Rest in Peace.”

Rotimi Adeeko, a colleague during Wole’s days at Etisalat Mulliner Towers, said Wole’s demise came as a huge shock to him.

“You were admired by all because of your larger than life approach, the genuine interest and care in making sure that people progressed in all spheres of life —be it career, family and personal ambitions…You showed love and became very friendly to all around you. Sometimes, I wonder why the good die young. May God Almighty accept your soul in heaven, grant you eternal rest, and grant your family and loved ones the grace to bear this unimaginable and painful loss. Amen.”

In his tribute, Daniel Oviaesu, who expressed shock Wole left this world so quickly, said he is who he is today because of his referral and belief in taking a chance with him.

“You have been my role model, mentor and boss. The work ethics you installed in me has been a major drive to my success in my career. Looking back and seeing everyone in (MTN) Consumer Segments, we all had successful careers because we learned excellence and persistence to get work done.”

Ify Kagho on her part described Wole as an amazing person that lived a remarkable life.

“You were a leader by the true definition of that. It’s difficult to understand why you had to leave at the prime of your life. Some things are just inexplicable. You often shared knowledge, and inspired us to do, and be the best. My consolation is that you are with our Father, in heaven, and that your legacies will live on.”

In her tribute, Rahila Isa, another ex-colleague at Etisalat eulogized Wole as a legend.

“A legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others. They touch lives. They were remembered. They were cherished. Wole, your legacy is forever. Here’s to the best big brother I’ve ever known. You have simply transitioned from the physical plane to the spiritual and we will surely meet again. Till then, we’ve got your back like you always had ours. We’ll all help make sure your dreams for Olayinka are manifested.”

Atim Akeh, a colleague at MTN Nigeria reminisced about Wole’s large heart.

“He’s humble, honest, caring and kind…one of the largest hearts I’ve met. Nothing was too much to give. Always had soothing and encouraging words. A great leader and strong support. Everyone’s success mattered and he’d encourage even the smallest wins. Took nothing for granted. An eye for detail with huge ambitions and huge plans for MTN. We would sweat hard and play hard. An undeniable patriot, hopeful and trusting even for Nigeria. Wole had a knack for excellence with everything and wouldn’t condone mediocrity!

In his tribute, another colleague from his Etisalat days, Idowu Adesokan, said Wole was a living legend.

“You were truly one and it’s so sad that the only living legend I know has gone to join the other legends we read about or heard about…In your four years as Director in Etisalat, you promoted every member of the team. A team of 20+! Who does that but only a living legend?”

Adewolu Adene disclosed in his tribute that late Wole not only delivered for the businesses he worked for, but took an active interest in the people he worked with in those businesses.

“As you climbed the ladder on your way to the top you did not neglect to reach down and pull others up. You simplified leadership and honored all men regardless of their station in life. You will be missed. You will be greatly missed. God grants you eternal rest and comforts your loved ones. Go well Oga mi Sir.”

On his part, Shola Esho questioned why Wole had to go now.

“Why now? You left us too soon! But who are we to question our Maker, the giver and the taker of life. Though, your sojourn was short, you impacted each step all the way. Right from our days in Christ’s School, we were able to spot your potential. From our JSS1 through to SSS 3 you were chosen by your colleagues to be their class captain. You were indeed a natural born leader. You were humble, generous and peace loving. Your memories will forever be a blessing. Rest in peace my dear good friend in the bosom of our Lord.”

Temitope Omole described the news of Wole’s death as so surreal and still can’t get his head around it.

“Wole was such a force and left such a massive impact on everyone he touched no matter how briefly or how long he had known them for. I always admired how much of a “man of the people” he was, steadily investing in people no matter who they were. I was definitely a beneficiary of this in my time at Etisalat for no reason at all other than that he was just a great person,” he stated.

Tayo Olotu, a fellow old Student of Christ School, Ado Ekiti, finds it unbelievable that his friend has left this world.

“A leader from a young age: brilliant, competitive, street smart and a bit rascally. As we grew older maturity came in. The last we spoke was about helping others of our friends who were less privileged. You carried the trouble of others on yourself. Selfless. Giving. Still remembered your smile. God had helped you to rise through the ranks quite early. What can I say? You will be missed. I pray God will comfort your family. Rest in peace. Good night!”

For Olagoke Ogunruku, another ex-Christ School mate, it’s quite sad that Wole has to leave this early.

“You showed a high level of leadership during our days at Christ School. We won the neatest class many times in our junior year. Always willing to help. We shall surely miss you. Rest on dear friend.”

Babatunde Afolayan said Wole’s demise is a big blow to many of his friends and colleagues.

According to him, “I had strong hope that I would one day work directly with him because even from another department he treated me like a blood brother and always encouraged me. The Brilliance, Humility, Friendship, Mentorship, Leadership, all round support for anyone that came across him are things we will miss.”

Wole was born in Ibadan on 13 June 1976 to Frederick Olu and Helen Olayinka Rawa.

As a young boy —although a bit rascally— Wole was hardworking, diligent, dedicated, ambitious and extremely generous and kind hearted.

He was the second of three children and the only male who shared a strong bond with his sisters. He adored, cherished and doted on them, providing a fatherly figure since the call to glory of their late dad.

Wole attended Christ School Ado Ekiti for his secondary education and proceeded to University of Ilorin for his BSC Degree in Civil Engineering.

He completed his National Youth Service at Mobil Producing. 

He started his professional career as a banker with the defunct Oceanic Bank where he worked for about three years before moving on to the Telecom sector.

His journey into telecom started with then Econet —now Airtel— from where he moved to Etisalat.

At Etisalat —now 9mobile— Wole rose to the position of Director, Marketing Segments and Strategy. From where he joined the telecoms giant, MTN where he rose to become the General Manager, Consumer Marketing at the time of his demise.

Wole was a hardworking dude ever bent on continuous learning and improvement. His love for learning and continuous improvement led him to complete an Advanced Business programme at Harvard Business School United States.

He is survived by his daughter Olayinka and siblings.