Former chief executive officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, has paid tribute to late general manager, consumer marketing at MTN Nigeria, Oluwole Rawa, who died on Monday, February 22.
Mr Rawa was director, marketing segments and strategy at Etisalat before joining MTN in 2015, two years after Mr Evans resigned from the mobile network which now trades as 9mobile.
In a condolence message sent to Rawa’s family, Evans said 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.”
Promising to send a donation to the family, Evans concluded that “Wole will be sorely missed and never forgotten.”
Others also paid tribute to the 44-year-old civil engineering graduate of the University of Ilorin.
Benedicta Ladeinde said he was 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 this he did so well by constantly sharing his personal experiences across all spheres,” Ladeinde wrote in a tribute register for the deceased.
Rotimi Adeeko remembered their days in Etisalat.
“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,” Adeeko said.
For Ify Kagho, Rawa was 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.
“I pray that your wishes for your adorable daughter be established, in Jesus’ name, and that God grants all loved ones you have left behind the fortitude to bear your departure. You will be fondly remembered. Rest In Perfect Peace, Boss,” Kagho wrote.
Rahila Isa described Rawa as a legend; “someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others.”
Babatunde Afolayan said Rawa’s death was “a big blow to many of us.”
According to him, “I had strong hope that I will one day work directly with him because even from another department he treated me like a blood brother and always encouraging me.”
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State on June 13, 1976, Rawa attended Christ School, Ado-Ekiti for his secondary education.
He worked with Oceanic Bank and Econet (now Airtel) before moving to Etisalat and finally MTN.
He is survived by his daughter Olayinka and siblings.
