A foremost Ijesa born celebrated female industrialist, Chief (Mrs.) Yinka Obalaye, founder and chairperson of Yinka Oba Foam Nigeria Limited (YOFOAM), one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous foam manufacturing companies, popularly known as ‘Oba Foam’, has been reported dead at 88.
Penpushing reports that sources said the renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and holder of the prestigious traditional title of Yeye Owa of Ijesaland, breathed her last following a brief illness.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke confirming the demise in X page official handle conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased, a development he said has brought sorrow to the people of Ilesa and the business community.
Penpushing further reports that he described the deceased as a remarkable entrepreneur and one of Ijesaland’s most accomplished business figures, noting that her enterprise inspired generations of women and young entrepreneurs across Osun State and beyond.
The Governor in the statement issued by spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed observed that Mam distinguished herself through decades of productive engagement in the private sector, contributing to economic growth, and job creation while earning the admiration of associates and beneficiaries of her generosity.
Penpushing also reports that Adeleke pointed out that, the passing of Mama Yinka Oba marks the end of an era for many who drew inspiration from her success story and commitment to the advancement of her community.
The governor prayed that God grants repose to her soul and comforts her family, friends, business associates, and the people of Ilesa who are mourning the loss of one of their illustrious daughters.
“Mama Yinka Obalaye will be remembered for her industry, resilience, and enduring contributions to enterprise development. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations’ Adeleke stated.
Penpushing reports that the deceased was widely respected for her immense contributions to indigenous industrial development, community advancement, and women’s empowerment and through determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she built a business empire that spanned several sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, hospitality, and commerce.
The profile has it that she was born with ancestral roots in Ilesa, Osun State, while her journey to success was marked by extraordinary perseverance, and as a young girl, she was initially denied formal education because her father believed that a woman’s place was in the kitchen.
Penpushing further reports that, however, through the intervention of her maternal grandparents, she was eventually allowed to attend school in Ilesa, and later began her working life as an attendant in her father’s trading business.
The deceased, thereafter, ventured into entrepreneurship, and following her marriage, she relocated to Idanre in Ondo State before returning to Ilesa, where she laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable business legacy.
Penpushing also reports that over a career spanning more than six decades, Obaleye established and nurtured several successful enterprises, including Yinka Oba Foam Nigeria Limited (YOFOAM), Kings Hospitality Limited, Yeunice Industries Limited, and Joy Dreams Limited.
The record showed that her contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector earned her widespread recognition, including several awards from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). In 1992, she was honoured with an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree from Staton University, Florida, United States of America (USA).
Penpushing reports that beyond her business accomplishments, she was known for her philanthropy and service to society, and equally received numerous religious, traditional, and national honours, including the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award.
The record added that her life story was also one of courage in the face of adversity, having survived several major setbacks, including the destruction of her factory by fire on three separate occasions within a single month during the early years of her business.
Penpushing further reports that in 2013, she survived a traumatic kidnapping incident in Osun State that tragically claimed the life of her driver, however, despite these challenges, she remained steadfast, rebuilding her enterprises and inspiring generations of entrepreneurs, particularly women, across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the passing of Obaleye marks the end of an era for Ijesaland and Nigeria’s indigenous business community, while her legacy of resilience, enterprise, philanthropy, and service will continue to inspire future generations.
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