To my dearest Aunty Ore,

You happily took on the role of my overseas mum when you lived in New York. You and Uncle back then kept an eye out for me even in the midst of your daunting schedule and responsibilities.  I remember you were the one that took me  to have my hair braided during my holidays I would spend with you. I saw first hand how you handled your job teaching, and trying to mold better humans at work. You truly never received all the appreciation and accolades you deserved but one thing for sure- your family loved, and love you and knew how essential you were. 

 I fondly remember your distinct laugh coupled with those lit up eyes, your beautiful sing song voice, your gentleness and femininity yet absolute strength and intelligence. Thank you for making that trip all the way back then with your family for my graduation. Thank you for creating such a beautiful family, I call your children my cousins. Thank God for the memories as I will hold them dear. My beautiful Aunty Ore, rest in perfect peace. I love you!

Tribute to Dr. Lady (Mrs) Oreoluwa Atuwonabarabough Salau

It is with great difficulty that I write this tribute, because the reality of Dr. Oreoluwa A. Salau’s passing took time to sink in. Whatever I write here will never fully capture my feelings and the pain her passing has caused me. I had recently asked after her and was told she was in Canada, so the news of her passing came as a rude shock.

I was introduced to Sisi (as I called her) by a relation of hers before I gained admission into Uniport to study. She took me as her little sister and would accost me anytime she saw me in the Faculty of Social Sciences, where she was a lecturer, for not stopping by her office often enough. On my matriculation day, Sisi hosted a small reception for me in her house. My mom and siblings were so touched by such love and care from a woman they barely knew.

Sisi was a compassionate and loving woman. She was a mother to many; she had a quiet strength, a deep faith, and a heart big enough for everyone. I treasure the memories of the time I spent with you in Uniport.

While the wisest among us do not have an answer to the question “why?”, such answers would not remove the pain even if we knew them. Let us take solace in the Lord and remember that He grieves with us:

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”

— Isaiah 57:1–2 (NIV)

As devoted Christians do not die but fall asleep, my dear Sisi fell asleep with grace, faith, and a heart filled with love for others.

Sleep on, beloved Sisi. We shall meet someday to part no more.

From:

Dr. Lady (Mrs.) Furo Weli

Words won't be enough to express my feelings towards the passing of the first HOD I had as a University undergraduate at Geography Dept of University of Port Harcourt. Her kindness was equal to none. She made sure my admission came through and provided all the motherly love I needed while she was still there at Uniport. I pray that the Lord will comfort the family she left behind.Deina Mu My Professional Mother.

Dr. Sarah I. Daminabo (Nee Hartin Jumbo

Till we meet to part no more. 

We love you❤ ma

What can I say about my mom that hasn’t already been said many times over? My mother was truly a trailblazer—a woman ahead of her time. As kids, we didn’t always understand her vision, but with time we came to realize how fortunate we were to have a mother with such foresight. Even the advice she gave my father had a profound impact on his career, shaping the course of our family’s life for the better.

For me personally, my mother was deeply influential. Like many Nigerian mothers, she pushed me toward excellence in ways I didn’t always appreciate at the time. I still remember my first job interview at Rye Playland—she insisted I wear a suit. I was embarrassed, but I got the job. Later, when I went off to college, she was right there helping me navigate the challenges. I’ll never forget a student who later became a friend telling me he still remembered the words of wisdom my mom shared with him that very day.

Her influence reached far beyond our family. When we were children, it wasn’t unusual for pilots to come greet her personally on flights—only for us to discover they had once been her students. She helped countless people gain admission into university and left behind a legacy of education, mentorship, and service.

As I grew older and stepped into leadership roles in my community, my mother remained a voice of reason and honesty, someone I could always turn to for the unfiltered truth. My parents instilled in me the importance of serving others, a lesson I carry with me to this day. It was only natural that when I was blessed with a daughter, I chose to name her after my mother.

It is so hard to say goodbye. So instead, I will simply say—until we meet again, Mom.

Proud Son,

Yemi Salau

Mama! I just wish we had met one more time before you left. The last time we met was many years ago while I was still a child running around with Bisi and Yemi playing games and acting plays. I remember your voice and your lovely spirit.

Keep resting in the Lord ma'am. 

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of such an inspiring soul. Dr. Mrs. Salau was much more than her groundbreaking career—she was a beacon of strength and resilience

During this difficult time, please know that my heart is with you. I hope you find solace in the uplifting memories you shared and the incredible impact she made on all who knew her. Her spirit and accomplishments will live on as a testament to courage and the power of pursuing one’s dreams.

My sincere condolences to you dear May the Lord keep and uphold you.

May God repose her soul peacefully Amen and Amen 

I mourn the passing of my dear sister and friend, Dr. Lady (Mrs.) Oreoluwa Atuwonabaraba Salau. In my darkest days as a young widow, she stood by me with compassion, wisdom, and sisterly love that gave me strength to carry on. Her kindness will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to inspire. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace

From Dr. Katherine Nwakaego Onyige (on behalf of the Onyige family)

My dear Aunty! I'm still in shock. You were such an amazing and dynamic force. The friendship you and my parents shared, made Tola and I sisters. And then, it turned out my in-laws were also great friends with you as well. It made our family even tighter.  Thanks for all the gifts you had been sending to me in America.  Especially that lace Iro and Buba that gets amazing wows whenever I wear it. 

You treated me so well like a daughter and I am honored to have known you on a personal level. 

May you rest in perfect peace with our Lord and may God grant all your loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss🙏🏿

Mrs. Salau, 

You are an amazing wife, mother, and source of strength to many who looked to you for guidance.  Thank you for your kindness when I needed it most. Thank you for being there for me when I was at the darkest moments of my life many years ago. Thank you for having 3 amazing children--one whom I was very close with many years ago-- and who also shared your same kindness and warmth to be there for me when I needed it most. Although we haven't spoken for many years after you left the U.S., I was glad to see what you were doing in Nigeria through your daughter's posts. It was a blessing to have known you, Mrs. Salau, and may God bless and guide your children during this time. May your soul rest in eternal peace and once again, THANK YOU. ❤️🕊🕊🙏🏾

Dear Mummy,

The news of your passing was very shocking!

I was told you were getting better. 

Thank you for your labour of love on all those who you made huge sacrifices for!

Rest in the bosom of Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Adieu Mummy!