Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, February 06, 2025. On this very day, the gentle body of late Sr Victoria Temitayo, of the Sisters of Saint Michael the Archangel (SSMA) was led to rest at their Congregation’s cemetery in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti Diocese, in Ekiti State, South West of Nigeria, after a Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of St Patrick, Ado-Ekiti. The Funeral Mass was led by Most Revd Felix Ajakaye, the Bishop of Ekiti. Present at the Eucharistic Celebration were the Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti, Most Revd Michael Olatunji Fagun, and Most Revd Jude Arogundade of Ondo Diocese. Uncountable number of Priests and numerous Men and Women of Consecrated Life from different Dioceses and Religious Congregations, respectively, gathered to mourn the exit of a gem.
It was a day filled with sorrowful emotions as Sr Victoria, just 49, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of her Religious Profession and was to turn 50 by November, 2025. For more than four years, Sr Victoria fought gallantly and bore the excruciating pains of her illness with the kind of grace which can only come from God. She never exhibited any external sign of the debilitating effects of her conditions. Thus, giving hope to everyone around her that she would fight her way to survival. But the Lord had his way. To him be glory!
In 2023 Sr Dada took over as Director of the SSMA Bookshop in Ado-Ekiti. She brought with her unbelievable energy and unique charism. She understood her mission as both an apostolate and business, and delivered amidst challenging health issues. Historically, the Bookshop has been a great partner of the Claretian Communications House, Lagos, in the Bible Ministry, specifically, in the massive distribution of Bibles and, surely, the Yoruba and English Editions of the Claretian Bible Diaries. In fairness to this same history, it is important to state here that Sr Victoria Temitayo Dada, SSMA was a daughter of the Congregation founded by the Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti Diocese, Most Revd Michael Olatunji Fagun. Baba, we call him in utter filial admiration, remains the spirit behind the publications of the Yoruba Bible Diaries.
Sr Vicky, this office mourns your exit and condoles with your families, friends and beloved Religious Congregation, the SSMA. Keep the heavenly choir thrilled with that your exceptional soprano. Rest in the peace of the Lord and may your memory be a blessing. Amen!
