Born on March 19, 1947, in Fiditi, in the Old Western region of Nigeria, Yinka Fadeji-Olabode grew up alongside her four elder sisters in a home shaped by the hard work of their parents, who were fruit and cash crop farmers. From these humble beginnings, she emerged as a woman of deep conviction, unwavering faith, and relentless pursuit of self-development.

Yinka believed that formal education, paired with practical skills acquisition, was a pathway to financial independence—particularly for young women aspiring to build strong families and meaningful lives. Through extraordinary commitment and personal sacrifice, she advanced her education while raising a family and pursuing small-scale business ventures in post-independence Nigeria.

Her academic journey took her to the Government Women’s Training College (G.W.T.C.) in Abeokuta and Kaduna Polytechnic in Zaria, where she laid the foundation for a life of service, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

A woman of faith, Yinka, alongside her beloved husband, Depo Olabode, raised their family according to Baptist principles—living by the biblical teaching: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Though four decades have passed since her transition, Yinka’s legacy of love, strength, and dedication continues to resonate in the lives of those she touched. She is fondly remembered today and always by her friends, family, children, and grandchildren.

Au revoir, Mama. Sleep peacefully in the bosom of our Lord. We love you dearly.