By Emmanuel Urhiofe – Tributes have started pouring in from the Nigerian London community to the family of yet another prominent Nigerian professional who was recently snatched away by the cold hands of Covid-19. Chief Yemisi Agunbiade Sanusi, who passed on last Saturday March 19, 2021, was a much-loved personality, who dedicated her life to the service of humanity and to Nigeria in particular.
Many Nigerians described the late Mrs Sanusi as a personality with an impeccable character, who, as a social worker, devoted much of her life to advocacy, empowerment of the underprivileged and in the promotion of noble causes.
Mrs Sanusi, who obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Kent in Social work, and a professional diploma in Beauty Therapy, worked with the NHS for many years as a Social worker specialising in mental health.
Mrs Sanusi pioneered the setting up of the Department of Social welfare at the World Health Organisation Centre for Training and Research in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
A recipient of many international awards, Mrs Sanusi was very committed to the reduction of maternal mortality and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Through her association with many social organisations, she helped to empower the girl child education.
Yemisi was a member of many professional and charitable organisations including The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) UK, United Nation’s Association, UK, the International Leadership Forum, Hounslow Lease Holders Forum, Age UK among others.
Yemisi had made presentations at World Congresses on Mental Health in Lusaka, Zambia, 1987, Cairo, Egypt 1988, Mexico 1991’Japan 1993, Dublin 1995, London 1988, and Minnesota, USA 2006. In 2013, Yemisi received a Letter of Appreciation from the former American First Lady Mrs Rosalyn Carter
Tributes
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF), Cllr. Susan Fajana-Thomas, representing Stoke Newington wrote: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing on of our dear sister, member and community leader, Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi. Although you are gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Our deep condolences to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the soul of the departed rest in peace, Amen. Thanks for bringing sunshine into many lives in our community.”
Giving insight into her biography, Ronke Alli Udofia who is CEO at A’Que Consultancy wrote: “Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Agunbiade Sanusi was the Executive Director of Yemstars Global Enterprises and a Member of Hounslow Business Enterprise Club UK. A Highly Multi-Skilled Qualified Professional Health Practitioner, with a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from University of Kent at Canterbury in 1982.
“As part of her achievements, in 1979, Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi pioneered the setting up of the Department of Social Welfare at WHO Centre for Training and Research in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
“She was employed as the first Chief Psychiatric Social Worker up till 1997 when she decided to migrate to work for the National Health Services (NHS) in the United Kingdom. She has a wealth of experience in successfully managing people in crises from diverse cultural setting internationally within health care and social welfare.
Although her specialty is in Mental Health, Yemisi immense passion was in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, reduction of Maternal and Infant mortality, prevention of child abuse, empowerment of African women and promoting the Rights of African Widows.
“Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi set up the International Day for Africa Youth UK (IDAY- UK) She has been organising Charity Educational Events for the benefit of African Youths and Children since the launch nine years ago.
Yemisi was committed and passionate about International NGOs with high quality Project and People Management skills and wealth of Experience including successful fund raising.
She was also passionate about promoting African cultural Values, Fashion, language, Arts and Music.
She initiated the massive collection of over 500 bags of clothing and shoes along side with other Nigerian leaders in collaboration with the Nigeria High Commission, UK for the benefit of the Nigerian Flood Victims in Nov -Dec 2012.
Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi also served on the Management Board of many reputable Nigerian and African Organisations including the Nigerian Diaspora Women Leaders Forum, Nigerian Widows and Children Welfare Organisation etc
Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi frequently attended African Committee Events at the British House of Commons where she advocated for better services for African Communities notably Free Anti malaria prescription, Rights of African Families…especially children and women and the welfare of the immigrant’s population.
Finally, Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi was a happy and successful mother of three daughters who are all British University Professional Graduates contributing to Global economy and Development. She was also a grandmother. “Adieu. Rest in perfect peace Big Sis Chief Yemisi Sanusi”
President of the British Nigeria Law Forum, Jennifer Obaseki wrote: “My Goodness. I am devastated. She was ever so inspiring and encouraging. RIP Ma. Thank you for everything.”
Cllr. Ade Aminu said: “My condolences, may her soul rest in peace and God comfort the family.”
Chief Adebayo Oladimeji said: “Dear Yemisi, Memories of you will for ever be green. In loving and good deeds, you were unequalled. Condolences to all friends and family members.”
Otunba Obafemi Adenuga wrote: “My condolences to her families, friends and associates. A very good and kind hearted woman. May God forgive her shortcomings, console her family, and grant her eternal life in paradise.”
How can we remember and immortalise her?
Considering her great work and humanitarian deeds, friends believe the deceased should be immortalised in marble.
Lawyer Jenny Okafor compared the late Chief Sanusi to Winnie Mandela and Queen Amina of Zaria. In a more detailed eulogy, she wrote: “Chief Yemisi Sanusi, Yem, A Stars as she is known here, was a true Nigerian and phenomenal sister of the extraordinary strength of women of her ilk, like Winnie Mandela, Queen Amina of Zaria, the ABA women of Nigeria and a host of other powerful women in history.
“She stood up and fought for all of us and what she believed in or considered right for all of us not some. I learnt more about mental health from her. She was very concerned about our general wellbeing, especially our mental health. She believed in the rights of the girl child.
“She always lovingly acknowledged, encouraged and admonished me whenever necessary. I met her at an event and complimented her jewellery. She took it off and gave it to me. She always sent or gave me her donations whenever I had anything family nor community done. That was the big sister she was.
“Thinking about the many discussions I had with her about a better Nigeria, I despair that the Nigeria of our dream did not come true in her life time and may never come in mine. She was very very opposed to medical tourism. She wanted basic health care for every Nigerian.
“Like I cried out in confusion when I was told about the passing of Dapo Williams, I have been crying and wondering why now. She fought back. She really did and I had so much hope that she was getting better. My confusion is just high and very very high. Like the coward I can sometimes be when people are not well and I can’t change or take away their pains, I often thought about her but dreaded calling to check up on her because I did not want to hear that she was not getting better. I wanted to see her posts or hear her call me. It has now turned into a call that will never come.
“We are all going to die but when some people die, I just cannot imagine them conquered and silenced by death. The thought of them lying dead and silent sends my head spinning. That’s how I have been feeling since Friday.
“Somehow, her death just like that of Dapo Williams has evoked in me an inexplicable level of hatred for Nigerian politicians. They both wanted a better Nigeria for all of us and the animals in agbada did not give them the chance to see that day.
“I hope that one day when it is my turn and I meet them there, I will have many great stories to tell them about what we managed to do for our country from when hey bowed out.
“Sis, please rest in peace. Your passing has brought closer to me, my own mortality. I hope that when I am gone, others will remember me for some good not evil. You were a good woman and we all loved and will always love you. Nigerians, we must do something to celebrate her in grand style. She deserves the best.”
Don Pedro Obaseki said: “Our sweet Mummy Yemisi always supporting most good causes, charity events in the UK. Rest on big sister. You ran a wonderful race; we forever keep you in our hearts. May the Lord give her family the strength to bear this loss. Still a dream to me.
Legal scholar Hon. Bolah-Olivia wrote: “And there was Aunty Yemi, who came, saw and conquered. The quality of her life and contribution is unquantifiable. I can’t forget when she told me she’s going to cancel her engagement to attend my book launch 2016. I wasn’t expecting her to make it, and lo and behold she turned up. A great supporter to the Nous organisation., This is a great loss to our community and praying that the Lord comfort the family that she’s left behind. May Aunty’s soul rest in peace.
Immigration and Family lawyer Olutoyin Adeyinka Eweje wrote, “I met her in 2005 after the 7th July 2005 bomb blast in London. Some Nigerians were victims of the bomb blast attacks.
“She was one of those that organised memorial service for some of the Nigerian victims and she contacted me to be part of it. That was how I met her.
“She was so passionate about Nigeria, so passionate about the welfare and well being of Nigerians in the UK. She was so down to earth and kind.
Mrs Yemisi Agunbiade Sanusi (Yem A star) so hard for me personally to come to terms with your death. But who are we to question the almighty God?
“I recall when we were planning for a service for Late Prof Pius Adesanmi, I contacted you a day before despite the distance you came all the way and brought some refreshments towards the events.
“I can’t forget Late Dapo Williams and your contributions towards the event for Late Pius Adesanmi. Aunty Yemisi Odigba Odigbose, Ka to rerin Odigbo Ka to refon o Donna…..
Sleep well Aunty. You did well for humanity and you shall never be forgotten.
O mase ooo O….
“Welfarist and community ambassador”
Making his tribute to a “a welfarist, an iconic peace lover, brilliant community ambassador and great diaspora mother, journalist and magazine editor, Bummi Omoogun wrote: “It is true that reputation is what men and women think of you. Character is what God and the angels know of you.
“I do not know of any better way to start a tribute for a woman of great purpose in life. Her singular passion was always anchored on helping the less privileged and empowerment of girl child education. And she did this with great vigour. Aunty Yemisi had an impeccable character.
“She was very professional in all ramifications. Indeed, with her, professionalism was number one. Another thing I know she emphasized on was advocacy. Health care and women’s right advocacy topped her lists of priorities. She was also a Matron to several Non-Governmental Agencies.
“Auntie Yemisi was a Psychiatric Nurse under the National Health Scheme (NHS) UK, before she retired. She was trained under the first Professor of Psychiatry and former Director General of the World Organisation, late professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo. In fact, she was very close to the famous Lambo family.
“Through her professional and moral support, she pioneered the setting up of the Department of Social Welfare, A World Health Organisation Centre.
“Armed with a Masters Degree in Social work from the University of Kent, Aunty Yemisi was set for the mission to impact positively into the lives of the downtrodden.
“She was committed to the welfare of the people helping people to navigate financial hardship. She served as a natural leader who kept the community functioning.
“She played a vital role in the black community in the UK, shaping the morals and values of the future generation. As part of her strong desire to further impact on the society and increase the fortune of the people, Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi created the International Day for Africa UK (IDAY-UK). The organisation has been organising Charity events targeted at bringing succour to the African Youths and Children across the globe.
The organisation has helped so many girls acquire the necessary formal education to lead a life of dignity.
“She will be remembered for her professional contributions especially in the mental health sector in the UK and Nigeria. Our heart goes to her three lovely daughters and her amazing granddaughter Khloe, whom she had formed a grandmother/granddaughter bond within the last 10 years before her unfortunate, sudden and sad demise on Saturday, 20th March, 2021.
“God will grant her daughters, granddaughter, extended family and everyone close to her the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
“A beautiful and enigmatic soul”
Ola Wright remembers the deceased in the following words: “She had her 65th birthday a short while ago, I thought of writing a lovely tribute to celebrate this beautiful, enigmatic soul, it would only have been a reaffirmation to those who knew her and a tantaliser to those who didn’t.
“Initially, I couldn’t place her……..who really is this woman? I said to myself. We met at a lot of Nigerian functions in London and she was my friend on Facebook. My first very close encounter with her that I recollect, was when she attended Ariya Tourism Expo 2011 at Kensington. She had gotten a big WellDone card and gotten several people to sign it, she presented it to me at the evening gala, with a green white green (Nigerian colours) aso oke sash – she was so proud of me and she expressed it in many ways.
“She would often ask when the next Ariya would be. When we made Ariya a trade only event and took it to Excel during the World Travel Market in 2014, I made it a point of duty to invite her, though I only sent her the invite the night before, or morning of the event and she showed up!!! Talking about her being supportive is an understatement!!! She also NEVER showed up empty handed; she ALWAYS did bear gifts. There was a day she met me somewhere unexpectedly, as she didn’t come prepared with a gift, she brought out her selfie stick and gave it to me, that became my first and still the only selfie stick I own. She just could not help but to GIVE!!
“Knowing fully well that she was several years older than me, she NEVER once referred to me by my first name and as the Yoruba culture, she never used ‘O’ for me whilst communicating with me (that is showing reverence to someone you respect).
She was a supportive, encouraging, respectful beautiful soul.
“Reading of her passing some hours ago was indeed a very sad moment. I can only pray that God Almighty comfort and abide with her family that she so loved and celebrated, and indeed all those who knew and loved her. This is indeed a big Elephant fallen in the UK Nigerian community!
May the soul of Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi rest in peace. She will be greatly missed. “
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