Friends, colleagues and associates of the late journalist, Bolanle Olufunke Davies, are set to gather in Ibadan to celebrate the life and legacy of the former City People Magazine Oyo/Osun Bureau Chief.
News of her death on October 19, 2016, came as a shock to many journalists, particularly colleagues and friends who knew her as a vibrant and dedicated professional.
As they continue to come to terms with her sudden passage, Bola Davies’ committee of friends in Ibadan and across the South-West has decided to honour her memory by celebrating the life she lived and the impact she made both as a journalist and as a private individual.
The event was scheduled to hold at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Adeoyo Junction, along MKO Abiola Way, formerly Ring Road, Ibadan.
Born Bolanle Olufunke Davies, she hailed from the family of the late Olu of Alayere, His Royal Highness Oba (Rev.) Joseph Olatunde Ogunsuyi of Akure, Ondo State.
She began her education at St. Louis Nursery and Primary School, Akure, before proceeding to Federal Government Girls’ College, Akure, where she obtained her secondary education and O’Level certificate.
Bola later studied English Language at the then Ondo State University, now Ekiti State University, and subsequently proceeded to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for a master’s degree in English Language.
Her professional career began with the now-defunct Bellview Airlines before she ventured into journalism, a profession she practised for more than 18 years.
Bola joined City People Magazine as a reporter in 2002 and distinguished herself through her dedication and contributions to the publication. She subsequently rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Editor and later the magazine’s Bureau Chief overseeing the South-West zone.
Known for her ability to uncover interesting stories, Bola was also regarded as a versatile journalist who could handle different forms of journalism, including hard news, soft news, interviews, features and investigative reports.
Those who knew her described her as eloquent, knowledgeable, sensitive and relentless in her pursuit of stories.
Fondly called “Bolle” by friends and associates, she was remembered as a lively, elegant and jovial woman who approached life with determination and enthusiasm.
Beyond journalism, Bola was deeply cherished by her family. She was remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin who maintained close relationships with members of her extended family.
Her friends and colleagues also remembered her as warm company and someone whose presence brought energy to social gatherings.
One of the sayings Bola reportedly loved to share, which she attributed to Hasidic wisdom, reflected her appreciation of both human significance and humility: “For my sake the world was created” and “I am but dust and ashes.”
Bola Davies died on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at the age of 49, following an illness.
Her friends and associates said the November 2 gathering was intended not only as a moment of mourning but also as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable life, career and memories she left behind.
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