Darlin Osayanmo Sofola lived a life so vibrant and impactful that a few paragraphs can only scratch the surface of her remarkable journey. Her presence was powerful, her life purposeful, and every moment with her left an indelible mark, making those in her company feel like the most important person in the world. She embodied an unwavering conviction in God's love and a deep trust in Jesus Christ, sharing this blessing indiscriminately with everyone she encountered.

Born on June 5, 1955, in Kaduna, Nigeria, to Chief F.S. Giwa-Osagie and Madam Margaret Etotan Giwa-Osagie, Darlin's arrival was a moment of quiet anticipation for her father and his friend, the late General Aguiyi-Ironsi. Her godparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ogundeji and Mrs. Garrick, would come to know "God's own child" as Osayanmo.

From her early days, Darlin's life was a testament to her boundless quest for life and unique vision. She moved with her family from Kaduna to Cameroon, then Port Harcourt, and later to Enugu, where she began school. Her innate ability to connect with people and her quick grasp of languages were evident early on when she learned basic Igbo at St. Mathias School. Darlin cherished memories of her childhood homes, bustling with siblings, cousins, and members of the broader prison service. Just in time for Nigeria's independence, Darlin moved to Lagos, a city she would come to deeply love and immerse herself in. She attended St. Mary's School and later Anglican Girls School, both on Broad Street. As a child, she'd meticulously build mud fortresses, demonstrating an early eye for structural integrity and detail—a precursor to her lifelong love of buildings and architecture.

In January 1967, Darlin began her secondary education at Our Lady of Apostles Catholic School in Ibadan, a situation she openly and emotionally challenged. By 1968, her persistence paid off, and she transferred to Queen's School, Ibadan, alongside her sister Sweet, when the school moved from Ede. Darlin thrived at Queen's School, where boarding life nurtured her inquisitive nature, appetite for adventure, and extroverted spirit. She forged lasting friendships, honed her famously proficient Yoruba language skills, enjoyed learning French, and explored her natural creativity in fine art classes. In her later years, Darlin found joy in reconnecting with many of these classmates through WhatsApp groups.

Darlin's Philosophy and Professional Life

Darlin's guiding principle was simple yet profound: "Do good by people and never wish them bad." She believed in God as the ultimate helper and advocated for treating everyone with fairness and goodwill, irrespective of their flaws. This philosophy was deeply rooted in the Rotary 4-Way Test, which she recalled seeing on her father's wall as a child: "Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

In 1973, Darlin embarked on her university journey at the University of Ibadan, studying Zoology. She embraced a fulfilling time, forming lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories. After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Anglican School in Surulere, Lagos (1976-1977), Darlin, who loved teaching, would periodically return to this passion throughout her life.

She joined Coopers & Lybrand as a graduate in 1976, relishing the dynamic pace and the opportunity to meet diverse people through her work. After meeting her husband, Kayode Sofola, she transitioned from her accounting role to teaching at the Federal School of Arts and Science. Darlin's entrepreneurial spirit truly shone when she founded Start-Rite School, a nursery school in Lagos that has seen its alumni excel in top universities worldwide. She was renowned for her sharp business acumen, her ability to identify opportunities, and her dogged determination in execution. Darlin was a serial entrepreneur whose interests spanned diverse sectors, including real estate, education, catering, textiles, fast-moving consumer goods, and hospitality. Each venture served as an outlet for her voracious energy and inherent enthusiasm for challenges.

Darlin was a natural problem-solver. This talent not only enabled her to astutely identify and decisively execute business opportunities but also guided her in advising and mentoring countless individuals. She helped friends and strangers alike identify and expand their business interests, acting as a beacon of support and wisdom.

Family Legacy

Darlin is survived by her loving husband, Kayode Sofola, whom she often described as God's own gift and her answered prayer. She is also survived by her children: Kolade & Shekinah Sofola, Juwon & Nathalie Sofola, Bukunola and Lanre Alakija, and Ladipo Sofola. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Ladipo Alakija, Tireni Alakija, Kolapo Sofola, and Koyinsola Sofola.